World's Best Hotels

12/04/2024

18/03/2024

Things to do in Sarasota!

Discover Sarasota's must-see and must-do experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. Explore its hidden gems, vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks like Ca d'Zan mansion, world-class performances at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and Ringling Museum of Art with an impressive collection of European and American artwork.

Sarasota offers a wide range of unique experiences including Siesta Key Beach which is considered one of best beaches in world due to quartz sand, cool waters, swimming, paddle boarding, fishing, dolphin watching, sunbathing, picnicking and playing volleyball near local restaurants, shops, entertainment and nightlife.

Immerse yourself in Sarasota's rich history and culture by visiting Asolo Theater or Studio Theatre for captivating plays and musical productions featuring talented performers from around the globe.

Attend opera at the Sarasota Opera House or explore the Ringling Museum of Art to see diverse array of paintings sculptures & drawings.

Visit Acoustic Bodywave to receive Florida’s finest facial and body treatments, including non-invasive facelifts, breast and buttocks lifts, cellulite removal, body sculpting and much more. It was recently rated the Best Spa in Sarasota, so be sure to make an appointment on their website during your vacation.

For youngsters, there is miniature golf, and Jungleland. Or take a day trip to Orlando and visit the many world class theme parks. Yes, we suggest staying in Sarasota and driving back-and-forth, rather than staying in Orlando, which is very crowded and touristy.

The Mote Aquarium is a great place to see some of the aquatic life that lives in the local waters. And right next to the Mote, be sure to check out the free water skiing show on Sundays.

In the spring, go over to Ed Smith Stadium, and see the Baltimore Orioles play in a fun and energetic spring training game! 

There are too many great restaurants to name, but we suggest going off the beaten track and finding the little local places that offer truly wonderful food. We usually recommend skipping downtown restaurants, which are quite pricey, and finding those little places in strip malls, and other unassuming locations throughout the town.

And be sure to get on the water. There are plenty of opportunities, including JetSki rentals, fishing charters, Sunset cruises, Bay cruises to see dolphins and other wildlife, and more.

Take a short drive out to Myakka Park and see more wild animals, including deer, boars, and lots of alligators! 

There truly is something for everyone in Sarasota. That’s why it’s one of the world’s favorite vacation destinations. From world class beaches and water activities, to Florida’s best spas that offer amazing rejuvenation treatments, to a rich arts and culture scene, and a myriad of other activities. Sarasota truly does have it all. 

Acoustic Bodywave www.acousticbodywave.com 

12/04/2023

BEST SPAS IN SARASOTA

We love to travel, and we love to visit spas!

There are all kinds of spas... some that do massages and have hot tubs and showers, and others that perform medical-like procedures, but don't have all the fancy locker rooms and other amenities.

We love them all, but in terms of getting results - like a firmer body, lifted appearance, and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles in your face - we prefer the "med-like" spas.

Sarasota is a great town to visit. Popular with snowbirds, it features an amazing array of arts, theater, restaurants, and of course a world-class beach, to satisfy old and young alike.

If you are in Sarasota, there are many choices for spas, as well.

Our favorite is Acoustic Bodywave, located in the Tuttle Wellness Center.

At Acoustic Bodywave, they use special ultrasound machines to lift and tighten just about any area of the body. Unlike virtually all other types of treatments that only treat the surface layers, the procedures at Acoustic Bodywave pe*****te beneath the skin's surface to stimulate new collagen growth. This naturally lifts and firms your appearance, anywhere on your body.

Our second favorite spa is at the far other end of the spectrum. The Spa at the Ritz Carlton will indulge you with glorious facilities and luxurious treatments. If you like the relaxing type of spa, then this is for you... but bring your wallet, treatments don't come cheap. But they are worth it if you are splurging.

Our third afvorite is Blue Aloe Spa. They specialize in waxing and permanent makeup, so if that's what you're looking for, head on over... they will even give you a glass of wine while you're waiting for your treatment to begin.

Here again, are our favorite spas in the Sarasota area:

1. Acoustic Bodywave - in the Tuttle Wellness Center
www.acousticbodywave.com

2. The Spa at the Ritz Carlton
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/florida/sarasota/spa

3. Blue Aloe Spa
www.bluealoespa.com

ENJOY!

Get started on the path to rejuvenation

14/03/2023

Best Hotel in Orlando...

Staying in Orlando and have a big budget?
If price is no object, stay in the fabulous (but expensive) Four Seasons Orlando Hotel.

