DETAILS The Florida Keys

WHEN TO GO: Summer high temps average 89 degrees, while winter lows average 66. Expect cheaper rates, some closures and potentially bad weather during hurricane season, at its height in mid-September. Peak season generally runs from January through April.

GETTING THERE:

· By car: If you're a glutton for punishment, take I-95 south to Florida's Turnpike, which will end at U.S. 1 in Florida City. U.S. 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, continues south to Key West. For a more picturesque entry, pay the $1 toll and take the Card Sound Road from Florida City; it connects with U.S. 1.

· By train: Amtrak's Auto Train (800-872-7245, http://www.amtrak.com ) goes from Lorton to Sanford, Fla.; from there, it's about five hours south to the top of the Keys. Train fares start around $170 per person, plus at least $150 (and often much more) per car.

· By plane: It's often cheaper to fly into the major Florida airports north of the Keys and drive. Miami International is about an hour north of Key Largo (the northernmost key); from D.C., flights start at around $153 round trip. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International is about 25 miles north of Miami but generally cheaper, with flights from $123; it's about an hour and 45 minutes to Key Largo. Both airports have car rental facilities and offer the Keys Shuttle, with door-to-door service to each Key (888-765-9997, http://www.keysshuttle.com ; from $50 per person; reservations required).

A few airlines fly from select Florida cities to the Marathon Airport about midway down the Keys; flights from Fort Lauderdale on Florida Coastal Airlines (888-435-9322), for example, are around $235 round trip. If you're headed directly to Key West, consider flying to Key West International (180 miles south of Miami). From the Washington area, fares start at around $290, and it's about a $7.50 cab ride to downtown.

INFORMATION: The all-encompassing Monroe County Tourist Development Council (800-648-5510, http://www.fla-keys.com ) has information on accommodations, activities, safety tips, hurricane info and more .

For a specific region, you can go to the following chambers of commerce: