If you get the chance to take a girls’ weekend away, make it a trip to Key West. Just a quick airplane ride from most major cities in America, it is like stepping into a new world that is familiar and exciting all at once. Key West offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, boutique shopping, jazz clubs, art galleries, and nature walks for an all-out getaway.
Welcome To Key West
The island of Key West is small so any place you stay will be pretty close to the airport. There are a variety of accommodations, from small bed and breakfasts to high-end hotels. Choose The Marquesa with its charming interior courtyard and pool, located right in the heart of Old Key West. From the standard room to deluxe suites, everything about the Marquesa’s room exudes calm and serenity. Old-fashioned porches are surrounded by lush greenery, and the on-site Marquesa Cafe, featuring Contemporary American dishes that include beef tenderloin, butter-poached lobster, and more.
Get settled and check in before heading back out to Mallory Square. It is located at the end of Duval Street, one of the main thoroughfares in Key West. Both the Square and Duval Street are lined with shops, art galleries, bars, restaurants, boutiques, and more. Buy perfume, cigars, sweets, books, clothing, and more. While you are there, grab an ice cream cone, visit a nearby distillery or light meal at one of the many bars and bistros in the area
Cap off your first day in Key West with a sunset schooner ride. There are several of these boats that go out of Key West on an evening cruise to nowhere. You will get amazing sights and captivating stories from an experienced crew who can make even the most nervous sailor feel at-ease. Many include drinks and light appetizers like wine and cheese. Every seat is the best seat with 360-degree views. Sunset cruises typically take you past recognizable landmarks like Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Mallory Square, and more.
Sun, Fun, And Seafood
On your second day in Key West, discover some of the amazing underwater sights and culinary delights the city has to offer. Start your day with a trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. It is actually a small collection of 7 islands, one of which is big enough to hold Fort Jefferson, a Civil War-era military installation. Today, visitors can walk the grounds, swim, picnic, kayak, and birdwatch in the area. But the big draw is the snorkeling. Whether you are a novice or a pro, the coral reefs, shipwrecks and old wooden pilings are worth exploring. You will need to plan ahead for your visit, though, because Dry Tortugas is only accessible by ferry; it is about 70 miles from the heart of Key West.
Once back on land, you will probably be starved. Hit Eaton Street Seafood Market for fresh lobster roll, crab cakes, fish tacos or the fried conch strip basket. There is plenty of outdoor seating in the shade so you can relax and enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch, along with a cold beer or glass of wine. Other popular seafood destinations for lunch include Garbo’s Grill, Blue Heaven, and Caroline’s Cafe. If seafood is not your thing, go for the pizza at Duetto’s; it is legendary, followed by some refreshing gelato.
Head back to the hotel to freshen up and return to the streets of Key West for a tour of the island’s popular art galleries. Key West Pottery, Art on Duval Key West, Collections Key West, and Wild Side Gallery offer pottery, sculpture, ceramics, paintings, glass, objets d’art, jewelry, and more. It is the perfect place to find the ideal souvenir to remind you of your girls’ weekend. If you have time for extra shopping, check out Besame Mucho for housewares, candles, bath and body indulgences, stationery, tea, souvenirs, and more.
For a celebration dinner, book a table at Little Pearl. It is a small, off-the-beaten-path place with a welcoming atmosphere and robust local menu. Do not miss the snapper sashimi or the jumbo lump crab tamago. Little Pearl also offers an extensive wine list of sparkling, white, and red labels by the glass, half or whole bottle.
Saying So Long
On your last day in Key West, visit Keys Coffee Co., Cuban Coffee Queen or Moondog Cafe & Bakery for a light bite and strong coffee. Then head to Prana Spa for a truly relaxing end to your weekend. Pre-book your massage, facial or other pampering treatment so that you can return home refreshed and rejuvenated in body and soul. A quick drive to the airport and you will be on your way home.
Key West offers a whirlwind of activity, from shopping to snorkeling, spa visits, and exquisite seafood dinners for the ideal girls’ weekend. It is the perfect place to meet up any time of year for sun and fun. The next time you are looking for a place to book a weekend out of town, consider Key West.
