Although there is little doubt that the theme parks around the Orlando region are the main draw for people who are heading for Florida, it’s certainly not the only reason why you might want to consider a trip to the Sunshine State.

For those who prefer to live life at a slower speed, then the opportunity to head away from the mainland to explore the Florida Keys is one that shouldn’t be missed and provides a totally different holiday experience when compared to the all-action thrills and spills that are available at the likes of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios further north.

Located a few hours to the south of Miami, the Florida Keys is a string of islands that stretch off the coast towards Mexico and are linked to the mainland via a network and bridges that carry road traffic above the water of the Atlantic Ocean.

From Key Lago at one end all the way down to Key West at the other, there are plenty of things to do on a trip through the Florida Keys - and here are just a few suggestions….

The Hemingway House:

The Hemingway House is located on Key West, and was home to the famous American author Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s.

Now designated as a National Historic Landmark, the house has been turned into a museum that can be explored on a guided tour to uncover more about both Hemingway and his many works.

Keys Cable Park:

Keys Cable Park is located on Vaca Key and is a great place to go if you want to try your hand at a range of board sports.

Rather than being pulled along by a boat, you’ll instead be able to use a cable system that makes things slightly easier and there are food and dining options available afterwards to allow you to refuel.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park:

The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located in Key Lago and offers a wide selection of different activities, which range from kayaking and canoeing through to paddleboarding or trips on a glass-bottomed boat.

Those who fancy snorkelling or diving can head underwater to explore various coral reefs, and even visit the 'Christ of the Abyss' - a statue of Jesus Christ that sits in 25 feet of water off the coast.

Turtle Hospital:

Located in the heat of Marathon, the turtle hospital is a small centre that works to protect endangered sea turtles, with the aim of releasing as many of its patients as possible back into the wild.

Guided tours are available but need to be booked in advance, and include the chance to feed some of the permanent residents who cannot be released for a number of reasons.

Dry Tortugas:

The Dry Tortugas National Park sits around 70 miles west of Key West and is made up of a group of seven islands that can be visited by sea or air from Key West itself.

As well as being home to a wide range of different species of bird, Dry Tortugas is where you’ll find Fort Jefferson - a huge unfinished fort that is located on the island of Garden Key.

The Little White House:

The Little White House in Key West was used by Harry S Truman during his time in office as the President of the United States, and was also visited by JFK for a summit with Prime Minister Harold Macmillan in the 1960s.

Those people who visit now can discover more about American history thanks to a series of guided tours, with the house being turned into a museum and preserved for future generations.

Sample the food:

You can’t visit the Florida Keys without sampling some of the local delicacies, with the likes of key lime pie and conch fritters being two dishes that are well known from the region.

Top quality fresh seafood is also readily available.

Explore the Everglades:

If flying into Miami, you’ll have to pass by the Everglades in order to reach the Florida Keys so it makes sense to pay a visit if time allows.

The tropical landscape is very much a destination in its own right and is someone where you’ll be able to see loads of native wildlife and also enjoy the unique experience of a trip on a trip on a fan-boat, which will float above the swamps.