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Photo by Mary Ann Barton
The sun sets in Key West, Florida.
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Photo by Mary Ann Barton
A sea turtle swims at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida.
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Photo by Mary Ann Barton
A rooster and hen make their way about town in Key West, Florida.
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Photo by Mary Ann Barton
Dolphins swim at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, Florida.
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Photo by Mary Ann Barton
The sun sets in Marathon, Florida.
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Photo by Mary Ann Barton
Visitors enjoy the pool at The Reach Key West in Key West, Florida.
Connected by 42 bridges just south of Miami, the Keys are the largest coral reef chain in the country, ending at Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States. While the Keys are a great place to visit if you're into a tropical laidback lifestyle, you'll also find water sports, fishing, art galleries, history, architecture, great food, marine life, shopping and more.
The Florida Keys has always been somewhat independent. In 1982, Key West momentarily seceded from the United States in response to the border patrol stopping cars to purportedly search for illegal drugs or illegal aliens, resulting in a 17-mile traffic backup. Although the secession was temporary, the state of mind was not and you'll see the Conch Republic flag flying proudly.
With that independent lifestyle in mind as the backdrop for our getaway, we flew into Fort Lauderdale on a two-hour, 40-minute flight on Southwest Airlines out of Reagan National and rented a car for the three-hour drive down U.S. 1 to Marathon. We stopped for tacos and margaritas at Senor Frijoles in Key Largo and made Marathon our home base. Key West is about an hour's drive south.
After a trip to a local grocery store, we settled into our hotel in Marathon (more about that below). It's hard to squeeze in everything we did in 10 days here, but here's a look at some of the activities, dining and accommodations we experienced that you can also try:
Things to Do
- Conch Tour Train: This 75-minute tour is the perfect way to find out all there is to know about Key West — the fascinating history about everything from the free-roaming roosters you'll hear crowing everywhere you go to the Harry S. Truman Little White House and Ernest Hemingway's home. 303 Front St., Key West
- Dolphin Research Center: See dolphins up close; founded as a nonprofit corporation in 1984, the goal is to ensure the dolphins have a home and establish a unique education and research facility. Research is conducted on behavioral engagement. 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key
- Kayaking Eco Tour at Lazy Dog Adventures: A great spot to explore the mangroves and see manatees. Be sure to wear a swimsuit, water shoes, a hat, a sun shirt and plenty of sunscreen. 5114 Overseas Highway, Key West
- Sebago Land's End Sunset Sail: The beautiful sunsets in the Keys are an event, whether it's in Key West at Mallory Square or elsewhere. There are several sunset sails and Sebago's, aboard a 70-foot catamaran, does not disappoint with live music and refreshments. Buy a ticket at the waterfront. 205 Elizabeth St., Key West
- Turtle Hospital: Sea turtles that are injured, many hit by speed boats, are brought to the hospital for rescue and rehabilitation and some undergo surgery, which we watched during a tour from behind a glass partition in a program supported by visitor fees. In addition to a talk about sea turtles, you'll also get a chance to see and feed some of the recovering turtles. 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon
Dining
- Barnacle Barney's Tiki Bar: Hidden away at The Hammocks Marathon Resort, be sure to try the Key Lime Colada, a frozen concoction created after two Key Lime pies were smooshed in transit to the bar. Mary Jo, the manager, created the drink that is now the most popular on the menu.
- Chef Michael's: The best-tasting meal during our trip was at this popular upscale spot on Islamorada, where you must make a reservation especially on weekends. Be sure to try the Hogfish, "the fish" of the Keys and the carrot cake. 81671 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada
- First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery: The fresh seafood was out of this world and beautifully presented at this lovely venue with outdoor seating under Key West's signature Banyan trees. The historic spot served as the birthplace of Pan American World Airways. 301 Whitehead St., Key West
- Four Marlins (at The Reach Key West): This lively oceanfront restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including a happy hour and Sunday brunch. The restaurant's name was inspired by the four marlins caught by author and Key West resident Ernest Hemingway on his boat the Pilar, named for one of his wives. 1435 Simonton St., Key West
- Il Postino at Isla Bella Beach Resort: This restaurant beat out all others when it comes to its ambiance next to the water with twinkling lights, a sandy beach and friendly service. We wanted to return for happy hour and live music during our trip but ran out of time. 1 Knights Key Blvd., Mile Marker 47, Marathon
- Kermit's Cafe Kitchen: For the past 30 years, Kermit Carpenter has been in the business of all things key lime including of course key lime pie. Hands-down, Kermit serves the best key lime pie in the Keys. Find a seat by the koi pond and enjoy! Next door is Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe. Keep your eyes peeled for Kermit himself — he's dressed in Key Lime green from head to toe. 200 Elizabeth St., Key West
- Lighthouse Grill at Faro Blanco Resort: The best dessert during our trip was served here — not key lime pie, but chocolate-covered pistachio ice cream that is not on the menu, but was recommended by our waiter. 1994 Overseas Highway, Marathon
- Robbie's Marina: The main attraction at this sprawling restaurant and bar, the Hungry Tarpon, is feeding the tarpon from the dock. Even though there is a sign not to feed the pelicans, they elbow their way onto the docks to the delight of the young at heart. Great brunch spot. 77522 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada
Accommodations
- The Reach Key West: We stayed two nights at The Reach Key West, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, right on the ocean. Its name is inspired by a nautical term — "sailing on a reach," which are ideal sailing conditions. This romantic resort reflects Key West in its whimsical artwork by local artists. Lifelike statues on the property prompt calls at least three times a week to the front desk. A life-size chessboard, bocce pit, pool and beach round out the stunning property. Barefoot Billy's offers jet ski, kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals and sunset cruises. An overseas gazebo at The Reach is often used for weddings. The Reach guests are welcome to visit sister property Casa Marina, next door. 1435 Simonton St., Key West
- The Hammocks at Marathon Resort: The Hammocks at Marathon Resort is located on the Gulf side of the Intercoastal Highway and part of the Bluegreen Vacation club. Our condo included two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining area and living room as well as a balcony overlooking the pool, a marina and Barnacle Barney's tiki bar. The sunset views from the balcony were breathtaking. 1688 Overseas Highway, Marathon
If you go
Be sure to check out keywestattractions.org and keywestvacationpass.com, which offers a savings pass of up to $850.
