I thought I already posted this, but I can’t find the thread if I did.
I’m going to Key West, FL for work & a little R&R.
I’d like to hear from you if you’ve been there. Oh sure… I can Google for “Things to do” but you you know how that goes. I’d rather pick from a list of things to do from people that have been there; and could tell me why something is fun to do.
I’ve never been snorkeling. Ft. Jefferson & The Dry Tortugas is a pretty cool day trip, and I can also snorkel there.
Basically I’m looking for opinions from those of you that have info to share about Key West.
Sounds great, though if you’re going there in the near future one of the fun things that Key West inhabitants do this time of year is evacuate (from hurricanes).
The Dry Tortugas is a great trip; just make sure you have some Dramamine on hand. Those big “Cat” boats are generally pretty smooth out in the open ocean, but on my trip there was a 4-foot chop all the way back…not fun at all.
The Conch Train is a decent way to get an overview of the main attractions hear the history of the area (as long as you can stand the bad jokes). My best meal when I was there was at Blue Heaven. And of course you must head down to the pier for the nightly gathering of the sunset appreciation society.
Another vote for Dry Torgugas. There’s a little restaurant near the docks called “Harpoon Harry’s” where a lot of the locals go. Check out Dominique and his Flying Cats. He performs at one of the hotels at Mallory Square. The Fort Martello museum near the airport is kinda neat.
+1 for the Dry Tortugas. You can go by plane or boat. If you go by boat they usually include a lunch and snorkeling gear. Maybe the planes do too, but we went by boat. If you go, you won’t be disappointed.
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is worthwhile too. As mentioned, the Conch Train is a good way to get an overview of the town.
You can also tour Hemmingway’s house if you’re interested. Have your picture taken with the buoy at the southernmost point in the US.
Of course there are plenty of good bars and restaurants. You can also rent bicycles and motorcycles to tool around on.
Check out the sunset at Mallory Square. KW is a party town, have fun!
One thing that surprised me was the number of chickens/roosters on the island.
Try getting away from Duval and taking a walk through Old Town. Some beautiful architecture and gardens throughout the area. Also, try dinner at The Flaming Buoy, some of the best seafood I’ve ever had (even better than 7 Fish).
I’m a native Floridian and snorkeling is better in the upper keys in my opinion but it’ll do in Key West. Dry Tortugas? I agree it’s easy to get sea sick out there. I am pretty good in the water but those glass bottom boats, which are popular all over the Keys make me seasick.
I didn’t care much for the Dry Tortugas. Big deal, there’s nothing really there. There’s no services there, so bring everything you’ll need. They’re like 50 or 75 miles from Key West so it’s a good haul.
The Conch Train is touristy as is Hemmingway’s home and you can go to the “Southernmost Point.”
Key West is very expensive. Be prepared to pay through the nose for everything.
What I really liked was up in Marathon, about 50 miles north of Key West. You have the dolphin research center. That is worth it. We got to swim with the dolphins
In regards to the Dry Tortugas. You can camp out there I think. This time of the year the Milky Way is high up in the sky at sunset. If the Fort/camping area isnt overrun with streetlights it should be VERY unlightpolluted there and the night sky will be magnificent. Maybe catch a boat out there one morning, spend the day snorkeling around, pitch camp, enjoy an amazing night sky, and catch the boat back the next morning. Of course, this only applies if the time you are going is when the moon will NOT be up/out in the evening.
Another vote for the Garden of Eden, on the top floor of the Bull & Whistle.
Drinking:
There are a lot of good happy hours around town, and some really decent bars. Check out The Half Shell Raw Bar, The Green Parrot, Schooner Wharf, The Porch… The Bottle Cap is a nice late night place with mostly locals. Dante’s is basically a large pool surrounded by a bar. I’ve never been a fan of the large, touristy places on Duval, but check them out and decide for yourself.
Eating:
Many good restaurants. Try Blue Heaven for breakfast, El Siboney for Cuban, Latitudes for the view (It’s on a private island - Sunset Key), Alonzo’s for happy hour.
Last time we did a half day fishing trip with Capt John’s Charters (The Greyhound), then took what we caught and had it cooked at Dante’s (most places will cook it for you). That was tasty.
The jet ski tour around the island is fun, and they give you time to play.
The sunset cruises are nice, and they’re usually all you can drink.
It’s a chill kind of place that’s great for people watching and hanging out. Have fun!
Check out the Key West forum at Trip Advisor for a boat load of information.
Depending on where you are, you may pick up a ‘contact’ rash from coral because of the random particles that drift on the currents. I did, despite not straying any closer than 30ft from a coral mass. It was pretty disturbing, given that the rash consisted of numerous small itchy bumps that my brain was convinced held shrimp larvae or some other disturbing creatures that would hatch from my arm and chest. A local pharmacy in Marathon prescribed an over-the-counter ointment that quickly took care of it.
Getting back on topic; a Ghost Tour of Key West is something you might enjoy. We had a rather interesting character in a top hat give us an extensive tour with a voice resembling an old Jimmy Stewart. Very entertaining.
Took a biplane ride over Key West, you just go out to the airport & find the guy. He takes you out over wrecks & stuff. Don’t remember it being super expensive & it was alot of fun.
Have to admit Duval Square at sunset was pretty darn nice, too. Most of all it’s just the whole laid back feel of the place that I enjoyed the most.
Have a great time in the Conch Republic!
I took a plane to the Tortugas. there was great snorkeling and very clear water. The fort is horrible when you remember people were imprisoned there, including Samuel Mudd.
There are great restaurants and bars everywhere. On Duval street there is The HOgs Breath Sallon, then Sloppy Joes and Captain Tonys. The Iguana Saloon has alligator sandwiches. There is Jimmy Buffets Margarittaville, The Green Parrot and Kellys (Kelly Matillis of Top Gun opened it) ,they have their own brewery and offer interesting beers. There re Irish Bars ,and live music all over town from about 11 to 3 am. Some local waterholes have good food. and better prices. There are Cuban , Chinese , Italian and all kinds of restaurants.
There is a good beach (Smathers) on the East side of the island. There is another next to Fort Jefferson.
There is an aquarium downtown . The Hemmingway House is near. That is near the Wreckers Museum and Mel Fishers museum. Fishers shows gold and replicas of the stuff he found when he found the Atocha. It was a hell of a find.
There are lots of activities depending when you go. There is Fantasy Fest during Holloween. There is a Cuban Fest a little later. There is a Jimmy Buffet Fest around Oct. too. There also is a golf course on Stock Island.
You can walk practically anyplace and rarely need a car.
Key West has cameras that pan the area night and Day. you can access them in the Key West sites. You can also type in Sloppy Joes or the Hogs Breath and watch the stage shows and other cameras.
