This and nearby keys like Big Pine Key and No Name Key may not have a lot of attractions, but that's exactly the appeal.

Located only 45 minutes from Key West, this area provides nature lovers the chance to explore. Check out Bahia Honda State Park, hike a wildlife trail, hope for a Key Deer sighting at the National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center, or even visit a blue hole — an oasis in an otherwise barren seafloor.

When hunger strikes, choose from a selection of memorable places to eat. Boondocks Grille and Draft House comes complete with mini golf and a massive menu of classic Florida pub fare. At Kiki's Sandbar & Grille, patrons love its beachfront location and easygoing ambiance.

One of the most unique establishments in the area is No Name Pub, located  — where else? —  on No Name Key. This quirky dive bar has dollar bills taped to every visible surface and a menu of exactly what you're craving: pizza, cold drinks, and daily specials.
 

You’ll find Marathon, a little more than an hour from Key West, is well worth the drive.

Getting there is half the fun — you'll cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge just before reaching Marathon. There's a lot to do, from observing rescued sea creatures at the Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center to snorkeling or diving in a coral reef tank at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. Or, for a slower, scenic pace, end the day at Sunset Park.

During your Marathon side quest, don't skip out on its famous bars and restaurants. Enjoy the iconic tiki hut atmosphere of Burdines Waterfront. Or visit Cracked Conch Cafe, which features a menu of locally sourced seafood and a popular made-in-house key lime pie. Another local favorite for fresh seafood in Marathon is Island Fish Company, a tiki bar and eatery with a sparkling waterside location to boot.

Thanks to its remote location surrounded by a bright rainbow of blues, Dry Tortugas National Park could be considered a hidden gem — but not everyone makes the journey.

The 100-square-mile park sits 70 miles offshore from Key West, so there's no car access. The only way to get there is via seaplane (40-minute flight), high-speed catamaran (over two hours each way), private boat, or chartered guided tour.

Visitors can fish, dive, snorkel, explore historic Fort Jefferson, view wildlife and birds, or even camp overnight, if adequately prepared. It's among the country's most unique and scenic national parks, with a pristine environment that makes it well worth the trek.

Note that visitors must bring their own food and drink since they are not sold in the park. Those who visit on a daytrip may book a ferry that provides meals or a concession counter, but options remain limited.

Experience a tropical resort vacation at Windward Pointe that overlooks the soothing Atlantic. It features the comforts of home, access to the best of Key West, and enriching amenities, including: 

• Infinity-edge pool surrounded by lush tropical foliage
• Hot tub 
• Beach access
• Beach volleyball court 
• Shuffleboard courts 
• Grills
• Pool tables, table tennis, and foosball 
• Cozy hammock overlooking the ocean

After trekking the Sunshine State’s beautiful keys, enjoy tropical comfort at Windward Pointe. 
 

Skye Sherman is a fourth-generation Floridian and freelance travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. She writes for a variety of travel and lifestyle publications and plans to visit every country during her lifetime.

* No inquiry has been made into the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, or the qualifications, safety, or quality of the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, and WHV Resort Group, Inc. and HV Global Group, Inc. (collectively, “HVC”) make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of such off-site locations, activities, events, or service providers listed herein. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the off-site locations, activities, services, events, or providers. Neither WHV Resort Group, Inc. nor HV Global Group, Inc. assumes liability for attendance at, or visits to, any off-site locations, or the products, activities, or services furnished by independent service providers. Additional fees and costs may apply. Activities and events are subject to change. Some activities or events may require the participant to be in good health and have a certain level of skill.