Exploring the Florida Keys
A colourful island escape to Key West, road trippin' to the Southernmost point... where to eat and what to do!
Known for its laid-back island vibe, turquoise waters, and delicious key lime pie, Key West offers a slice of seaside paradise in the Florida Keys archipelago.
The four-hour drive down from Miami is the perfect excuse to stop along the way, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat on one of the other keys. I’d skip Robbie’s on Islamorada, which is essentially a big activity centre (famous for its tarpon feeding but a bit of a tourist trap), and instead, recommend Key’s Fisheries in Marathon. This unassuming little shack has loads of character and cooks up some incredible seafood. We tried the lobster Reuben and thousand island shrimp, both truly scrumptious! To top it all off, we enjoyed our lunch in the company of some wild nurse sharks!! Surprisingly, this spot wasn’t busy at all… perhaps it’s a bit of a hidden gem?
We spent four days exploring Key West, which was more than enough time to get to know the island and figure out the spots we liked best. In hindsight, we could have spent one less day here, but we were thankful for the downtime in between Miami and Nashville that followed.
I’d never been anywhere quite like Key West, and honestly, hadn’t heard of it until a few weeks before booking our trip! All the surroundings, especially the architecture, felt completely new to me, which made for a refreshing change of scene. The former fishing town is now a popular destination for many American tourists and is easily accessible if you’re driving from Miami, so expect some crowds, especially on weekends.
Situated just 90 miles from Cuba, the island is buzzing with Cuban influence, particularly noticeable through the music and cuisine. We had incredible seafood at Half Shell Raw Bar, including a standout conch ceviche - this quickly became our favourite restaurant. I’ve linked my Florida Google Map with all the places I saved down, including some which were recommended to me but we didn’t have the chance to try! Standout spots in Key West included Garbo’s Grill for easy lunchtime tacos, Glazed Donuts for the best coffee & doughnut combo and Capt Tony’s Saloon for live music and classic dive bar vibes.
If you’re after a casual, fun evening out, Duval Street is flooded with live music bars, some more lowkey than others, but each with their own quirky charm… try out The Garden of Eden if you’re adventurous enough! Mallory Square is popular for sunset and if you’re lucky you might find yourself in the company of some dolphins and manatees. We only saw one of the two, I’ll let you guess which!
But Key West isn’t just about the food; the island also has some rich history. Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West in the 1930s and his legacy is a major part of the island’s identity today. President Harry S. Truman also holidayed in Key West, and his Little White House in the Truman Annex is open to visitors, and surrounded by quintessential island homes.
We spent our days exploring the corners of Key West, everywhere is walkable, and parking isn’t much of a hassle. One gem we stumbled upon was Tropic Cinema, an independent non-profit cinema offering a curated selection of independent, classic and new blockbuster films. Of course, we had to have a look inside, and Greg at the front desk was very eager to give us a bit of a backstory of the establishment.
The town itself is fairly small, with limited options for sightseeing and shopping, so I’d recommend spending your afternoons making the most of the island’s beaches. There are two main public beaches to choose from: Smathers Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. At Smathers, you can walk for miles through shallow, turquoise waters, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a few conch shells. It’s also a favourite sunrise spot on clear mornings. Alternatively, head to Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, where you can relax by the water, explore the historic fort, and even come across sunbathing iguanas.
The slow-paced island life of Key West offers a refreshing break from the everyday. This effortlessly charming and full of character island is surreal enough to feel like you’ve stepped on a movie set…
Save down my Florida Google Map for a full list of recommendations.