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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.

Mother and two kids wearing life vests, smiling on a boat in sunny weather.

Florida Keys for Families

The Florida Keys is the perfect place for families to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Mother and two kids wearing life vests, smiling on a boat in sunny weather.

Presidents' Day meets Paradise

While much of the country is still knee deep in winter weather, Presidents’ Day Weekend at Truman Little White House offers a distinctly Key West way to celebrate.

Couple relaxing under canopy, toasting with drinks, overlooking the ocean.

The Travel Mom Takes on The Florida Keys

Emily Kaufman, The Travel Mom, shares her favorite spots and tips for enjoying The Florida Keys & Key West.

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‘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.”

‘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...

‘Local’s Choice’ Tips from Jack Micciche, Owner of Key Largo's 'Mother Ocean'

Jack Micciche, 28, who owns the funky and eclectic Mother Ocean Key Largo Marine Consignment store with dad Carmine, describes the vintage...

Billy Litmer: Steward of Sustainable Eco-tours

Billy Litmer, founder of Key West’s Honest Eco tours specializing in wild bottlenose dolphin-watching and nature charters, grew up in landlocked Edgewood, Kentucky, just south of Cincinnati, Ohio.

‘Local’s Choice’ Tips from Dan Cornell

Dan Cornell, who owns Cruisin’ Tikis Key Largo with wife Laurie, operates three Tiki boats that depart from Snooks Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar...

‘Local's Choice’ Tips From Chef Paul Kapsalis

Chef Paul Kapsalis and wife Kris Kubik are owner-operators of South of the Seven restaurant, tucked inside the gulfside 1950s-era Sugarloaf Lodge at...

‘Local’s Choice’ Tips from Kermit Carpenter

Key lime pie is synonymous with the Florida Keys, and just about everyone can describe their favorite slice. But if Key limes themselves were to have...

Local’s Choice Tips: Nadene Grossman Orr

Author: Laura Myers, November 2025 Key West’s wildly creative Nadene Grossman Orr holds the keys to something many can’t unlock — an insider’s...

Dee Dee Vaughan Smause: Coral Stewardship Runs in the Family

Dee Dee Vaughan Smause, co-founder of Plant a Million Corals with her parents, Dr. Dave Vaughan and Donna Vaughan, is passionately committed to restoring coral reefs and preserving the Florida Keys’ marine biodiversity. She finds great satisfaction in sharing Plant a Million Corals’ message of hope and seeing how it resonates with people.

Keys Lobster Lovers, Unite!

Florida Keys lobster lovers, unite — and embrace the hobby that takes precedence over all others each August in the island chain: eating lobster. That’s because early August marks the start of the annual commercial lobster season, and savvy foodies know that fresh-caught Keys lobster eclipses all other seafood selections in mouthwatering goodness.