Key West, Florida Food & Travel Guide

Key West. The Southernmost point of the United States, and perhaps the most tropical spot of the entire continental United States. Beautiful, lush, fun, and quirky all in one. With the sunshine hitting just right, you’ll see some of the bluest water of your life as you make your way to Key West on Seven Mile Bridge.

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Key West is an island in the Straits of Florida and is the Southernmost tip of Florida and the continental United States. It’s located just 90 miles from Cuba (closer to Cuba than it is to Miami). Overall, the island has a free-spirited, laid back, and quirky vibe. What do I mean by quirky? There are bars you can go to where the upstairs’ attire is no clothing (lol) and you can find a drag show in at least one bar every night. Keep an open mind, just have fun, and try to not take life too seriously while you’re in Key West and you’ll have a great time.

KEY WEST, FLORIDA FOOD & TRAVEL GUIDE

So why Key West? Geoff and I agreed that once school was out, we both needed a getaway. He’s been working crazy hours lately and I’m in the middle of looking for a new job, so it just felt right before all of the madness starts again. We went back and forth about where to go but we have this little obsession with a show called Bloodline on Netflix? Anyone else obsessed? It is insanely good. Anyways, the show takes place in the Florida Keys and this sounds lame, but after being obsessed with the show we knew we had to visit. Ps. Just finished Season 3 Saturday night and now I’m depressed that it’s over. The guide to the locations from the show can be found here (however most locations are in Islamorada, not Key West).

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HOW TO GET TO KEY WEST:

-Fly directly into Key West (a bit more expensive than the other options, but factor the price of a rental car into your flights to see if you’ll just be better off flying directly into Key West). In my opinion, you would NOT need a rental car if you’re flying directly into Key West, depending on where you’re staying. However, cabs are available.

-Fly into Fort Lauderdale and drive 3 1/2 -ish hours to Key West

-Fly into Miami and drive 3 1/2 -ish hours to Key West.

As you can see, how you choose to get there just depends on your pesonal preference and how much money you’d like to spend.

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WHERE WE STAYED:

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We stayed at the Chelsea House Hotel which is a renovated yet historic hotel located downtown. Whenever we travel anywhere, we try to stay in a location that’s central to everything we want to do, that way you can walk anywhere, and in my opinion, you capture much more from a city when you walk it. You get to smell all of the smells, hear all of the sounds, see all of the people, and see what makes the place so special, compared to driving and not really getting to experience it. We did have a rental car, however, when we got there, we parked it and didn’t use it again until we got in the car to leave.

I was extremely nervous about staying at this hotel, and it’s going to sound silly, but it’s on a lot of lists online for the “Top 10 Most Haunted Places in Key West.” I’m a weirdo and totally believe in that stuff (Geoff thinks I’m absolutely nuts), so if you’re anything like me, you can understand my nerves. Luckily we didn’t get the “haunted room” aka room 18 (and I definitely would’ve asked to switch if we got it lol).

I can confidently say that we didn’t witness ANY paranormal activity (not sure what I was expecting ha)! Thunder and lightning did wake me up one night while we were there, but that was the extent of my nerves.

My experience was that this hotel is SO much nicer than the pictures look online. There are different buildings for this hotel (had a bit of a b&b feel to it). In the back of a few of the buildings is the pool area. The pool is quite small, but it was fine for us and we didn’t find it to be crowded. There’s an outdoor shower for rinsing off after the pool, a cute area with couches, and another area that has tables and chairs that are covered in the shade (perfect for eating under). If you have kids, you may find the pool area to be too small for you, but other than that, we found it fine.

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WHERE TO EAT

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Coffee:

Keys Coffee Company– They have coffee ice cubes for their iced coffee, enough said!

Breakfast/Brunch:

Sarabeth’s– the best brunch of our entire trip. Make sure to get the flower juice (out of this world) and the almond crusted cinnamon french toast. Topped with bananas (seen above) and absolutely delish.

