Had several folks PM me about Key West vacation, so figured it’d be easiest to try to share it all here....I know that’d have saved me some time and research.
Flights - Much, much cheaper to fly into Miami than Key West, but it is a 3.5-4 hour drive from MIA to Key West. We rented a car only for the day we flew in and the day we left. Didn’t see the need or point to have one while we were there. Parking a vehicle alone is going to cost you a minimum of $20/day, at least in the area we stayed, and it is not very practical to drive around anyhow.
Hotel - We stayed at Margaritaville Resort. Great location, we had a view of Sunset Key and Mallory Square from our balcony...couldn’t have asked for better. Not too impressed with the amenities. Pool was very small, pool bartenders were pretty rude, and drinks weren’t even that good. Not really sure what I was paying the $50/day resort fee. I think I’d look into the Hyatt Centric if I was going to come back.
Sunset Cruise - We did a sunset cruise on ‘Commotion in the Ocean’. Very touristy but the Cat 5 on draft and margaritas were great, live music was really good, Food was about like bar food, and the crew was top notch...I though it was worth the $50/person.
Beaches - Best beach we went to was on Sunset Key. If staying at Margaritaville you could pay $20 for a day pass, worth the $20. Second best was Fort Zachary. I think it was $5 for a day pass for the wife and me. We rented on umbrella and chairs for $30 and had a good time down there. It is rocky and not what you’d think for a Florida beach. If you’re looking for nice sandy white beaches, Key West shouldn’t be on your list.
Eats - where do I start....lots of good food down there. Hands down best food I had was at Hogfish Bar and Grill. It’s a couple of miles outside of Key West, but worth the 10 minute drive. Just a warning it is sketchy looking driving to it, but it is safe. Their Killer Hogfish Sandwich was the absolute best fish sandwich I’ve ever had. It is the lightest, flakiest fish you’ll ever eat...it’s like it melts in your mouth. B.O.s Fish Shack is second best fish sandwich and by far the best conch fritters. Sandy’s Cafe for a great Cuban sandwich. Blue Heaven for a great breakfast/brunch. I had the BLT Benedict(L is for lobster), a bit pricey but dang it was good. You also can’t go wrong with Conch Republic, we ate there a couple of times, food and drinks were great. Schooner’s Wharf was also a great locals place with live music and decent food.
All in all....if you are looking for a typical beach vacation, Key West wouldn’t be my choice. If you’re looking for a mini New Orleans style feel, with ok beaches nearby, and pretty touristy...then this is your place. With just the wife and I we’d spend on average $200-250 per day on eats (usually ate twice a day) and drinks. They are face masks nazis also, even when walking down the sidewalk you have to have it on. Lots of rude people, not sure what is wrong with those folks, definitely don’t go looking for Texas hospitality.
I’m sure I’m forgetting something, I’ll add if I think of anything else.
Flights - Much, much cheaper to fly into Miami than Key West, but it is a 3.5-4 hour drive from MIA to Key West. We rented a car only for the day we flew in and the day we left. Didn’t see the need or point to have one while we were there. Parking a vehicle alone is going to cost you a minimum of $20/day, at least in the area we stayed, and it is not very practical to drive around anyhow.
Hotel - We stayed at Margaritaville Resort. Great location, we had a view of Sunset Key and Mallory Square from our balcony...couldn’t have asked for better. Not too impressed with the amenities. Pool was very small, pool bartenders were pretty rude, and drinks weren’t even that good. Not really sure what I was paying the $50/day resort fee. I think I’d look into the Hyatt Centric if I was going to come back.
Sunset Cruise - We did a sunset cruise on ‘Commotion in the Ocean’. Very touristy but the Cat 5 on draft and margaritas were great, live music was really good, Food was about like bar food, and the crew was top notch...I though it was worth the $50/person.
Beaches - Best beach we went to was on Sunset Key. If staying at Margaritaville you could pay $20 for a day pass, worth the $20. Second best was Fort Zachary. I think it was $5 for a day pass for the wife and me. We rented on umbrella and chairs for $30 and had a good time down there. It is rocky and not what you’d think for a Florida beach. If you’re looking for nice sandy white beaches, Key West shouldn’t be on your list.
Eats - where do I start....lots of good food down there. Hands down best food I had was at Hogfish Bar and Grill. It’s a couple of miles outside of Key West, but worth the 10 minute drive. Just a warning it is sketchy looking driving to it, but it is safe. Their Killer Hogfish Sandwich was the absolute best fish sandwich I’ve ever had. It is the lightest, flakiest fish you’ll ever eat...it’s like it melts in your mouth. B.O.s Fish Shack is second best fish sandwich and by far the best conch fritters. Sandy’s Cafe for a great Cuban sandwich. Blue Heaven for a great breakfast/brunch. I had the BLT Benedict(L is for lobster), a bit pricey but dang it was good. You also can’t go wrong with Conch Republic, we ate there a couple of times, food and drinks were great. Schooner’s Wharf was also a great locals place with live music and decent food.
All in all....if you are looking for a typical beach vacation, Key West wouldn’t be my choice. If you’re looking for a mini New Orleans style feel, with ok beaches nearby, and pretty touristy...then this is your place. With just the wife and I we’d spend on average $200-250 per day on eats (usually ate twice a day) and drinks. They are face masks nazis also, even when walking down the sidewalk you have to have it on. Lots of rude people, not sure what is wrong with those folks, definitely don’t go looking for Texas hospitality.
I’m sure I’m forgetting something, I’ll add if I think of anything else.
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