Everyone wants to visit Key West. Better yet, come down, look at Key West homes for sale with me, buy one and become a local. But if you want to explore a three day weekend trip first, here are some tips on what to do.
If
you’re ever looking for the “sweet spot” when it comes to vacation time, a long
weekend is usually perfect. A day trip may often feel too short and a week-long
vacation may stretch your relaxation abilities just a bit, but a three-day
weekend is just right.
That’s
why we’re going to talk about how to spend the perfect long weekend in Key
West. With three days ahead of you, what should you plan first? As Key West
locals, we know the top spots! We’ve put together the best itinerary for a
three-day getaway in Key West.
Traveling to Key West
You
might be thinking that you’re going to have to spend a whole day traveling down
to Key West and a whole day to get back. While that may have been the case a
few years ago, there are tons of flight options for you to get down to Key
West. It seems new direct flights from different cities are being added daily.
Many
major US cities, like Houston, Chicago, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Boston, are
offering direct flights so you don’t have to spend your time making endless
connections just to enjoy the sunny skies.
Day One - Enjoy the Water
Key
West is filled with plenty of outdoor activities that are fun and safe. Whether
you’re the adventurous type or looking for a calmer day, there’s plenty to do.
As Key West locals, we know the ins and outs of a great Key West weekend. Keep
reading to learn more about how to enjoy your long weekend getaway.
If
you’re looking for calmer waters, head out on one of the charters in the area.
Not only will you get a brief tour around Key West, but many offer snorkeling
and a chance to see local wildlife - like parrot fish, nurse sharks, turtles,
coral reefs, and much more. These creatures have flourished over the last year,
so it’s an amazing opportunity to spot an abundance of Key West critters.
For
those looking for a bit more physical work, try a sea kayak or paddleboarding.
You can either take them out at your leisure or go with a guide to explore
certain sites.
If
you’re not all watered out (impossible really) then take a boat to one of Key
West’s top restaurants: Latitudes. It’s ideal for date night as you’ll get a
front-row seat to the sunset and beautiful views before taking the boat back to
shore.
Day Two - Explore Nature
One
of the must-see places during your three-day stay is Dry Tortugas National
Park. Here, you’ll be able to visit Fort Jefferson, which played a surprisingly
important role in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Dry
Tortugas National Park is a bit off the beaten path and it’ll take you a little
over two hours to make the trip. With an early start to the day, make sure you
go to one of the best breakfast places in town, Glazed. This small bakery has
some of the best donuts we’ve ever had!
If
you’re not too tired, spend the evening taking a stroll down Duval Street.
Cheeky Key Westers have dubbed it “the longest street in the world” because it
runs from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Day Three - Learn a Bit About History
Did
you know that one of America’s most famous writers, Ernest
Hemingway had a residence in Key West? Furthermore, did you know that it’s
home to some unique cats?
You
can go visit his old residence, still in the Hemingway family, and the rare
multi-toed cats that live there. The cats eat well, are free to lounge on
Hemingway’s furniture (because it is also their house), and even have their own
cemetery near the garden, where kitties Frank Sinatra, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Marilyn
Monroe, and Mr. Bette Davis are buried. These cats have become so famous that
they have even gone to court. The Hemingway House is my favorite of all the "Tourist
Attractions" in Key West.
You’ll
also have to go visit the southernmost point in the United States. This marker
is just 90 miles away from Cuba! Talking about southernmost… you can also visit
the Southernmost House Hotel - one of the oldest Key West houses (converted
into a hotel) and dine at the magnificent Seaside Cafe at The Mansion.
Last,
we recommend you head to the Key West Historic Memorial Garden. With 36 bronze
busts of some of the most influential people in Key West’s history, it’s a
perfect mix of nature and history you can’t pass up.
For
your final evening, we recommend heading to Mallory Square. Catch some street
performers and watch the beautiful Key West sunset with a drink in hand.
Of
course, be sure to leave some extra time to look at Key West homes for sale
with me. I'll make you a local then tell you about the places we keep secret
from the tourists.
Gary
