For premium support please call:
For premium support please call:
Little Palm Island/Joe Thomas
The islands that scatter out into the warm Gulf and Atlantic waters at the base of Florida are truly a year-round destination. But the Keys really take on a new tune in shoulder season. The summer vacation crowds thin, kids head back to school, and the snowbirds (of the silver-haired variety) haven’t yet made the migration down for peak winter season.
While the rest of the country starts to sip pumpkin spice lattes and bundle up in sweaters, the Keys are still warm as always, and just getting started for several months rich with activities and events. Starting from late September, you can take part in some of the island’s most interesting, eclectic, and under-the-radar things to do. Here’s why the Keys are an underrated fall destination—plus, what you can do across the 125-mile long chain of islands this fall.
Courtesy Florida Keys News Bureau
The official first day of fall is September 22 in the Northern hemisphere. Just before the solstice change you can close out the summer with an open water swim for Alligator Lighthouse in Islamorada. Eight miles of open ocean swimming starts at shore and circles four miles out to the 1873 lighthouse and back. The swim benefits the lighthouse’s ongoing preservation.
Autumn closes out the end of hurricane season (November 30) and you may notice afternoon storms start to lighten up after October, creating clearer visibility in the water ideal for snorkeling and diving. Get in the water at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for great visibility.
Courtesy Florida Keys News Bureau
Watch the Race World Offshore championship powerboat race taking place in November in Key West and see vessels reach speeds up to 140+ mph. Observe from the shore at Truman Waterfront Park, or get up close to these speed machines at the boat parade down Duval Street.
For a front row seat to the speed, book Casa Marina Key West Power Boat Race Package where you’ll board a private Sebago catamaran that sails into Key West Harbor and enjoy an open bar and buffet onboard.
If you have a hard time saying goodbye to summer warmth, then book one last tropical getaway to Little Palm Island—the Keys’ well-kept secret and home to one of the country’s few three-Michelin-key resorts, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa. The adults-only property is only accessible by sea or by sea plane as it’s not along the Overseas Highway. In the 1950s the island was an undisturbed retreat for celebrities and presidents. Its secluded nature is unlike any other stay within the Keys, and makes you feel like you have an entire island to yourself. You're able to stay on the idyllic grounds, or you can book a reservation for a meal and take a boat ferry over for a few hours.
Little Palm Island/Joe Thomas
October 15 kicks off Florida's stone crab season, and the Keys are a great place to bib-up and chow down. These sustainably harvested claws are caught in the Keys’ surrounding waters and served within hours—a true, fresh taste of the region. Try Key Largo Fisheries', Marathon’s Keys Fisheries, or The Stoned Crab in Key West. Don’t forget to save room for Key Lime pie—key lime season is June to September, so you may catch the last local crop.
For those who are a fan of “spooky season,” the Keys are a hotspot for pirate past, maritime legends, and ghost stories. Learn all about what characters still haunt the islands on a Haunted History Tour in Key West. Or visit the notorious Robert the Doll after dark.
Courtesy Florida Keys News Bureau
Key West is more than just drinking daiquiris by the beach. The Key West Film Festival in November emphasizes Florida filmmakers, and is a nice way to fuel your creative juices and meet Florida creatives.
Obsessed with the underwater world? Then book your tickets for REEF fest in October, a gathering and celebration of all things ocean conservation. The weekend consists of marine science talks mixed with social events with fellow snorkelers, divers, and ocean conservationists. A lot of REEF fest is free to attend, but some events require tickets.
Courtesy Florida Keys News Bureau
Local Key West’ers created Fantasy Fest to bring visitors to the island during the lull in the season. The ten day adult party is a true Key West creative explosion, featuring a marathon of parties, parades, handmade costumes, headdresses, street fair food, and tropical island energy. Though mostly for adult revelers, some events like the Zombie bike ride and pet masquerade are family-friendly.
Read the original article on Southern Living
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
