Best Ways to Escape from the Hustle and Bustle of City Life in Key West

 

With its spectacular sunsets, its tropical beauty and fun activities like snorkeling in Key West, the island has so much potential to be the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you're looking to spend a peaceful vacation away from it all, Key West is the place to be. Here are some ways to escape from reality in Key West.

Get a rejuvenating treatment at the Caribbean Spa at the Pier House Resort & Spa

The Caribbean Spa at the Pier House Resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The spa offers a respite against aching sore muscles, and a chance to replenish of your body and soul and a stress-busting experience. This is the only full-day spa service in Key West which offers a wide range of treatments that are designed specially to restore feelings of well-being, balance, tranquility of spirit, and renewed energy. The spa is equipped with massage services, facials, soothing whirlpools, exercise facilities, steam rooms, and nail services.   

Camp at Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is made from sand and coral reefs and is considered to be one of the most isolated parks in the world. It is famous for its bird and marine life as well as legends of pirates and hidden treasure. Camping in Dry Tortugas offers you the opportunity to truly get away from it all and have a great outdoor experience. The camping opportunities in Dry Tortugas are in the Garden Key campground.

There are eight campsites where you can have a primitive camping experience. Be fully prepared before you head there as there are no facilities for groceries, fuel, freshwater etc. at the park. Basic items like water, food, camping equipment, first-aid kits, and other essentials will need to be brought along when you arrive.

Walk among the butterflies at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

You can find many species of butterflies and exotic birds from many parts of the world at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Walking through the cascading waterfalls and lush tropical vegetation is an amazing, tranquil experience. Don't miss the Gallery or the gift shops to purchase many unique gifting items.

Take a relaxing stroll on the beach

With its spectacular sunsets, its tropical beauty, and great weather almost all-year round, Key West is perfect to enjoy a wonderful fun day in the sun on the beach. The sunny shores, silver sands, and emerald waters make Key West a much sought-after holiday destination, especially if you want to escape from hectic city life. Go for a stroll along the natural vegetation and soft sand at Rest Beach. You can also go fishing on the White Street Pier which offers awesome angling opportunities. The beach also has restrooms, picnic tables, and a yoga deck where classes are held.

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What is a Key West Glass Bottom Boat Tour?

 

Key West is an island city located in the southern waters of Florida. It is about 160 miles from Miami. Key West is considered as one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world.

An Island that is Connected

Key West is accessible from any part of the globe. Direct and interconnecting flights land on a daily basis at the Key West International Airport. However, most tourists tend to spend a majority of their vacations in Miami and then use various modes of road, water, or air transportation to come for a Key West tour. One of the best travel options is a Miami to Key West shuttle.

Hollywood Loves to Blow it Up

It plies on a daily basis between the Miami airports and Key West. You will enjoy a comfortable ride across the picturesque Overseas Highway (you may have seen this bridge get blown up in Mission Impossible III and the goofy True Lies movie), across the length of the Florida Keys, all the way to Key West. Along the way, tourists will come across clear blue skies and pristine waters, a variety of birds flying overhead, and amazing sunny weather.

An Island of Solitude

Key West is primarily known as a place where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the warm rays of the sun. However, a number of tourists also come to the island city to explore the colorful coral reefs and other underwater treasures. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two ways in which you can check out the beauty of the coral reefs. It may also be noted that there are many tourists, such as families with young kids, who wish to check out the underwater life without actually diving into the waters. This is where a Key West glass bottom boat tour comes in.

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Glass bottom boats are special boats whose bottoms are fitted with clear glass. Tourists can look through such glass bottoms and get enamored by the immense beauty lying underneath the Key West waters. Glass bottom boat tours are available on a daily basis from varied locations in Key West. They commence in the mornings and continue till late evening.

A Place to Relax

Tourists need to board the glass bottom boats from their docking places. The boats will sail out into the ocean at the scheduled time. Tourists can travel on the upper deck and enjoy the pleasant weather as well as the gorgeous surroundings. You may also relax in the comforts of the air-conditioned room located below. This room is especially useful during the hot summer months.