Nestled in a secluded, residential setting within 26 sprawling acres, the resort is a lakeside haven dotted with gardens, pools and towering pillars of palms and cypress. Tee off at the exclusive Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando, splash around with the kids at Explorer Island, treat yourself to a soothing, post-park massage at The Spa, or toast the nightly Walt Disney World® fireworks views over dinner at our Michelin-starred rooftop steakhouse Capa.

https://www.fourseasons.com/orlando/

12/10/2021

What are the best hotels in Savannah, Georgia?
Stay tuned for the answers!

20/08/2021

Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast is a true delight, located in a historic neighborhood with convenient access to Asheville's most iconic areas: Just a few minutes from downtown, the Biltmore Estate, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This spectacular turn-of-the-century house rests on ¾ acre of magnificently tended gardens, and has only six beautiful guest rooms.

Guests are offered privacy that enhances romantic getaways or celebrations of any kind.

The well-kept property specializes in casual elegance with each guest room offering its own special magic.

The gardens encourage relaxation and provide peace. A fire pit is perfect for a night under the stars. The sound of the small waterfalls that connect the inn's two koi ponds is as soothing as a mountain stream.

Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast is an oasis of tranquility and peaceful beauty.

​https://www.cumberlandfalls.com/

At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn in Asheville, North Carolina

15/06/2021

Discover some of the best hotels in Northern California

https://youtu.be/vM2c90xcdZ8



Mount Shasta Resort Mill Rose Inn Benbow Historic Inn

World's Best Hotels Presents The Best Hotels in Northern CaliforniaBenbow InnMount Shasta ResortMill Rose Inn

15/06/2021

THE MILL ROSE INN

The Mill Rose Inn is an iconic B&B in beautiful Half Moon Bay. It is a getaway destination, not to be missed.

This award-winning European boutique Inn is renowned for its exuberant gardens with year round color, sinfully comfortable rooms and luxurious suites, easy walk to the beaches, shops, restaurants and many memorable things to do in vibrant Half Moon Bay.

This unique environment is the creation of Terry and Eve Baldwin, who in 1978 began renovating and rebuilding their 1901 cottage into the first Bed and Breakfast Inn on the San Mateo Coast, and have opened their hearts and home to welcome people from all over the world for the past 40 years.

Located 28 miles south of San Francisco and 36 miles north of the heart of Silicon Valley on the breathtakingly beautiful California Coast, the Mill Rose Inn is the perfect venue for a special celebration, reunion or business meeting, or an elegant English country garden wedding by the sea.

​
https://millroseinn.com/

Mill Rose Inn

12/06/2021

BENBOW HISTORIC INN

This luxurious, historic Redwood Coast Inn near the Avenue of the Giants offers gracious service, charming guestrooms, golf, swimming and a celebrated dining room, awarded Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past 15 years.

Guests enjoy a full-service lounge and the Inn’s easy access to hiking, birding, kayaking, and strolling through the forests of the Redwood State Parks.

Set above the banks of the Eel River, this California North Coast Inn’s beautiful location and distinctive Tudor design has earned the resort the reputation as a National Treasure and Northern California getaway — intriguing travelers for nine decades.

Benbow Historic Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America.

​445 Lake Benbow Drive, Garberville, CA 95542

https://benbowinn.com/

Benbow Historic Inn

Welcome to Benbow Historic Inn, a premier north coast resort located in Garberville, CA. Come experience the ultimate Redwoods Getaway!

11/06/2021

MOUNT SHASTA RESORT

Nestled at the base of beautiful Mount Shasta is one of Northern California's finest All-Season Resorts. The resort features great food, lakeside cabins, incredible views, a spa, and even a wonderful gold course. It is the perfect place for a retreat - any time of year.

Tucked away in a forest overlooking Lake Siskiyou, Mount Shasta Resort allows privacy and seclusion.

Enjoy the experience of craftsmen-style chalet rooms, which are equipped with a kitchen, dining room, deck, separate bedroom and living room with a romantic gas fireplace. Or stay in one of the woodland rooms if a large hotel style room is more to your liking. For a touch of romance, book a room offering a private jetted tub.

The perfect resort in a perfect setting!

​

1000 Siskiyou Lake Boulevard, Mount Shasta, California 96067

https://mountshastaresort.com/

Mount Shasta Resort

17/05/2021

RANCHO CAYMUS INN - Napa Valley - Our first “Zero Star Hotel”

We usually only profile the world’s best hotels, not the world’s worst, but today we have to make an exception. We went to visit and review Rancho Caymus Inn in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, but they mishandled and lost our reservation.

