If you’ve always hoped to book a vacation to Key West but wondered what there is to see and do there, this is your invitation to explore all the exciting things this beautiful island city has to offer. As the jewel of the Florida Keys, Key West has long been a place that’s captivated the imagination of travelers from mainland Florida and far beyond. Even if you only have a weekend to get away, you can customize these itinerary ideas to plan your trip.
Enjoy Sumpturous Accommodations at The Southernmost Beach Resort
Indulge in your love of everything beachy at the Southernmost Beach Resort. From oceanfront balcony rooms, palm tree-lined walking paths, and surf-side yoga, you’ll feel soothed and refreshed. This spacious property has plenty of room for families to enjoy the amenities as well as dedicated adults-only guest areas for solo travelers and couples seeking dedicated space of their own. Feel pampered by the on-site Southernmost Spa, where ocean-view treatment rooms and expert massage therapists and aestheticians deliver superior skin and body care that’s in tune with the most effective products and techniques for massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, waxing, brow tinting, and even lash tinting. Amenities include bicycle rentals that make it easy to get around Key West, and full concierge services assist with booking reservations for tourist attractions and off-resort excursions.
Book a Chartered Fishing Trip
All In Fishing Charters is one of the area’s premiere providers of custom fishing excursions. Whether you’re an experienced angler or never held a fishing pole before, you’re welcome aboard for wreck, reef, flats, and deep water fishing. All of the gear is provided to you, and the supportive crew ensures everyone has a good time while the captain expertly guides the boat to the best fishing spots. Depending on the time of year, you can catch grouper, mahi mahi, tarpon, and more. If you’re lucky enough to make a great catch, many local restaurants offer a cook-your-catch menu option so you can enjoy the rewards of your hard work.
Snorkel at Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Key West. It’s located about 70 miles from the island and is mostly underwater, so boat-access is the only way to get there. There’s a ferry that runs back and forth several times a day, and reservations book very quickly so make those plans as soon as your trip to Key West is confirmed. The shallow water and extreme clarity makes this an ideal spot for snorkeling, and even novices can enjoy the gentle currents and plentiful marine life that live among coral reefs and shipwrecks. For those who prefer to stay dry, there’s plenty to explore on the small islands that make up the park. Garden Key is the biggest of these and is home to a historic fort that’s open for tours and re-enactments, as well as a beach for swimming.
Discover Shipwreck Treasures at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
The Florida Keys play a big part in the history, legend, and lore of pirates and shipwrecks in the area, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum offers an accessible and engaging way to learn more about shipwreck science and explore recovered artifacts. In addition to browsing the exhibits, you can also get tickets for behind-the-scenes tours that give you an up-close view of lab work focusing on conservation and preservation of these treasures.
Get the Best Fish Sandwiches at Eaton Street Seafood Market & Restaurant
When you’re in Old Town Key West, don’t miss Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant. It’s a local landmark known for its seafood specialties made with daily-caught fish and shellfish. Among the most popular menu items are fish sandwiches, conch fritters, lobster roll, fish tacos, and conch ceviche. Customers are welcome to dine al fresco at the plentiful tables and chairs outside the restaurant or take their orders packed to go, which makes them perfect for picnics or a quick meal after day-long adventures. And if you can’t live without your new-found favorite seafood, Eaton Street offers online ordering and shipping to your home.
Eat Key Lime Pie from Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
There are dozens of restaurants, cafes, and eateries that offer key lime pie, but finding great key lime pie is a little bit harder. For a reliably delicious slice, make a stop at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe on Elizabeth Street. The stand-out location is, of course, yellow and green, so you can’t miss it. Pies here are baked fresh daily, and you can even select key lime specialties like strawberry key lime pie. In addition, Kermit’s offers a curated selection of key lime treats that include cookies, candy, chutney, jellies, and james, plus hand, face, and body care products like lotions and lip balms. Enjoy your slice of pie right away with outdoor seating and a charming fish pond adjacent to Kermit’s, and recreate that Key West feeling anytime with online orders of Kermit’s pies to your home.
Make Your Next Vacation Key West
With a wide range of activities for adventurers, foodies, history buffs, and more, Key West offers something for everyone. And because it’s so easy to get to by air, sea or car, it’s readily accessible even if you only have a few days of vacation time. Build your itinerary with these ideas for a great sampling of it all.
