Of all the islands in the Florida Keys, Key West is best known for its laid-back “Floribbean” vibe. This 7-square-mile island, at the southernmost point of the archipelago, is closer to Cuba than it is to mainland Florida. With its pastel-colored buildings, Caribbean-influenced cuisine, rich culture, and nightly sunset celebrations, this subtropical city island promises plenty of fun and good times for all.
The waterfront plaza, Mallory Square, is home to shops, restaurants, and, of course, the popular nightly sunset celebration.
Garden Key, the second largest of Dry Tortugas’ seven islands, is home to the historic Fort Jefferson.
The slightly sweet, slightly tangy dessert, named after the small Key limes grown in the Florida Keys, is Florida’s official state pie.
Must-Do: Join the party at Mallory Square, where the Key West Sunset Celebration embodies the very spirit of this Floridian island. Beginning in the 1960s and known for its iconic phrase “see you at sunset,” this nightly oceanfront gathering is suitable for the whole family and is a wonderful way to salute the sun before it dips out of sight beyond the horizon. Along with the onset of nightfall, you can expect to see fire jugglers and magicians, as well as live music and local vendors selling handmade jewelry, clothes, and paintings.
Eat: A trip to Key West calls for a slice of its iconic Key lime pie. With a buttery crust base, a filling of sweetened condensed milk, and topped with a freshly squeezed lime, this decadent dish is both sweet and refreshing. At Blue Heaven, the humble dessert is elevated further with an indulgent topping of meringue. This iconic restaurant also serves up fresh seafood and Caribbean classics, including yellowtail snapper and Jamaican jerk chicken.
Day-Trip: For a fascinating nature-filled day, take a ferry farther west to Dry Tortugas and explore the 65,000-acre Dry Tortugas National Park. This cluster of islands, which is a former military fort, is home to a diverse range of animals, including sea turtles, stingrays, sooty terns, and white-tailed tropicbirds.
