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

1 of

Woman smiling at a coral planting station outdoors.

‘Local's Choice’ Tips From Dee Dee Vaughan Smause

Dee Dee Vaughan Smause, co-founder of Plant a Million Corals alongside her parents, Dr. Dave Vaughan and Donna Vaughan, is passionately committed to...

Man celebrating with arms raised near dolphin in water.

Local’s Choice Tips from Mandy Rodriguez

Armando “Mandy” Rodriguez is co-founder and chief operating officer of the Middle Keys’ famed Dolphin Research Center, celebrating its 40th birthday...

Couple smiling outside Florida Keys Brewing Co, holding a drink.

'Local’s Choice' Tips From Craig McBay

Craig McBay, who owns Islamorada’s Florida Keys Brewing Co. with his wife Cheryl, is a busy man — operating the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery, its...

Smiling chef holding a plate of food in an outdoor setting.

‘Local’s Choice’ Tips from Chef Christian Ledwith

Christian Ledwith is the 30-year-old chef at Chef Michael’s, the popular 60-seat restaurant in Islamorada that’s nearly always packed.

Man with a camera on stage, guitars in foreground, palm tree behind.

‘Local’s Choice’ Tips from Photographer Nick Doll

Nick Doll, who lives by Key West’s official philosophy that all are members of “One Human Family,” has become one of the island’s best-loved residents...

Smiling couple posing indoors, woman in red dress with flower, man in white shirt.

‘Local’s Choice’ Tips from Laura Zequeira-Smith

Alexander’s Guesthouse in Key West is known to the LGBTQ community and its allies as a “home away from home,” thanks to general manager Laura Zequeira...

Performer twirling fire batons at night in front of a pizza shop.

Local’s Choice: Renita Kavallieros

Man with guitar smiles by the sea at sunset.

‘Local’s Choice’ Tips From Howard Livingston

Trop-rock singer Howard Livingston, son of a Kentucky coal miner, started playing Keys-inspired music only 18 years ago and has just released his 11th album, “House Down by the Sea.”

Performer in a gold outfit poses exuberantly on stage, "JURY" lit in background.

‘Local’s Choice’ Tips from Christopher Peterson

Key West entertainer Christopher Peterson, one of the island city’s most popular female impersonators, is the Florida Keys’ newest New Year’s Eve icon...