Long before I moved to Miami- a little less than 14 years ago- I longed to visit the Florida Keys. As a teenager, my impressionable mind yearned to live out the angst of corruption I viewed on MTV’s Spring Break specials. Just about four hours away from home (Broward), I consistently made empty plans for a weekend Staycation in the Keys.
A few months ago, a very good friend of mine welcomed me on a trip to her family’s home. I took a few mental health days off from work (a flu is not the only good reason to call-in sick) and we made our way to Key West.
I had long heard, on countless occasions, that the beaches in Key West were just awful. This is not true. While you won’t find white Caribbean Sands or still turquoise blue waters, these southernmost isles of the state have just as many striking waterways as they do botched ones. We stayed just minutes away from the bustling Duval street, at my companion’s ocean-side home. Equipped with a large heated pool, bay hammocks and an absolutely stunning view, it was almost difficult to leave the home. Gracious hosts, my companion and her husband took us out on the water for a day of fishing, snorkeling and sand bar lounging. I was truly surprised by how beautiful Key West waters could be.
Towards the end of our stay, we reluctantly made our way to Duval Street (because who would go to Key West and not visit Duval Street). There we commiserated with locals and hoards of tourist. We enjoyed decadent home-made chicken pot pie at Finnegans Wake, and people watched as we strolled in and out of local dives, galleries, and shops.
Key West is a great staycation locale. Believe it or not this Floridian peninsula consists of almost 1700 keys. Of this 1700, most are uninhabitable but Monroe County has just about 34 islands to enjoy. Perhaps the most tourist friendly are Key Largo, Marathon, Fiesta Key, Little Torch Key, Pigeon Key and of course Key West. There’s so much to see and enjoy in the Keys. Why not make the most your road trip ventures and make an effort to see them all!
Friday Enjoy the drive down. There is much to see on the way and many dives and stops to explore. Marvel at the overseas highway and try to count the keys as you make your way down. Explore a local diner or stop at one of the maritime centers. Once you’ve arrived, settle into your choice of accommodation. Key West has as many breathtaking bed and breakfast stays, as it does hotels. Visit Airbnb for unique stays. Check out Camille’s Restaurant for a true to Keys but moderately tasty meal. If you have access to boating, get out on the water and enjoy the rest of the day.
Saturday. Take a trip to the infamous Duval Street. Bring your camera and wait in line to take a photo along southernmost point of the country. Bring a telescope and you may even be able to see Cuba. This is not true, but it is so often regurgitated, many tourist believe this claim. Visit the Ernest Hemingway museum, take a few steps down to see the Key West lighthouse and stop in at Better-than-sex (a pastry restaurant) for a mid day snack. For a hearty meal, check out the seafood dives along , Finnegan’s Wake or Cafe Marquesa. Later in the evening, if you’re up to it, start out at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville for a night of bar hopping.
Sunday. Though I have not yet had the pleasure, on my next trip I intend to take a day trip to the Dry Tortugas. Here you can explore the famous Fort Jefferson and enjoy the beautiful Tortuga beaches.
All images © 2013-2014 Donnatilda Tabana.