According to American Express Travel’s 2023 Trending Destinations report, the Florida Keys is among the top places expected to visit in the next year. Travelers are looking for new adventure and personalized experiences and the strip of land in South Florida is notorious for its countless aquatics activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether it's the food, the area or the marine life, the adventure and exploration is never ending.
As the Florida Keys celebrates its bicentennial in 2023, we’ve put together a handy road trip guide to aid travelers as they embark on their journey to Key West.
WHERE TO STAY
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort Before any traveler embarks on their road trip, the first and most important task is to book their stay. We urge travelers to let the “Keys Disease” take over and stay by the historic seaport and catch the ultimate vibes at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort. Recently listed as the #1 resort in the Florida Keys by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, guests can partake in the hotel’s daily pool area programming from Key Lime turndown service to the Reggae Sunday poolside concerts. Ideally located on just steps from the lively Duval Street and Mallory Square, this modern, waterfront resort offers a hidden sanctuary of lush tropical grounds, three saltwater pools, an open-air restaurant and bar for al fresco dining. Each of the resort’s 96 spacious and luxuriously appointed guest rooms feature a private balcony, perfectly appointed design elements and Key West-inspired touches.
KEY LARGO As you begin the descent down to the Old Republic, Key Largo holds destinations worthy of a pit stop. Sundowners is a long time local favorite restaurant serving sunsets, sandwiches, steaks and seafood on the Florida Bay. While on the back dock, visitors can feed the tarpon or sign up for parasailing with family and friends. Just a few miles down is Pirate Cove Water Sports. Those looking for a bit of action at the start of the road trip can rent jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks and even go snorkeling to explore the marine life native to the Keys. One last stop is the famous Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory for all things key lime. At the Blonde Giraffe, key lime lovers can savor their famous key lime pie while relaxing in the serenity garden and also purchase key lime flavored cookies, pecans, almonds, malted balls and more. ISLAMORADA Next up on the road trip is Islamorada, the sport fishing capital of the world. Consisting of four islands, Islamorada is a popular destination with several eateries and local stores for all to enjoy. The first stop is the Islamorada Fish Company, a restaurant overlooking the bayside of the Florida Gulf Coast with legendary sunsets and soft bay breezes. After a meal, patrons can walk over next door and shop at Bass Pro Shops for all things nature and nautical. Robbie’s Marina of Islamorada is a must-visit stop in the Florida Keys. From hand-feeding the massive tarpon to stocking up on handcrafted souvenirs from the local shops, there’s an activity for everyone.
BIG PINE KEY Vacationers looking to transport to a quiet oasis can pull over to Big Pine Key and take a break from the road. This area of the Florida Keys is surrounded by wildlife trails, water-borne activities and white sand beaches. The Bahia Honda State Park has some of the best views of the island strip with clear waters and breathtaking sunsets, serving as a great refuel and recharge stop from the road trip. While in Big Pine Key keep your eyes peeled from wild deer as you step into the National Key Deer Refuge, a national park made to protect and preserve deer and other wildlife in the Keys.
STOCK ISLAND Just outside of Key West is Stock Island, the laid back vintage spot that authentically channels the spirit of Old Key West. For a trip before your trip, Stock Island is home to some of the best restaurants and water activities for all to enjoy. The Hogfish Bar & Grill offers all who step foot fresh seafood with panoramic waterfront views. Next up is Fun in the Sun boat charters and rental company, promising a good time under the Florida Keys sun with paddle boarding, kayaking, bike rentals and more .
KEY WEST As travelers arrive in Key West, they can escape to island time and check out historic attractions, waterfront resorts and one-of-a-kind local eateries. Just a few steps away from The Marker is the Funky Rooster, an eclectic coffee house and wine bar channeling all the island vibes with local art. Travelers can enjoy breakfast, lunch, happy hour or dinner at Pepe’s Cafe, the oldest eatery in the Florida Keys and second in Florida. To satisfy the sweet tooth, visit Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe for the city's staple dessert item, key lime pie. You can’t leave Key West without checking out one of the many historic attractions including The Hemingway House, the 1930s residence of famous author Ernest Hemingway; Little White House, former home of president Harry S. Truman; or like any good historic town, thrilling Ghost and Gravestone Tours. After your adventure, the Key West sunset cruise is there to give you the opportunity to relax and watch what’s considered one of the most beautiful sunsets in the United States.