Mother Nature's Finest

Once the boats arrive at a particular coral reef site, all tourists need to go to the lower deck to check out the underwater life. Sights of the kaleidoscopic coral reefs; the eclectic variety of fishes such as red fish, parrot fishes, and more; and the thriving marine life such as shrimps, manta rays, turtles, and more, will simply take your breath away! Friendly and knowledgeable guides will offer narration about the different species of sea life encountered during the tour. They will also share information about how coral reefs are formed, the needs of the ecosystem, and so on.

Tourists can stay-put in the lower deck during the journey back and become mesmerized by the water passing below. This is another world right next to humanity.

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The Best Restaurants and Bars of Key West

 

The island of Key West is situated about 160 miles from Miami, off the southern coast of Florida. It is the last island of a group of islands known as the Florida Keys. Tourists can take a Miami to Key West shuttle and come for a Key West tour.

Key West is a pristine island city that is home to gorgeous sandy beaches, amazing sunny weather, and tranquil blue waters. It is also one of the best places to indulge your taste buds. The cuisine of Key West is quite unique and has the characteristic taste of the island paradise. The culinary delights offered at the varied restaurants consist of a mild blend of Caribbean spices and flavors, tropical vegetables and fruits, and the freshest seafood comprising of delectable lobsters and fishes.

Duval Street – The Best Place for Culinary Delights

Duval Street has the highest concentration of bars and restaurants in Key West. Food aficionados can go for a delicious lunch at any one of the restaurants and simultaneously enjoy the company of musicians, writers, artists, and other creative people who frequent these joints. You may also enjoy a pleasant moonlight dinner with family and friends.

Sloppy Joe's

One of most famous and popular bars in Key West is Sloppy Joe's. Tourists have been reveling in the delights offered at this place since 1937. Even the legendary author Ernest Hemingway used to spend a majority of his leisure time enjoying the casual and laidback ambiance at the bar. Tourists visiting the bar will come across a variety of memorabilia hung up on its walls. There is also a Tap Room which serves crafted tap beer and has satellite TV for your entertainment. Every year, thousands of tourists come to Sloppy Joe's to get their world famous t-shirts and enjoy the live entertainment, ample drinks and beverages, and scrumptious menu items.

Smokin' Tuna Saloon

Tourists who love eating outdoors should not miss out on a fine dining experience at the Smokin' Tuna Saloon. It is a restaurant and bar that serves some of the most delectable and flavorful cuisines in the island city. Its grounds are canopied by lush Fichus and Banyan trees. Take your family to this fabulous restaurant and enjoy a tasty meal in the illuminated gardens under a starlit sky. To top it all, the place also has a gift shop, live entertainment, a boutique, and various brands of cigars.

Grand Café

Lose yourself in the grandeur of the spectacular restaurant called Grand Café. It is located in a magnificent Victorian mansion and operates till late in the night. Tourists can go all out and enjoy the finest wines, perfectly blended martinis, the freshest seafood, and various kinds of meats. You can spend a sunny afternoon at this restaurant and thrill your taste buds with varied menu items; or you may idle in a wraparound at the porch under a moonlit sky while sipping on mouth-watering beverages and delicious tit-bits. You can have some of the best cocktails at the bar, including the finest mojito available outside of Havana. Enjoy!

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Reasons to Visit Key West with Your Pet

 

It is the spectacular coral reef and the snorkeling in Key West that is known to attract people from all over the world.  The stunning beaches and perfect weather throughout the year makes the island a haven for travelers the world over. If you are traveling to the island with your pet, you will be happy to know that almost all the island is pet-friendly. Here are just some reasons to visit Key West with your pet.

You will never have to compromise on where you stay

Some of the best hotels in Key West are pet-friendly. The Casa Marina - A Waldorf Astoria Resort, which is walking distance from Duval Street and Atlantic Beach, is a pet-friendly hotel that allows up to 2 dogs (25lbs or less) per room for an additional fee. At the Westin Key West Resort & Marine, you can bring up to two dogs per guest room at no extra charge. The rooms are pet-friendly and offer many excellent services. The Sheraton Suites Key West allows up to two pets with a total weight of 80lbs or less free of charge. At Banana Bay Resort your pet can stay with you at no extra cost.

