Key West, Florida {Travel Guide}
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
Happy Friday! I have a very exciting travel guide for you today. For my birthday this year, I went to Florida. Beforehand, I kept thinking about what city I wanted to go to. I was torn between Key West and Vegas. Obviously, two very different places. Ultimately, as you can tell, I decided on Key West. We stayed in Key West right on the ocean; however, we drove back to Miami as well. Since Andrew has never been, and it is one of my favorite cities. We stayed for 3 days, so I saw and did everything I wanted to do for the most part. I will share everything I did then recommend some other fabulous places to check out as well.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at the Blue Flamingo Resort Key West. At the gateway to the island and just minutes from Key West International Airport, Blue Flamingo Resort is Key West’s newest reimagined escape. This resort has been completely renovated, including guest rooms, upgraded amenities, vibrant design and refreshed outdoor spaces. With 245 rooms, two pools with luxe cabanas, and two unique dining spots, it blends playful and refined. There are so many activities to do here. They have an exercise room, basketball, cornhole, ping-pong, etc. There was no free breakfast. You have to pay for parking as well, which was kind of crazy considering you are just parking on dirt. I don't know if I would stay here again because the balcony is shared with everyone else on your level, on that side. Also, there is a road in-between the hotel and the ocean that can be very noisy. I think I would explore other hotels in the area if I were to go back to Key West anytime soon.
Other Places To Stay
Margaritaville Beach House Key West- Located in New Town, next to the island's largest beach, and just a short distance from historic Old Town. Explore the culture, nightlife and water activities on the most famous of the Florida Keys and return to the quiet casual luxury of your premium oasis. Relax in a poolside cabana or gather around our fire pit in the evening with a frozen concoction. You'll find plenty of fun and relaxation at the property, including beach access, a pool, a fitness center, activities and much more.
Southernmost Beach Resort & Guesthouses- Tucked in Historic Old Town on Key West’s serene Atlantic Coast lies an oasis in the middle of the party. Relax resort-side on two white sandy beaches or in one of our three heated pools. Try out The Petite Spa. Realign your body and soul with a daily roster of classes and activities. Whatever you're in the mood for, there’s an option to suit every occasion, from romantic beachside dinners to cocktails and bar bites with a side of live music. Breakfast is included. A beautiful hotel with so much to do. Another great hotel choice you can stay at.
What To Do
Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters- Almost immediately after the U.S. Navy established a base in Key West in 1823, the need for a lighthouse became evident. Erecting a lighthouse was essential in assuring the safe arrival of both military and commercial vessels navigating the shallow, reef-laden waters off the Florida Keys. Today, you can climb 88 steps to the top of the Lighthouse Tower to get one of the best views of the island and its surrounding turquoise waters. $17 for adults, Youth $9 and children under 7 free.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach- A visit to Key West will never be complete without spending a day or more at the Historic Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. The perfect way to experience the most of what tropical island life has to offer. Take a narrated tour of Fort Zachary Taylor and see Civil War cannons and learn about the fort’s construction. Fort Taylor is a perfect example of the wealth of history Florida has to offer. The park, which now covers a total of 54 acres, is a National Historic Landmark that played a significant role in Florida’s early development.
The Hemingway Home and Museum- The Ernest Hemingway House was the residence of American writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1930's. The house is situated on the island of Key West, Florida. It is at 907 Whitehead Street, across from the Key West Lighthouse, close to the southern coast of the island. Ernest Hemingway was given a white six-toed cat by a ship’s captain and some of the cats who live on the museum grounds are descendants of that original cat, named Snow White. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is home to nearly 60 polydactyl (six-toed) cats today. Stocked with an assortment of mementos that are linked to the life and times of the Home’s Nobel Prize-winning author, and to the whimsy of this beautiful tropical paradise.
Southernmost Point- The Southernmost Point Buoy is an anchored concrete buoy in Key West, Florida that claims to mark the southernmost point in the continental United States. A bucket list, must-see!
Smathers Beach- When in Key West, you have to go to the beach! This is a public beach & a spring break destination with showers & volleyball, plus jet ski rentals. Warning, there was a lot of seaweed all over the beach when we went there in June, and I think it may have gotten worse.
Duval Street- The lively, 1.25-mile main thoroughfare in Key West. Stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Famous for its vibrant nightlife, historic wooden architecture, and open-container culture, it offers a blend of bars, restaurants and boutiques. You have to walk down here at least once while you are in Key West.
Where To Shop
Key West Sponge Market- A souvenir shop stocking a large selection of items, including seashells, sponges and fans. The best souvenir shop in Key West, in my opinion, so many fun, little goodies here, great to take home.
Shell World- The Florida Keys premier island lifestyle shopping destination for over 50 years. Offering souvenirs, clothing, jewelry and shells. They do have Jellycats as well!
Where To Eat
Hogfish Bar & Grill- Lively, open-air seafood eatery known for its namesake hogfish sandwich & relaxed atmosphere. A true Key West experience. The food was so fresh and delicious.
The Stoned Crab- A nice dockside spot at Ibis Bay Beach Resort with local seafood specialties & organic cocktails. This restaurant is pricy. Key West’s freshest seafood that specializes in the most famous and most delectable local seafood, stone crab. Located adjacent to Ibis Bay Beach Resort, this restaurant has two private fishing boats that deliver daily catches of stone crab, lobster, Key West shrimp and a variety of local fish. With a full bar, experienced staff and a friendly open-air atmosphere, The Stoned Crab is the perfect place for a relaxing meal or a local cocktail.
Blue Heaven- Located in historic Bahama Village, Blue Heaven, one of the most casual of key west restaurants features outdoor dining, live entertainment and chickens running free. My favorite resturant in Key West. The atmosphere cannot be beat.
Key Lime Pie Factory- Classic & unique versions of key lime pie, plus coffee & packaged sweets, with outdoor tables where you can purchase a heart lock to "lock your love" to add to their back patio. Too cute!
Fast Food Options Key West Has- Sonic, Starbucks, Taco Bell & Wendy's
That is my complete Key West Travel Guide. We had the best time. I highly recommend staying at least 3 days. 1 day for the beach and then 2 days for exploring Key West. There is so much to do and see! Cannot wait to go back one day. I cannot recommend taking a summer vacation to Key West enough. Everyone needs to go here at least once.
Xoxo,
Chey
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