Key West Suggestions
 

We are headed on our first visit to Key West the second week of April.

We arrive in Ft. Lauderdale around 9:30 AM Monday. I got a one-way car rental and we are going to take our time driving down and drop the car at the Key West Airport late afternoon/early evening. It looks like we can then take a $2.00 bus to town? or should we just take a cab?

Should we make any stops on the drive through the Keys? Where should we have lunch?

We are staying at Ocean Key Resort for 3 nights, then flying from Key West back home late Thursday.

I booked a sunset cruise with Casa and a Kayak 1/2 day morning trip with Danger Charters.

I am a cat lover, so we plan to do the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum tour.

From what I am reading, we should probably try Sunset at Mallory Square (I know you only do this once, on your first trip...)

Any other suggestions?

For meals/entertainment, I am thinking:
Breakfast - Blue Heaven, Cuban Coffee Queen & Banana Cafe
Lunch - Garbo's Grill, El Siboney
Pre-dinner apps/drinks - Louie's Backyard
Entertainment or a drink - Sloppy Joes , SCHOONER WHARF BAR

Good/bad/other?

We still haven't decided on a "splurge" dinner yet. Love all food - but we can't get Cuban food, in Northern New Hampshire.... so I think we are leaning towards Cuban.

We don't tend to eat big meals - we would prefer to split 3 or 4 appetizers/tapas and maybe a salad.

My husband and I are 51, enjoy biking, walking, kayaking, etc. We are not beach people and prefer to keep busy on vacation.... We like music (all kinds), a little bit of museums/history...

Suggestions appreciated!

I don't know of a splurge Cuban restaurant, though there are Cuban groceries that serve both sandwiches and hot dishes for taking away, good for lunch. Five Brothers was my favorite.

I would certainly recommend the Truman White House. It is inspiring to see how simply the President of the United States once lived.

Despite its name, the food and view at Louie's Backyard fit the "splurge" category.

The best thing in Key West to me is walking around and photographing the enchanting cottages. The other stuff, sure, but you know, you can eat breakfast in a place with wild chickens anywhere! Conch architecture is unique!

Not sure if you know this, but Garbo's Grill is a food truck. With only 3 nights and all the great restaurants in Key West, I wouldn't want to waste a meal there!

Just returned....plan on arriving at the Hemingway House early, especially on cruise ship days. We walked right in at nine ..then a long line forms. We enjoyed a delicious, expensive meal at Grunts restaurant..only open for dinner...specialize in fish. have fun!

A great place for Happy Hour (all over the island, usually from 4-6 ) is Santiago's Bodega, on Petronia Street. They have half price drinks and many appetizers, too, are 1/2 off. The food is outstanding and the wine list is impressive. They also have a very good brunch.

Another place that is romantic, quiet and right on the water, is the Shor Restaurant, at the Hyatt Regency, just a couple of blocks off Duvall Street at 601 Front Street. It's pricey, but the food is fabulous and you will be able to carry on a quiet conversation while watching the ships go by on the outside deck.

Garbo's has never appealed to me because I want to sit down and eat. We do Alonzo's and the boathouse for half price happy hour on drinks and all appetizers. Fausto's is great for groceries and take out gourmet food.

We love seven mile bridge and just pull over and enjoy the view. We don't really stop anywhere, in a hurry to get to KW.

Hi adnil1962. We were in Key West in late February. A lunch stop we enjoyed was "Marker 88" in Islamorda (on the right side of the road). We second Ackislander's suggestion of visiting President Truman's "Little White House". The Hemmingway House was very interesting; and the many cats are so gentle. If you like cats, you'll enjoy them. Mallory Square is fun. As an additional suggestion for sunset enjoyment, from Mallory Square head left along the water and get a table at the Westin's patio. (If there is a cruise ship docked, don't worry, it will be out before sunset. . .or pay a hefty fine!)
We had tasty food and a fun time at Fogarty's on Duval.

You're sure to have fun in Key West!

I second Santiago's Bodega. The food is wonderful, and there's an enormous variety to choose from.

If you wonder where all the great bread is coming from in Key West here is the place.

http://colespeace.com/

Thanks all! I have added all of your suggestions to our list! A week to go!!

This site is hands down the best resource for the top things to do in Key West:

http://www.keywestvacation.com/

Check out their blog and under the travel guide. It's proven to be helpful in my case many times with things to do, places to eat and stay at, and places to see. Have fun!

I think bmonster52 just joined to market Key West.

FYI re your driving route from FLL.

I assume you will be traveling south from the airport using I-95 and connecting with US Rte 1 in order to get to Key West.

The reason I am posting this is to make sure you know that even though it is an overall faster route, do NOT take the Florida Turnpike. The reason being is that the southern portions around Miami collect tolls electronically ONLY. No cash is accepted. You either have to have SunPass or toll collection by plate.

Just a reminder.