 General Key Largo InformationThere's something magical about Key Largo. The mere mention of it conjures up romantic images of Bogey and Bacall, and makes you want to come down and create some memories of your own. While Key Largo can certainly provide a secluded getaway for two, it also presents a fabulous time for the whole family. With all sorts of thing to do, Key Largo is a place for fun - in the water or out, by day or by night. The minute you cross over into Key Largo you feel instantly relaxed. The pressures of work, traffic, daily chores all seem to vanish from your existence. Instead, you feel inexplicably carefree. Alive. And much of that feeling comes from the laid-back attitude in Key Largo. It was in the early 1500's that Spanish explorers first landed on the first of a series of islands extending south from the Florida mainland. They named it "Cayo Largo," or Long Key, because of the island's size. Through the centuries, pirates, buccaneers and smugglers roamed the island and its coastal waters leaving behind many a shipwreck and, some say, the spirit of independence that's so readily evident in today's local inhabitants. Today, Key Largo is known as the Dive Capital of the World. And it's easy to see why. Between the magnificent natural reefs, the sunken ships, the phenomenal variety of marine life and the clarity of the waters, this is simply a paradise for divers and snorkelers of every age and experience. In Key Largo, you'll find the famed John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary, the crystal clear waters of Molasses Reef, the underwater caves of French Reef, the 327' Duane (voted Florida's best wreck dive by Scuba Times) and the statue of Christ of the Abyss, a world-famous Key Largo icon. And don't forget to arrange a dive trip to our newest attraction, the SPIEGEL GROVE, the largest ship ever intentionally sunk as an artificial reef! In fact, about the only thing that rivals the adventure of diving Key Largo is the excitement of fishing here. Not only are our waters teeming with game fish, but there are plenty of ways you can go after it, including deep sea charters, back-country guides, party boats and rentals. We can even outfit you with all the gear you need for whatever you're fishing. Suffice it to say that more than 10% of the IGFA saltwater line class and fly fishing world records have been recorded in Key Largo. So, whether you want to battle a marlin, tackle an elusive bonefish or catch a yellowtail snapper for supper that evening, Key Largo won't let you down. There are also many other things to do in Key Largo. Gather the troops and spend the day at Harry Harris Park & Beach. Check out the "African Queen" - that's right, the real one from the movie. Browse the unique shops and stores that grace Key Largo for everything from dive gear to original island wear. Key Largo is also the perfect base for discovering the world famous Florida Everglades. There isn't anything quite like the Everglades anywhere else. But while you might feel you trekked back in time when you see this natural marvel, you'll have the pleasure of returning to the comforts of Key Largo - which include some of the finest restaurants in the Keys. You can also drop by our dolphins research centers and learn about the innovative interaction program available between dolphins and visitors. Or cruise down to Tavernier and see a restored home, church and postal office from pioneer times at the turn of the century. You see, one of the beautiful things about Key Largo is that there's a world of things to see and do just a short hop from wherever you're staying - whether that's one of our quaint local motels or fabulous resorts. And since most of what you'll want is right off the Overseas Highway, all you need to know is the Mile Marker of where you're going to find it. It's that easy. In fact, we'd like to propose you stop by the Key Largo Chamber's Florida Keys Visitor Center at Mile Marker 106. We'll fill you with information and suggestions on how to greatly enhance your visit with us. Then again, one of the favorite pastimes in Key Largo is doing nothing but relaxing in the shade with a cool drink in hand. In fact, we've become quite good at it down here. And we're more than willing to share our unwinding secrets with you. The bottom line is, whether you're coming down for a week's stay or a weekend getaway, Key Largo has a little something for everybody. But it's the kind of magical little something that'll stay with you until you can come back again. BY AIR: Most major airlines fly direct to Miami International Airport, where you can rent a car and drive down to Key Largo in about one hour. Some visitors choose to fly into Fort Lauderdale, adding only about a half hour to their Key Largo travel time. Or you could make connections at Miami International and fly to Marathon Airport, rent a car there and drive up to Key Largo in less than an hour. BY LAND: A leisurely drive from Miami. So leisurely, in fact, that you can bypass the traffic and hassle of the City of Miami totally by taking the Florida Turnpike to the Overseas Highway. (From the airport follow 836 West to the Turnpike - about ten minutes.) You can also get here using I-95, US 41 and U.S. One. From Florida City, where the Turnpike ends, you can simply follow U.S. One south or choose Card Sound Road, an alternate route that takes you to the northernmost edge of the island of Key Largo (slightly longer). Or take the Conch Shuttle from Miami to various destinations throughout the Keys. By the way, Key Largo is a lot close to Homestead and the new Motorsports Complex than Miami. And a much nicer place to hang out. BY SEA: Sail through America's Caribbean. All channels are well-marked. Marinas abound. And dock space is readily available. A MARKER FOR EVERY MILE Down here, the Overseas Highway is like our Main Street. Ane the best way to get around is to know the mile marker of your destination. These little green signs that dot our highway every mile are like our addresses. If you know the mile marker of where you're going, getting there is easy. HTML production and Copyright © 2002, . All rights reserved. |