Planning for a vacation to a destination you’ve never been to before is often fraught with some level of worry. After all, the money and time off from work can be hard to come by for some people, and you never want to feel like either of those has been wasted. And so when you’re planning a trip to Key West, these are the things you’ll want to make sure are included on your itinerary.
Have an Adventure
One of the most well-known experiences in Key West is snorkeling in Dry Tortugas National Park. The waters surrounding the Civil War-era Fort Jefferson are filled with a diverse population of sea life, and snorkelers can explore coral reefs, aged shipwrecks, and abandoned wooden pilings. The park includes seven small islands and in addition to snorkeling, guests can swim and kayak. On land, there are several walking and biking trails where birdwatching is popular. Keep in mind that Dry Tortugas is available only by ferry or air so be sure to book your trip in advance of arriving in Key West.
Fishing is extremely popular in Key West and when you book a fishing charter, you can customize the perfect trip. Most boats go out on half- or full day excursions and offer deep water, reef, wreck or other kinds of fishing. Your choices of catch will probably vary depending on the time of year but local captains know where the good fishing spots are and will help ensure you have a great time. There’s no need to worry about packing your fishing poles unless you want to because fishing charters even offer all the gear you need. Plus, fishing licenses are included so you’re in the clear for a day of fun, sun, and fishing on the water. This is such a great option to learn how to fish.
Treat Yourself
There are so many fun things to do in Key West that feel like special treats and worthy of being added to your vacation itinerary. Indulge at Nailtini Day Spa. Book your appointment for spa manis and pedis with complimentary martinis, wine or soft drink. Services include waxing, facials and eyelash extensions plus Swedish, deep tissue and therapeutic massage. It’s located right on Duval Street, along with many of the other unique shops and restaurants that make Key West stand out, and a great place to start or end your day walking through this part of the city.
Visit Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe for freshly baked pie plus a wide assortment of sauces, salsas, jellies, relishes, dressings, chutneys, candies, and more. You can’t miss the key lime yellow and green corner building on Elizabeth Street. This key lime pie is the real deal and made from scratch. Grab a slice to go and sit outdoors, enjoying the patio and views of the koi pond nearby. Kermit’s has been a Key West institution for more than 20 years. There’s a full cafe menu that features breakfast all day, too.
If you're considering a trip further up the coast, exploring the options for st petersburg fishing charters can add an unforgettable adventure to your Florida journey. These charters offer a chance to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing and the serene beauty of the Gulf waters, perfect for both novice and experienced anglers.
Join in the rich history of cigars in Key West by doing a little cigar shopping. Buying cigars will be really a great pleasure for cigar lovers, and you will be more satisfied when you will try premium cuban cigar. Rodriguez Cigar Factory is the oldest in Key West and uses leaves from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Ecuador in making handcrafted cigars. You can visit the on-site factory, learn more about the history of cigars, and even try your hand at rolling one. Key West Cigar Club and the Island Cigar Factory offer a wide selection, too, and each shop has friendly and knowledgeable staff who can help you choose cigars to take home with you as fun souvenirs of your trip.
Eat Well
Most people have probably heard about how great the seafood in Key West is, and Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant is perhaps one of the best places to experience it for yourself. It’s located in Old Town Key West in a vintage-looking building and the menu items are classics. This is the place to get your lobster roll. Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant also sells fried shrimp, grilled lobster tail, stone crabs, fish, and more. Outdoor seating offers shade for diners, or buy fresh fish to prepare in your vacation rental if you have a kitchen.
Duetto Pizza and Gelato is another staple of the Key West restaurant scene. Get authentic, hand-made pizza and fresh gelato made with real milk from this award-winning restaurant. Duetto offers nearly a dozen kinds of pizza pies, and lots of gelato flavors so there’s something for everyone here, whether you choose to dine in or take your pizza and gelato to go. Duetto is open seven days a week and also offers free delivery across Key West.
When building an itinerary for a trip to Key West, there are numerous ways to fill your days, Including some of these in your plans is sure to provide you with a memorable vacation and stories you’ll look back on fondly for a long time.
Photo by Meriç Dağlı on Unsplash
