Must Do's in Key West
 

Well I am new to this board (usually on the caribbean forum), and needed to ask a few questions. My husband and I will be staying in Key West the first weekend in March at the Gardens Hotel. We've never been to Key West but I was wondering what is the weather like during this time of year? What some must do's (besides the Hemmingway House) and places to eat? We only have 3 full days so not sure how much we are planning on doing, besides eating and drinking and sleeing! Thanks in advance - Susan

Have a glass of wine on the beach and watch the sun set into the ocean. They have the longest daylight of anywhere in the lower 48.

Harry Truman's "little White House"
http://www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com/

Have some key lime pie -- or key lime pie on a stick - yum.

The Blond Giraffe is famous for their award winning key lime pies. However, I found theirs was too sweet for my taste. I liked the more traditional pies at the other restaurants better.

You can take the trolly ride around the city, and also go to the south point--southernmost point of continental US.

We always go in February and the weather is great.

If you like Cuban food you should not miss El Siboney. Authentic. Cash only. Very inexpensive and VERY good.

Kelly's has great atmosphere and okay food. 7 Fish is tiny and wonderful...make advance reservations. We tried Camille's for the first time in Feb and loved it...excellent food and very affordable. Key West Seafood on Duval also great atmosphere and good food. B.O.'s Fish Wagon for conch fritters and people watching. Schooner Wharf....the list goes on and on! Have a great time.

Breakfast at My Blue Heaven unless you object to chickens clucking around your toes....

SS - we were in Key West last March. In fact we've been there 3 times in March. The weather is generally warm, but this year the ocean was a bit cooler than in years past. We normally snorkle, but I opted out this year.

Ditto on Curt's suggestion - Blue Heaven is the best breakfast in town. We also went up the lighthouse this year, great view and very cool small museum with tidbits about the lighthouse keeper's family and the town. There was a cool old town directory that listed people, their occupation, and a description of where they lived.

Also, don't miss Sloppy Joe's for the Hemingway photos and memorabilia.

If you get a chance, rent a bike and drive some of the residential streets, very interesting.


Have a great time.
H

For a Key West newcomer, the best thing is probably to take the Conch Train tour as soon as you get checked in. It'll give you a sense of the island, and you can take note of what you might want to explore in depth later.

We've found that bikes are the best way to get around. You'll be able to rent them at your hotel.

A quick tip: Catch at least one sunset from the celebration at Mallory Pier. But be sure to catch one from atop Hotel LaConcha!

I've got a selection of Keys photo albums at http://photos.yahoo.com/scullyyank , just in case you're not sufficiently pumped up....

Don' miss the "Little White House". Fascinating look into life in the 50s and into the life of Harry Truman.

John James Audubon's house is worth a gander. A sunset cruise would be fun. Start your trip on the conch train tour down at Mallory Square and everything else will fall into place after you get the lay of the land.

Wow! Thank you so much for all of the recommendations!! I'm already getting excited for some warm weather and sun. Being from the northeast (NJ) I am not looking forward to another long, cold and snowy winter. This will definitely help! Thanks again, Susan

If you don't at least "window shop" at Fast Buck Freddy's on Duval you haven't been to Key West IMO.

My favorite place on earth. been there 5 times.

For a hopelessly romantic meal, the place to be is Louie's Backyard, where rumor has it Jimmy Buffett penned Margaritaville on the front porch swing.

On Duval, hit Mangoes, where light mist is sprayed on you if its very warm.

Fury Catamarans - great snorkel trip. Got seasick after (not uncommon for me) and spent 2 very fun hours at the Ripleys museum (was surprised myself how much i enjoyed it!)

Southernmost point, of course.

Hemingways for breakfast while being serenaded by parrots.

The Gardens Hotel is really wonderful. Enjoy! I'm jealous...

To thereadbaron, thanks for the info. My husband and I enjoy listening to Buffett so we'd probably get a kick out of Louie's Backyard. We've been to the caribbean a number of times, St. John is our favorite, but we are really excited to try something totally different. - Susan

For first timers to Key West you have to bar hop or at least walk down Duval street and check out the bar scene at night. Lots of places have live music (some of it cheesy) but it's a really fun, laid back atmospher and people of all ages seem to be out.

The patio at Kelly's is really pretty at night and they brew their own beers.

I definitely concur with the suggestion to go to BO's fish wagon for lunch - what a fabulous little place (shack, really) to sit and enjoy a cold beer, fresh seafood (amazing grouper sandwiches and fried oysters) and people watching!!

The Gardens Hotel looked great on the Tripadvisor web site. Good choice! March is starting to get a little warm, just dress in cool clothing and you should be fine. What to do in Key West?

Avoid Duval street on weekend days. The cruise ships let off huge waves of tourists that flood the westend of that street. Ugg! Towards the evening they tend leave on their boats and the town returns to some tranquility.

Be brave and rent a scooter. That, or a bike, are the best ways to tour the island.

The restaurants in Key West can be overpriced, but you seem to have received some good suggestions here.

Check out the cemetery, some interesting grave stones.

The Key West lighthouse is deserted and provides an unique view of the town.

Go to the abandoned fort, again a little known interesting site.

Have drinks on Duval street, everyone is doing it! At times to excess. Make sure you have a table where you can check out who is passing by.

Go snorkeling on one of the chartered boats, the sail boats are the most interesing. Perhaps sign up for one that provides lunch, more expensive but better for adults.

If you see *Hurricane Relief* jars in the stores...PLEASE CONTRIBUTE!!!

