Laura & William
Vacation Activities
We Cycle - Bike Rental
Key West is extremely bike friendly, with most roads having a bike lane, the speed limit is 25 mph, no shortage of places to lock your bike up, the island is very flat (so you can bike with sandals), and the entire island is only a few miles from one side to the other. Laura and Will have rented bikes from this location a few times before, and it was cheap and allowed us to get around for the whole vacation.
Latitudes on Sunset Key
Latitudes is one of the top seafood restaurants in the Keys. In order to go to Latitudes for dinner, you will need reservations months out, however you may be able to get a brunch reservation perhaps even the day before. Latitudes is located actually on Sunset Key, and to get there you will have to park in the Margaritaville parking deck and walk over to the ferry location which runs every 15 minutes (free ferry transport with reservation). Don't forget to show your parking stub to the host at Latitudes for them to validate it.
Sloppy Joe's Bar
Join us at Sloppy Joe's for the wedding after-party! Sloppy Joe's is always a must see for Laura and Will when visiting Key West, as the Bar always has live music, has good bar food, and has a large dance floor to take advantage of!
Mallory Square
Mallory Square at sunset is a MUST SEE when visiting Key West. Everyone on the island converges here nightly at for the sunset celebration where you can get a piña colada from a street vendor and watch the local street performers. It's positioned perfectly next to many restaurants and bars, so after sunset you can easily go enjoy Key West nightlife.
Irish Kevin's Bar
Itching to sing Whiskey in the Jar? You will feel right at home at Irish Kevin's bar, where they typically have live music nightly.
Fort Zachary Taylor and Beach
Fort Zachary Taylor is a beautiful location to see some of the history behind Key West. The brick fort is definitely worth seeing, as all the cannons are still there. There is a large beach for swimming and snorkeling and the happy couple highly recommend biking or driving there for the day.
Blue Heaven
Blue heaven is an iconic Key West restaurant with everything on the menu as heavenly. Laura and Will have eaten here for Sunday brunch and it was delicious.
Alonzo's Oyster Bar
Alonzo's is a wonderful happy hour option, and has Laura's favorite beer steamed shrimp. Laura and Will visit Alonzo's at least once on every Key West trip.
The Commodore's Boathouse Bar
One of the best Happy Hour spots on the island with phenomenal lobster and shrimp dishes, and right on the Marina, next to Mallory Square and other nightlife.
Dante's Pool Bar
Join us at the pool party on Sunday, the day after the wedding! Dante's has a giant pool bar, good drinks, and a DJ all day.
Cuban Coffee Queen
If you even remotely like coffee, then plan to stop at one of the Cuban Coffee Queen locations for an authentic Cuban café con leche with can sugar. This location is right by the marina, so you can grab a coffee and sit on one of the benches at the marina to drink it.
Edward B. Knight Pier
On the most southern side of White Street, you'll find the Edward B. Knight Pier, which has an amazing view of the sunset if you find yourself on the southern side of the island around that time.
Smathers Beach
Smathers beach is a very scenic beach with a beautiful view of the ocean with palm trees directly on the beach. You're able to park directly on the road right next to the beach, making Smathers Beach very convenient.
Casa Marina Resort
Casa Marina is not only the wedding venue, but also has a beautiful beach. Everything is right on the beach, including pools, hammocks on every tree, and a bar/restaurant. You can definitely spend some time relaxing here.
Southernmost Point and Beach
Southernmost beach is very small, however there are a couple beach bars on the beach like Southernmost Beach Cafe (happy hour 4-6 every day) and you can find delicious food as well at Seaside cafe. It's also right next to the Southernmost Point of the US, so make sure to take a picture with the landmark.
Blue Mojito Bar and Grill
Blue Mojito has a beautiful view of the ocean, with a pool bar and hot tub. Come here for delicious food at a great happy hour - half off food & drinks.
Sandy's Cafe
Key West is the closest you will get in the US to Cuba, and Sandy's is the closest you can get to eating at Cuba in the US. Come to Sandy's for your authentic Cuban sandwich craving.
Deep Sea Fishing
Laura and Will take any opportunity to jump on a boat and go deep sea fishing to spend a sunny vacation morning. They have done charters in Key West and definitely suggest going fishing if you can take a morning to do so. Afterwards, take your catches to Hogfish Grill to get blackened/fried fish tacos, they are delicious! If you are driving through the Keys and want to go fishing, however, it's widely suggested to go in Key Marathon, as that's the best fishing in the keys.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp has some of the most beautiful snorkeling sights you can see without leaving the US. Laura and Will have snorkeled here and seen eagle rays, dozens of barracuda, parrotfish, sea urchins, and all kinds of other sea life.
Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery
The Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery in Islamorada is an assortment of many stores with local art (glass blowing, paintings, photography) and beachwear, but most notably is the home to Betsy the 30 foot tall lobster. At least stop here on your drive for a photo with Betsy.
Theater of the Sea
Want to swim with dolphins, sea lions, or sharks? Or maybe you want to meet a sea turtle, or paint with a sea lion? Plan to stop at Theater of the Sea on the way to Key West in Islamorada for wildlife fun.
Robbie's
Robbie's is a great spot to stop for lunch, and has massive tarpon fish that you're able to feed right from your hand. Tarpon don't have teeth to bite you when they eat the fish from your hand, so it's a fun and photo-worthy experience.
Sombrero Beach
Sombrero Beach is a beautiful beach on Key Marathon with a ton of parking and has enough space to make you feel you're on your own private beach. Stop at the publix around the corner to plan a beach picnic for lunch here.
Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospital is an active turtle rehabilitation hospital where they rescue, rehab, and release turtles. You can take a guided 90 min tour on any half hour from 9am - 4pm to see how they help turtles, and feed turtles at the end of the tour.
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar is a great place to stop for lunch for some tasty fish. Don't forget to wear your swimsuit here as they have a large pool. A perfect view of the sunset if you're staying in Marathon, and a great view of the 7 mile bridge.
No Name Pub
No Name Pub is a great place to stop for lunch on the way to Key West. The food is delicious, and the dollar bills stapled to the walls are quite a sight to see. Laura and Will have seen some friendly Key Deer around here as well, and hope you get to see one too!