Why Go?
Nicknamed “The Conch Republic,” Key West is home to the most beautiful beaches in the continental United States. It's also responsible for the fabulous party Fantasy Fest, wonderful fresh seafood, and the famous Duval Street. But despite the bustle of people, Key West also seems a world away from everywhere. During the day, the best way for couples to explore the island is to leave the car behind, instead taking long walks or using scooters to enjoy the beauty and charm of the city. And at night, the most romantic spot in Key West just may be in the middle of the crowd, watching the sunset at Mallory Square. Sunset sails and romantic dinners on the beach are only a few of the reasons for couples to visit Key West. But it is guaranteed that you and your significant other will have a wonderful and romantic time in the most distinctive and exciting town that Florida has the pleasure of calling its own.
Insider Tips
• Key West is a relatively small town, so most residents and visitors use bicycles to get around. There plenty of shops to rent bicycles, mopeds, and scooters. Taxis are often used as well. It is usually, $2.25 for first 1/5th of a mile and then for each additional 1/5TH of a mile $0.50.
• Because Key West is a small town and most people walk, parking is limited. Therefore there are plenty of hotels and restaurants that offer valet parking, but they tend to be very expensive. So if you do drive to the Keys, make sure you have plenty of cash for valet parking.
• As in the rest of South Florida, Key West typically has mild weather throughout the year with temperatures generally hovering in the 80's. Lows for winter evenings however are in the 70 degrees so you'll want to bring a light jacket or sweater. Rain or as the locals call it “rain season” takes place May through October. Rain falls on most days of the wet season, so if you're traveling during this time, make sure to keep an umbrella handy.
• Hurricanes are often a big deal for the people of Key West. Although there hasn't been a major hurricane in Key West since 2005 (when all of the Keys had to be evacuated) it is often in the cone of concern. Hurricane season is June 1st though December 1st. Although that is the summer time and a great time to visit the Keys, please make sure to constantly check the weather there before arriving.
• Fantasy Fest is the most popular festival in Key West and is also the most expensive time to go. It is a 10-day celebration with elegant black tie balls, a parade, costume competitions, and fundraisers for different charities, one of which is AIDS research. It has been said to rival Mardi Gras because it brings in so many out-of-towners. It's great and usually takes place at the end of October.
Where To Stay
Key West offers many hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for a romantic getaway. They boast that Key West charm but also have a bit of elegance to draw visitors in. For an excellent bet for couples on a romantic getaway, The Albury Court Hotel offers guest rooms that are located throughout five adjacent, historic, conch-style buildings, each with typical Key West architecture such as clapboard siding, open porches, metal roofs, picket fences, and tropical landscaping. The staff is very courteous and willing to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay for their guests. Hotel amenities include continental breakfast, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi throughout the property, air conditioning, and cool Caribbean décor. Most guest rooms are set up for couples, with one queen-size bed. Rates are from $129 a night.
Another option is the Hyatt Key Resort and Spa, a romantic waterfront hotel with old-world architectural touches, a seafood restaurant, and an excellent spa. Rooms offer flatscreen TVs, plush robes and iHome stereos with iPod docking. All rooms also have sweeping waterfront views. This hotel also offers the “Amour” package, which includes full breakfast, candles, rose petals, truffles, a choice of beverage and 1:00pm Late Checkout. Room rates here start at $299 a night.
For couples seeking more of a secluded B&B experience to pamper themselves, the Orchid Key Inn, located right on Duval Street in Historic Old Town Key West, is an ideal choice. When you enter the inn, brick paths lead you through lush tropical landscapes, tranquil waterfalls, and water features that fill the air as you near their peaceful sun deck, heated pool, and spa. The inn also has a cocktail bar that hosts a free happy hour, as well as a complimentary continental breakfast. A Queen Deluxe Room located poolside here starts at $244.
What To Eat
Key West is a definitely a place to dine on great and fresh seafood. Pristinely fresh conch, shrimp, lobster, and crab dishes are all expertly prepared in many Key West restaurants. Seafood not your type of cuisine? Don't worry, as there are many other choices in the city. Here are a few of my favorite romantic restaurants in Key West.
