Key West, Florida
A direct flight to the Florida Keys is a luxury few can afford. My trip started with a $100 Southwest Airlines ticket from DAL to FLL. My family rented a car and drove 30 minutes south to Miami, and another three hours south via Highway 1 (The Overseas Highway) to Key West. Each of the Florida Keys has a distinct feature, from sport fishing to scuba diving. However, our trip took us straight to Key West, the southernmost island of the Florida Keys and The United States of America. From there I enjoyed the key lime pie, weathered island-style architecture, and roaming roosters the island is most known for.
Those wanting a sandy beach and frosty drink should vacation elsewhere. Key West can hold its own when it comes to drinking - Sloppy Joe's comes to mind - however, it trades sandy beaches for quaint architecture and foodie delights. I quite enjoyed walking down Duval Street with a Kermit's frozen key lime pie on a stick in my hand.
The highlights of my trip included:
Seven Mile Bridge
Square Grouper Bar & Grill on Cudjoe Key
Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortuga National Park
A cheeseburger and salted margarita at the original Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
A spa day at Isle Style Salon & Boutique
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Santa Maria Suites and Resort
My family of three decided to stay at the Santa Maria Suites after reading the wonderful reviews on Trip Advisor. It was our first time to Key West, so we did lots of research while booking our trip. Our stay was wonderful and reflected everything that we had read prior to booking.
The amenities at the hotel were wonderful, the rooms clean and tidy, and the staff (both at the front desk and at the cabana) were helpful. Every morning we had complimentary muffins from a local bakery, Dove chocolates in the freezer, water bottles, and Ghirardelli chocolates as part of the turndown service. The staff leaves a personalized note for every family staying there including the forecast for the following day. There is a complementary happy hour and free smoothies and fruit infused water by the pool. Alcoholic beverages are available by the pool for purchase. Towels are available by the pool, including chilled washcloths to cool off with in the heat of the day.
There is beach access to the public beach around the corner. The beach staff will set up towels, chairs and umbrellas for guests of the Santa Maria Suites.
We never had trouble finding a parking spot in the hotel lot. We rarely took the car out, because the location was within walking distance of Duval Street, the beach and many local restaurants and spas. Bikes are available for rent.
Overall, the hotel made this a spectacular trip. Even though there were only three guests staying in the suite (slept 4-6), it was wonderful being able to spread out and have space to unwind. The in-room amenities were fantastic! Having a fully stocked kitchen allowed us to save time and money at restaurants. We tried to have two meals at the hotel versus eating out for three meals a day. There are several large grocery stores in Key West. We easily saved $400-$600 by dinning in. Likewise, every room had a TV, and there were 2.5 bathrooms in the two room suite. Not to mention the washer and dryer and gorgeously renovated bathrooms.
We will definitely stay at the Santa Maria Suites if we ever have the opportunity come back to Key West. I highly recommend this hotel. Five stars and two big thumbs up!
Papa Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway's home is a must see in Key West. True to what you've heard, and likely seen, there are up to 52 cats roaming the estate. It's very easy to spot their sixth toe. My family and I truly enjoyed roaming the grounds and learning about Papa Hemingway.
Things to know before you go:
- Cash only
- Limited parking available
- There were free guided tours through the grounds, but you may also roam at your own pace
Dry Tortugas National Park
What an amazing National Park!
Whether you take the seaplane (as I did), or you take the Yankee freedom, you won't be disappointed by the beautiful Dry Tortugas. The history and nature of the island are magnificent and definitely worth the money to visit during your time in Key West.
The snorkeling is magnificent, and the fort itself is massive and full of interesting history.
Things to know before you go:
- It's hot. Plan your attire accordingly.
- Be sure to bring a change of clothes (there are men's and women's changing rooms at the dock).
- Bring towels, sunscreen and other sun/beach gear.
- There is no food or drink available for purchase on the island.
- The bathrooms on the island close when the Yankee Freedom is docked.
- Have sneakers or good walking shoes for roaming the fort as the grounds are uneven.
After great debate, and after reading the wonderful reviews on trip advisor, my father and I decided it was worth it to take the seaplane out to the Dry Tortugas. We were not disappointed.
While pricey, the half-day trip allowed us to see one of the most beautiful and hardest to reach national parks and be back for lunch on Key West.
There is free parking available at the airport. Once you arrive you must check in and watch a brief safety video about the park. You're offered an ice chest with water and the soft drink of your choosing.
The flight took around 35 minutes, during which time you see the beautiful flats of the Florida Keys. We saw at least 20 sea turtles a few sharks, and even a stingray on the flight out. You also get overhead views of Key West, several small islands, and the Dry Tortugas. You also see a few sunken sea vessels along the way.
The in-flight headphones have music and the occasional guide to what you're seeing out your window. The pilot also chimes in on occasion.
I highly recommend doing the first half-day tour of the day. We departed the airport at 8:00 a.m. and arrived at the Tortuga's a little before 9:00 a.m.. That gave us 1.5 hours on the island before the herd on the Yankee Freedom docked. The benefits were the following:
1) It was fairly cool (all things considered) in the morning.
2) You feel like you have the island to yourself. The only other people there are a few Park Rangers and campers (approximately 30 people total).
3) You don't have as many rowdy children/families; you can genuinely roam the island, tour the fort, swim and snorkel in peace (no offense to rowdy families intended).
It was certainly the highlight of our Key West trip and set a high standard for everything else! I would highly recommend this for anyone who loves nature, The United States' national parks, or the historical significance of these beautiful islands. And unless you're Jimmy Buffett, how often do you have the opportunity to travel by seaplane?
