Last month, I had the opportunity to explore the Florida Keys for a week in partnership with the Florida Tourism Board! Joined with three fellow bloggers, Alexi (@housegleaves), Vicki (@fashiontravelrepeat) and Lauren (@nytoanywhere) we explored Key West, Key Largo, Islamorada, and lots more in between!
Travel Highlights
- The Keys are a great option for domestic travel! The NYC area offers many direct flight options – you don’t need a passport to escape the cold and experience the tropical, warm climate in the southernmost part of Florida. Travel time is approx. 3-hours from any major East Coast city.
- Key West itself does have an airport, but we opted to fly into Miami and road trip across the iconic Overseas Highway to our first destination: Key West!
- We noticed an incredibly diverse group of visitors in the Keys! Lots of folks our age hitting up the bar scene, couples enjoying the peaceful beach environment, families, groups of friends and solo travelers from all over the world.
- Our trip was Monday – Saturday for a total of 6 days and 5 night. I felt this was the perfect amount of time to see everything we wanted to in Key West and also enjoy a few days in the Upper Keys, Key Largo and Islamorada.
- The weather was a little cooler than we had expected (approx. 60-80 degrees throughout the week) but the sunshine really made a difference. I felt that all of us were comfortable with the very summery clothing that we had packed, but I’d suggest bringing some type of light jacket or sweater for the evenings. I had a denim jacket and was perfectly comfortable. **for reference, this trip took place during the last week of January**
- There are over 1,700 islands that make up the Florida Keys (how crazy is that!!) but only 43 are connected via a string of bridges stretching from mainland Florida to Key West. The remaining outer Keys are only accessibly by boat!
Pro Tip: Rent a car. It is easily the best option when exploring the Florida Keys! Of course there is Uber, but having your own car makes it considerably easier to check out different islands and locations during your stay.
KEY WEST
Key West is the very last island located at the tip of the Florida Keys! Dozens of restaurants, cafes, shops and excursions are just waiting to be explored.
We arrived after a 3.5 hour drive and pulled up to the luxurious, Oceans Edge Resort & Marina, located about 15-minutes from the heart of Key West on Stock Island.
Poolside at Oceans Edge Resort & Marina
The incredible view from our balcony
Oceans Edge offers upscale rooms and on-site amenities including six heated pools, marina access to snorkeling and fishing excursions, the Yellowfin Bar & Grill, cafe, bike rentals, paddle boards and regular shuttle service to Key West. Plus, every single room offers a truly stunning view of the ocean.
Every morning I was in awe of the beautiful colors streaming in through our balcony at sunrise! And yes, we were up before sunrise almost every day (gotta get those golden hour shots am I right!?).
Now, what does everyone want to do after a day of traveling – EAT! If you’re a seafood lover, you will THRIVE in Florida….
Where To Eat in Key West
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen – Located at the Perry Hotel on Stock Island, the “coastal comfort food” was just what we needed after a long day of traveling! When the seafood tower came to our table we were so impressed by the modern presentation. Oysters, ahi tuna ceviche, shrimp cocktail and rock crab legs, filled a stainless steel tackle box – keeping everything fresh and cold. I don’t usually go for oysters, but the presentation really sold me! (and the delicious vinegar sauce didn’t hurt either).
Blue Heaven – If the live music doesn’t draw you into this backyard restaurant, the bright blue building will! Blue Heaven is the perfect breakfast spot! Mimosas, coffee, and banana pancakes please…
Kermit’s Café Kitchen – If you’re looking to get a quick start to your day, stop at Kermit’s for a quick and delicious breakfast. Or stay a while and enjoy the outdoor seating and koi pond.
Turtle Kraals – Go here for the famous turtle race – an oxymoron, yes, but they actually happen – and you could win $100! Stay for the funky drinks and fun atmosphere.
After a restful first night at Oceans Edge Resort, we headed out to explore Key West! We stayed for a total of 3 nights and were able to see so much on the small island!
What To Do in Key West
Earnest Hemingway Home & Museum – Step back in time to Key West in the 1930s and explore Earnest Hemingway’s writing escape. Maintained in the original style, the Hemingway Home is a beautiful property and historical landmark in Key West. The plantation style house is a beautiful spot to grab a few photos for the gram (and check out the famous 6-toed cats!).
Matching Set | Shoes | Bag | Sunnies
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory – I was not expecting to see so many beautiful and exotic looking butterflies when we entered the conservatory! Neon blue twinkles and the sound of flamingos (yes, they make a sound!) fill the high ceilings of the conservatory. Takes less than an hour to explore!
Romper | Scarf | Sunnies | Shoes
Sunset Celebration in Mallory Square – Get there early and have a plan once the sun goes down. Every night, visitors flock to Mallory Square to watch the sunset over the horizon in the heart of Key West. Once the sun goes down (or if you’re all good on sunsets :p ) head to one of the dozens of bars and restaurants off the square.
