Introducing Florida Keys

Some 15 miles south of Miami, at the tip of the Florida peninsula, the Florida Keys coral cay archipelago comprises some 400 islands. Key West is the most storied of the islands and stands at southernmost point of the continental United States, just 90 miles from Cuba. The Overseas highway (completed in 1938) connects more than 30 of the populated islands in the Keys. The accessible Upper and Middle Keys are popular with tourists and weekenders. For a more immersive nature experience, the protected reaches of the Lower Keys (known as the backcountry) pulsate with creatures—rare eagle, egret, Key deer, alligators, turtles, rabbits—and schools of kaleidoscopic fish hover above the ocean’s floor.

Whether penning a Pulitzer Prize winning novel in his Whitehead Street studio, sport fishing in local waters, or downing his signature mojitos, Ernest Hemingway seared his imprint on Key West. The island now attracts over 1.5 million tourists annually with its Papa-themed attractions, including his former home (which is open to the public) and his favorite drinking haunts, including Sloppy Joe’s Bar. For all its tourist density and soulless over-development, the ‘Conch Republic’ has remained true to its roots as an off-beat, artistic enclave. The island’s permanent residents, including a freethinking ensemble of painters, writers, artists, eccentrics, and drop outs perpetuate the island’s ‘law unto itself’ vibe. 

Airports within a 50-mile radius of Florida Keys:

  • The Florida Keys Marathon Airport (MTH)

Popular aircraft charters* in the Florida Keys area include:

*This is just a sample. Zephyr provides access to aircraft at every end of the spectrum, from luxurious VIP airliners, to ultra long range business jet, helicopters, and economical turboprops.