Key West, FL
Whether you are on a road trip to the southernmost national park in the continental US or looking for vacation paradise, then you are in the right spot. This is a list of some of the best places to visit and eat. Many of these places were recommended by my brother and sister-in-law who lived on the island for over a year. Not necessarily locals but, they do know a lot more than us (and probably Yelp at times).
Wondering what to do?
Southern Most Point - Take a picture next to the iconic buoy.
Mallory Square - Enjoy the nightly sunset celebration overlooking the Gulf of Mexico horizon.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park - Great place to enjoy the outdoors, bird watching, or immerse oneself in history.
Lazy Dog Adventures - Explore the mangroves and clear waters of Key West during a guided kayak or paddleboard tour.
Fury Tours & Cruises - During the day take a boat out in search of dolphins or a close-up experience with tropical marine life. Or, at night enjoy a sunset cruise with drinks and music.
*Do not be like me and take a picture of (and definitely do not touch) the silver bar within the walls of the shipwreck museum. I am pretty positive I caused our sunset cruise to be canceled… whoops.
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One of the most visited attractions in Key West. During your visit, you learn about Ernest Hemingway and Key West history. If that doesn't matter to you, then maybe the cats walking the gardens will; some even have six or seven toes!
Visit the museum that houses several of Audobons art, including the birds he painted while visiting Key West.
Dolphin Research Center (in Grassy Key)
If you want to meet dolphins up close and personal, then this is the place to be. My brother and sister-in-law loved this opportunity and we are sad that we weren’t able to visit during our trip.
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With two choices of how to explore Key West, it can be hard to choose. The Trolley tour offers unlimited re-boarding at their 13 different spots, goes around the entire island, and sits up higher, while the Conch Train stops at four different locations, explores downtown, and is dedicated to the architecture & history of the island. Both are great alternatives to trying to drive yourself.
Ghosts and Gravestones
Offered through the same company, although this tour takes place at night. Pass by some of the most haunted sites on the island while learning a little more of their history along the way.
Now where to eat?
There are SO many options in Key West. There is a choice for every occasion, mood, or vibe.
D.J.’s Clam Shack - Small restaurant, a limited menu, and not a ton of seating.. all of which does not matter once you have had one bite. Seriously, the shrimp roll was a *chef’s kiss*
Key Lime Pie Factory - Everyone has a different opinion on where to find the best key lime pie. There are a lot of shops in the heart of downtown but, if you walk a little farther away you can find a superb slice of pie.
Garbo’s Grill - When my parents visited my dad spoke of Garbo’s when he returned. This hidden gem did not disappoint my dads hype. Highly suggest trying the Kogi Dog - everyone wanted one after they saw ours.
Mattheessen’s - If you want to stuff your face with a cookie the size of your place, this is the shop for you.
Moondog Cafe & Bakery -Moondog serves all three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (+ dessert).
Sandy’s Cafe - Unexpectandly attached to a laundromat, you might not think twice about stopping but, then that would make you a fool. Perfect lunch spot after exploring downtown.
Hogfish Bar & Grill - Highly recommended restaurant to enjoy dinner. Their menu had so many options that all looked yummy. We ended up ordering the lobster mac n’ cheese & calamari.
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Here is an extended list of places to eat that we were unable to enjoy before the end of our trip:
Pepe’s Cafe
Blue Heaven
Onlywood Pizzeria Trattoria
Harpoon Harry’s
Tattoos & Scars Saloon
Kava Culture Kava Bar
