For some, traveling is a passion, a pastime and a favorite hobby too. If you believe that you belong to this category, there is a place you ought to visit- the Florida Keys.

Location

From the name itself, you can identify their location. They are a chain or cluster of nearly 1,700 tiny islands known as an archipelago which extends 107 miles from the mainland. The Atlantic Ocean is on the eastern side, while the Gulf of Mexico lies in the West. Along with them, the Florida Keys form the Florida Bay.

Among the islands, Key Largo, Islamorada, Lower Keys, Marathon and Key West are the most visited and preferred hotspots of tourists. The Keys were formed millions of years ago when the ocean receded, exposing the hard reef, which in turn influenced the rocky formations that later became islands. Due to this, it seems as if the small islands are stepping stones to sunset.

Lovely Climatic Conditions

Not only that, the environment of the Keys resembles the Caribbean areas nearby rather than the mainland. They do not experience frost and hence are highly sought after during the period when the rest of the country faces heavy snowfall in winter. The Keys contain coral and limestone reefs and form the southernmost part of the State of Florida.

The main threats to the Keys arise from tropical hurricanes and floods. The most devastating was the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, with winds ranging up to 200 miles per hour. Unfortunately, almost all the islands are low-lying areas barely 20 feet above sea level. Not only that, they are surrounded by water on all sides and the danger of floods always looms in the air.

Nevertheless, there are a regular number of visitors and permanent citizens who are undeterred by any natural disaster. And quite rightly, too. The Keys are blessed with good sunshine throughout the year. Adding to this gift, there is no dearth of natural as well as man-made wonders.

Attractions

To list some of the prominent attractions in the Keys, fishing, diving, snorkeling, canoeing and other water sports are popular. Many noted personalities ranging from writers to statesmen have enjoyed the blissful life of the Keys and left behind their mark too.

The Florida Keys can be reached by all ways. The nearest airport is Miami. Originally, ship-wrecking was the only known occupation of the inhabitants. Due to the surge of tourists, the original tribal population was gradually wiped out. Later, other industries like commercial fishing and tourism reached new heights.

Due to the mixed population, customs and food habits are also mixed and are more of a tropical blend.

The Keys have a long and rich history. Hailed as Americas Caribbean, the Florida Keys are a rare gift of nature. They are a perfect haven for vacations. You will automatically leave all your worries in the mainland once you land in the Keys because they have great power of luring people with vast natural as well as man-made treasures.