You can dine with your pet at some of the island's best restaurants

Who says you have to compromise on meals when you are traveling with your pet? Key West has many great restaurants where you can dine alongside your kitty or pooch. Salute! On the Beach on Atlantic Boulevard is a quaint little pet-friendly beach-side cafe that serves Italian cuisine fused with island influences. At Blue Haven, you can dine with your pet on the private courtyard which has live music playing, cats lounging in the sun and chickens running about.

The outdoor seating at Schooner Wharf Bar's makes it an amazing place to unwind and sip on a tropical cocktail by the water, with your pet in tow. When you're at Louie's, you can soak up the balmy, outdoorsy ocean-view setup and dine literally on the aquamarine waters of Key West.

Key West is home to Dog Beach

If you are travelling to Key West with your canine companion, both of you should definitely check out Dog Beach which is a great place to unwind and watch your pup go bonkers in the water. Located at the corner of Waddell and Vernon streets, Dog Beach is known to be a bit rocky, and slippery. All they ask at Dog Beach is that you remember to clean up after your pooch. So don't forget a baggie and a scooper.

You can partake in the Mallory Square Sunset Celebrations with you pooch

People from all over the world visit the tropical island of Key West to witness one of the most spectacular sunsets at the iconic Mallory Square. While you're here, you can watch the crazy procession of artists and street performers celebrate the beginning of another Key West night. Pets are more than welcome to join in the madness!

           

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Reasons to Go Camping in Key West

 

As you step off the Miami to Key West shuttle, you are transported to a completely different place, a tropical paradise, if you will. There is so much to do here, bask in the laidback vibe, explore the Old Town or even go snorkeling in Key West.

Camping in Key West is another activity that is popular with adventure lovers the world over. The campgrounds here are open all year through and offer tourists unbeatable outdoor experiences. Here are just some reasons to go camping in Key West.

Key West Enjoys Great Tropical Weather Almost All Year Round

The tropical island of Key West enjoys spectacular weather almost all year round. The balmy climate with its cool salty breezes from the Atlantic Ocean and its sunny skies are some of the main reasons thousands of tourists are lured here every year. You may experience rain showers occasionally but they will pass relatively quickly. While Key West is swarming with visitors all year through, the best time to visit is between November to May where the weather is magnificent, the crowds are fewer and the prices are reasonable. This incredible weather makes camping in Key West an enjoyable experience.

Key West is Home to some really Popular Campgrounds

The tropical island of Key West is home to some amazing camping grounds. Boyd's Campground in Key West has been named by the Travel Channel as one of the top RV campgrounds in the United States. It is located just a short bus ride away from the hustle and bustle of Key West. Boyd's have RV sites and waterfront tents along with amenities like a heated pool, modern bathrooms, a swimming beach and a marina.

El Mar RV Resort has interior as well as oceanfront RV sites that are equipped with phones and television. The sites are side by side along gravel pathways with palm trees and patios that loom overhead. Leo's Campground offers budget-conscious travellers tent and RV sites a bike or bus ride away from the main island of Key West. The RV and tent sites have waterfront tent sites that sit on a charming little lake. Most are equipped with barbecues, picnic tables and some have provisions for electric at a nominal rate.

Dry Tortugas in Key West Offers a Challenging Camping Experience

If a fully-equipped campsite is not your cup of tea and you would rather rough it, head to Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas lies around 70 miles from Key West and comprises the Coast Guard Station and Loggerhead Lighthouse, the Garden Key Harbor Light, Fort Jefferson, more than 200 shipwrecks and a massive cannon collection. You can reach the eight-site campground by ferry but be prepared to rough it out as there is no water or electricity. Visitors are not allowed to carry more than 60 to 70 lbs of gear and charge extra for transporting kayaks.     

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Reasons Why Key West is a Nature Lover’s Paradise

 

If you are visiting the tropical island paradise, there is a lot to do apart from snorkeling in Key West. The scenic island of Key West abounds with natural beauty and wildlife. Here are just some reasons that Key West is a nature lover's paradise.

Key West is home to the third largest living coral reef ecosystem in the word

The tropical island of Key West is known for the third largest living coral reef ecosystem in the word that extends all the way from the Palm Beach County coast to the secluded islands of Dry Tortugas. The warm, blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean are so clear that you can see the exotic marine life that inhabits the reefs. For an offbeat snorkeling experience, head to Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the most isolated parks in existence. Not only is it a scenic location filled with amazing wildlife, but the park also offers great snorkeling opportunities.