Southern Most Point – This isn’t exactly an excursion, but more of a check mark on the list that is Key West. If you’re looking to get a picture, be ready to wait in line!
Be sure to explore Duval street and walk through the streets of Key West. Bright, beautiful houses with sky high palm trees line the street.
If you’re looking to head out on the water I highly recommend the Reef & Ritas Snorkeling Excursion and Wind & Wine Sunset Sail (noticing any trends here…).
Our two boat excursions topped my list of favorite things to do in the Keys. Getting out on the open water and soaking up the sun was amazing and just what I needed. We even saw dolphins on the Reef and Ritas tour! A little bit more info about both below:
Reef & Ritas Snorkeling Excursion w/ Fury Water Adventures – Maybe I’m biased because I love being on boats, but this was my favorite excursion of the entire trip! A sunny day at sea, heading out only a few miles from Key West into the turquoise blue ocean. As promised there were reefs….and there were margaritas! And the Fury Water Adventure crew was an absolute blast!
Danger Charters Wind & Wine Sunset Sail – This was tied for first as one of my favorite activities! Sip wine and enjoy the beautiful sunset as you sail around Key West (with yet another fantastic crew!). With a group of less than 20 on board we were able to really enjoy our time on the boat, and felt that we could mingle with everyone.
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After a few days in Key West, we made our way up the coast to Islamorada & Key Largo!
On our way north we stopped at Bahia Honda State Park to check out the coast! Little did I know, Key West is NOT actually known for their beaches.
Because of the geography of the island, most beaches are man made (who knew!). At Bahia Honda, you’ll find a classic beach front filled with sunbathers and beachgoers with bright blue, shallow water as far as you can see.
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KEY LARGO & ISLAMORADA
After arriving in Islamorada (Key Largo’s neighboring island), we checked into the modern Amara Cay Resort. With a beautifully updated lobby, bar and guest rooms, Amara Cay was the perfect place to stay for the back half of our trip.
Amara Cay Resort features a huge circular pool with walk in entrance and a Tiki bar separating the beach from the pool. The beach front is covered in massive swaying palms and hammocks – truly picturesque! They also offer SUP (stand up paddle boards) and kayaks for guests.
Poolside at Amara Cay Resort
Can’t get enough of these palm trees!
We also spent the day at Amara Cay Resort’s sister hotel, the Postcard Inn! Located only a few minutes down the road, the Postcard Inn is home to the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar where the Rum Runner was first concocted.
During our time on Islamorada & Key Largo we spent a day at Playa Largo Resort and Spa. The pool and beachfront here were fantastic, but we spent most of our time in their spa, OceanSpa! We were treated to the Key Lar-GLOW Organic Brightening Facial – my skin felt renewed and refreshed!
Checkout my full swimwear recap here!
Where To Eat (and drink) in Key Largo & Islamorada
Sundowners – Our first peak of the Florida Keys (we actually stopped here on our drive to Key West). Sundowners had a gorgeous ocean view and marina filled with sun bathing Pelicans. We all instantly went for Sundowner’s seafood dishes for our first taste of the Florida Keys cuisine – I had a Caesar salad with Ahi Tuna and key lime Caesar!
Robbie’s – This spot was so fun! A lively outdoor seating space overlooking the ocean. You can pay a couple bucks and feed the tarpon on the marina — enticing, but I passed on this one 😉
The Fish House – Quirky and fun! The Fish house has delicious food and a fun, Christmas tree light filled restaurant. If you look hard enough (well, maybe not that hard) you’ll find some familiar Sponge Bob characters hidden in the fish house decor.
Key Largo Conch House – Sit outside and enjoy the sun with breakfast. I ordered a ham and cheese croissant (one of my favorite vacay indulgences).
Marker 88 – We went here on our last night in the Keys! Marker 88 had the best specials and fabulous desserts. They also have live music and a huge outdoor eating space. We indulged in some classic key lime pie and fried coconut ice cream – YUM!
Tour & Tasting at Florida Keys Brewing Co. – Perhaps the most colorful building we had seen the entire trip and the ONLY brewery in all of the Florida Keys. We had a great time tasting all of the (nearly 20) beers brewed on site at their Key Largo location. Locally grown herbs and botanicals gave the Florida Keys Brewing Company beers unique and fun flavors!
A week in the Florida Keys was just the trip I needed to relax and rejuvenate in the midst of winter in New York City! Beautiful weather, sandy beaches and lots & lots of delicious food.
I am so happy I had the opportunity to travel with Alexi, Vicki and Lauren! Oddly enough, not all of us knew each other when we met at the airport, but after a week it felt like we were all best friends. The Florida Keys are truly the perfect destination for a girls trip like this! There is something for everyone in the Keys.
If you’re looking for my swimwear guide head to this post! You’ll find all my swim looks from this trip.
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Thank you to the Florida Tourism Board for coordinating this incredible trip & to all of the local business and resorts for hosting us and making every detail perfect! As always, all opinions are my own.
*Melissa