We tried to remedy the situation and sent a text to the general manager, who was offsite and whom we had been communicating with regarding our reservation, but he did not reply. Instead he instructed his front desk staff to tell us that there were simply no rooms available.

While the front desk staff tried to make the best of an awkward situation, and even recommended other hotels, the general manager gets a failing mark for his mishandling of our reservation and his lack of response.

Accordingly, this property gets a failing mark from us. Zero stars out of five.

 

08/05/2021

What are the best hotels, resorts and B&Bs in Northern California?

Our report is coming soon! Like and follow our page for insight and updates!

05/05/2021

30/04/2021

Best Resorts in the Florida Panhandle

Saying yes to visiting the beaches of the Florida Panhandle is a no-brainer. After all, this area continually ranks first when it comes to the country’s most scenic white-sand shorelines. But, choosing where to base yourself during your getaway takes time—after all, the options are many: adults-only, kid-friendly, swim-up bars, room service, bicycle rentals, etc. Every property is a perfect fit for a different kind of beach traveler.

Here are our top picks—and we’re sure one will be a fit for you.

Henderson Park Inn
You had us at adults-only. This resort, sitting right next to Henderson Beach State Park, caters to a clientele seeking rest and back-to-nature relaxation. We also appreciate Henderson Park Inn’s stately, weathered grey cedar shake shingle exterior—a nod to the Cape Cod vibe, and whose understate colors don’t compete with the greens of the dunes and the blues of the Gulf.

This property is more or less in the heart of Destin, so guests have access to countless restaurants—but they can also choose to stay in. Rooms have coffeemakers, mini-fridges and microwaves, and the inn serves free breakfast, lunch, welcome wine and chocolates. The Beach Walk Café offers an a la carte dinner—which can also be served on the beach by special request.

Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort
For travelers looking for amenities in Panama City Beach, it’s hard to beat the Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort, a compound offering more than 500 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a golf course, shuffleboard courts and an on-property market. Standout amenities include the resort’s app that lets you reserve beach chairs.

We also like the pool—thick with palm trees and other landscaping to create an exotic paradise, all steps from the Gulf and its white beaches.

Portofino Island Resort
If you like beach views with some verticality, Portofino Island in Pensacola Beach is the place. These five Mediterranean-inspired towers offer private luxury condos—called Sky Homes—that let you choose between sunrise- and sunset-facing views. All grant sweeping, epic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
Not every traveler wants to sit still on a beach. For those who need more, there’s the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village, located on Destin’s boardwalk. Here, active types can do it all: Jet ski rentals, parasailing, dolphin tours, ziplines, zorbing, spa visits and more.

As for the rooms themselves, we definitely appreciate vertical living, with views of the harbor and the sandbars that make this area so famous. Choose from one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units.

The Pearl Hotel
Upscale and intimate, The Pearl Hotel in the heart of Rosemary Beach offers a romantic, adult-oriented escape. What they call an elegant, coastal vibe feels like a crisp, modern European style: think black-and-white striped awnings and ample lounge seating in the hotel courtyard, where the rectangular pool sits center.

The boutique property offers 55 rooms, including 41 standard rooms, nine suites, four cabana suites and The Pearl Suite. In-room technology in each lets you make dinner reservations, order room service or make concierge requests with a touch screen.

Alys Beach
This New Urbanism project is hailed for its white, stark architecture—a mix of stucco design that pulls inspiration from Greece, Antigua and beyond. The town of Alys (pronounced “Alice”) Beach, just west of Rosemary Beach, does not offer a hotel or resort.

Rather, it’s a collection of vacation properties spread along the 1,500 feet of beachfront, the town and the Caliza pool complex—offering an additional swimming option to the pools that many rental properties contain.

Happy Travels!

30/04/2021

Gorgeous Hotel Rooms With Private Jacuzzis and Hot Tubs

Whether you’re on your feet sightseeing all day, traveling for work, or just enjoying a staycation not too far from home—an essential component of any hotel stay is the need to relax, and having your very own personal hot tub or whirlpool bath hits the spot. If you know where to look (and are willing to bump up from entry-level rooms), you’ll find that hotels from Cabo to the North Fork of Long Island offer this luxe amenity. Here are just a few of our favorites to consider: a list of hotels with a whirlpool bath or hot tub in the room, for when you’re ready for some much-needed R&R.