Little Palm Island is resort and spa but also the home to the restaurant The Dining Room. There is seating inside the restaurant, but many people prefer to sit outside on the beautiful beach. It is lit by tiki lights and is absolutely romantic and lovely. The menu is fabulous as well, offering a variety of items to choose from. My recommendation? The Mahi Mahi and for dessert, their famous Key Lime Pie.
For the ultimate romantic dining experience, the Roof Top Cafe is definitely the place to go. It is located blocks from Mallory Square and offers the casual elegance of a dining room on a deck! Although the name of the restaurant is called Roof Top Cafe, there is a main dining room. Inside it is surrounded by sliding glass doors, that are sometimes left open to let the guest feel the crisp Key West breeze. There are also upper windows that allow the guest to have the beautiful sunlight during the day and moonlight and star views at night. The outside deck is shaded by a large Mahogany tree, lit by candlelight and has unobstructed views of Mallory Square. It is simply amazing. You have to sample the Key West conch chowder (try it since the Keys are known as the Conch Capital of the USA). Another excellent pick are the Grilled Scallops that is served with a sweet passion fruit sauce and for dessert Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee.
Do you want Mexican food with a twist? Old Town Mexican Cafe is the place to be in Key West to get it. One of Key West's hidden gems, Old Town Mexican Cafe offers upscale yet traditional Mexican food that can be enjoyed inside of their festive dining room or shady tropical patio. The staff is prompt and courteous and has made some wonderful recommendations. If you are a drinker, try their Key Lime margarita. And for dinner, I recommend eating the Seafood Fajita which has scallop, shrimp, calamari and salmon.
A favorite non-seafood restaurant of mine is La Trattoria. It is a quaint, romantic yet reasonably priced Italian restaurant with a great atmosphere located on Duval Street. They have excellent freshly-made pasta, delicious salads, and amazing wonderful service–the staff couldn’t be more friendly and welcoming. My favorite dish is their Ravioli Trattora, crab and lobster-stuffed ravioli in a tomato sauce.
What To Do
When people think of visiting Key West, their first thoughts about what they should do when they arrive are to go to the beach! As fun as that is and as beautiful as the beaches are, Key West offers many other delightful and romantic activities.
A Champagne Sunset Sail is popular in Key West. Couples enjoy sailing for two hours on an 80 foot sailboat. While beer, wine, champagne and soda are offered for $1 it's a great idea to bring your own picnic, as the boat does not provide food. The price for the 2 hour ride is $51.16 per person. The boat is also shared with other couples.
If you and your significant other are feeling adventurous, how does snorkeling and swimming with dolphins sound? The Ultimate Adventure is a 6-hour Gulf of Mexico adventure cruise that has all the fun and excitement you are looking for. The boat takes you to the coral reef for- snorkeling, there's time to ride the Jet Skis, parasail, kayak and of course swim with the dolphins! A continental breakfast, lunch and snacks are included. The cost is $139 per person, but I guarantee it's worth the money.
There are no theme parks in Key West, but there is a thrill ride that will bring out the inner kid in you and your significant other. The White Knuckle Thrill Boat Ride is a water sport attraction jet boat ride. This trick sailboat is specifically designed to do crazy twist, turns, and 360 degree spins in the ocean. The boats are U.S. Coast Guard-approved and are inspected regularly, so you are completely safe. Reservations are required and the price is $59 per person. Don't forget to wear a swimsuit, because you and your significant other are guaranteed to get soaked!
Key West and New York have just come together…and in a big way. The Keys Piano Bar is a New York style piano bar, but with an open mic. They play a variety of music, and you and your significant other can sing along with the crowd or get on stage and sing a duet together. The bar has all types of music, but feel free to bring your own just in case. This place guarantees a good time. There is no cover charge, but a beverage or food item must be purchased.
For a different sort of sunset cruise experience, there is a more upscale boat ride that includes dinner. Dream Chaser Charter is a 3 hour sunset cruise that includes a four course meal and drinks for $89 per person for a shared cruise (there is a 6 person maximum on the boat). If you would like to do something extremely romantic for your significant other, you can book a private dinner cruise for just the two of you for $400.
Photo credit: Jim Crocker, Toast to Life, y entonces, the Hyatt, the Keys Piano Bar, PMC 1stPix, Fovea Centralis, The Dining Room