If you’re looking for a U.S. destination that feels like an island getaway for your group, look no further than the Florida Keys. The 125-mile island chain that stretches from Key Largo in the north (about an hour from Miami) to Key West in the south is filled with myriad activities that will appeal to everyone in your group. One of the islands is Duck Key, about halfway between Miami and Key West, and home to Hawks Cay Resort. From watersports to history, wildlife to arts and culture, tranquil landscapes and stunning sunrises and sunsets, there truly is something for every meeting planner and attendee in the Florida Keys. 

Why the Florida Keys 

• Average daily temperature of 78°F (26°C). 

• Island vibes. 

• Bucket list outdoor adventures and team-building activities. 

What’s New in the Florida Keys 

• Key West International Airport (EYW) is undergoing a 49,000-square-foot Concourse A expansion, the first phase of which is expected to be completed in Spring 2025. 

• The new Florida Keys Eco-Experience Trail features 55 eco-friendly experiences that promote conservation and sustainability throughout the Florida Keys. 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in the Florida Keys, as well as places to grab a bite to eat, or host a power lunch or dinner. Here, we look at a few spots to pique your interest around Duck Key, nearly smack dab in the middle of the Florida Keys’ chain of islands. 

SEE 

The Turtle Hospital 

For nearly 40 years The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, 20 minutes from Hawks Cay, has endeavored to rehabilitate injured sea turtles and return them to their native habitats, the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Visitors to the Florida Keys can take a guided tour of the hospital and rehabilitation area to learn about the endangered species, and see some of the patients who are waiting to return to their watery homes.   

Dolphin Research Center 

In addition to rescuing and rehabilitating whales and dolphins as a member of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, about five minutes from Hawks Cay, also conducts critical research and data collection. In addition to 27 resident dolphins, DRC is home to two sea lions, exotic birds, reptiles and more. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities, including dolphin encounters. DRC is available for private events.  

Pigeon Key  

When the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway was built in the early-1900s, Pigeon Key served as a homebase – literally – for railroad workers. The five-acre island, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, sits underneath the Old Seven-Mile Bridge at the southern edge of Marathon, about 15 minutes from Hawks Cay. A guided historic tour of Pigeon Key looks at how the workers lived on the island more than a century ago, a visit to the museum and time to enjoy the island – bring snorkel gear!  

For more activities and ideas, contact your ALH GSO. 

DO 

Go Fish 

Islamorada is the Sportfishing Capital of the World, so why not get out on the water and cast a line? One of the most popular fishing spots in the island chain is Bud N’ Mary’s, about 25 minutes from Hawks Cay, which boasts the oldest, largest and most established fishing fleet in the Florida Keys with more than 50 local fishing guides and captains. The new meeting space includes a covered 10,000 square foot, open-air, oceanfront “barn” that can accommodate up to 150 guests, and a rooftop space that can accommodate up to 45. 

Seven Mile Bridge 

The final section of the extension of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway to Key West was an engineering feat: the Old Seven-Mile Bridge from Marathon, about 15 minutes from Hawks Cay, to Little Duck Key. When the new Seven-Mile Bridge opened to vehicle traffic in 1982, the old bridge was eventually transformed into a fitness path for cyclists and pedestrians. A visit to the iconic bridge is a must-do when visiting the Florida Keys.  

Sunset Sail 

As the day comes to an end, leave all your worries behind with a sunset sail. And what better place than in a destination surrounded by water? Opt for a traditional sunset cruise, or add a bit of an adventure by watching the sun sink below the horizon from a sandbar.   

For more activities and ideas, contact your ALH GSO. 

EAT 

Papa Joe’s Waterfront  

Built on the original 1938 site in Islamorada, about 25 minutes from Hawks Cay, Papa Joe’s Waterfront’s new space features an elegant main dining room, outdoor lawn and Tiki Bar, all in a relaxed atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner, Papa Joe’s menu features fresh seafood, sandwiches and salads. The restaurant is available for private events. 

Hungry Tarpon Restaurant  

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Hungry Tarpon Restaurant sets the scene for a perfect waterfront meal in Islamorada, 20 minutes from Hawks Cay. In addition to traditional breakfast dishes, try the crab cake toasted croissant benedict to start the day. If you’re popping in for lunch or dinner, signature dishes include tuna sliders, mahi reuben and pan seared salmon. 

Chef Michael’s  

For more than 10 years Chef Michael’s has created innovative and delectable dishes that highlight fresh ingredients from local waters and farms. “If they are catching or growing it, we are serving it.” Open for dinner Monday through Saturday, the menu features fresh fish and seafood, prime meats and vegetarian options. The restaurant is available for private events.  

For more activities and ideas, contact your ALH GSO. 

STAY/MEET 

The Florida Keys is filled with bucket list adventures and ample opportunities for team-building activities, all in a laid-back atmosphere filled with tropical island vibes. And ALHI has the perfect homebase for everything on tap – Hawks Cay Resort.   

Hawks Cay Resort 

Spanning 60 acres on the island of Duck Key, about half-way between Miami and Key West, Hawks Cay Resort boasts 427 guest rooms and suites, and 13 meeting rooms that cover 20,000 square feet. Add to that the outdoor spaces, from waterfront lawns to a deck at the marina, and there are ample choices when it comes to setting the perfect scene for your gathering. The resort team is ready to help you plan the most memorable group experiences, like Hook & Cook wherein your group will go fishing to reel in the big one (nearby Islamorada is the Sportfishing Capital of the World) that will then be prepared by the on-site chefs to take center stage in a waterfront buffet. 

For more activities and ideas, contact your ALH GSO.