Girlfriend Getaway to Key West

Quick Travel Guide to Things to Do on Florida's Southernmost Key

© Jennifer Huber

Aug 26, 2008
Rest at the Chelsea House in Key West, Jennifer A. Huber
Discover the eclectic mix of things to do during a girlfriend getaway to Key West. Stroll down Duval, visit a drag queen show and nourish at a naughty restaurant.

Visiting Florida's southernmost key is like escaping to another world. Residents and visitors move at their own, relaxed pace while the island holds a treasure chest full of surprises. Gal pals, sisters, and mothers and daughters will find plenty to discover and things to do during a girlfriend getaway to Key West.

Girlfriend Getaway to Key West: Where to Let the Hair Down

Self-Guided Walking Tour - Old Town (the Key West Historic District) is extremely walkable and the best way to feel the island's quirky and eclectic mix is to wander the side streets into residential areas. Take note of the distinctive Conch House Architecture with sloping metal roofs, louvered shutters and encircling porches. Stop by the Key West Chamber of Commerce in Mallory Square (Tel: (305) 294-2587) and pick up the "Pelican Path" architecture walk brochure produced by the Old Island Restoration Foundation.

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservancy - Hundreds of fluttering butterflies dance around visitors in this indoor tropical paradise. Waterfalls, eye-popping flowers and lush trees set the background for the more than 50 species of butterflies. Occasionally, the winged beauties rest on visitors. (1316 Duval; Tel: (305) 296-2988)

Stroll Down Duval - Day or night, this is where to find the action. Don't miss the galleries and restaurants during the day, especially the little nook of Porter Gardens housing shops with unique treasures like amazing candles by the Global Candle Gallery. The Key West bar scene rocks and rolls most of the day, through the night and into the wee hours of the morning.

Drag Queen Show - A handful of gay clubs produce drag queen shows. Check out Aqua Nightclub for a sassy, spicy and interactive performance with a dash of rudeness and crudeness. Be sure to call for VIP seating and bring a sense of humor with a purse full of single dollar bills to tip the "girls." (711 Duval; Tel: (305) 294-0555)

Garden of Eden - Planning a liberal girlfriend getaway? Try the Garden of Eden atop the Bull and Whistle Bar. It's a clothing optional bar, popular for rooftop sunbathing and mixing and mingling in birthday suits. The club also has a body painter. (Corner of Caroline and Duval; Tel: (305) 296-4545)

Girlfriend Getaway to Key West: Where to Nourish

Sarabeth's - The restaurant has a sunny, cheery disposition and difficult to believe the building once housed a synagogue. Dishes are familiar but have been enhanced by fusing different flavors. Seafood dishes are a sure thing. Try Sarabeth's for brunch, breakfast, lunch or dinner (530 Simonton Street, Tel: (305) 293-8181)

Seven Fish Restaurant - Enjoy dinner at this local favorite. Asian fusion and Floribbean meet good old comfort food in this fish-bistro. (632 Olivia Street; Tel: (305)296-2777)

Better Than Sex - Although this may be better suited for a romantic getaway, this eclectic dessert restaurant has been making headlines since it opened in May 2008. Making it a worthwhile stop while on a girlfriend getaway in Key West. Desserts with racy names are sinfully delicious. The setting is eclectic and romantic. (411 Petronia Street, Tel: (305) 296-8102)

Girlfriend Getaway to Key West: Where to Rest

Accommodations in Old Town have personality and Historic Key West Inns collection (Tel: (305) 294-5229) offers six inns to fit every taste and budget. These include the boutique Key Lime Inn with sherbet lime colored cottages and hotel; Chelsea House Pool & Gardens located in a historic inn; and Budget Key West, a 17-room hotel easy on the budget. The advantage of staying in Old Town is the accessibility to things to do. Familiar hotel names are found throughout Key West, too.

For additional information on what to do in Key West visit, "A Relaxing Few Days in Key West." Planning another girlfriend getaway? Try New Orleans or Homestead, Fla.


The copyright of the article Girlfriend Getaway to Key West in Florida Travel is owned by Jennifer Huber. Permission to republish Girlfriend Getaway to Key West in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Discover Conch House Architecture in Key West, Jennifer A. Huber
Rest at the Chelsea House in Key West, Jennifer A. Huber
Nourish at Sarabeth's in Key West, Jennifer A. Huber
   


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