Flights to Key West

Known as the premiere spot for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Florida Keys, Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a protected marine area and the first underwater park in the United States.

Located within the park's verdant grounds is Cannon Beach, named for the two 17th century cannons that mark the waterfront. But you'll have to wade out a hundred yards or so from shore to see the best historical gem in this area — the remnants of a Spanish shipwreck resting peacefully beneath the surface.

If you're traveling with kids, you couldn't ask for better water. It's warm, shallow and lacks the strong waves that make playing in the water dangerous for little ones. Families come to this park to enjoy a day of recreation in the sun, made easier with picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms and changing rooms.

On-site equipment rentals facilitate canoeing or kayaking excursions, and tour operators offer glass-bottom boat tours, as well as trips out to the Florida Reef, the third largest in the world and a major draw to Key Largo.

After exploring marine life at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, see even more at nearby Molasses Reef, home to many fish species, such as parrotfish, sergeant majors and yellowtail snapper. Travelers have even reported seeing turtles and sharks swimming nearby.

The park closes at 5 p.m., and that's a good time to head to dinner. Restaurants in and around Key Largo focus on fresh seafood, like grouper or snapper, shrimp and conch fritters, as well as the Florida Keys' own famous dessert, Key lime pie.

Though it's a looker, Higgs Beach in Key West is more than meets the eye. Yes, it has white sand, palm trees and shallow water ideal for swimming. But it's also steeped in history, and still bears the signs of its fascinating past.

In addition to a Civil War-era fort turned garden club, the beachfront is home to a plaque commemorating the site as the burial grounds for hundred of Africans who were rescued from an illegal slave ship in 1860. Those buried near the beach died from illnesses they contracted on the harrowing journey from Africa – survivors were sent to live in Liberia, a West African country founded for formerly enslaved Americans.

Spacious Higgs Beach is Key West's premier spot for beach activities. A beach concession stand offers chair and umbrella rentals, plus water sports equipment. The Higgs Beach pier is perfect for fishing, and the Astro City Playground (across Atlantic Boulevard) keeps little ones occupied for hours.

Bring picnic supplies and enjoy your snacks in the shade of a pavilion. Or explore the lush flora at the Key West Garden Club, located in the ruins of the fort. And don't be alarmed by the roosters roaming the grounds at the beach — they're ubiquitous in Key West.

As host of the only underwater marine park in the United States that's accessible from shore, Higgs Beach is also one of the best spots for snorkeling in the Florida Keys. Expect to see hard and soft corals, plus crabs, starfish and other marine species within this four-acre aquatic park.

Once you've worked up an appetite, head to the beach's onsite restaurant, Salute! On the Beach, a full-service spot for Italian and Mediterranean fare that hosts great happy hour drink specials.

How can a beach manage to be soothing to the eyes, relaxing for the senses, close to attractions and a buzzing hotspot for vacationers all at the same time?

We don't know, but we know this: Smathers Beach manages it flawlessly. As the largest and most well-known beach on Key West, it's a must-see for visitors to the area.

Walk along the fine white sands or take a dip in the clear water. Smathers Beach is also a great place for a bike ride, a game of volleyball, or even a little beach yoga. There are rentals galore, so take a jet ski for a spin, or simply rent a chair or snorkel gear and have a pleasant, laid-back afternoon.

After your beach day, head to the Key West Historic District and take a bike or walking tour to catch a glimpse of the architecture of Old Town and learn a bit about the town's history.

If you're hungry, take a trip over to the Duval Street bar and restaurant district, where you can sample tasty dishes and sip cocktails while enjoying the anything-goes vibe.

And no visit to Key West would be complete without a visit to the Ernest Hemingway House. Not a fan of the writer? Then maybe you'll love the famous polydactyl (meaning, "extra toes") cats that live on the property.

No pets are allowed on the beach, so Fido will have to sit this one out. And if you've got a hankering for a cold beer, you'll need to wait until you get into town, because no alcoholic beverages are allowed on the beach either.

Queen conchs are nice to behold, but collecting them is forbidden.

Metered parking is available on Roosevelt Boulevard, and if you decide to swim, keep in mind that there are no lifeguards. Be safe and have fun!

The Florida Keys may not be renowned for their beaches, but beautiful Sombrero Beach is an exception to the rule. Its jaw-dropping tropical scenery — including white sand, turquoise water and coconut palm trees — makes travelers feel like they've escaped to a secluded Caribbean island. But thankfully, much-needed amenities aren't lacking. Besides bathrooms and showers, this park offers ample parking, picnic pavilions and volleyball courts.

While visitors to Sombrero Beach will see plenty of relaxed sunbathers stretched out on beach towels, there's quite a bit of activity in the water. Warm water and soft waves make this spot excellent for swimming and wading. Kayakers launch from a sandy spot near a small dock, and snorkelers convene near the rocky shelf by the beachfront.

Near the parking lot is a small kids' playground, perfect for a post-picnic romp. Dogs are allowed to enjoy the beach too, as long as they remain leashed.

Watch for signs marking turtle nesting sites, especially from April to October, when these creatures descend on the beach during the late-night hours to lay eggs.

Sombrero Beach is located about a mile from mile marker 50 on the Overseas Highway. Simply turn onto Sombrero Beach Road and follow it through a residential neighborhood until you see the beachfront.

After your visit, plan to make a stop at the Turtle Hospital, a nonprofit rehab facility for injured and diseased sea turtles.

At the very end of Duval Street, near the famous Southernmost Point Buoy, lies tiny South Beach. Though there's not much space to stretch out here — the sandy area totals just 200 feet — the beach is still favored by locals. In fact, rumor has that South Beach was the site of playwright Tennessee Williams' daily swim.

A visit to South Beach almost always means renting one of the blue loungers lining the beachfront — there's not much room to create a space of your own. Otherwise, simply hit the water, but don't expect the same clarity and smoothness you'd find at other Keys' beaches. Also, be aware that there are no public restrooms and no lifeguards on duty, so it's not the ideal spot for little ones (try Higgs Beach down the road).

For a quick stop and some photos, walk to the end of the concrete pier and take in all of the beachfront action.

In need of refreshments? The on-site Southernmost Beach Café has you covered with casual fare starting as early as 7 a.m. and going as late as 9:30 p.m. If the café is crowded, walk to eateries just up the road, including The Lobster Shack, Ana's Cuban Café and Banana Café.