When I was in Key West for the first time, neither was my trip “close to perfect” nor was it “far from normal.” I spent too much time wondering what to do, where to go, how much it would cost me, and on and on it went. So, my first trip was a disaster.
Guess what I did next?
I went to Key West a year later – and this time – I had done my homework. The trip was absolutely ama – wait for it – zing! It was fantastic, and all thanks to a bit of research and planning. And I’m not the kid who hides their homework (wink). So, I’m about to tell you 4 best ways you can make the most out of your trip to Key West, Florida.
4 Desires You Need to Satisfy When You’re in Key West–
source: floridatrippers.com
Key West is a lively place where you can do so much. But if you take a swing at anything and everything, you’ll end up exhausting yourself. So, I’ll divide it into 4 core desires that you can – and really should – hit when you’re in Key West.
- Intellectual Desires
“Who wants to hit intellectual desires in Florida?”
I get where you’re coming from – but hear me out. If you start the trip by going all bonkers, you’d probably be too tired to hit the floor during the crazy Key West nighttime. So, it’s best to pet your party monster and feed it with intellectual candies to work up an appetite for the main course (aka clubs and parties).
- Ernest Hemingway Museum
source: media.tacdn.com
If you’ve shed a few tears after reading “A Farewell to Arms” in your teen years, you can start your trip by visiting Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. It’ll tickle your intellectual and creative fancy. Maybe Hemmingway’s muses will look favorably upon you, and you’ll get the inspiration to write something (or maybe you’ll put on your reading glasses a little more).
- Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Next up, you can try the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. It’s you’re a butterfly fan or just want to take a break from the noise of the world, this is the place to be.
- Key West Cemetery
Once you’re done relaxing, you should go for a quick chuckle. And the best place to get a good laugh is the Key West Cemetery (talk about ironic). Well, while a cemetery is a place for respect and mourning, the Key West Cemetery is sort of eccentric. The inscriptions you’ll find on the tombstone will surely crack you up. Remember the famous meme – “I told you I was sick” inscribed on a tombstone? Key West Cemetery is where you’ll find it.
- Adventurous Desires
source: thedailymeal.com
Now, after your intellectual needs are met, time to move on to some adventure. You’ve got all this energy stored after visiting a museum, cemetery, and conservatory. It’s time to use it!
- Safari Snorkel Trips
While you can’t have a wild jungle safari, you CAN go for a safari eco snorkel trip. You get two things here – A) drive the boat yourself through the exotic locations of Key West B) use a snorkel to go underwater and experience something completely different. Of course, you have to try it to see how it feels!
- Fishing Charter Trips
However, if the action-packed snorkel trip seems like you’re going overboard, why not tone it down with a fish charter? The fishing-with-family moments you probably never had time for can now become a reality. There are tons of top-tier fishing charters in Key West Florida. Some even have a “no fish no pay” policy. So, give it a shot. Who knows – you might end up catching giant Grouper!
- Parasailing
source: furycat.com
Finally, for people who don’t want to be tied down to the ground or water, there’s parasailing. You can go 300-feet above the ground and bask in all the beauty Key West has to offer!
- Palate Desires
All the adventures I just mentioned should work up quite an appetite (even if you try only one of them). So, it’s time to treat your tummy to a spoonful of yummy.
- Signature Foods
You can always try the signature foods of Key West – Key lime pie, conch chowder, coconut water, etc. But the restaurants serving these items are often crowded, especially during holiday seasons.
- Live Seafood
The other option (which I prefer) is to go for live seafood. There are many dedicated live seafood restaurants. You can choose the fish you want, how you want it cooked, and voila! Freshly cooked fish has a completely different taste than refrigerator-stored ones. You’ll know when you try it out.
- General Options
source: aarp.net
Apart from the signature Key West items and seafood, there’s also steak, pizza places, and much more. You can grab a bite anywhere you want.
- Party-Pant Desires
You’ve taken notes in the museums and historical places – dove deep and relished in the magnificence of the sea – filled yourself up with good food. Now, it’s time to let the P-A-R-T-Y monster make some noise! Key West is famous for its bars and clubs. The nightlife is fantastic. No other state in the US has so many bars per capita.
Remember, most popular bars/clubs have a theme. So, if you don’t want to head into a bar that doesn’t vibe with you, go for a general club. I’m not taking any names here because I want you to be excited about where you end up – the thrill of entering a bar you’ve no clue about.
Just Have Fun
source: pinterest.com
The important thing about visiting Key West, Florida is – don’t let all the shiny stuff get to your head. There are so many activities, significant places, amazing views – and you can’t take all of it in one day. So, instead of letting the FOMO (fear of missing out) mania drive you nuts, just have fun. Sit back – relax – and do what the Key West conchs do – enjoy every moment. You can always come back for more. Cheers!
