The best road cycling routes around Tavernier

A small historical place. It's also interesting that there's still forest to be seen there.

Islamorada is a small village comprised of five islands in the heart of the Florida Keys, with some areas just one mile wide and five feet above sea level. Known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” it features many professional charter boats and excellent fishing opportunities. There are many parks, open spaces, and several village beaches with tropical-themed bars, for plenty of options to enjoy the fresh, local seafood the town is famous for. While you're here, be sure to explore the Morada Way Art and Cultural District for a taste of local culture.

This 7-acre sanctuary is home to a wide variety of injured birds that need care. There is a nice boardwalk that takes you through different enclosures where you can learn about the permanent residents—birds that can't return to the wild. Some bird species here include double-crested cormorants, green herons, great horned owls, masked boobies, and brown pelicans. If you keep walking along the path, you'll be treated to a stunning view of Florida Bay and a peaceful pond filled with wading birds. Admission is free, but they do ask for a $10 donation per person to support the refuge.

Small and quite cozy pub for a stopover. Water view - rear access. theocean-view.com.

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, a former quarry, offers a glimpse into the Florida Keys' history. Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad, built in the early 1900s, relied on its limestone. Later, the quarry yielded polished “keystone,” a decorative limestone unique to this area until the 1960s. The Hurricane Monument in Islamorada, at Mile Marker 82, is constructed from keystone extracted here. The park features several short loop trails throughout the grounds, where you can view the exposed fossilized coral reefs and remnants of the original quarry equipment. There is a drinking fountain, restrooms, and a lovely bench, perfect for a place to take a break under a canopy of hammock trees. The park is open daily from 8 am until sundown, with a $2.50 entrance fee. The visitor center operates Thursday–Monday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Key Largo is a laid-back community known as the “Diving Capital of the World.” The dive sites here are among the bucket lists of many, like Molasses Reef and the iconic underwater Christ of the Abyss statue in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This charming town features beautiful parks, countless delightful restaurants tucked away among the marinas and neighborhoods, and plenty of places to stay, from cozy hotels to beautiful resorts and vacation rentals. It’s the perfect blend of great food and a relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal place to spend time in the Upper Keys of Florida.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first underwater park in the United States, spanning an impressive 70 nautical square miles. Known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, the park offers glass-bottom boat tours, as well as scuba diving and snorkeling for a closer look at the stunning underwater scenery. It is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with several small trails that wind through tropical hammocks. The park includes full-facility campsites, picnic areas, and a lovely beach area—perfect for relaxing and taking a dip on a hot day. The visitor center features large saltwater aquariums, a gift shop, and screens nature videos about the fish and coral species that inhabit the area. ** The park is open daily from 8 am to sunset, with a walk-in fee of $2.50 per person.

This section of the trail offers fantastic views of the Atlantic and the Gulf and is a flat pathway with a combination of mixed surfaces, including asphalt, crushed stone, and loose gravel. It runs along John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the island of Key Largo—with plenty of souvenir shops and delicious local dining options. As you continue, the trail is shaded by the tropical flora of a hardwood hammock, featuring plants and trees that are native to the West Indies. The formation of the Keys, influenced by wind, water, and birds that carried seeds, contributed to the development of these forests and is a welcome escape from the sun, especially on hot summer days.