Hey all, I am often asked what to do while visiting Key West. Folks tend to think of Key West as a Drinking Town with a Fishing Problem. But the list of cool things to do besides fishing and drinking is long. So, stay longer than you think, explore, and enjoy.
Getting There
The Key West airport is iconic if you fly in direct. Make sure to have a first cocktail at the Last Call Beach Bar. It’s just on your left as you walk through the doors. If you do not plan to fly directly, fly into Ft. Lauderdale arriving in the afternoon. Rent a car and spend the night at the Embassy Suites and walk to #SouthPortRawBar for dinner. Get the Shrimp (think old bay and butter) and Bahamian bread (think bread, honey, and butter). Depart for Key West full, fat, and satisfied in the morning. The other option from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami Airports to the keys are to ride one of the several double decker motor coaches. The tickets are often only $20 each way – cheaper than renting a car.
Since I always did this as a kid, I like to stop at the 7-Mile Grille and get a fish sandwich on the way down for lunch. Just on the northside of the 7-mile bridge on the right. The old bridge has been newly renovated and offers a nice hike to walk off yesterday’s dinner. Once back on the road, look to your right, on the Old Seven Mile Bridge for “Fred” the tree. I was happy to see “Fred” survived Irma!
Continue along, but after lunch, if you need a pick-me-up look for Baby’s Coffee on your left. The logo is a big giant eyeball. You cannot miss it.
Getting Around once there
Once you arrive in Key West, park your car or hop an UBER from the airport. There is no need to have a car in Key West. The island is only 4 miles long and 1 mile wide. Uber and Taxis are abundant. The average wait time for an Uber, I kid you not, is 2 minutes. But the best way to see and get around Key West is by bike. Best bike rental is Eaton Bikes.
Where to Stay
So many wonderful options. Our favorite RV Park is #ElMar. It’s on Stock Island across from Boyd’s Campground. It’s small so book early. Fiona is wonderful and will take good care of you. If you don’t have an RV check out the #Airbnb options. Last time we stayed at Simonton Courtyard and loved it. Private pools and cozy rooms. If upscale is your thing, check out Pier House Resort and Spa.
If you do not want to be in the thick of it, check out #OceansEdge on Stock Island. It is less expensive. It is a Marina. They have a shuttle that goes to and from town every 30 minutes. It takes about 30 minutes to ride your bike into town from there. They rent or give you bikes and paddle boards to use. Great pools and outdoor bars.
Tours
Key West Butterfly Museum – Say hi to my favorite birds Rhett and Scarlett. Bring a camera. It is quiet, peaceful, humid, and a delight to the senses.
Get your Boo on! Go on the Ghost Tour and Visit Robert the Most Haunted Doll in the World. Island has lots of great ghost stories.
We love the Conch Train tour. Make sure you are on the Yellow Conch Train. The history of Key West is fascinating. Anyone who loves history and/or architecture will cherish this tour.
Ernest Hemingway’s House – for those who are his literary fans… or not… Worth the visit. Snap a few pics of his famous 6 toed cats. Colorful man who lived a colorful life.
Truman’s Little White House – Step back in time. The history you will learn is as rich as Americana itself.
THE BEST TOUR – Dry Tortugas National Park. You will take a ferry for two hours. The journey is part of the reward. Sit up front and look for sea turtles. Take the hour tour of Ft. Zach when on the island. Fascinating history. Solid snorkeling. Challenge yourself to swim around the whole island if you are a good swimmer. Hug the side of the fort. Amazing sea life on the wall. Rumor is that a croc lives there but I think he has been gone for a long time. They just keep the sign out to scare the faint of heart and add to the exhilaration to it all. Never done it but two top items on my bucket list #1. Take a seaplane to the Dry Tortugas #2. Spend the night on the island. To spend the night, you have to pre-book a year ahead. How fun would it be to go during a meteor shower. Star gazing in the middle of the ocean… What could be more magical?
