Overview

It is an island experience like no other: Rent a convertible (let's say a red one), put the top down and point the headlights south, then drive off the edge of America ... cruising along a ribbon of highway surrounded by blue sea, to one low-lying island after another, for more than a hundred miles.

Since it was built in 1938, the Overseas Highway linking the Florida Keys has been one of the world's great drives However, it's only after you stop the car and get out that the world shifts into island time -- which is what the Keys are all about

Divers may clock some underwater time on the coral reef at Key Largo and fly-fishing fans will probably explore the backcountry saltwater flats from Islamorada. But in a place where watching the sunset has become a true art form, life centers on more laid-back pleasures ... stone crab and key lime pie, hammock practice, people-watching amid the throngs in Key West, a few beers in some of America's most colorful bars ... Reasons enough to salute the last light of every tropical day with gusto.

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DIVING

The 120-mile Florida Keys island chain is home to the continental United States' only living-coral barrier reef. This teeming back- bone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about five miles offshore. The coral formations are famous for their abundance of fish, from impressive schools of blue-striped grunts to toothy moray eels. There are coral-encrusted ship wrecks and intricate natural coral formations, shallow reefs for snorkelers, and a range of deeper reefs for experienced divers.

FISHING

According to the International Game Fish Association, more salt- water world records have been established in the Florida Keys than any other angling destination on the globe. Bonefish, tarpon, and permit are favored inshore species, but jacks, Spanish mackerel and barracuda also abound, especially in the winter months. Burly grouper & snapper haunt the reef areas. Acrobatic dolphin fish (mahi-mahi), billfish, tuna and wahoo cruise offshore.

CULTURE

The Florida Keys are famous for harboring such historical icons as playwright Tennessee Williams, novelist Ernest Hemingway, and bird-chronicler John James Audubon. In truth, aspiring artists continue to be drawn to the Keys. Here you can visit a tiny gallery, take in a community play, enjoy an open-air festival or attend a symphony orchestra. You'll find that the Keys are rich in cultural opportunities.

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