Viceroy Los Cabos, Mexico
This sleek, sexy Cabo resort is proof that “Resort View” doesn’t always mean you’re settling. Most of the “Resort View Junior Suites” at the Viceroy Los Cabos come with their own outdoor whirlpool bath plunge pools. Call the hotel at the time of booking to make sure you score one—the modern architecture, striking views, and dazzlingly neutral palette make for an unforgettable Cabo experience.

Hotel Bel-Air, California
It’s historic, it’s glamorous, it’s in one of the most expensive zip codes in the country. The Hotel Bel-Air is about as classic “Old Hollywood” as you can get. If you’re willing to shell out to book the Presidential Suite, you’ll enjoy a private patio complete with your very own whirlpool bath and seating area. File this one under hotel rooms you’ll never actually want to leave.

Ventana Big Sur, California
Towering redwood trees and rugged Pacific coastline come together at Ventana Big Sur, a posh Big Sur favorite. The Vista Hot Tub Suite, Superior Hot Tub Suite, Pacific House Suite, Cottage House, and Coast House all feature stunning private whirlpool baths, with views of the Big Sur forest and beyond.

Resort at Paws Up, Montana
Calling all Yellowstone fans: You’ll have to go for one of the Wilderness Estates at this high-end Montana guest ranch to get your own private hot tub, but the splurge is well worth it—you’ll get more than 3,000 square feet of living area, including a soaring great room with roaring natural timber fireplace. Step outside to your expansive private deck for a soak in your very own hot tub, where it’ll be just you and the open sky. Even Beth Dutton would be impressed by the Resort at Paws Up.

Castle Hot Springs, Arizona
First established in 1896, the Castle Hot Springs, a 2020 Hot List Winner, has long been a retreat for some of America’s most famous families and Hollywood glitterati. Although set against the rugged Bradshaw Mountains, this all-inclusive desert oasis sits just fifty miles outside of Phoenix. Reserve one of the Spring Bungalow rooms—they come with stone soaking tub complete with the healing properties of the resort’s natural hot spring waters.

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, Hawaii
There are three categories of villas at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai that come with their own private hot tub, all of which are impressive in their own way: The Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa, the Ho’onanea Villa, and the Makaloa Villa. Choose the Makaloa if you want the ultimate in privacy, as it sits in the gardens at the edge of Waiakauhi Pond. The Ho’onanea and Hawaii Loa Presidential Villas offer direct beach access—so you can watch watch the sun set and humpbacks swim by from the comfort of your own private hot tub.

Happy Travels!

30/04/2021

The Best Lakefront Escapes in the U.S.

Visit these calming lakefront hotels and vacation rentals in any season to become blissfully disconnected.

For generations, lakefront hotels and homes have been at the forefront of American travel. From sea to shining sea, our country is blessed with shimmering, crystal-clear lakes in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own spellbinding view that only nature can produce. With many lakes located in remote locales, lakefront retreats have become the de rigueur choice of late for domestic travelers who are venturing to spread out spaces and keeping social distancing guidelines in mind.

From historical, national park lodges to a hip, freshly minted hotel in the Finger Lakes and a grand estate on Lake Michigan's shores, these are the best lakefront hotels and vacation rentals around the U.S. right now for year-round fun and memory-making.

Lake House on Canandaigua — New York
At this contemporary lakefront retreat, a long, private dock filled with Adirondack chairs sits adjacent to a small marina overlooking the entirety of Canandaigua Lake. It's here that hotel guests congregate each morning and night to catch spectacular sunrises and sunsets that glitter off the lake.

A recent opening in a popular New York State region, the Lake House on Canandaigua sits on one of the more private, monied, and exclusive Finger Lakes where guests at the family-owned property can expect a friendlier, Hipster-like communal vibe. Bathed in white and cream colors both inside and out and with guest rooms that feature four-poster beds in weathered woods, The Lake House proves it has an eye for design.

Within a few feet of the doors off the main lobby, you can be perched around two separate gas-fired fire pits, at the on-site restaurant and seasonal bar, the timber-framed barn event space, or the large pool and year-round hot tub — each with its own mesmerizing view from the North End of the lake.

