Make Your Key West Vacation One to Remember

Lots of people visit Key West and have a great time, but there’s a special knack to making vacation plans that leave you really wanting more, so much so that you’re already planning your return trip before you get home. If that’s the kind of vacation you want in Key West, read on to discover the best in adventure, food, and lodging.

Snorkel in Dry Tortugas National Park

The crystal clear waters and abundant sea life make snorkeling in the waters of Dry Tortugas National Park a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Located only 70 miles from Key West, it’s accessible only by ferry, which books up fast so you’ll want to make those reservations ASAP after deciding on your vacation dates. The park includes several small islands called keys, but the biggest one is where most people visit, and that’s Garden Key. It’s the site of a historic fort with a large promenade you can walk, and you may recognize it from postcards and photos of Key West. The shallow water and plentiful underwater landmarks make this an ideal place for even novice snorkelers to feel like they’re achieving success in the sport. You can explore sunken ships and multiple vibrant coral reefs. For those who’d rather stay above water, swim the beach at Garden Key, tour the historic fort, kayak around the smaller keys, or try bird watching.

Visit Distinctive Restaurants

The perennially popular Seaside Cafe and Bar at the Southernmost House Mansion is a stand-out choice for lunch or dinner. It literally offers seaside dining, with highly rated menu items like lobster bianca pizza, caprese sandwiches, and honey butter lobster biscuits paired with creative drinks. If you’re tempted by fresh seafood, don’t miss Old Town Key West’s Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant . Shaded outdoor seating allows you to eat right there or get your order to go, which makes it a tempting choice for picnics. Among the most in-demand dishes are fish tacos, conch fritters, and lobster rolls. Duetto’s Pizza and Gelato is legendary for homemade pizzas and house-made gelato prepared with only the freshest ingredients, and Santiago’s Bodega is the place to go for small plates in a warm and cozy atmosphere. Try the Yellowfin tuna ceviche and beef carpaccio, as well as the shrimp and chorizo dishes.

Book A Chartered Fishing Trip

Fishing is one of the most popular reasons why travelers choose Key West, and its unique position between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans means the fish passing by are abundant and diverse. Though it can be tough to choose what you want to fish for, the good news is that there is always something biting off Key West. Tuna, grouper, and mahi-mahi are only the beginning. All In Fishing Charters is a great choice, whether you’re an experienced angler or not. They have the attentive and friendly service you’d expect from a charter company, and they’re committed to you having a good time and coming home with a great catch.

Discover Amazing Accommodations

If you’re one of those people who treat your hotel or motel as just a place to crash at the end of a long day of vacation, you could be missing out. The accommodations in Key West often have multiple amenities for even the most discerning travelers to enjoy. From high-end resorts with on-site spas to bed and breakfasts with courtyard gardens where your breakfast is served, from campgrounds with pools and pavilions to hotels with rooftop bars, nearly all Key West lodging options have at least one stand-out feature.

Among the most elegant and upscale, check out the Santa Maria Suites Hotel, The Marker Waterfront Resort, or the Pier House Resort and Spa. You’ll be well taken care of by chains like DoubleTree by Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Waldorf Astoria. Top bed and breakfasts include Avalon, the Truman Hotel, The Southernmost Inn or Island City House Hotel.

Look for amenities such as bicycle loans or rentals, pools, beach access, spa treatments, on-site dining, marina access, and room features like balconies, plunge pools, rooftop pools, and happy hour events for guests. Key West is home to multiple big events throughout the year, from film and literary festivals to sporting events like fishing tournaments, marathons, and 5K races, so ask about available hotel packages when making your reservations. You may get a discount or your hotel may host special events tied to the activity, exclusively for hotel guests.

See the Best of Key West

With something for nearly everyone to enjoy, Key West is a vacation destination unlike any other, so make your lodging and itinerary choices just as exciting. No matter what time of year you book, you’ll get that same gorgeous weather, plentiful activities, and a welcoming feel from the locals. Use these helpful hints to ensure you get everything you hope to out of your trip.

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