Kick Back in Key West, FL

Black History Self-Directed Audio Tour

Take a minute to soak in the significant contributions of African Americans in Key West. Visit the legendary Higgs Beach, Bahamatown, and more on this self-directed tour. Best taken if you have a car, but you can also complete it on a bike. Book it with me through Viator!

Key West Butterfly Sanctuary

This is a nature conservancy on the Southernmost side of Key West. It is great for families and kids to visit, to learn all about butterflies, from science to migration. You’ll also see caterpillars, exotic birds, flamingos, and a cascade of waterfalls, plants and flowers while there.

It offers a great blend of education and serenity in a natural habitat that makes you feel as zen as the blue ceramic frog in his cross-legged yoga pose that resides there!

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (Beach)

This is the best beach in Key West, as most are full of sargassum (black seaweed). Minimal parking and beach chair rental fees (you get a partial reimbursement for your beach chair rental fee), with places to eat or cook out. Watch out for the jellyfish!

Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tours

Eat your heart out on this yummy tour on foot! This 2-hour tour will take you through the heart of Key West to sample local delights like conch fritters, chocolate-covered key lime bars (a must-try!), Cuban coffee, local fish, Cuban cuisine and rum from the renowned "The Rum Bar"

Treasures of the Seas Animal Park in Islamorada

This is a fun family outing in Islamorada, FL. If you have a car, take a trip here to learn all about parrots, alligators, sea lions and dolphins. Make sure to stay for the fun animal shows to see their tricks! Visit Lazy Days restaurant afterward for good bar food and beautiful views of the Keys.

Sombrero Beach in Marathon, FL

If you have a car, take a trip to this well-known beach in Marathon, FL. The water is still and clear and has very little seaweed. There are nice playgrounds for kids here and clean public bathrooms and walking paths, too.

Conch Tour Train

Take an open-air ride on these throwback trains to see popular sights like Mallory Square and the Key West Aquarium. This is an easier way to see Key West without having to rent a car (parking is pricey here) or rent a scooter or skateboard if that's not your thing

Shopping

There are lots of cute stores in Key West that are small-business owned as "Big Box" stores aren't popular here, so be sure to visit them to get everything from t-shirts to locally made items like ceramics. Key West also has great museums and art galleries, but my absolute favorite store is on Petronia Street, actually. It's called Besame Mucho and it is sexy, hip and has a vibe. Take your credit cards!

El Siboney - This is THE best Cuban restaurant! Prepare for your palate’s mind to be blown! From whole fried fish (the only place in Key West to prepare it that way), rice and beans, plantains, beef empanadas, chicken wings and their truly savory cured onions in salt and sugar, you won’t be hungry or disappointed!

Mo's Haitian Restaurant - If you want authentic Haitian food, go here! Prepare to get a hearty and steaming hot plate of comfort food native to this country, including stewed chicken, rice and vegetables. I could barely eat what was on my plate, but Lord knows I tried!

Eaton Street Seafood Market - If you are into lobster rolls, stop here for lunch to eat outside and soak up the sun and your bun in hot butter while crunching on potato chips!

Pinchers - Looking for a happy hour that starts earlier than normal and won't break your bank? Try here! They offer hot and cold shrimp every day, either with dipped butter or spicy cocktail sauce. While you're at it, order their fresh French fries - it will be hard to resist them, an order of fresh oysters and their chicken wings. Then wash it down with their beer or wine selections. Oh, and they have free parking too!

Kaya - This Pacific and Caribbean-infused restaurant is known for its fish and their many preparations. Try the fish tacos, the ahi Poke nachos, their Boom Shakalaka Shrimp or the jerk chicken wings if you have a hankering for West Indian food.

Southernmost Beach Cafe Restaurant - Located at the Southernmost Beach Resort. Ask the chef to prepare the fresh fish you caught!

Bagatelle - This upscale restaurant has pasta and seafood to die for, and has a French flair. The cocktails were poppin' and the atmosphere was elegant and boutique-like.

Nine One-Five - Upscale seafood restaurant known for its cocktails. Sit outside to soak up the atmosphere while dining with your boo. It's definitely a date-night type of place.

LaGrignote - Fancy and decadent French breakfast delicacies like quiche and croissants that you can wash down with fresh basil lemonade in mason jars and macrons that you can take to go. What a culinary experience!

Anas Cafe Cubano - You can get authentic Cuban sandwiches and coffee here. Try the egg and cheese on Cuban bread to start your day. You'll be full and alert for a LONG time as Cuban coffee is a power shot!

Banana Cafe Key West - Picture cheesy and gooey omelets and quiches with fresh salads or fruit as your breakfast. Yes, that could be yours if you go here!

Mangoes - If you are into conch fritters, you have to visit here. They are divine, incredibly fattening, and good. They have lots of other yummy dishes, but all I could focus on were these fritters. And the sauce. But try it for a happy hour to enjoy the live music.

Martin's Key West - A garden-like dining experience with fresh fish and steaks. Try the Ahi Tuna!