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Planning a visit to the Florida Keys can be an overwhelming task. Our beautiful archipelago chain of islands begs to be explored and there are so many exciting things to do for all ages and skill levels! Unfortunately, we see so many first-time visitors to the Keys make the same mistakes that can potentially ruin a great experience (Believe me, it’s hard for the locals to hide the cringe face when we see a lobster red tourist who looks like they are ready to pass out from heat exhaustion!) Things can be quite different here than on the mainland or other beach communities so ease into island life with us and enjoy your stay!
Here is our local’s list of Must-do’s and Don’t for your next trip to the Florida Keys …
DO – Buy some water shoes!
DON’T – Think that your flip flops will be enough (or barefoot)!
Just because you watched that travel blogger on YouTube walk the rocks and palm frond covered ground doesn’t mean that your feet are ready for that. Trust me, their feet haven’t seen a shoe (or pedicure) in years and have calluses built like fortresses for their soles. The Florida Keys are not known for their beaches and that is hard sharp coral rock underneath those piggies of yours! Other hazards like jellyfish, glass, can tops, etc. could be lurking in that fun ocean water too. Water shoes can range in price from $8-$30 and can be found at most tourist stores here in town.
DO – pack sunscreen … at a higher SPF that you would use at home … and use it BEFORE going out!
DON’T – Think that because you tan at home that it will be enough!
Nothing screams “I’m from the North” more than that cringe-worthy sunburn! I get that you went to the local tanning salon to get that “base tan” and tote the badge of honor of “tan easily” and “never burn” but when you add that lovely ocean breeze and cooling water you will be fooled into a false comfort that you are not roasting like a pig on a spit! The closer you are to the equator; the stronger the sun’s rays are and the higher the UV index. Sunburns take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to develop when the UV index is around 3-5 … the average for Marathon is 7.2!
DO – Enjoy our beautiful wildlife!
DON’T – Fight the urge to want to touch them!
I get it … they are SO FREAKING COOL!! Manatees, roosters, tropical birds, dolphins, turtles, iguanas, Keys deer … and all of the FISH!! How can you possibly fight the ingrained human urge to be as close as possible and get that money-shot to post on your social media!? But please do it from a safe and respectful distance. Humans are the #1 destroyer of our environment and the only known predator to many of these species. A simple touch from your fingers can add foreign bacteria to their skins (think of all the germs on your phone that you’re holding right now). Boating and fishing accidents can also cause injuries to our local wildlife so use precaution when out on the water. Follow your boat Captain’s instructions when snorkeling and/or diving and educate yourself on local guidelines and laws concerning endangered species like Manatees and Keys Deer
DO – Enjoy a sunrise and a sunset!
DON’T – Miss a moment of your day while vacationing in the Keys!
Stellar views can be seen 24/7 in the Florida Keys … don’t miss any of them! My favorite is to wake up a half hour before sunrise, pour my cup of coffee to go, put the dog in the car and head out to watch the sky come alive from the Old 7 Mile Walking Bridge. Then at sunset, find a front row seat on the beach and watch as the sun sinks below the horizon and puts on it’s final show for the day. Two of our favorite places for experiencing “sunset celebrations” are Key Colony Beach’s Sunset Park where the local sing a song to the setting sun most nights and Mallory Square in Key West where street performers and vendors seem to appear almost out of thin air about an hour before sunset and you can feel the vibe change at the end of Duval as night life takes over. Take all the pictures of the sunrise or sunset that you like … they will never be as spectacular as witnessing it firsthand.
DO – Drink lots of water!!
DON’T – Ignore the warning signs of dehydration.
Good old fashion H2O … and not just the ice in your cocktail! Whether from the sun, salt water or your extra-curricular activities, your body is going to get a workout and you’ll want to stay hydrated. Watch for the beginning symptoms of dehydration including thirst, dry mouth, lack of or dark yellow pee, dry skin, headache and muscle cramps. If you begin to feel dizzy or have a sudden rapid heartbeat/breathing take it seriously! It can happen very quickly in these warmer climates and a trip to the ER is never fun while you’re on vacation.
Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Bamboo Lid
from: EarthshoppDO -Bring a positive and patient attitude!
DON’T – Be a d**k!
You’re on vacation and heading to the Keys … WOO HOO!! And we love having you here! Well … most of you. There are a few of you that honestly could have stayed home and saved your family (and us) the money, stress and embarrassment. Trust me that we are rooting for the successful vacation that you dreamed as much as you are! Please keep in mind that weather, staffing and supply issues can sometime put a damper on our ability to fulfill the perfect vacation experience that is expected for our visitors. I won’t go on a long tirade about the injustices of living and working in a tourist loving community, but I will give you a warning … DON’T BE A D**K !! The “Coconut Telegraph” in the songs is a very real thing here with the locals. Treat that employee bad in Key Largo and they’ll probably be on the look out for you in Key West!
