Picture this: nibblin’ on sponge cake, watchin’ the sun bake, all of those tourists covered with oil; strummin’ a six string on your front porch swing, smell those shrimp – they’re beginnin’ to boil. Yes, these are pretty much the opening lyrics to the iconic 1977 hit Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett, but they could also be your life, should you choose to accept it.
Even before Buffett sang about his languid days in Key West, artists, writers and holidaymakers were venturing to the Florida archipelago to sip on margaritas and watch the magnificent sunsets. Why not you, too? Below, the best places to eat, drink, stay and go in America’s Florida Keys.
What to See
The Hemingway Home & Museum
Three words: six-toed cats. The famous writer’s Key West residence has been transformed into a museum, but the best part is that the grounds are roamed by about 60 cats, some of which are descendants of Ernest Hemingway’s own polydactyl pet, a cat named Snow White. Go for the literary history, stay for the cats.
Duval Street
The heart of Old Town Key West is Duval Street, which is packed with bars and restaurants boasting live music every night, along with plenty of novelty shops to peruse once your rum runner kicks in.
Luna
Around the corner from flashy Duval Street sits Luna, a lovingly curated boutique that’s only been open a few months but features some of the chicest clothing, accessories and décor we saw on the island.
Where to Eat
Blue Heaven
If you ask a local the best place to eat in Key West, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll point you to Blue Heaven. The casual indoor/outdoor brunch and dinner spot started by a writer and an artist back in the Nineties serves delicious Florida-Caribbean fare like fresh fish, Jamaican jerk chicken, and shrimp and grits. Make sure you leave room for the sky-high key lime pie.
Santiago’s Bodega
A cosy tapas bar tucked away on a side street in Key West’s Bahama Village, this is a great place to grab a few drinks and graze on some snacks, like fresh tuna ceviche and patatas bravas smothered in chipotle aioli.
The Dining Room
The biggest restaurant at Little Palm Island, a private resort and spa, The Dining Room offers beachside dining with stunning views of the sunset. If you’re lucky, a key deer might even come to say hello during your meal.
Where to Drink
Sunset Pier at Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Like most of Key West, Sunset Pier is casual and laid back – the perfect place for sipping a mojito at sunset. They also have live music nightly, so you can listen to the waves and Jimmy Buffett covers.
Two Friends Patio Restaurant
Even if you don’t like to do karaoke, you’ll relish Two Friends for the entertainment factor alone. Feel free to make a bit of a fool of yourself with an a capella rendition of Halo or, better yet, watch someone else do it.
Berlin’s Speakeasy
Berlin’s is a classic cocktail bar and lounge – perfect for when you need a breather from the Margaritaville vibe. Try the key lime pie martini for a taste of the keys.
Where to Stay
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Move over, Hawaii and Italy: this should be the next filming location for The White Lotus. The Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is situated on a private island accessible only by boat (and seaplane, if your budget can manage it), and features beautiful luxury bungalows with private beaches and an outdoor soaking tub the size of your first studio apartment. Tanya McQuoid would love it.
The Marquesa Hotel
If you’re after more of a B&B vibe, the Marquesa has you covered. The boutique hotel transformed the 19th century ‘conch’ houses on its property into private bungalows, but the real star of the show is the property’s cat, Bob, who’s always down to share a meal with you.
Winslow’s Bungalows
If a name brand property is more your thing, Kimpton’s Winslow’s Bungalows – a lush garden retreat – is the perfect mix of quirky Key West and luxury boutique hotel. The bohemian-style accommodation is also pet-friendly, so you don’t have to spend your whole vacation missing your dog.
Visit Florida Keys and Key West with Brand USA
