A two or three day trip to the tropical keys is well worth the visit. Hotels and parking can be expensive in Key West, so we stayed at the Whitesands Inn at mile marker 57.5 at Grassy Key, which was a brightly colored building situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The Dolphin Research Center is nearby at Marathon and houses a family of dolphins and sea lions. It's fun and interesting to watch the dolphins demonstrating their high flying athletics and intelligent behaviour. There is also the opportunity to swim, touch and interact with the dolphins.

Bahia Nonda State Park at mile marker 37 is a beautiful place ideal for snorkelling and camping with two beaches. There is a nature walk, a butterfly area and camping at Sandspur beach. Calusa beach is an ideal swimming area, where you can also walk out onto part of the old railroad camel back bridge.

Head to Key West and stand at the southernmost point in the continental U.S. Parking can be expensive and hard to find in old town historic Key West. There is free parking near the old harbor at the entrance to Fort De Soto State Park. From the car park you can visit a free museum. Berthed nearby is the U.S.S. Constitution, known as old ironside. Further along is the home of the huge Cruise Liners. A short walk takes you into Duval street, the heart of historic down town Key West where there are a huge variety of shops, restaurants and cafes. Nearby are the former homes of author Ernest Hemingway and Harry Truman, known as the the Little White House. Visit Fort De Soto State Park, which has won several awards for best beach in the Country. Explore the old fort and relax in the beautiful surroundings.

Bahia Honda State Park

Whitesands Inn

Everglades Alligator Farm