Discover Caribbean Vibes in the United States with a Florida Keys Honeymoon
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You’ll love the island vibe and laid back culture of this area, off the coast of the tip of Florida. A Florida Keys honeymoon is ideal for couples who want to stay within the United States but want a taste of island life. Honeymooners will especially love visits south to Florida during winters up north, to escape snow and freezing temperatures!
Islamorada, FL
Honeymoon in the Florida Keys
Where are the Florida Keys and What Areas are a Part of It?
The Florida Keys are a chain of tropical islands located south of Florida, in the United States. They extend from the tip of Florida, where Miami and the Everglades are, and curve southwest into the Atlantic Ocean towards the Gulf of Mexico. The Florida Keys consist of Key Largo (the northernmost key, closest to Miami) to Key West, where mile-marker “zero” is for the US-1 road, which extends all the way north on the east coast of the U.S.
Whereas islands in the Caribbean are called “Cayes,” islands off the coast of the United States are called “Keys.”
The main Keys include:
- Key Largo
- Islamorada
- Marathon
- The Lower Keys
- Key West
They are broken down into smaller areas once you deep-dive and research particular places within those islands. For instance, Marathon is broken down into: Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key, and Grassy Key.
Language and Currency
English is spoken in the Florida Keys, as it is part of the United States. Which means that the currency is the US Dollar.
Time Zone
The Florida Keys are in the Eastern Standard Time zone. They observe Daylight Savings Time. If it’s 3:00pm in the Florida Keys, it’s noon in Los Angeles.
LGBTQ+ Community
The Florida Keys are welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Key West, in particular, is legendary for its annual Pride Parade each June, and Fantasy Fest each October, largely a product of the efforts of the LGBTQ+ community there.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Florida weather is warm all year. But as it’s in the northern hemisphere, travelers can expect temperatures to fluctuate, even slightly, with the seasons. It’s warmest during summer, June through September, with average temperatures in Key West between 79 to 89 degrees. And it is coldest during winter, with average temperatures between 65 and 79 degrees, from December through March.
Water temperatures are warmest in summer, in the 82 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit range, May through October. January brings the lowest average water temperatures each year, around 69 degrees.
Hurricane season affects the Florida Keys island chain. The season runs from the beginning of June to end of November. It’s been reported, more specifically, that the highest potential for storms occurs from August 15 through October 15.
If you’re planning your honeymoon around the best time to visit, consider a getaway scheduled outside of Winter Break, Spring Break, and holidays, including Easter. You’ll have the best chance at lower prices for hotels, for instance, and less crowds if you travel during off-peak times.
How to Get to the Florida Keys
There are three ways to get to the Florida Keys: 1) car, 2) airplane, or 3) boat. For purposes of your Florida Keys honeymoon, we’ll focus on arrival via highways and airports.
Driving to the Florida Keys
If you drive to the Keys, you’ll drive to the southernmost point of I-95 in Florida, then continue to drive on US-1 until you reach your island destination. Driving from Miami all the way to Key West, the last Key in the archipelago, will take about 4 hours. Keep in mind that once you reach the Keys, it’s a one-lane highway. Traffic will depend on how many cars are on the road, which may affect driving time.
Flying to the Florida Keys
You can fly into Key West International Airport (code EYW) on one of the following airlines:
- jetBlue
- United
- Silver Airways
- Delta
- American Airlines
- Allegiant
Depending on where you’re flying from, you may need to fly to a bigger airport to take a connecting flight to Key West. Here’s three sample itineraries to get to Key West from major urban areas of the United States during the second week of May:
- NYC to EYW: 3.5 hour nonstop flight for $270, roundtrip
- LAX to EYW: 7 hours of total travel time with one stop for $400, roundtrip
- IAH to EYW: 3 hour nonstop flight for $360, roundtrip
Passport Requirements and Vaccinations
Florida is part of the United States, so you only need a photo ID to travel here, mostly because you need one to pass security in an airport. And of course you’ll need a photo ID for bars and such at the hotel or for drinks at restaurants you go to during your honeymoon. But otherwise, leave your passport home for your Florida Keys honeymoon.
Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
Things to Do during your Florida Keys Honeymoon
You are continuously near water in the Florida Keys. If you can’t see it from where you are, at least you know it’s only steps away. Be sure to leave plenty of time during your post-wedding getaway to enjoy cozying up in a lounge chair on the beach, or make plans to spend ample time at your resort enjoying its amenities, whether listening to the waters lapping up on the shore as you relax in the sand, or go paddle boarding from its beaches.
The Ernest Hemingway Home (or Hemingway house, as many people call it) is an incredibly popular tourist attraction in Key West. Take a 30-minute guided tour when you visit and see the property’s famous six-toed cats.
If you’re staying in Key West, consider visiting Dry Tortugas National Park one day. The national park is mostly open water and seven small islands. It’s west of Key West and you can get there by Seaplane, Ferry or a fishing charter if you don’t have your own boat.
A bicycle is one of the best ways to get around Key West, in particular. Try a bike tour of the island with your spouse; your hotel may have bikes available for you to rent.
Fishing is always fun in the Keys and there are restaurants that will cook your fresh catch after a day out on a fishing charter. You may even spot dolphins in the water during your trip!
Stargazing in the Florida Keys is particularly wonderful, especially where light pollution is minimized. Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key is a great place to do this romantic activity, as it’s one of the darkest areas in the Florida Keys.
Sunset Key, FL
Resorts to Book in the Florida Keys
There are many options for hotels and accommodations. You can book Air BnBs or VRBOs but this won’t allow you to enjoy the amenities resorts have to offer. Consider one of the resorts below for your honeymoon.
Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel
Enjoy spacious accommodations with a convenient location at Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel. A prime choice for honeymooners looking for a mix of relaxation and local exploration, this hotel offers private beaches, comfortable suites, and an on-site restaurant.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Key West at The Keys Collection
For couples seeking a comfortable and affordable stay, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Key West at The Keys Collection offers clean, modern rooms and a relaxing outdoor pool, all within easy reach of Key West’s main attractions.
The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection
Experience boutique luxury at The Saint Hotel Key West, part of the Autograph Collection. With stylish rooms and a prime location close to Key West’s vibrant nightlife and dining options, this hotel is an excellent choice for couples looking to explore the area in comfort.
Set in a marina with views of the Gulf of Mexico, the Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort offers honeymooners modern accommodations in a scenic setting. Amenities include two pools, a waterfront restaurant, and proximity to the iconic Faro Blanco Lighthouse.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Marathon Florida Keys
Ideal for couples looking for a blend of convenience and local charm, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Marathon Florida Keys offers comfortable rooms, a pool area for relaxation, and easy access to Marathon’s beautiful beaches and local culture.
Food in the Florida Keys
We’d be remiss not to mention the #1 food you have to try in the Florida Keys: Key Lime Pie! This sweet and tart dessert is made from a graham cracker crust, topped off with a mixture of these main ingredients: condensed milk, Key Limes, butter and sugar.
The Florida Keys are also a great place to get fresh fish and assorted seafood (like oysters). Stone Crabs are in season from mid-October to Mid-May in the Florida Keys.
The craft beer and distillery scene has certainly reached the Keys. Here are a few to check out:
Honeymoon Registry with Honeyfund
Give family and friends the option to help you and your fiancé have the honeymoon of your dreams with a Honeyfund registry. Start with our Florida registry and edit as you wish to tailor it to your Florida Keys honeymoon desires. Instead of gifting you silverware, give your loved ones the option to gift things like flights, snorkeling and memorable adventures in this U.S. paradise!
