The Florida Keys: Escaping to this archipelago has been a longstanding American tradition, and one look at the colorful colonial houses and casual beach shacks peeping out from the lush vegetation is enough to show you why. The islands are mainstays for artists, fishermen, nature conservationists, and, of course, tourists — all of whom love to chill out and enjoy a laidback drink, making dive bars an essential Florida Key feature.Unless you’re flying into Key West International or sailing in on a cruise ship, you’ll drive the 112 miles off of mainland Florida on a grueling (we’re not going to lie) trip down U.S. Highway 1, most of which is one lane. Trust us, frequent breaks and pit stops are the only way to keep your sanity in check and the only way to start your vacation off on the proper, flip-flopped foot (not primal screaming behind a delivery truck for over an hour).
