A Relaxing Few Days in Key West
Florida's Southernmost Key is the Ideal Place for a Quick Getaway
Key West, Florida is the perfect vacation spot to unwind and rejuvenate.
Many people find themselves rushing all the time. There are constant deadlines at work. Calendars are filled with appointments. Nobody can ever seem to get anything done fast enough. A couple days in Key West, moving at a more human pace, is the antidote to that frazzled, treading water feeling.
The Best Time to Go to Key West
The trick to having a relaxing vacation in Key West is knowing when to go. There are holidays when the island is madness (Halloween comes to mind) and weeks when spring-breakers swoop in like drunken locusts. Many cruise ships dock in Key West as well and the town fills up quickly. Taking a look at the latest cruise ship schedules, and picking days with fewer ships, can make the difference between a peaceful getaway and a jam-packed annoyance.
The Drive Between Key West and Miami
The road to Key West is made for taking it slow. The stretch of US1 between Miami and Key West seems more like a series of connected bridges than a road. The long expanses of over-water driving earned it the nickname of The Overseas Highway. Along the road are incredible ocean vistas, hotels, seafood shacks, dive shops, and boats.
Walking in Quaint Key West
Upon entering town, visitors should ditch their car and get around like the locals do. Anyone really in a rush can jump on a rented or borrowed bike and traverse the whole island in no time flat. But the palm lined streets of Key West are made for strolling. Along the way, visitors can check out the steep roofs, shutters, and porches common to the unique conch house architecture of the area.
Eating in Key West
Those in need of a break from their stroll can head over to Duval Street where many of Key West’s restaurants are located. A spot on the porch is the perfect place to watch the world go by while lingering over some incredible local cuisine. Some longtime local favorites include Origami (for those who like their fish raw) and the elegant Bagatelle (for those who prefer their fish cooked). For something a little simpler, Croissants de France offers an array of pastry, great breakfasts, or a light lunch on their quiet patio.
Where to Stay in Key West
Accommodations in Key West have personality. Many are located in historic houses, like the extremely popular Marquesa Hotel (600 Fleming Street). For those on a budget, The Eden House (1015 Fleming Street) offers rooms with a shared bath for very reasonable rates.
Key West Without an Itinerary
Sure, visitors could hit tourist spots like Hemingway’s house or the aquarium, but Key West is about being more than doing. There is no experience more quintessentially Key West than just whiling away the hours in a hammock, drinking good drinks, eating good food, talking to interesting people, watching the world go by, and remembering what life was like before they invented the Personal Digital Assistant.
More on Key West
See Annette R. Bignami's article, Walking Key West for more ideas on what to do around town or Linda Gettmann's article, Snorkel and Dive the Florida Keys for nearby diving sites.
