Linda

The family and I (one child 4 yrs. old)are taking a few days at Key West. In your opinion what are the top 5 things a person should do before leaving Key West and what restaurants should we avoid and why. Thanks, Linda

susan

First, I'd advise you to take the Conch Train Tour, which is a touristy thing, but will give you a wonderful overview of Key West. The tour itself should offer some ideas of things that might interest you and keep your child entertained. The Truman White House is in Key West and I thought it was pretty interesting but I'm afraid your child might be bored. Frankly I found that particular tour guide pretty boring myself. The Hemingway House has a wonderful tour and there are enough cats with spare toes to keep even a child engaged. You might also enjoy a glass bottom boat ride...the boats go to the reef and if conditions are good you can see all kinds of fish. We were advised to go on the boat at the marina rather than one of the newer catamarans. You absolutely must attend at least one sunset on Mallory Square. There are street entertainers - your child will LOVE this - and when the sun finally sets everyone claps as though it's the only sunset in the universe!! Two places I think you and your child would enjoy eating are Blue Heaven (go for breakfast or lunch and see chickens walking around all over the place) and the Half Shell Raw Bar. They're both casual, both have wonderful food, and both are representative of the best of Key West. Blue Heaven used to be a bordello that staged cock fights and was a favorite haunt of Hemingway. Seating is outside on picnic tables surrounding by wandering chickens. The Half Shell Raw Bar is at the marina and serves perfectly wonderful seafood on paper plates with plastic utensils. Folks feel free to take their dogs in (lots of Key West restaurants welcome animals...there's an iguana wearing a red bandana around his/her neck that's seen everywhere). I'd be hard pressed to come up with places to avoid...feel free to email me for more info, though.

Charlie

The above post has all good info and I might add take your little one to the Aquarium,they have a please touch section for kids.Who knows maybe the big kids will enjoy it as well.

scigirl

The Mallory Square performs at sunset are great. Everytime I have been to KW there has been one performer with trained cats. They jump through flaming hoops, they "talk" back to their trainer, etc. At least one audience member gets pulled into the act. Try to find the performer early so you can get towards the front of the group so that you child can see. It is a great show. It's been a few years since I have been to KW, but I got the sense that the performer was a regular.

David

With a 4 year old you're going to be a little limited. But here's what i'd suggest: Just get out and walk around Key West. There are some beautiful old houses there. I'd take a snorkling trip. Duval Street gets a little busy and loud late at night, but you will see some interesting people. I'd stay away from the sunset cruises. You can see the sunset better from land, and it's a LOT cheaper. Most of the restaurants are good, but try to stick to the ones that have been there awhile (i.e. stay away from the trendy ones which are liable to be out of business the following year.)

Brian in Atlanta

Definitely take your family to Blue Heaven.

Avoid any restaurant with a guy out front handing out menus and begging you to come in.

lili

i wouldn't worry about taking the 4 year old snorkelling - we went on a catamran and there was a 1 year old on it and she was fine ... i posted a trip report about what we did in the keys if you care to take a look, just search under "florida keys trip report"

John

Pepe's for a good and reasonable breackfast away from the tourist traps. Mangia Mangia for fresh and innovative pasta dishes. Ditto on the flier routine. The good restaurants don;t have to hand out fliers. Jimmy Buffet's is a ripoff.

Trip

A unique thing to do in Key West is to plan a time to be at the Hog's Breath Saloon, out back by the bar, then tell all your friends to log on to the live webcam (http://www.hogsbreath.com/hogcam/) at that specific time to see you having a great time. It beats a post card!

ps

Ditto Blue Heaven! What a place and great food to boot. Avoid Conch Republic - worst meal ever. Mel Fisher's Museum was interesting. I think a 4 y.o. would enjoy checking out the cannons and buried treasure. We took the Conch Trolley, not train and I think it would be more suited to your child. You can get off and back on at numerous spots and I think the ticket is good for 24 hours. And definitely see Cat Man - he is a hoot. He's now in front of the Hilton - I was just there a few months ago. Have fun!

Linda

Thank you to everyone for all of your prompt and kind suggestions! All of you have given my family and me great ideas. Thanks again! Linda

Mallory

Be aware though that Mallory square at Sunset is QUITE crowded and busy.

Diana

We had our first visit to Key West the week after Easter. We have a 9 year old daughter who loved the sunset shows at Mallory Square, breakfast with the cats and chickens at Blue Heaven, riding bikes around the island, and the tour of the "little Truman White House". Have fun!

Maxine

The Key West Aquarium is worth a trip for your child. They have a touch and feel tank that my daughter loved! You can also climb to the top of the Lighthouse and get a good view of Key West. Blue Heaven is a great restaurant for children as it has a sand play area outside and the food is good. Another place we liked was Pepe's. On Thursday they serve a Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings! Enjoy!

me

Pepe's for breakfast. Charming in a 'watch out for the birds above you' kind of way.
Blue Heaven for breakfast or lunch. Charming in a 'watch out for the birds below you' kind of way.
Conch Train tour. Touristy but wonderful.
Fast Freddie's store on Duval Street. Neat stuff to look at out of the sun.
Go to the top floor (roof actually) of the Holiday Inn in the middle of town to see a great 360 degree of Key West.
Mallory Square at sunset of course.
Margaritaville (Jimmy Buffett's place) isn't a ripoff. Ordinary food and Parrothead stuff to buy. What else would one expect? It ain't a theme park.