The clear, warm water is so shallow that you can walk right into it until the spot where your snorkeling adventure begins. You will see the beautiful coral reefs, many vibrantly colored fish and other exotic marine life.

Dry Tortugas National Park is Key West is a turtle nesting ground

The Dry Tortugas National Park is home to many species of sea turtles. The Park was originally called Las Tortugas which is the Spanish word for turtles, due to the sheer number of turtles that were spotted here. The tiny collection of coral islands and shoals are perfect nesting grounds for turtles.

You will come across five main species of turtles here like the Kemp's Ridley, leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and green turtles, all lounging on the surface of the ocean between Dry Tortugas National Park and Key West. The Dry Tortugas Park is the most active nesting sites for turtles in the Keys.

You can walk among thousands of butterflies at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is home to many species of exotic birds and butterflies from many parts of the world. It is a spectacular experience visit the conservatory with its cascading waterfalls and lush tropical vegetation, all in a glass-enclosed, climate-controlled habitat. To know more about the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, you can view the short 15-minute educational film in the Learning Centre on the fascinating life of butterflies. Don't miss the Gallery or the gift shops for many unique gifting items.

Every nature lover will love to visit Key West Nature Preserve

This underdeveloped ocean-front property was acquired by the city of Key West and was converted into a natural area which was made accessible to the public. You will get to see many birds, butterflies and lizards along the way as you walk down the trails and wooden walkways which wind through mangrove forests and reach the tranquil beach.

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Best Seafood Dishes in Key West and Where to Try Them

 Over 70,000 tourists are said to travel to the tropical island paradise by the Miami to Key West shuttle just to attain a taste of the freshest, most scrumptious seafood in South Florida. Here are Key West's best seafood dishes and where to sample them. 

Sashimi at Seven Fish Restaurant

After a hectic day of snorkeling in Key West, the sashimi at the Seven Fish Restaurant really hits the spot. The fish is fresh, the wine selection is vast and the menu is as eclectic as the island itself. The Asian-influenced sauces and spices adorn everything on the menu. The restaurant is pretty spacious and has won quite a few awards over the years including the highest Zagat Score in the Keys.

Maine Lobster at Alonzo & Berlin's Lobster House

Alonzo & Berlin's Lobster House is one of the oldest seafood haunts in Key West. A&B's, as the locals call it, has one of the most delicious Maine Lobsters on the island. Apart from that they also have a menu laden with locally procured seafood and prime steaks. A&B's looks like a riverboat which adds to its old-world charm.

Oysters at Half Shell Raw Bar

The Half Shell Raw Bar dishes out an assortment of seafood like shrimp, clams, crab, conch, and chilled oysters, served on the half shell. You seafood is served to you grilled, steamed, fried or even with some spice if you like it. Try the BBQ Baby Back Ribs, burgers Cuban bread, and the Key Lime Pie too.

Conch Fritters at Hog's Breath Saloon

Hog's Breath on Front Street has a reputation because of the quirky events it hosts such as the Hair of the Hog Leather & Lace Contest and the Homemade Bikini Contest as well as great food like conch fritters and fish nuggets. While you're here, you can enjoy a Bloody Mary breakfast bright and early in the morning. Don't miss the quirky gift items at the bar that makes for the perfect gift for friends and family back home.

Conch Chowder at Louie's Backyard

Louie's lets you soak up the sunny, scenic ocean-view as you dine on the aquamarine waters of Key West. While you're here, be sure to sample their creamy, wholesome Bahamian Conch Chowder with Bird Pepper hot sauce.

Seafood Platter at Commodore Waterfront Restaurant

The Commodore Waterfront Restaurant on the historic Key West Marina serves amazing seafood like calamari and shrimp scampi. Try the seafood platter which offers you a taste of almost everything on the menu on one plate.

Crab Benedict at Two Friends Patio Restaurant

The Two Friends Patio Restaurant is famous its Crab Benedict, served with poached eggs on English muffins and a lemon Hollandaise sauce. Also sample the seafood omelette with shrimps and scallops, or the cheese and steak omelette with peppers, onions, thinly sliced stead, and Jack cheese.

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