Know before you go · The Conch Republic

What Florida Keys Is Known For

The local food, the experiences you shouldn't leave without, the sights worth your eyes, and how the locals actually talk.

Eat like a local

Key lime pie

This is the birthplace; the authentic version is pale yellow with a graham crust, and locals judge you for whipped topping opinions.

Conch fritters

The islands' signature bite, a nod to the Bahamian roots of the original 'Conchs'.

Fresh hogfish

The Keys' prized catch, rarely on menus anywhere else because it's speared, not netted.

Don't leave without

Snorkel the reef

North America's only living coral barrier reef runs the length of the Keys.

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Mallory Square sunset

Key West applauds the sunset nightly, with street performers as the opening act.

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Worth your eyes

The Overseas Highway

113 miles of bridges over open water; the Seven Mile Bridge is the drive of a lifetime.

Hemingway House

Six-toed cats included; the descendants of Hemingway's cat still run the property.

Talk like a local

ConchA born Key West local (pronounced 'konk'); 'freshwater Conch' means you've lived there seven years.

Keys diseaseThe affliction of visiting and never leaving.

Good to know

The Keys run on island time and mile markers, not addresses. 'MM 88' is a location. Nothing is fast, and that's the product.

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