Lake Quinault Lodge — Washington
Surrounded by thick forest and mountains, this picture-perfect lakefront hotel built in the '20s is located in Washington state's secluded Olympic National Park. Reminiscent of an old-timey lodge, a large fireplace outfitted with taxidermy greets visitors inside. Outside, a grand lawn overlooks the lake, and remains very much the way it did when President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the area prior to making it protected land. Today, picture windows at a celebrated dining room named in his honor reveal exquisite views from every angle.

Limited Wi-Fi, cell reception, and a lack of television and phones encourage visitors to digital detox and get out into nature. Biking, paddle boarding, boat tours, fishing, and hiking trails — which lead to a 1,000 year old Sitka Spruce Tree and nearby waterfalls — accomplish just that, but nothing beats curling up with a good book overlooking the lake or in front of the fireplaces of the well-appointed guest rooms.

Grand Beach Estate — Michigan
A massive estate that brings a bit of New England's charms to Michigan, Inspirato's Grand Beach Estate is a whopping 9,000-square-foot vacation dream home surrounded by forest with sweeping panoramic views over Lake Michigan, arguably the most pristine of the Great Lakes.

Staying on theme, nearby to this Southwestern Michigan vacation rental are quaint towns with idyllic, picture-perfect lighthouses and marinas that one might expect to find in Cape Cod or Nantucket, as well as perfectly planted vineyards and wide, sandy beaches that excel in calm and quiet.

Happy Travels!

30/04/2021

Caribbean Hotels We Can’t Wait to Visit Again!

Some islands and resorts keep people coming back year after year because of the personal connections and incredible beauty. These are the places we miss the most.

Silversands—Grenada
A life of luxury awaits on the mocha latte beach at Silversands. The 43 suites and hillside and beach villas at this beloved resort are enveloped in the marvelous smells of the bountiful frangipani flowers and the spices from which this island draws its nickname, “The Spice Island.” The 100-meter infinity pool holds the distinction of being the longest in the Caribbean, and it is ideal for early morning lounging or staring at the sunset’s reflection (Grenada’s sunsets are the closest thing to heaven).

The Cliff Hotel—Negril, Jamaica
Chilling on your terrace, lounging in a hammock while sipping a Red Stripe, and enjoying the sounds of the waves charging the rocks—this is the life at the best all-suite hotel in Negril. In addition to a beautiful, expansive pool that is ideal for kicking back, catching some rays, and enjoying some frosty Marleys, The Cliff Hotel is also home to an incredible natural saltwater pool nestled in the rocky shore.

Galley Bay—Antigua
Honed for romance, Galley Bay is the Caribbean getaway everybody needs. It is so quiet that even at full capacity (barely the case) you won’t realize you’re not the only guests. There’s a patch of sand for everyone, even Giorgio Armani—he owns a villa on Galley Bay Heights, so you’re practically neighbors.

Guana Island—British Virgin Islands
What do you really need to say about a glorious private island experience set on more than 800 acres and boasting seven beaches? Probably that it only allows 35 guests, with just 18 rooms and villas, making it one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive experiences from beginning to end. This really is a tropical dream come true.

Serenity at Coconut Bay—Saint Lucia
Your fellow passengers would be insanely jealous if they knew that while they’re circling Saint Lucia for an hour and a half, you’re already enjoying your private plunge pool after a five-minute direct transfer. At Serenity at Coconut Bay, the privacy is paramount and one of the resort’s primary rules.

Jumby Bay Island—Antigua
What makes Jumby Bay Island so special is that it all belongs to the homeowners, and they have their own palaces hidden among the palm trees (for example, check out the magnificent Lost Puffin). They help preserve the natural beauty of the island and keep life simple, as the sheep roam free, along with the odd tortoise and ducks. Exotic fruits and plants grow everywhere. You can even dine at the farm, or, if visiting on a Wednesday, pedal your way to a West Indian hangout at the pool grille, where you’ll be accompanied by steel pan sounds.

Hammock Cove—Antigua
This hippest all-villa hotel in Antigua runs with 24-hour service and on-call rotating ambassadors. Each villa is equipped with outdoor patios, an infinity edge pool, and a wet bar with top shelf spirits, all curated by the in-house sommelier. Oh, and don’t forget the 500-count thread Egyptian linens in the beds. Guests might even discover turtles swimming and nesting nearby.

Michelin-starred Chef Marco Festini concocts tremendous Caribbean lobster and ravioli dishes at Lighthouse. Just ask your ambassador to put two on the side for you before you enjoy your favorite Reggae vinyl in the “secret lair” known as Chairman’s Lounge.

