I recently returned from Key West and have gotten a lot of questions about ALL the things! I am going to share my favorite spots with you below. I cannot take total credit for these favorites, as a bunch of my patients helped me out with their travel guides. This is just going to be short and sweet!
First, I always want to know what to pack. Key West is CASUAL and you will be walking a lot! Pack walking shoes. I wore shorts and a tank during the day, and a romper or sundress at night with flats or comfy wedges. Bring a swimsuit if you are staying at a resort with pool. I wish I would have brought tennis shoes because of all the walking- my feet had blisters at the end of the day. Pack your SPF- It is HOT and you are in the rays a lot! It can be windy at night so pack a light jacket and a hair tie!
How to get there?
-Fly into Key West
-Fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and drive! (We stayed a night in Fort Lauderdale and then drove 4 hours the next day! We rented a convertible mustang for the ride.)
-You can also take a bus down to the Keys from Miami.
- I do not much about this, but heard you can take a boat ferry to Key West from other parts of Florida.
Where to stay?
-You want to be close to DUVAL street!
-Very little Beach Resorts but we stayed at The Southernmost Beach Resort and it was perfect! It is located on Duval street and obviously at the southernmost point ON the Beach!
-There are many Airbnb options as well for groups, I would just try to be located close to Duval Street.
-Most of the hotels are Boutique hotels
SOUTHERNMOST BEACH RESORT (located on Duval Street)
-3 pools
-On the beach
-parking available $$
-Restaurant, Bars, Starbucks (Food was Delish at this resort)
-Piers
-Walking distant to shops, food, and drink!
-There are chickens and roosters EVERYWHERE in Key West. Don't touch them or I hear you could be fined.
-To walk from our hotel to the north side (Mallory Square) It was MAYBE a 30 minute walk! - We did this walk every night as there are TONS of food, drink, and live music on the way!
-If walking is not your thing, then you can rent a scooter or golf cart! Rental places are on Duval street.
Places to eat:
-Seaside Cafe at the Mansion (right next to out hotel), has a great lunch menu, the best mojitos, and you sit seaside!
-Southernmost Beach Cafe- for beach views, has breakfast, lunch, and dinner- all delicious
-Louies Backyard - (make a reservation), the cocktails and lobster appetizer was amazing! Great sea view if you make a reservation!
-Latitudes - SO many people recommend this, but it books 2 months out, SO MAKE A RESERVATION ASAP! Apparently its on a private island and you have to take a boat there!
-Mangoes, on Duval Street. We stopped off here for drinks one night and for a tuna poke appetizer the next night! They had live music both nights!
-Vinos on Duval or Grand Vin Wine Bar (Both on Duval street) for charcuterie and wine. Grand Vin had awesome Frose.
-Better Than Sex (A dessert Restaurant) - Make a reservation! A couple streets off Duval.
-Martins Restaurant on Duval Street has great Martinis and seafood.
-Banana Cafe on Duval street for sit in Breakfast. There are many on the go French bakeries.
-AND MANY MORE ON DUVAL STREET, if you don't have a plan or any reservations, just walk Duval street and you will find something! Dine in Restaurants, on the go food such as pizza by the slice, and drinks.
To Do:
-Eat and enjoy live music at any place on Duval.
-Pool Day at your hotel, or walk to one of the beaches (Samantha's Beach, South Beach)
-A day of shopping and day drinking on Duval (mainly gift shops, some boutique clothing shops, and art galleries)
-Boat Cruise with Danger Charters - we did the Sip and Sail and it was a 2 hour ride with wine and snacks provided!
-Mallory square for day and night events with live music and watch the sunset.
-Bus tour (if that's your thing)
-Butterfly museum
-A few other Historic thing to do here
-Rent a golf cart and do more exploring
One last tip:
You do not need a full week in Key West. We were able to do everything of value to us in just three days! Planning ahead of time really helps! I hope this is helpful! Enjoy!
Xx Nurse Lauren
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