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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Scuba diver adjusts underwater camera on a pole.

Terry Helmers: Steward of Keys Volunteerism

Terence “Terry” Helmers, known as a real-life “Aquaman,” is a Keys volunteer extraordinaire. His underwater specialty — as a volunteer and as both a...

Man in a red cap and blue shirt, smiling outdoors with palm trees in the background.

Mill McCleary: Steward of Plastic Free Key West

Mill McCleary, executive director of the 1,300-member Reef Relief organization based in Key West, knows how to effectively utilize advocacy and...

Person and dog on paddleboard in clear blue water, under a bright sky.

Sue Cooper: Steward of the Lower Keys Backcountry

Sue Cooper, a Florida Keys paddleboard guru and author of the “Millionaire in Flip Flops” book series, is also the face of Lazy Dog Adventures, known...

Man with sunglasses looks into a blue aquarium with coral fragments.

Cindy Lewis: Steward of Keys Coral Protection

Man standing in art gallery, blue and pink paintings on the wall.

Taylor Hale: Artist/Steward of the Keys' Natural World

Two smiling men with mustaches in front of a silver and blue decorative backdrop.

‘Local’s Choice’ Tips from Adam Gonzalez and Camron Martinez

Adam Gonzalez and Camron Martinez met in Reno, Nevada. Adam was in banking and Camron was in baking. They both joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and their...

Chef in a uniform with tattoos, standing indoors, hands clasped.

‘Local’s Choice’ Tips from Chef Pedro Aviles

Pedro Aviles, the creative spirit behind the popular dishes at Key West’s Nine One Five restaurant, is a Key West local who has been a Florida Keys...

A man and woman outdoors hold a sign with lemons and "LD73" text.

'Local’s Choice' Tips From Isis and Tony Wright

When Isis and Tony Wright moved to the Florida Keys 10 years ago, a career in the restaurant industry was the farthest thing from their minds — but in...

Woman smiling in front of a colorful wall of paintings.

‘Local’s Choice’ Tips from Susan Jankowski

Islamorada artist Susan Jankowski, who teaches art classes at the Ocean Reef Art League, is a true Keys free spirit who paints impressionistic works...