Key’s Coffee Company– The best coffee of the entire trip for us. Plus they have coffee ice cubes so as your coffee melts in the Key West heat, you don’t have to worry about it getting watered down. They also have good breakfast sandwiches.

Blue Heaven– didn’t get the chance to go here, but it’s highly recommended by all.

Lunch/Appetizers:

Thirsty Mermaid– Amazing lime and coconut milk broth mussels. So unique and unlike anything I’ve had before. Also loved the ceviche. This is the sister restaurant of Little Pearl (see below).

Garbo’s Grill– A food truck, but the best tacos I’ve ever had in my life. Would’ve eaten here twice if there was time.

Dinner:
Little Pearl– My favorite restaurant of the entire trip. SO much delicious seafood. Romantic atmosphere, an intimate space, friendly staff. We ate here twice because we loved it so much. We loved the octopus appetizer, the ceviche, the scallops, and their swordfish. All so fresh and delicious. Get the key lime pie, to go! It’s a small, personal sized pie.

Blackfin Bistro– Another absolutely amazing meal. Similar feel to Little Pearl but a little bit less of a cute, romantic vibe. Such amazing fish dishes and a really great wine list.

Santiago’s Bodega– Tapas style food with a romantic patio (if you don’t mind roosters and chickens).

Drinks:

Sloppy Joe’s– The original and first Sloppy Joe’s location. I had to go here as it brought back so much nostalgia from going every single year with my cheerleading team in Daytona Beach at Nationals. This definitely feels a bit dive-y even though it’s a chain, but it’s fun if you’re in the right mood.

Sunset Pier– A fun afternoon or evening spot to get drinks. A band plays nightly.

Blue Macaw– Food was nothing special but get their frozen strawberry lemonade and you’ll be very happy! So, so good.

Willie T’s– A fun spot for after dinner or late night drinks when there’s a band playing.

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The best tacos at Garbo’s Grill.

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WHAT TO DO IN KEY WEST

Let me preface this by saying that I had a huge list of things I wanted to do in Key West. And guess what? After days on days of profusely sweating upon being outside for one minute, we decided we were so much happier laying by the pool everyday instead of doing tours. And I’m perfectly okay with it! Side note: If you don’t like extreme heat and humidity, I would not recommend visiting Key West from June-September. Locals told us that the worst of the heat is actually in August and September.

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-Book a sunset sail through Fury. You can even book online the day of (like we did). It was around $50 a person and included a two hour sunset sail, an open bar with beer, wine, and margaritas, snacks, and a live band. We were super impressed with the value. Also got to see dolphins which made my life! You can book the sunset sail here.

-Go to the Southernmost Point. Fun fact: Key West is the most southern part of the United States and is closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. We didn’t bother waiting in line to take our picture here (crazy line and a bit overrated) but it was cool to say we had been there!

-Go to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Super bummed we didn’t get to do this, but it is said to be a can’t miss!

-Go to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

-Check out the Key West lighthouse (and it’s not at the water’s edge like most which is pretty interesting).

-If you have an entire day and don’t mind spending a few hundred bucks (or more to fly), Dry Tortugas National park is said to be amazing. There’s boats you can charter to take you out or you can also fly by plane if you want to get there quicker.

-Go to Mallory Square for the evening sunsets. Key West has the best sunsets I’ve ever seen in my life!

-Go to Sunset Pier for drinks in the evening for the live music.

-Take a boat to Sunset Key (a small island) to have lunch or dinner at Latitudes (reservation required).

-There is no uber on the island! However, cabs are available. That being said, we walked everywhere so I can’t speak to the experience and how long of a wait it is, etc.

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TIPS FOR VISITING KEY WEST:

-Contrary to what I did, I would not recommend visiting from June-September. I wrote this above, but in case you missed it, the locals said the island is at its hottest point in August and September.