Happy travels!

09/04/2021

Discover the World's Best Hotels

03/03/2021

Affordable Ways to Visit in Europe

If you have big dreams of jetting off to Europe, but worry that your bank account isn't quite ready, don't worry. For every expensive city, there are dozens of charming — and surprisingly affordable — places that offer all the European charm for a fraction of the price.

Ljubljana, Porto, Budapest, even Berlin — these cities have all the rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food that you'd find in pricey European capitals, but they're perfect for budget travelers.

You can even travel to some of Europe's best (and famously expensive) destinations without breaking the bank — you just have to know how to save money without sacrificing on experiences.

Travelers can often score deals on flights from the United States to major cities like Paris or London, and upon arriving, transportation within Europe can be much more affordable (hello, budget airlines).

Those large cities also offer a wide range of accommodations, so you can certainly find something in your budget.

You can even save money on food by hitting the local markets. After all, a bottle of wine, fresh bread, and cheese from a Parisian market make for an unforgettable meal when picnicking under the Eiffel Tower.

And you might be surprised by how many museums, churches, and other attractions are free or inexpensive to visit, too.

Be sure to keep an eye out for free entry days (often one day a month) or tourist cards that offer entry to multiple attractions for one flat fee. (Do the math ahead of time by calculating the cost of every included attraction that you want to visit to make sure it's really worth the money.)

Trimming your budget doesn't mean sacrificing the quality of your trip. In fact, the less you spend, the less insulated you are from the local culture.

Staying in a thatched Irish farmhouse, perusing old masters in Rome, or snacking your way through Spanish specialties aren't just tricks of the frugal traveler — they're the stuff dream vacations are made of.

03/03/2021

The Florida Keys are like a coral kingdom: a 125-mile-long arcing chain of islands flung south from the tip of Florida with the ultimate island — Key West — resting just 90 miles from the shores of Cuba. And with one narrow road (and 42 bridges) connecting the isles, just to travel the Florida Keys is to feel on a magical, water-surrounded journey.

While it's possible to hop in a car in Miami and make it to Key West (and the southernmost point in the continental United States) in less than four hours (traffic willing), that defeats the charm and richness of the Florida Keys.

Every few miles there's a discovery to be had: a tiki bar, a seafood joint, a beachy resort or boutique hotel, a gorgeous nature preserve, or just a thrilling turquoise vista across the famed saltwater flats toward a blue horizon.

So, make a trip of it — spend a few days in Key Largo or Islamorada near the upper end of the archipelago, dally on Marathon or Big Pine Key, then settle in for some serious quirky culture, history, and bohemia in Key West.

Take time to snorkel, dive, and fish, walk the beach, and eat lots and lots of seafood (and Key lime pie).

And don't worry if you don't get to everything that there is to love and explore in the Florida Keys — you'll be back.

Peak tourist season in the Florida Keys starts right after the holidays in late December and lasts through May.

During the winter months it almost never rains, and even if clouds do push through with some showers, they're gone that day.
The Keys' subtropical climate means balmy temperatures year-round (January's high temperatures are typically in the 70s), making it a superb destination when even Central Florida can be experiencing frosts.

In the summer, when temperatures get into the hot range (July's average high is 86°F), the crowds disperse a bit and hotels tend to lower their prices, which makes this a great time to visit if you're looking for better deals and don't mind heat and humidity.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, which means more turbulent weather and the possibility of dangerous storms (peak hurricane months for the Florida Keys are between Aug. 15 and Oct. 15).

That said, some of the prettiest weather of the year — calm waters and fluffy clouds — also occur during this period.

Festivals in the Florida Keys draw big crowds and can be a reason to go or a reason to pick another time for vacation, depending on the type of trip you're looking for.

Peak festivals include Key West's Hemingway Days (including the famed Hemingway lookalike contest) in July and the Carnivalesque Fantasy Fest in October, the Original Marathon Seafood Festival in March, the 7 Mile Bridge Run (the only run surrounded by water along its entire length) in April, and the Key West Brewfest over Labor Day Weekend.

The only road linking the islands — the Florida Keys Overseas Highway — is the southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1 and is sometimes called the Highway That Goes to Sea.

Its green mile marker signs begin at mile marker 113 at the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line and descend to marker 0 at the corner of Fleming and Whitehead streets in Key West (a popular photo opportunity).

It's common for hotels, restaurants, and other sites to peg the locations to the closest mile marker (MM).

Have fun!