KEy WEst
Day One: Driving the Keys, first night
- Fly in Early to Miami or Ft Lauderdale and rent a convertible (we got a black Ford Mustang convertible, "Mustangs, they're tough", Johnny from the Outsiders.
- 10:00-10:45AM. Coral Castle (28655 South Dixie Hwy, Homestead)
- 11:00-11:30AM. Robert is Here (19200 SW 344th St, Homestead)
- Option: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. We skipped this b/c we wanted to get to Key West with plenty of time to check in, happy hour, dinner.
- Option: African Queen in Key Largo (replica of the movie boat), skipped as well.
- 12:30-1:30PM. Rain Barrel Village (86700 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada). Local shopping, Snacks/Lunch, hokey giant lobster.
- 1:30-2:30PM. Drive over Seven Mile Bridge and past Bahia Honda State Park. Wow!, this is why we got the convertible. Option: Beach at Bahia Honda State Park, maybe on way back. Option: Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
- 2:30-3:30PM. No Name Pub (30813 Watson Blvd, Big Pine Key). Slightly out of the way but fun spot if you can use a rest and a drink. Good Pizza.
- Option: National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center
- 4:30-5:15PM. Check in. Duval House (815 Duval St). Recommend staying in old Key West, on Duval or walking to Duval. Loved this place, wasn't cheap but very nice, came with parking, free courtyard breakfast, and gave us a free beer at time of check in.
- 5:15-7:30PM. Stroll down Duval St, shop and drop in for a drink with live music. Too many places to name, Duval is like a tropical Bourbon st, we stopped at a place called Willie T's b/c we heard 70's acoustic covers.
- 7:30PM+. Sloppy Joe's (201 Duval St). Many choices, we went here b/c the menu is big, music was good, and there is a back bar with great craft brews.
Day two: Full Day in Old Key West
- 8:30-9:15AM. Breakfast in courtyard at Duval House.
- 10:00-12:30PM. Key Lime Bike Tour (122 Ann St). Covered all the key spots of Old Key West with a knowledgable guide. Truman, Hemingway, southernmost point, mallory square, etc. Well worth the price, see everything with historical annecdotes in only a couple hours. The tour ended with a complimentary slice of key lime pie from Key West Lime Pie Co.
- Tip: Rent the bikes for the rest of the day
- 12:45-1:30PM. DJ's Clam Shack (629 Duval St). Best Lobster Roll ever,,,, yes in Key West.
- Option: Hemmingway Home and Museum. We decided to skip this b/c we wanted to be outside biking around and stopping at bars with music.
- 1:30-5:00PM. Enjoyed the outdoors biking, shopping, and going to bars. Here is what we did: Captain Tony's Saloon, Hank's Hair of the Dog (live music, outside), Shops on Duval (have tons of locals and chains), Green Parrot, Old Town Tavern and Beer Garden.
- 5:00-6:30PM. Take advantage of Pool, rest, regroup.
- 6:30-7:30PM. Blue Heaven (729 Thomas St).
- 7:30PM. Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square (420 Wall St).
- Later. Hogsbreath Saloon (400 Front St).
Day Three: Kayaking, on to Key Largo
- 8:30-9:15AM. Breakfast in courtyard at Duval House.
- Option: An extra day to Dry Tortugas National Park. Next time, will do this.
- 10:00-12:00PM. Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour by Lazy Dog Adventures (5114 Overseas Hwy)
- 12:45-1:30PM. Herbies Chowder House (6350 Overseas Hwy) as seen on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
- 2:15-3:45PM. Florida Keys Brewing Company (81611 Overseas Hwy) & Islamorada Brewery (82229 Overseas Hwy)
- Option: Visit all the attractions you passed by on the way down
- 4:30 to 7:00PM. Gilberts Resort on Key Largo. Check in, enjoy beach, regroup.
- 7:30PM. Planned to go out for dinner but ended up eating at Gilbert's, live music at the outdoor bar,,,, didn't feel like getting back in car.
Day four: Early flight home from Ft Lauderdale
- 7:00-7:30AM. Complimentary breakfast at Gilbert's.
- Option: if time and didn't already do it: Robert is Here and Coral Castle.
- Drop car, fly home.
More tips for a KeyWest Visit
- More Suggestions, maybe take several 3dayvacations: All the options provided above. Need more trips. Next time, Dry Tortugas and Hemingway House.
- Stay near Duval St, you want to walk home.
- check out the Chickens and Roosters walking around.
Details & Descriptions
Coral Castle
Coral Castle is a unique experience, a castle built over a 28 year period by a single man.
RObert Is Here
Robert is Here is a fun fruit stand slash mini-zoo. It's fun, lots of fresh fruit. Robert himself cashed us out.
Rain Barrel Village
Rain Barrel Village
Rain Barrel Village was a fun little break. Sat in the sun with feet in the sand and shared conch fritters and a lobster roll.
No name pub
Rain Barrel Village
No Name Pub is a fun spot, good place for a drink on the trip down to Key West.
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
Sunset Celebration looks fun but must admit we didn't make it all the way down there.
Key Lime Bike Tour
Key Lime Bike Tour is the best idea for seeing and learning about every key attraction in only a couple hours.
Key WEst Mangrove Kayak
Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour was exhausting and relaxing. Great Experience.
Florida Keys Brewing Company
Florida Keys Brewing Company has a fantastic tropical beer garden and good low abv beers to enjoy it.
Islamorada Brewery
Islamorada Brewery
Islamorada Brewery and Distillery also has a fantastic beer garden with low abv beers for day drinking.