Where and what are the Florida Keys?
| Big Pine Key is an island located in the Florida Keys, a 100
mile string of islets which extend south west from the southern part of
the state of Florida in the United States. |
 |
| The islands are connected by a scenic road and around 50
bridges. This is called the Overseas Highway. |
 |
| Big Pine Key is home to the National Key Deer Refuge which
was established in 1957. This sanctuary was created as a refuge for the
endangered Key deer, which were almost non-existent, by the 1950's due
to hunting. The deer roam freely around the island. |
 |
| The most beautiful beaches in the
Florida Keys are located at Bahia Honda State Park. Located just 5 miles
from Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda is a great place for the family to spend
a day with a picnic in the sun. |
 |
| The Florida Keys are flanked on the south by
a living coral reef. Off shore of the Big Pine Key area is Looe Key
Marine Sanctuary, a major destination for divers and snorklers who wish
to experience the underwater realm. |
 |
| Just 30 miles south of Big Pine Key is Key
West, now a major tourist attraction drawing
millions of tourists a year. Key West is the last island on the Overseas
Highway and has the distinction of being the southernmost point of the
continental United States. The size of the island is 1½ by 3½ miles. Tourists flock to Key West in automobiles,
cruise ships, and airplanes to experience its quaint charm with its
unique style of island architecture and its eccentric artistic
lifestyle. The island is buzzing with activity with its proliferation of
bicycles, scooters, tourist trams and wandering tourists. |
 |
| Key West is known as a Mecca for partiers who seek the
raucous night life. The main street of Old Town is Duval St. which is
the party center of the Universe with its numerous and diverse bars and
clubs. |
 |
| Water sports are a big draw for the
Florida Keys. Diving, fishing and boating are just a few of the numerous
activities available for sports enthusiasts. |
 |