Florida Keys & Key West - Miami and the Keys - page 322

the kids there's a small waterpark with waterslides, a playground and, of course, kiddie-
sized pools.

FLORIDA KEYS OVERSEAS HERITAGE TRAIL

One of the best ways to see the Keys is by bicycle. The flat elevation and ocean breezes
are perfect for cycling, and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (FKOHT;
www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/state/keystrail ) will connect all the islands from Key Largo to Key
West.
If you are keen to ride, it's currently possible to bike through the Keys by shoulder rid-
ing (it takes three days at a good clip). There are particularly pleasant rides around Islam-
orada, and if you're uncomfortable riding on the shoulder, you can contact the FKOHT
through its website for recommended bike excursions.

4 Sleeping

One of our favorite small hotels on the island, Largo Lodge ( % 305-451-0424;
www.largolodge.com ; MM 102 bayside; cottages $150-265; p ) , was undergoing extensive renov-
ations at the time of research, and was scheduled to re-open in early 2015.
Air-con is standard in virtually all Key accommodations. Lodgings have higher rates
during the high season (mid-December to April). In addition, many properties add a
'shoulder' (midseason) that runs from May to June; rates may fall somewhere between
low (July to November) and high during midseason. Many hotels (especially smaller prop-
erties) enforce two-night minimum stays. Expect rates to be extremely high during events
such as New Year's and Fantasy Fest, when some places enforce up to seven-night minim-
um stays.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park CAMPGROUND
( % 800-326-3521; www.pennekamppark.com ; camp/RV site both $36; p )
You don't even have to leave Pennekamp at closing time if you opt for tent or recreational
vehicle (RV) camping, but be sure to make a reservation, as the sites fill up fast.

Stone Ledge Paradise Inn HOTEL