Couple conversing at a bar with walls covered in currency.

Insider's Guide

Explore Like a Local

Think of this as the Keys’ not-so-secret handshake. 

The Insider’s Guide is your path to hidden gems, insider’s tips and expert recommendations. From snorkeling secrets and fishing tips to stories of locals who protect these islands, this articles in this guide takes you beyond the surface, so you can travel The Florida Keys & Key West like a local.

Costumed group attending Fantasy Fest parade

Fantasy Fest & Beyond: Spooky Fun in the Florida Keys

Fantasy Fest may be Key West’s most famous costume extravaganza (Oct. 17–26), but the spooky season fun doesn’t stop there. Across the Florida Keys...

Smiling man embraces a dolphin in shallow water.

Steward of the Keys: Hunter Kinney Innovates with the Keys’ Dolphin Life Inc.

Hunter Kinney, head coach and chief innovation officer for Dolphin Life Inc. in the Upper Keys, is a Kentucky boy who loves all animals.

Smiling couple in front of the ocean, clear sky in the background.

Steward of the Keys: Carla Burns Directs the Conch Republic Marine Army

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Fantasy Fest & Beyond: Spooky Fun in the Florida Keys

Fantasy Fest may be Key West’s most famous costume extravaganza (Oct. 17–26), but the spooky season fun doesn’t stop there. Across the Florida Keys...

Steward of the Keys: Hunter Kinney Innovates with the Keys’ Dolphin Life Inc.

Hunter Kinney, head coach and chief innovation officer for Dolphin Life Inc. in the Upper Keys, is a Kentucky boy who loves all animals.

Local’s Choice Tips: Rob Dougherty

As executive director of the Key West Business Guild, Rob Dougherty oversees the daily operations of the island city’s LGBTQ+ visitor offerings to the...

Steward of the Keys: REEF’s Jill Kuehnert Brings New Ocean Exploration Center to Life

Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival

Local’s Choice Tips: Andrew Morawski

Like many Key West residents, Andrew Morawski began his career in hospitality, working as operations manager at Rick’s Key West entertainment complex...

Steward of the Keys: Monroe County’s Hanna Koch is Building New Artificial Reefs

Hanna Koch is articulate beyond her years. As a published author, sought-after presenter, and winner of awards in ocean and marine science, she’s...

Skip the Stuff This Summer – Your Bite Can Make a Big Difference

This summer, dining out in the Keys comes with a side of sustainability. Restaurants and food trucks are joining the Skip the Stuff Summer campaign, a...

Key West Lobster Best

Florida’s lobster season is officially open — and Key West is celebrating in delicious style. Lobster Best is a shellabration of all things spiny...

Local’s Choice Tips: Paul Menta

What has Paul Menta — the wildly creative renegade, Key West rum-maker, high-flying kiteboarder and daredevil chef with a Quaker upbringing — been up...