Key West, FL

Key West is surrounded by water, but the beaches may not be what you expect. They are not the sugar-white sand beaches found further north. In fact, some say the beaches remind them of the craggy New England coastal shores.

The waters here are special; the bottoms are filled with live coral. The Florida Keys are home to the only living coral reef in the continental U.S. They are among the most stunning in the world, providing a complex habitat for diverse forms of marine life. Divers and snorkelers in Key West have the privilege of glimpsing at a submerged world of unimagined beauty.

Enjoy a picnic on the sand or gaze into the waves as you relax on your beach chair. But remember to be careful with your feet when you venture into the warm waters. It’s best to wear an old pair of sneakers to protect them from the coral that live along the ocean floor.

Here are some beachfront lodging choices in Old Town. Atlantic Shores, an oceanfront resort in the heart of Old Town, has a world-renowned clothing-optional pool.

• Atlantic Shores Resort - 510 South Street
• Sunset Key Guest Cottages - 245 Front Street
• Pier House Resort & Spa - One Duval Street
• Marriott’s Reach Resort - 1435 Simonton Street