Explore
Grab your bike and b-line to the graveyard. Conchs (nickname of the locals) have always been known for their sense of humor and irony even in death. A few of my favorite headstone epitaphs:
• “I told you I was sick.”
• “Dad always dreamed of owning a small place in the keys.”
• “Jesus Christ These People Are Horrible.”
• “I’m Just Resting my Eyes.”
• “If you’re reading this you desperately need a hobby.”
Beaches
Key West is not known for its beaches. Key West is called The Rock for a reason. It is well… a rock. The nicest beach is Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park Beach. They have a food and beer shack on the beach. I recommend you wear water shoes. Sadly, there is no good snorkeling off the shore anymore, but if you want to snorkel, launching from land, this would be the spot. It is cheaper to ride your bike there than drive into the park.
If you are on Duval and want to hit the beach, there is a small beach at the Southernmost point called Higgs Beach. SouthernMost Beach Café serves food and drinks on the beach. Note that clothing is optional on the beach (or used to be), although most folks are clothed. Except for a few topless Europeans and this one tall skinny guy who is always walking back and forth. His sight will burn into your memory never to be unseen. Once you see him, look for him at the grocery store, or riding his bike around town… he will be wearing wings.
Fishing
If you want to catch fish go out with The Helm. ONLY GO OUT WITH #TheHelm. Dad and son run the best charter on the Island, and they know where to find the fish.
Water Sports
Use #BarefootBilly’s for Water Sports. Go on the jet ski tour. Do not sign up on-line or at your hotel. It is best to go right to their hut which is west of Louie’s Backyard on the beach (to the right of Dog Beach) and see if they will work a deal for you.
The snorkeling trips with the Fury are the best. ANYTHING with the Fury is top notch.
Restaurants
Latitudes – overpriced and food is mediocre. But I am telling you, it is worth the trip for the view if you sit under the palms on the beach. Reservations are required. A ferry will take you to this private island. The only way on the island, unless you are a guest of a resident (maybe Oprah… she sold her house there, but you get the point), is to go to dinner here. Make sure you are seated before sunset and ask to be seated on the beach when you make your reservation.
Louie’s Backyard – the best!
We just discovered Louie’s Café or Upper Deck. Ask to be seated on the porch.
Bo’s Fish Wagon – get a fish taco for lunch.
Bagatelle – On Duval. BEST happy hour for food and drinks. Great food at an affordable price!
El Siboney – Best Cuban in Key West – will need a taxi to get to it. Too far to bike (it is on Stock).
Pepe’s Café – breakfast
Sandy’s Café – on White Street. Ride your bike there for a Cuban coffee and a Cuban sandwich. And if you have any laundry to do it is attached to a laundromat. You can continue your bike ride to the Edward B. Knight Pier and enjoy your breakfast or lunch on the pier. If you are up early. The pier is one of the best spots to watch the sun rise.
Eaton Street Seafood Market – Freshest seafood. Stop there for lunch when cruising around on your bikes.
The Café – Best juices and vegan options. Best vegan food I have ever had. Casual.
Sunset
Sunsets are known to be watched from Mallory Square. Make sure to catch the festivities and the sunset from this great viewpoint. Street performers, craftsmen, food and drink vendors and people watching galore. But I prefer to see the sunset from the water. Go out with The Fury. Our favorite option is Commotion on The Ocean Sunset Cruise. Libations, hors d’oeuvres, and two great band options. We love The Corey Haden Band – try to get on their cat.
Over 21 Crowd
The Garden of Eden. Over 21 only and do not tell any friends what they are in for. It is worth a visit any time of day for a good chuckle to pull on friends. I will leave the “Why” of that for you to figure out.
Captain Tony’s is the best bar in Key West in my humble yet experienced opinion.
Better then Sex – Late Night Chocolate Expresso Martini and Desert.
La Te’ Da has the best Drag Show. Also, a great outside bar.
Well, that is it for now. Enjoy your visit to the Rock!
With Island Love, Britt
