Bev's Guide to the Florida Keys: Sombrero Beach

Welcome

Welcome to my blog, Bev's Guide to the Florida Keys. While I don't consider myself an expert, my husband, Ray and I have been visiting the Keys every year (sometimes more than once a year) for over 20 years. My intention is to tell you of my experiences in the places we've lodged, eaten, boated, endulged in libation, or simply relaxed. You can make up your own mind whether or not to heed my suggestions.

I'll try to provide as much information as I can in regard to contact info, what the bathrooms are like (ladies you know it's important to you), parking, and customer service. So read on all you Conchs and Parrotheads and please leave comments about whether or not one of my posts was helpful or if you have any suggestions.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Sombrero Beach

Sombrero Beach is located in Marathon, MM 50. If you turn onto Sombrero Road next to the Kmart and drive a mile or two you can't miss it.

Sombrero Beach, in this writer's opinion, is the best beach in the Keys. Renovated a couple of years ago, the beach is well maintained. They provide ample parking, a sandy volleyball court, pavilions, outdoor showers for rinsing off before getting into your car, and large bathhouses that are easily accessible. At one end of the park are swings and other climbing equipment for the kids. There are no life guards on duty so you swim at your own risk.

The sand is fine and white and the view spectacular. Admission is free. This beach is certainly at the top of my list, so grab your beach chair and sunscreen and pack a lunch so that you can spend the entire day there. You won't be disappointed.

There are countless websites where you can read about Sombrero and the countless other beaches in the Florida Keys.

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Facts and Advice

1. Key Deer are endangered. It is illegal to feed them. They weigh only 75 lbs. when fully grown & stand only 32 inches high.
2. Speeding is a big no-no in the Keys. My advice - don't do it. Passing someone is not only stupid, it's dangerous. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. Adding 10 minutes more to your trip isn't that big a deal.
3. The local newspaper is called The Citizen. Inside the front page is a column called Citizens' Voice. It's hysterical. Also check out the paper to find out when cruise ships are in port. You may want to avoid KW on those days.
4. Manatees "sleep." They appear dead b/c they often lay lifeless, drifting in the current. They love lettuce & will suck on a fresh water hose like a baby. While its recommended that you do neither of those things, they sure are cute to watch. Adults on the average are 10 ft. long & weigh about 1,000 pounds. They feed on seagrass & aquatic plants, consuming up to 100 lbs/day. They can hold their breath for 20 minutes. They are on the Florida endangered species list.

5. There are 5 kinds of sea turtles that live in the Gulf of Mexico & Atlantic Ocean - Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Kemp's Ridley & Leatherback. They are found in shallow saltwater & among coral reefs. They dig over 4,000 nests on Florida beaches every year. They live to be 40-60 years old. All species are on the endangered or threatened list. Lights on beaches by boaters & revelers often disorient sea turtles, causing them harm.

6. Key West is the southernmost city in the continental U.S. and is closer to Havana, Cuba than to Miami.

7. There are 42 bridges that connect the islands of the Keys. The longest bridge is the 7-mile bridge.

8. The small green mile marker signs along US 1, start with 126 just south of Florida City & end with MM 0 in Key West.

9.There are over 800 Keys. Key Largo is the longest at 33 miles.

10. The word "key" comes from the Spanish word "cayo" which means "little island."

11. Key West is known as the Conch Republic.

12. US 1 is also called the Overseas Highway.

Welcome

Friday, January 27, 2012

Sombrero Beach

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