"Key Largo, Florida" Key Largo by tatyanap

Key Largo, the northernmost island of the Florida Keys island chain, lies only an hour’s drive from South Florida’s two major airports. Yet it is a world away.

As you look at the tropical hardwoods, the winding creeks, and the stunning coral formations, it is no wonder Hollywood chose to film scenes from the movies “PT 109” and “Key Largo” here.

Key Largo is sandwiched between the watery wilderness of the Everglades to the west and the fish-covered coral formations of North America’s only living coral barrier reef to the east.

Six miles offshore in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary you will find the wreck of the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot Navy ship intentionally scuttled in June 2002 as the backbone for a new coral reef.

Locals consider their home the Diving Capital of the World but the island is nearly as famous as a sport-fishing destination. Some of the best charter captains and fishing guides in the world work out of Key Largo. You can go after sailfish offshore, bonefish along the Atlantic shallows, or redfish and tarpon in Florida Bay.

Key Largo’s proximity to the Everglades makes it a premier destination for kayakers, birders and other eco-tourists. All this beauty, not to mention the island’s rich history, has inspired a vibrant community of artists who show there work at several local galleries.

http://www.fla-keys.com/keylargo/

• Pros:Lots of opportunities for fishing, boating, diving, and eco-tourism
• Cons:Rocky beaches
• In a nutshell:Great place as long as you don't mind not having soft sand beach!