Hurricane Wilma's storm surge flooded several areas of Key West (and some of the other Keys) and many were forced out of their homes (rental or owned) and lost almost everything they had; and over 12,000 cars were flooded out. Many homes were damaged beyond fixing. Affordable housing is scarce...help those victims out. The people hurt the most are the ones that wait on you, bus tables, work in the stores, make your beds, fix your meals.

Head down to the marina area and stroll the docks. Lots of interesting boats and interesting people. Check out the huge and glorious tarpon swimming just yards away, looking for a handout. Walk the neighborhood around Blue Heaven for a real out-island feel. Don't worry if you don't love Mallory Square at sunset. It's not for everyone...even though it feels like absolutely everyone IS there! There used to be a great restaurant supply store in town. It's pretty near the docks and I never missed a visit when I was there on my boat. Have a great time!

I second ALL of the suggestions here. A couple of other things that we have enjoyed:
1. While you are walking the docks - consider going parasailing with one of the boats there. I didn't think I would like it since I don't like heights, but it was lots of fun and we've done it a couple of times.
2. Take a day trip out to the Dry Tortugas to see the fort, relax on the beach, and do some snorkeling (if the weather cooperates).
3. If Dan Mobley is playing at the Hog's Breath - go see him. He's a fabulous musician. Unfortunately he's not always there. In that case - go enjoy the music of whoever is playing. I've never been dissapointed :-)!

Louie's was damaged by hurricanes this year. I don't think it's reopened yet, but it may be by March. Check it out if you can. Good food, good service, great atmosphere on the outside deck.

Yes, Louie's was damaged, but it reopened the beginning of November. We ate there soon after the hurricane and the food and service were both great!

We were in Key WEst several years ago and loved it! Restuarants & bars change so I won't recommend those but what stands out in our minds are---

Mallory Square at sunset. Agree with the other poster that it's not for everyone but well worth one time because it is so unique!

Float plane to the Dry Tortegas...one of our favorites! Beautiful & so removed from the commercialism of KW and while the snorkeling was not up to expectations, it's very beautiful & tranquil & well worth a visit.

A sunset sail on the skooner America. Don't know if it's even docked there anymore but it was a lovely evening & we highly recommend it or something similar, if available.

We also did the tour train & especially liked the stop at Hemingway's home...very unique & enjoyable.

For me, the beauty of KW is in the people & how unique & diverse it is. Just embrace it & have a wonderful time!! :-)

We had key lime pie at a little place across the street from Little Switzerland. OK, they probably have ten locations, right? Seems like it was just as you came into town. Darn I wish I had written down the name of the place. Friends took us there and they don't remember the name of it either. Best key lime ever. And tasted real good about 11 a.m. after our Conch tour. Have a ball. Cool place with lots to explore.

I was there in October and had a great cheeseburger at Jimmy Buffet's restaurant. Now everytime I hear the song I remember the great day I had in Key West. If you're from Ct. you'll love the place.

does that little switzerland jeweler have a website or phone number? i bought some stuff from there years ago...

Totally agree with all the suggestions except 1: As a parrot head, you'll want to browse thru Margaritaville, but I would recommend a drink at the bar & skip the cheeseburgers. I've been there twice; my burger (yesterday) was pretty mediocre & lacked any flavor; not even a toasted bun. Plus it's always crowded.
I would also encourage you to visit the Kennedy Gallery to check out artwork (across Duval from Marg'ville) -- I bought several beautiful prints there a few years ago that I enjoy every day. (They will ship.)
I prefer sunset at the tiki bar at the hotel at the end of Duval closest to Mallory square to get the view without the crowd.
One last thing I came across yesterday: When you find Sloppy Joe's, remember that the original SJ's is called Captain Tony's & is just around the corner off Duval. (CapT's is very dark, smokey, GRITTY.) Cross the street from CapT's & between the bldgs is a market center with a sandal shop -- got a pair of amazingly comfortable sandals for $9, made right there in the shop. They have several styles & colors. I'll be back soon to get a pair in another color.

thanks again for all of the tips. Its finally getting closer. Being that we are going the beginninng of March, is it recommended to make reservations for dinner or can we just show up? Thanks again - Susan

This is all great info. for the trip I am planning for 6 of us in 2007.We are all bringing our motorcycles for our 1st annual " Keys Ride"....can't wait!

SSki- call the hotel three weeks ahead and tell them your dinner choices...they should be able to line up your reservations for you... be sure to be specific and tip the concierge when you check-in ... the Gardens is a great Key West experience... also consider The Marquesa Restaurant... the food is excellent...

The Dry Tortugas is a great suggestion. The floatplane is nice, however, the high speed catamarran was ideal. The PanAmerican building is a great place to go for cocktails. Renting bikes is a good idea if you are going to be drinking, and parking can be a challenge. I would caution you that this area has been hit by several hurricanes this past year. Lodgeing can really be a challenge. There are many workers and families living in hotels. Be sure to have a reservation before your trip down there. It is a lovely place with a very warm local population. I would recommend you to be cautios while you are there. It is a great place, but they do have crime.

Take a sunset sail on a Fury Catamaran (beer and champagne included).

Have at least one meal at Alice's...the food is reasonably priced, super fresh, and creatively prepared. They have the best key lime pie on the island...the graham cracker crust is painted with chocolate ganache before the key lime curd is poured on. Fabu!

My husband and I were in Key West last summer without the kids. Going to Blue Heaven for breakfast is a MUST. It feels like it's tucked away in someone's backyard and it kinda is! We enjoyed an early dinner at Commodore's, overlooking the marina. We really liked our key lime pie at the Blonde Giraffe on Duval Street. We ate on the little porch and people-watched for a while. (Always interesting in Key West!) You can buy "single serve" (makes one pie) key lime juice at some of the larger gift stores, if you can get past the tourist trinkets. Enjoy your stay there!