With its inviting turquoise water, charming towns, and laid-back vibe, the Florida Keys has been beckoning beach-loving travelers since the 1930s. The Florida Keys typically has a steady stream of visitors year-round thanks to the balmy temperatures. In 2019, the Florida Keys welcomed 4.23 million overnight domestic visitors and was anticipating a similar level of visitors for 2020. That is, until the global pandemic hit, necessitating the closure of access roads to those who don’t live or work in the Florida Keys. Now that the beloved archipelago has reopened to tourists, it’s time to explore the Keys again, with a few new rules in place. Here are some essential tips when you plan a trip.
Don’t Forget Your Mask
To minimize the transmission of coronavirus, wearing a facial covering is mandatory throughout the island chain. When out in public, if there is a roof overhead, a face mask covering your nose and mouth is required. The ordinance recommends that everyone above the age of 6 carry a mask whenever they are in public and to wear it when coming within 6ft (1.8m) of another person.
It is not necessary to wear a mask while inside your hotel room or vacation rental. Additionally, if you’re exercising at a gym, you can remove your face covering while working out, provided you maintain a distance of 6ft from others.
How long will this last? Currently, if you are a resident or visiting the Keys on vacation, you’ll need to wear a mask through June 2021. This ordinance is subject to quarterly review. Noncompliance could result in fines, but not jail time.
When Dining Out
A lot of restaurants have reopened, including The Fish House, known for its conch-style cooking; Chef Michael’s, where peppered prime NY strip steak and seafood pasta top the menu; and Hot Tin Roof, which mixes the flavors of Florida cooking and the Caribbean for a unique Floribbean experience.
Want to dine with your toes in the sand? Sun Sun at Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria resort, allows guests to enjoy Gulf shrimp and scallop fettuccine on Key West’s largest private beach. Top it off with delicious pistachio key lime pie, and you’ll be set!
Going to the Beach
Good news: beaches are open. Just remember to maintain social distancing rules and keep your group of friends to no more than 10 people. In the Lower Keys, the 524-acre Bahia Honda State Park is a wonderful choice for its stunning stretch of sand where you can enjoy shallow-water swimming. The park’s restoration is expected to be completed this fall. At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s Cannon Beach, remnants of a Spanish shipwreck are about 100ft offshore, allowing you to snorkel among the vibrant tarpon and barracuda. Don’t miss Long Key State Park, famous for its ancient coral reefs and scenic nature trails. Bring your camping gear and enjoy a night under the stars.
What Else Can I Do in the Florida Keys?
Beyond lounging on the beach, there’s a variety of activities to keep you occupied. Most attractions are now open with social distancing guidelines and mask requirements. The few Key West Art & Historical Society Attractions that remain closed are scheduled to reopen in early July.
Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to see over 50 species of butterflies from around the world and more than 20 exotic bird species. For aquatic adventures, plan a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, which is 99% underwater, making it a snorkeler’s paradise. It’s also home to Fort Jefferson, built in the 1800s and composed of 16 million bricks, which served as a prison during the Civil War. To get there, you can take Key West Seaplane Adventures or the Yankee Freedom III ferry.
If you’re looking for something unique, visit Crane Point Hammock Museum and Nature Trail in Marathon, where you can dip your toes in the Crane Tidal Pool and let minnows nibble on your feet.
Where to Stay
Plenty of hotels have reopened across the Keys. In Key West, Sunset Key Cottages, an exclusive island paradise, is welcoming guests. It’s an excellent spot for swimming in the ocean, lounging by the pool, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets as tiki bars and sailboats drift by.
New kid on the block, Kimpton Key West, has recently opened its 85-room Winslow’s Bungalows, named in honor of painter Winslow Homer. Some of the Key West-style buildings on the property date back to the 19th century. The renovated 184-room Barbary Beach House Key West, located across from Smathers Beach, boasts a lagoon-style pool, hammocks, and bikes for rent, ensuring a fulfilling stay. When ready to explore, head across the street to Barbary Beach Club to rent catamarans, paddleboards, and kayaks.
Getting There
At both Key West International Airport and Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, health screenings are conducted for passengers arriving on nonstop flights from designated COVID-19 hotspot states, including Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. Travelers from these hotspots should isolate or quarantine for 14 days.