DO – Download the MCSO app before your trip
DON’T – Be the one to cause a traffic alert!
We have ONE road folks! Our beloved Overseas Highway encompasses the last 113 miles of U.S. 1 and it can be one of the most beautiful car rides you will ever take. But combining that one road with crazy Mainland traffic, slower speed limits and “Oh-my-God-look-at-that-view” moments can spell disaster if you’re not careful. One of the best ways to stay up to date on the local traffic is to download the MCSO (Monroe County Sheriff Office) app. Green Mile Marker location signs will be visible on your route throughout the Keys and in many areas are used in leu of an address with the additional “Ocean” (Atlantic Ocean) or “Gulf” (Gulf of Mexico) to notate which side of the road the location may be. Notifications from MCSO are noted by Mile Marker (example; Marathon extends approximately from MM60 at Tom’s Cut to MM47 at the beginning of the 7 Mile Bridge) and information will be given for any congestion, accident, Trauma Star landing and road/utility work happening on U.S. 1 and alternate routes (if at all possible) will be given. It’s not a matter of IF you will get caught up in traffic while traveling through the Keys … It’s a matter of WHEN. The MCSO app will be helpful when planning your day or just deciding whether to pull out of traffic to try out that new restaurant/store for a while.
DO – Pay attention to the weather forecasts and nautical warnings
DON’T -Give your excursion company a hard time if they have to cancel your adventure.
You’ve been planning for months for your Keys vacation! You’ve seen all of the perfect pictures of palm trees swaying gently in the gentle ocean breeze and fisherman holding their beautiful and plentiful catches. You’ve bought all the right equipment, swimsuit, sunglasses, resort wear and have planned 100 wonderful excursions to make your trip amazing. But nobody told Mother Nature of your plans … and truthfully, she doesn’t care.
Our local businesses will do everything in their power to make those magical moments happen but they will not risk injury to you, their staff, equipment or reputation. Sometimes the weather just doesn’t want to cooperate, and they may have to reschedule or cancel your adventure. I promise it is not the end of the world and most businesses have an inclement weather clause in their contracts. Pay attention to the weather reports before your trip and plan alternatives if need be. There is ALWAYS something to do or see in the Keys … even if the weather doesn’t play nice. Need suggestions on what to do on a rainy day in the Keys? Check out our article of fun things to do when the weather is less than perfect … Rainy Day Fun in the Florida Keys
DO – Pack your sunglasses, sunscreen and swimsuit in your luggage!
DON’T – Overpack
Our local resorts will tell you that the most “forgot to pack” items from their guests are surprisingly sunglasses, sunscreen and swimsuits. They will be your most worn items here so I highly recommend putting them in your carry-on in case the airline loses your luggage. And to that point also, they may be all that you wear so don’t go through the hassle of carrying extra luggage by overpacking! Now, I get those of you that are the “I like to be prepared” crowd. Good on you for planning for every possible scenario including the apocalypse. I’m jealous really. But I promise you, your swimsuit, sunglasses and sunscreen will get more use than the kid’s toys, extra makeup, heels and sports coats. And while shopping is not as diverse as on the Mainland, there are many grocery, liquor, drug store and retail options to choose from if you should forget or need an item. I would also recommend checking out our local thrift stores. You can find many treasures (including swimsuits) left behind by our tourist/snowbird community at a great value and some will give you money/store credit if you bring items that you do not wish to take home to them. Beach items like chairs, snorkeling equipment, coolers, umbrellas, etc may also be available through your resort or vacation property so make sure to research before you pack.
DO – Plan ahead!
DON’T – Plan EVERYTHING!
The fact that you are reading this post means that you a planner (or dreaming of your next vacation … sigh). LOVE that! You’re going to be so glad that you took the time to look up some cool places to visit and things to do while in the Keys. But unlike your trip to Disneyworld you do not have to plan everything. In fact, I don’t recommend planning more than one or two things a day. Why? Because the sunset may not have been stellar last night but is truly breathtaking tonight, the manatees, dolphins or turtles will magically show up in the most unexpected places, the music will catch you at the bar you were just stopping for a quick bite/drink in, the sound of the ocean breeze flowing through the palm trees and the sunshine will make you smile and the water just turned a color of turquoise that you cannot describe and you will want to soak it in for as long as possible. Welcome to the Keys my friend! There will be plenty to enjoy at your own pace.
