KEY WEST, FLORIDA - 3/10-3/13/2026

 The Florida Keys is a popular vacation destination attracting people from all over the United States, Floridians looking for a “chill” place to unwind for a few days and college Spring break students crowding Duval Street for a party week.  The popular rowdy strip is lined with bars and clubs, live music everywhere, restaurants, art galleries, shops and Cuban coffee houses. It’s a beach town, forever in vacation mode, where “kicking back” is a way of life.  It has a bohemian style about it, unique charm, with more roosters walking the streets than tourists.  Key West has something for everyone and boasts adventure or time for relaxation.

Key West has an interesting history, culture, nature and incredible diving and fishing.  Originally called Cayo Hueso, which means “Island of Bones” in Spanish, named after the bones of the indigenous people found there.  In 1982, the island was declared “Conch Republic,” as a symbolic secession from the United States.

Interesting Facts and Places of Interest:

·      Key West is the southernmost point in the continental U.S., the end of U.S. 1, which begins in the most northern part of Maine.  It is located just 90 miles from Cuba, identified with a colorful buoy landmark, where generally there is a line of people waiting to take a photo, perhaps with hopes and dreams for Cuba to become a part of the United States.

·      Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams are two famous writers that found inspiration in the vibrant culture.  Take a tour of Hemingway’s house and get a glimpse of his life and all of the memorabilia.

·      There’s a ferry that travels 50 miles to Dry Tortugas, which is an underwater national park with stunning coral reefs and where you can snorkel with parrotfish.  There’s also a Civil War site to tour.

·      Mallory Square is a festive atmosphere to watch the sunset and enjoy street performers, local artisans and food vendors.  The aquarium is there and offers interactive marine life experiences for visitors.

·      There are many chartered sailboats, motorboats and fishing boats available for hire to explore the beautiful crystal blue/green waters.  Dolphin watching is popular.  The Key West Historic Seaport has beautiful views of the marina and is vibrant with shops and restaurants.

·      Ghost tours are on the island reviewing the haunted history of Key West.

·      The Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park is located along a beautiful beach and has the largest collection of Civil War armaments in the world.

·      The Truman Little White House can be toured, offering insight into presidential history.  It was the winter White House for President Harry S. Truman.

·      Duval Street is the main street that goes through the town and is lined with legendary bars, i.e. Sloppy Joe’s, the Green Parrot Bar, Ricks and Captain Tony’s, to name a few.

Must do Food Experiences and Attractions:

·      Seafood is abundant, including pink shrimp, lobster, and stone crab claws.

·      Cuban Food is authentic; a shot of Cuban coffee will grow hair on your chest and Key Lime pie is the dessert of choice.  The famous Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe is a must visit.

·      Lolita’s is an active restaurant on the water with the best sunset views, while sipping a margherita and noshing on a full menu of salsa, nachos, tacos, salads, fish specials, ribs and much more.  We enjoyed Lolita’s.

·      Antonios is a quiet and tasty Italian food restaurant, conveniently located on Duval Street.  Fresh pastas, veal and chicken dishes, fish specialties, salads and a full menu of appetizers and desserts.  We sat at the bar, had friendly service and a very good meal.

·      Martins is lovely dining, off the beaten path, and has an extensive menu of fish, beef, chicken, and lamb choices with a full wine list from many regions in California, Italy, France and more.  Service was excellent and we enjoyed what we ordered.

·      The Hop on Hop Off Trolley Tour is about 1 hour and 30 minutes and gives you a wonderful overview of the island and the main attractions.  Viator.com is an easy website to buy tickets. 

·      Rent a FURY electric golf cart for 4 or 6 people that you can travel throughout the town, on any of the roads of Key West.  It’s a fun way to immerse in the vibe of the island, stop at a bar or two, pick a spot for lunch, or pack a picnic basket and drive down to Smathers Beach, with beautiful pure white sand and crystal-clear water.  You will fall in love with Key West for its island beauty, friendly natives, and fun atmosphere.

Our four-day getaway from Naples, Florida was our way to honor our son Matthew on his birthday, March 11^th.  Matthew would have been 36 years old, and he loved Key West; his Spring break destination from his University of Miami college days.  It was comforting to walk the streets and stop in some bars that Matt spoke about with glory.  JonPeter reiterated some of the main hangouts, that he also visited three different times during his UM and fraternity college years.  We were happy to have this time together and share in some way with Matt on his birthday.