Top 10 List: Live Like a Local

There's a locals' vibe in the Florida Keys, and travelers who visit want more of the laid-back lifestyle that attracts so many. Why are these islands so enchanting, and what activities do Keys residents appreciate and embrace?

Hear it straight from the locals' mouths.

#1: "Running the Old Seven Mile Bridge is my favorite thing to do. Mornings I can see spotted eagle rays feeding in the water below, tarpon or an osprey landing at the end of the bridge — I see more life there than anywhere." Bette Zirkelbach, manager of Marathon's Turtle Hospital

#2: "Snorkeling will always be my favorite activity because it's noncompetitive, it's all about the experience and it's a great family activity. If I could have anything I wanted in life — a million dollars or (to) spend another hour with my family — I would spend another hour with my family." George Shattuck, owner of Sundance Watersports

#3: "I take silly things from my surroundings and turn them into a tune. For inspiration, I like driving over Keys bridges, sitting in a boat in the backcountry or in the mangroves, or sitting in the forest by my house. We all have to do our little part to make this world a better place, and bringing music to children is my little piece." Dave Feder, professional musician

#4: "The Keys' warm, flat, shallow waters are ideal for kiteboarding (best wind conditions late October to early June), and standup paddleboarding and wakeboarding flourish during the summer months when flatter waters prevail. The sports we participate in are not only sports, it's a true passion." Mike Walsh, Otherside Boardsports co-owner

#5: "I tell everyone how the Keys are perfect because you can work and play hard here. The diversity here is great — you can be wild and crazy one night, and the next sit in the backcountry in your kayak enjoying nature." Diane Schmidt, general manager of Westin Key West Resort & Marina

#6: "I continue to appreciate our tranquil existence on Sugarloaf Key ... I live on a wonderful wooded acre with a pool, a pond and a great garden that I get to tend to year-round. I have a great life." Bill Becker, U.S. 1 Radio news director, Underwater Music Festival founder

#7: "I really like fishing, and came to the Keys for years with my father on trips. [Later] the marine science subject matter at Pigeon Key appealed to me, and who could ever imagine living in the middle of the ocean at a camp? It's a different way of life on the island; I can't just zip back to the store for milk or eggs." Kelly McKinnon, Pigeon Key Foundation executive director

#8: "My first dive was way too much for me — I knew I had to have more of this magical place. I was hooked. When we came here on vacation, my parents had to tie me down to get me back in the car. That was in 1969." Ken Nedimyer, Coral Restoration Foundation founder, CNN Hero 2012

#9: "I often find myself kayaking, fishing with my husband and entertaining other fishermen's wives. I love my job, and when I'm not working I'm out exploring new areas by kayak." Andrea Paulson, Reelax Charters backcountry guide

#10: "Take a sunset cruise — it'll blow you away. Eat some local seafood. Have a margarita on the beach at sunset, and see the Keys like a local. That's how you see the real Keys." Bobby Mongelli, Keys restaurant owner (Hogfish, Geiger Key Marina, Roostica)