Key West Vacation – From a Local’s Point of View

 Enjoy a Key West Vacation from a Local’s Point of View

I lived in Key West with my husband for several years and we became the vacation spot for our family friends.  We still visit at least once a year to the 1 mile by 3 mile island we called home for so long.  Here are some of my tips and favorites when visiting the island and enjoying a Key West Vacation.

First, bring lots of sunscreen! Just about everything to do is outside and there is sunshine almost all year round.

Rent a scooter.  The speed limit is 35 just about everywhere on the island. I used to fill my scooter up once a week on one gallon of gas. It’s extremely economical. Moped Hospital is a great place to rent. They do most of the repairs for the locals and take care of their scooters really well.

Sunset Celebration is a must see. They set up nightly 2 hours before sunset and hang around sometimes up to 2 hours after.  It’s made up of local jewelers, artists, and crafters who sell their goods on Mallory Dock. There are also tons of street performers.  You can buy Conch Fritters from the local food carts or grab a hot dog.  It’s a unique and fun experience.

There is so much good food that can be found on the island!  If you’re on a romantic get away I highly recommend Latitudes on Sunset Key. You take a boat from the Marriott over to the island with no cars. The restaurant is right on the beach and the view is amazing.  Are you traveling with kids? Rum Barrel is an excellent choice. It’s a pirate themed restaurant. It has lots of  favorites like wings and burgers and you can still enjoy local favorites like mussels, fish, and shrimp.  Are you looking for a private get away lunch away from all the tourists?  Louie’s Backyard Barbecue is one of my favorites! You can eat out on the back deck which over looks the ocean. Their ribs are amazing!  You can also bring your dog down for the doggy flotilla right on the beach.  Blue Haven is a favorite breakfast spot. The food is delicious and you can watch the Key West chickens roam around outside.

So besides enjoy good food, soak up the sun, and drink, what else can you do in Key West? I’m so glad that you asked!  You can take wave runner tours around the island, go snorkeling, take a sunset cruise, go pair a sailing (The Fury is a great company that handles all this).  There’s a butterfly house where you can walk through the garden and have butterflies land on you. I also love the Hemmingway House!

Of course while you’re there you have to have a piece of Key Lime Pie! You can also find totally unique gifts from seashells with your name engraved on it, to pirate themed goodies, hot sauce, and local art and jewelry.  Of course, this is just the “tip of the iceberg” I could probably write chapters on the places to visit! (Sloppy Joes, Harpoon Harry’s, Schooner’s Wharf, and more!)

A Key West vacation  is a great place to visit with family, friends, as a romantic getaway or even by yourself!

Topic: Key West Vacation