-There’s no open container law, but there is, but no one enforces it. Confusing right? This part was confusing to me because I constantly saw people walking around with drinks and bartenders would ask if it was for here or to go. However, since I was curious, I looked it up online. It appears that there is an open container law but it’s not enforced. That being said, if you’re underage I would DEFINITELY not recommend walking around with a drink. Even if you are of age, just be cautious and always ask the bartender if you can take it to go before you just grab it and go. We found that some places are more strict than others. Then again, we also saw people shotgunning beers on the sidewalk lol. You will definitely see some interesting things when you visit Key West.

-Ditch the fancy and just rock sandals. Key West and most island towns are extremely casual and carefree. Therefore, dress is very casual. I brought block heeled sandals but of course, didn’t wear them once.

-Bring a lot of sunscreen and apply generously. Remember, Key West is the southernmost point of the United States (even farther South than the Bahamas). You’re going to want to reapply sunscreen a lot.

-There’s no Uber here! However, cabs are available. We walked everywhere so I can’t speak to this experience.

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ABOUT

Hi there! My name is Mackenzie. I live in Portland, Maine with my husband and was born and raised in Maine. After spending 7 years in Boston, MA to build my career and venture outside of my home state, I realized that it felt time to move back home, and here I am! I enjoy romanticizing where I'm from and teaching others to do the same. For sponsorship opportunities, please email Mackenzienoelmurphy@gmail.com

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17 Comments

  1. 7.3.17
    Danielle said:

    Ahh, love your recap! We can’t wait to go next year!

    • 7.3.17
      Mackenzie said:

      Thanks Danielle!! You’re going to have the best time!! xoxo Have a great 4th of July tomorrow.

  2. 7.5.17
    cate said:

    love the pictures makes me want to go right now! Food and drink is making my mouth water

    • 7.5.17
      Mackenzie said:

      Thank you Cate!! I had so many amazing meals. There’s definitely a ton of fresh seafood in Key West. Thanks for reading!

  3. 7.5.17

    I’ve always wanted to go to Key West and this post makes me want to go even more! All of your photos are fantastic.

    • 7.5.17
      Mackenzie said:

      Thank you so much Alison! It was insanely hot but such a fun time. SO many good places to eat. You’ll love it when you go!

  4. 7.5.17
    Rachel said:

    Great recap! I haven’t ventured down to Key West yet but I’m thinking I need to plan a trip one of these days!

    • 7.5.17
      Mackenzie said:

      Thank you Rachel!! So happy you liked it. It was such a fun place!!

  5. 7.6.17

    I LOVE the Florida Keys! My husband and I had Key West as one of our stops on our Honeymoon Cruise. We didn’t get to spend nearly as much time as we wanted to so we will definitely be going back!

    • 7.6.17
      Mackenzie said:

      It was such an amazing spot. I couldn’t get over the view as we drove in!! Thanks for reading Taylor 🙂

  6. 7.7.17

    I visited Key West in high school when I went on a cruise with my family. I don’t remember a lot but I do remember the bright white fences and homes, colorful flowers and fun, beachy vibe.

    • 7.7.17
      Mackenzie said:

      Yessss, all of the homes are so beautiful. They’re all pastel colors with white picket fences. Totally a beach town! Thanks for reading, Shani!

  7. 7.7.17
    Ashley said:

    The Key West is beautiful! I’d love to learn how to scuba dive there soon!

    • 7.7.17
      Mackenzie said:

      It’s so gorgeous there. Ashley, that sounds amazing! I’ve only ever snorkeled haha. I think I’d be a little bit scared to learn to scuba dive, but i would definitely be a once in a lifetime thing to do! Thanks for reading. xo

  8. 10.28.17
    Michelle said:

    I am so in love with all of your photos. I live in the Caribbean but I am going to Key West next month for Thanksgiving and I am so so so excited!

    • 10.29.17
      Mackenzie said:

      Thank you so much Michelle!!! You’re going to have the best time. I had so many great meals there. My number one restaurant recommendation is Little Pearl. I went twice while there because it was so so delicious! Hope you have a great time, and thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂 xoxo