Florida – Key West



Florida – Key West

If your idea of the perfect beach break involves plenty of bar hopping and a general party scene then you can’t really go wrong with a trip to Key West. The beaches on Key West are good, but the party scene is fabulous. A bar for every occasion, lots of live music and a plethora of different drinks including my personal vice of luridly coloured frozen cocktails.

Dominique and his Flying House Cats performing at the sunset celebrations, Key West, Florida

Dominique and his Flying House Cats performing at the sunset celebrations, Key West, Florida

When you feel like some beach time there are two good options near the Old Town; South Beach at the far end of Duval Street where there will be plenty going on, beach chairs for hire and the benefit of a beach bar and Fort Zachery Taylor for a larger beach, also with chair hire and access to loos and a snack kiosk. Further out of town, Higgs Beach, Rest Beach and Smathers Beach all have wide stretches of sand with loos, picnic benches and other amenity.

If you have access to a car, however, your best bet is to head for Bahia Honda State Park. It is about 35 miles from Key West Old Town to Bahia Honda and the drive will take most of an hour but it is well worth it. The beach is fabulous, there is plenty of wandering around to be done, you can rent kayaks if you are so minded and there is a daily boat trip to the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary for snorkelers. There is also a visitor center selling food and drinks and there are loos.

 

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Go independent…

 

To find the best deals on flights & accommodation, we recommend 1Plus2Travel. They search all the consolidators so you don’t have to!

 

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We recommend Holiday Autos or Easycar for car hire. Check out our car hire info for ways to save money. You may want to cover your excess and increase your liability cover with a policy like that from Worldwide Insure or Insurance4carhire.com.

 
In Key West we recommend you stay in the Old Town. This is where all the action is and once here you can park your car and forget about it for the duration of your trip. We love the Santa Maria Suites. They are in a great location, just off Duval but far enough to be away from any noise. The suites are all massive with separate sitting areas and kitchens. The property has two lovely pools and each suite has it’s own balcony or patio. If you are traveling with kids or in a large group you can get 2 bedroom suites.

Next on our list is the Ocean Key Resort . This is right by Mallory Square and you can get a fabulous view of all the goings on from the rooftop deck. All the rooms are large and all have balconies. The rooftop pool area is fantastic and you can sit and have a drink or something to eat at their seaside bar and grill which is on a short pier.

If you were after something after something a bit smaller and more boutique, your are better off in one of Keys Wests many inns and B&Bs. Be careful if you are traveling with a family. Many of these properties are adults only or permit only older children. One of our favourites is the Marquesa Hotel which is absolutely beautiful. The hotel was originally a conch house built in 1884. It is in a great location, right near all the action but very secluded and peaceful. It has two lovely pools and a continental breakfast is served poolside every morning. Only children over 14 are permitted to stay at the hotel. The Artist House is another great pick. All the rooms are individually decorated and the gardens are beautiful. The hotel is in a good location and there is free Wi-Fi and a complimentary buffet breakfast. They only permit children over 5 so again, this may not work if you are travelling with a family. Finally check out the Almond Tree Inn. This hotel is family friendly, the rooms are spacious and very modern. The pool and gardens are lovely and there is complimentary Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast.

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Book a package…

 

Sometimes you just don’t have the time or inclination to plan and book a trip independently, that’s when booking through a tour operator makes sense.

Kuoni have a Leisurely Florida road trip itinerary that includes the Florida Keys. If that doesn’t appeal, they will happily tailor make an itinerary for you. They have several hotel options in the keys, including several good options in Key West. If you want to be near all the action, remember to request a hotel in the old town.