You could visit the Florida Keys without eating a fresh slice of tart key lime pie...but why would you? This pie, best enjoyed following a batch of fresh conch fritters and a large margarita, is one of the most iconic delicacies with heritage in the keys. Should you be looking for the best key lime pie on the southernmost island, Key West, I would suggest a visit to Kermit's Key Lime Shoppe. Here you can buy pie by the slice, or experiment with frozen pie dipped in chocolate on a stick. If you're anything like me, you'll struggle to enjoy pie that's not frozen on a stick after such a delightful tasting experience. But there's more to enjoy in the Keys than the pie.
Visitors can reach the Keys in a few ways. You can fly directly to Key West, take a boat from mainland Florida, or drive from the Miami area via US-1. I did the latter, renting a car in Fort Lauderdale and driving down through the Everglades and each of the small keys between Key Largo to the southernmost point. The four hour drive was full of sightseeing, as each of the keys have unique offerings along the way. The most exhilarating of which was the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, which seems to stretch endlessly into the surrounding ocean.
When visiting Key West you should plan to spend a few nights to ensure you can experience all that the small isle has to offer. Leave the alarm at home...you won't need it in Key West. The wild roosters greet the morning with their loud crows each day.
Catch Some ZzZz
Key West has accommodations of all kinds, from house rentals, beach-front hotels, and condos. My family opted for apartment-style accommodations, staying comfortably at Santa Maria Suites.
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 chocolate ice cream in the freezer, water bottles, and Ghirardelli chocolates as part of the turndown service. There was a complementary happy hour and free smoothies and fruit infused water by the pool. Not to mention the chilled washcloths to cool off with in the heat of the day.
There was beach access to the public beach around the corner. The beach staff would set up towels, chairs and umbrellas for guests of the Santa Maria Suites.
While parking was available at the hotel, we rarely took the car out, because the location was within walking distance of Duval Street, the beach, and many local restaurants and spas. I highly recommend Santa Maria Suites when you're staying in Key West.
Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson by Seaplane
It was certainly the highlight of our Key West trip and set a high standard for everything else! I recommend this excursion for anyone who loves nature, snorkeling, National Parks, or the historical significance of these beautiful islands between Florida and Cuba. And unless you're Jimmy Buffett, how often do you have the opportunity to travel by seaplane? You can read more about this once in a lifetime excursion in my "Two If By Seaplane" blog post.
Have a Spa Day
There are a wide variety of spas on Key West. Most of the large resorts have spas on-property, and you can even take a ferry to The Spa at Sunset Key. I opted for a smaller, locally operated spa, Amri Key West. The boutique had a nice selection of jewelry, lotions and potions. Prior to my massage I was able to sit in the back patio, which was a tropical zen garden. My massage was outside under the shade of palm trees and ferns, which created a rainforest-like ambiance. So relaxing!
Waste Away Again In Margaritaville
Key West is known for many things, including Duval Street. Lined with iconic bars and restaurants, Duval Street is a great place to grab a margarita or other tropical drink of your choosing. Jimmy Buffett's original Margaritaville restaurant and shop is located here, as is the iconic Sloppy Joe's Bar. Sloppy Joe's was the preferred haunt of Ernest Hemingway and many more.
Take in the Sights
Put on your walking shoes or grab a bicycle to best take in all of the sites Key West has to offer. You can tour Ernest Hemingway's House, where you'll have the chance to make friends with the 52 six-toed cats on property. You can also visit President Truman's "Little White House," the former president's winter escape. If you're wanting some time on the beach, plan a day at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. This National Historic Landmark is a Civil War-era fort located near the southern tip of the island where the beach and snorkeling are especially good. Of course no visit to Key West is complete without a visit to the Southernmost Point. To end your days, be sure to arrive early to Mallory Square where you can experience the beautiful sunsets that Key West is famous for. Grab a cocktail and enjoy.
Planning your trip to the Keys? Check out the Key West page on my blog for tips, videos and more.
Cheers!
AB
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