I have been to Key West numerous times and every time I visit I fall in love with it even more. The small island is so cozy and picturesque with great amount of delicious food and Bahamian style. After exploring the Island and sampling food from different restaurants I have come up with my recommendations for Key West with my personal favorites below.
GETTING HERE
The easiest way is to drive from Miami to Key West which takes approximately 3.5-4 hours. Another way is getting on a double-decker shuttle bus that leaves Downtown Miami or International Airport Miami that will take you directly to the Island. The fares range from $9-25 and if you travel during the week, the bus will be half empty and you can choose any seat you like. You can book online at https://www.gobuses.com/miami-key-west/.
If you are flying to Key West, I recommend using Expedia.com where they have the best fares to any destination.
GETTING AROUND
The Island of Key West is small in size so the main way of transportation is by foot or renting a bike or scooter from a nearby rental place. If walking and biking is not your thing, you can ride in one of their pink taxi Suv’s or request an Uber to pick you up.
WHERE TO STAY
This luxury resort is located on the beach accessible Historic Old Town side of the Island, so if you are looking for a chill and relaxing getaway this is the place for you! The resort is quite big and offers different types of accommodations located in different Bahamian style cottages. It has 3 pools (one of which is adults-only tranquility pool), 4 tropical bars where you can also order food, lots of oceanside hammocks and lounge chairs as well as beautiful tropical garden pathways. The resort even has its own private pier with lounge chairs where you can suntan with a spectacular views of the Island’s famous sunsets and sunrises. The Southernmost Beach Resort is conveniently located within a short walk or bike ride to the touristy Duval Street where you can find many shops, restaurants and bars but also hidden away from the busy streets providing you with a more secluded relaxing atmosphere. What really stood out to me about this resort is the exceptional customer service! You will always find a friendly staff to help you with directions, check on you while you are relaxing at the pool and greet you with a big smile when passing you by.
This Resort is a sister property to the Southernmost Beach Resort yet it is completely different in style. It’s located on the other side of the island right next to the beautiful Marina and Seaport in the epicenter of Key West and a short walk to the long Duval Street. I fell in love with its white & blue design and architecture, spacious and modern rooms with private balconies overlooking resort’s lush gardens, sparkling pools or marina. It also features 3 pools (one of which is also adults-only) and the most stylish and comfortable private cabanas. The bar features colorful stools and delicious drinks and food. They offer happy hour on food and drinks starting at 4pm and I highly recommend trying their innovative tacos and specialty cocktails. I also loved how easy it was to get around from here to walk to the nearby outdoor plazas, sunset pier, dining and nightlife.
WHERE TO EAT
This is a great place for breakfast which offers specialty donuts and a Red Buoy coffee. Here you can try the popular Maple Bourbon with Candied Bacon or the famous Key Lime Pie donuts. Make sure to come before 11 am before they sell out of their most popular choices.
If you are a coffee lover this is the place for you! This coffee stand serves the most authentic and delicious coffee along with some other items on the menu such as sandwiches, salads and smoothies. If you run into the owner of this coffee shop make sure to ask for the story behind the name of this stand!
No trip to the Island is complete without eating some of their famous seafood. This shack is my favorite in Key West and I eat there at least once during each trip! Make sure to try the popular lobster roll or the steamed clams. I always get the lobster roll which has a good amount of lobster within a toasted buttery bun with a side of coleslaw- its utterly delicious!
Tutti Fruitti Juice Bar
This juice stand is popular for tasting one of their delicious smoothies (with or without alcohol) as well as drinks made in the whole pineapple. Refresh yourself with their juices or take them without on your walk through Duval Street.
This place is great for lunch or brunch time. The premises are very artistic and authentic while the food is truly wonderful. Make sure to taste their caribbean shrimp, jamaican chicken and blueberry pancakes. Anything you order from their menu is sure to be full of authentic flavor and presentation.
My favorite outdoor restaurant in Key West! If you have been following me on Instagram (and if you haven’t you should ha ha @o_manzanita) then you know that I love colorful clothes and places. The colorful tables and stools in this place create the most positive and fun atmosphere, while the band playing music at different hours of the day will uplift your spirit. This restaurant also offers the front row seats to Key West famous sunset watching (hence its name!).
This festive bar is a must see! With mostly outdoor seating and band playing at all hours of the day and night you will be amazed by the dollar bills glued to all the walls and ceilings of this bar. It has become a tradition to stick a dollar bill anywhere you see fitting and write a message on it. This way people all over the World connect with each other over a drink and all-american bites by the bar.
xo,
Oxana
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