Spring Break fun in the Florida Keys
What is a Key you may ask……Well, for us it’s an island of fun, if you want to get technical it’s a small low lying coral island. Either way it was full of sunshine, great times, great food and rejuvenation! This was our first time to the keys, don’t think it will be our last!
For this trip we chose to fly right into Key West International Airport, although it is also popular to fly into Miami and make the drive down. Upon arrival at Key West, we felt the Caribbean vibe with the open air stairs leading from the airplane onto the tarmac. Only one other plane in sight, it wasn’t long before our baggage was out and we were on our way. We rented a vehicle from Alamo Car Rental and the process was very easy. The rental desks are in the airport baggage area (basically a large room) and the cars are in the parking lot just across the street. Just make sure you check the time of your arrival as only a few rental companies stay open past 5:00 pm.
Our VRBO (#2144732) rental was located in Grassy Key, Marathon area, about an hour drive from the airport and across the famed “seven mile bridge”. We all enjoyed the greenery and aqua blue water while heading to our home for the week.
Is this a resort you may ask, in a way it sure felt like one. All the fun you can manage on this two acre property! Tennis/basketball court, heated pool, big yard for games, its own rock walled harbor with seating areas, kayaks, paddle boards and fishing to top it off.
You can even have a ball after sunset….
The house was extremely roomy with a large eat-in kitchen, living areas and a formal dining space.
What’s a fun way to explore the keys? By boat of course….we rented a boat for five days while staying in the keys. There are sandbars to visit, snorkeling spots to explore, restaurants to try and evening happy hour and charcuterie enjoy. We rented our boat from Mike at Island Time Boat Rentals. They will drop off your boat at your house and pick it up when you are done. The boats are in great shape and have good GPS navigation systems installed.
What’s a trip to the keys without visiting Key West? We took a day trip into town to check out the island vibes and local sights. Definitely an energetic atmosphere with fun shops, people taking in the sights and great places to eat.
Another fun must stop is the Hemingway House. This historic writer’s house is located in Key West and open for you to take a professional or self guided tour. Watch your step for the six toed cats laying around as they are the direct descendants of those who lived with Hemingway himself.
If you like fresh seafood this is the place to visit! We spent more time checking out the local cuisine this trip than most and it was well worth it. We even stopped by the Castaway Waterfront Restaurant that was featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives.
We had to do a double take at the Island Fish Company. After such a great dinner we decided to do a little boat excursion for lunch. The best key lime pie I had all week!
If you are staying in the Marathon area, a must stop is the Angler and Ale restaurant located at the Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key. The spicy tuna nachos and coconut shrimp are delicious!
Another activity in the area we checked out was the Dolphin Research Center. It was amazing to see these creatures interact with their trainers and the crowd.
Although the keys are not known for their beaches, a great one to stop at is Sombrero Beach. The beach is located in a nice city park with amenities and gradually sloping sand to the ocean. There is limited parking so come early or stop at an off peak time.
The Florida Keys definitely has something for everyone in the family. The keys have a great Caribbean vibe with the ease of still being in the states.
We would visit again in a heart beat!
