The Grand Guesthouse Key West Florida Area Guide
The Grand Guesthouse Key West Attractions
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
205 Whitehead St.; (305) 294-2116
Original lithographs of John James Audubon’s drawings are on display at this former home of shipwreck salvager Capt. John Geiger. Tour the home and the surrounding lush tropical gardens and learn the techniques Audubon used to create his avian masterpieces.
303 Front St.;(305) 294-5161 or (888) 916-8687
The Conch Train has been winding its way through the streets of Key West since 1958. This hour-and-a-half tour has stops for refreshments and shopping. Sights include the Hemingway House, Southernmost Point and Bahama Village, among others.
281 Front St.; (305) 295-6616
The Custom House was originally home to Key West’s customs office, postal service and district courts. It was restored and converted in the early 1990s into a museum and the official headquarters of the Key West Art & Historical Society.
(305) 242-7700
The Dry Tortugas is a cluster of seven islands about 70 miles west of Key West. The park is accessible only by boat (either your own with a permit, or on the Yankee Freedom III: (800) 634-0939; drytortugas.com) or seaplane ((305) 293-9300 or www.keywestseaplanecharters. com). Activities include exploring the historic Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, bird- watching, fishing and camping.
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
907 Whitehead St.; (305) 294-1136
This Spanish Colonial home where Ernest Hemingway once lived and wrote contains many of the original fixtures and furnishings, as well as artifacts from his life. Take the tour and say hello to one of the 40 to 50 six-toed cats, all descendants of Hemingway’s cat, Snowball.
Florida Keys Historical Military Memorial
1 Mallory Square
This open-air multi-war memorial to multiple wars is in honor of those who lost their lives while serving the U.S. Plaques explain battle information and list the names of Florida Keys military veterans dating back to World War II.
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
35 E. Quay Road; (305) 809-4750
Sponsored and operated in part by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and NOAA, the Eco- Discovery Center features interactive exhibits, including a mock-up of Aquarius, the world’s only underwater ocean laboratory.
3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.; (305) 296-3913
This Civil War fort built in the late 1800s now houses a sculpture garden and museum featuring a collection of relics from the Civil War. Artifacts also document the wrecking and cigar- making industries—and the museum is home to Robert the Doll, a highlight on Key West’s trolley tours.
The Original Ghost Tours of Key West
430 Greene St.; (305) 294-9255
Take a guided walking tour during the day or night through the eerie areas of Old Town Key West. The tours end inside the only haunted Hark Rock Café in the world, right on Duval Street.
Harry S. Truman Little White House
111 Front St.; (305) 294-9911
This historic building famously served as the winter White House for President Harry S. Truman in 1946. Truman later made 10 more trips to the Little White House, which is now a museum focusing on his Key West experience during his presidency.
Key West AIDS Memorial
Foot of White Street and Atlantic Boulevard; keywestaids.org At the entrance to the White Street Pier, the Key West AIDS Memorial commemorates Florida Keys- friendly people who have died from AIDS-related causes. New names are engraved each year on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day.
1 Whitehead St., at Mallory Square;
(888) 544-5927
The Key West Aquarium is home to alligators, jellyfish, sharks and many other marine animals. It features a touch tank with conchs, sea stars, sea urchins, giant hermit crabs and horseshoe crabs. Guided tours and feeding presentations are available.
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
1316 Duval St.; (305) 296-2988
More than 50 different butterfly species from around the world and 20 different exotic bird species coexist in this climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat that includes waterfalls, flowering plants and trees.
701 Passover Lane; (305) 292-8177
Stop at the sexton’s office near the entrance at Passover and Windsor lanes for a map of a free walking tour from the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. The tour includes the famous headstone of hypochondriac B.P. “Pearl” Roberts that reads: “I told you I was sick.” You can also arrange for a guided tour in exchange for a donation to the foundation by calling ahead of time.
(305) 396-2224
Walk with us, talk with us—and sample the best Key West cuisine along the way. Key West Food Tours take up to 10 people on a walking tour of Old Town, stopping at six island food favorites.
Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden
401 Wall St., at Mallory Square
This sculpture garden, at the site of the original shoreline in Mallory Square, features 36 bronze busts of the most influential men and women from Key West’s past, including Henry Flagler, Ernest Hemingway and President Harry S. Truman, among others.
Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum
938 Whitehead St.; (305) 294-0012
This lighthouse opened in 1848, was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1969, and now stands as a museum dedicated to Key West’s maritime heritage. Take a look at the artifacts of lighthouse keepers past, and then climb the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse for a great view.
Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
1 Whitehead St.; (305) 292-8990
Walk up the 65-foot lookout tower for a 365-degree view of Key West and its harbor, learn about the lucrative wrecking industry and discover artifacts from the Isaac Allerton, the richest shipwreck in Key West’s history.
512 Eaton St.; (305) 985-0433
The Key West Theater is a newly renovated performing arts center that presents original plays, musicals, films and concerts. The season includes world premieres of plays penned by Key West writers, a Broadway concert series, nationally known musicians and music acts, concerts by local musicians as well as national recording artists such as Christopher Cross.
Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
5210 College Road, Stock Island; (305) 296-1504
This natural conservation habitat is home to many endangered flora and fauna as well as two of the last remaining freshwater ponds in the Keys, making it a migratory stopping point for rare birds from as far away as South America.
1801 White St.; (305) 292-1008
The Key West Wildlife Center is in the 8-acre Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park and includes a nature walk with a freshwater pond and two aviaries. The center also provides rehabilitative care to more than 1,000 native wild animals.
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
400 Wall St.; (786) 565-7448;
This nightly festival begins at the water’s edge about an hour or two before sunset and includes street performers, local artisans, food carts, palmists and psychics. Jewelry, T-shirts, photographs, paintings and sculptures made by local artists are also for sale.
200 Greene St.; (305) 294-2633
Exhibits include treasures from the Spanish galleons of 1622 discovered by Mel Fisher and his crew, Spanish coins in the New World, the Real Pirates of the Caribbean, the Science of Shipwrecks, artifacts from a merchant slave ship and much more.
Mile Marker 0 Sign
490 Whitehead St., corner of Fleming Street
U.S. 1 begins here in Key West, continues 2,369 miles north up the East Coast, and ends in Fort Kent, Maine. Stop here to commemorate your visit to Key West with a photo next to the iconic Mile Marker 0 sign.
Old Town Trolley Tours of Key West
201 Front St.; (855) 623-8289
Historic Tours has been running sightseeing trolleys in Key West for more than 25 years. Hop on and off throughout the day at numerous attractions including the Hemingway House, Little White House, Shell Shop and Mallory Square.
322 Duval St.; (305) 294-9501
The Oldest House in Key West features family portraits, original furnishings and other period pieces, ship models and documents that tell the story of old Key West. In the rear of the house is a spacious, peaceful garden where benches invite you to sit and reflect.
319 Duval St.; (305) 296-9911
The Red Barn Theatre has been producing plays and musicals in Key West for more than 35 years. This 88-seat theater is actually a converted carriage house built behind the Duval Street mansion in 1829.
108 Duval St.; (305) 293-9939
Ripley’s contains more than 550 odd, bizarre and unusual exhibits housed in a historical building. Exhibits include taxidermy of two-headed animals, a shrunken torso, white buffalo and a landscape carving made of camel bone, among many others.
516 Duval St.; (305) 294-3887
This historic landmark serves as a Cuban museum, library, art gallery and theater. Take a self-guided tour through exhibits such as The Life and Works of José Martí: 1853-1895, and the History of the San Carlos Institute.
Tours start at Kelly’s Caribbean Bar & Grill, 301 Whitehead St.; (305) 395-1435
David Sloan is the author of the books Ghosts of Key West and Haunted Key West and is the haunted history columnist for the local newspaper. Sloan’s Ghost Hunt tour takes you through Old Town using “actual” ghost- hunting equipment.
The Southernmost Point
Corner of Whitehead and South streets
This colorful, anchored concrete buoy was erected in 1983 to commemorate Key West as the southernmost point of the continental United States. There is usually a line of people queuing to take their photo next to the buoy.
533 Eaton St.; (305) 296-0458
The Studios of Key West is a local nonprofit dedicated to nurturing artists and the artistic process. This newly renovated building houses a gallery devoted to contemporary art, a theater, artists’ studios and classrooms.
Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit
513 Truman Ave.; (305) 842-1666
Learn about Tennessee Williams’ literary accomplishments and life in Key West through this extensive collection of photographs, first-edition plays and books, rare newspaper and magazine articles, videos, a typewriter used by the author while writing in Key West and other artifacts on display.
5901 College Road, Stock Island; (305) 296-1520 or (305) 295-7676 (tickets)
The Tennessee Williams Theatre presents national tours, concerts and local and national cabarets in the facility at Florida Keys Community College.
416 Eaton St., Key West FL 33040; (305) 433-3511
Tropic Cinema is a nonprofit movie theater that shows independent films and documentaries in addition to hosting a wide variety of community cultural events.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum and National Historic Landmark
0 Southard St.; (305) 395-9554
With more than 50 years of service around the world, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham offers a portrait of Coast Guard history from 1936 to 1988.
310 Wall St.; (305) 294-5015
The nonprofit Waterfront Playhouse produces plays and musicals in its 150- seat theater, right next to Mallory Square. The building is actually a converted ice- house from the 1880s, and the original, sweeping stone walls still stand.
1100 Atlantic Blvd.; (305) 294-3210
The West Martello Tower is a former Civil War-era fortification that is now home to the Key West Garden Club and the Joe Allen Garden Center. Take a walk along the brick pathways to view its collection of native and exotic trees and plants.
Key West Events
APRIL
Florida Keys artists and sculptors are featured in this open-air exhibit at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. Exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Key West Art Garden showcases local artists’ art work made mostly of recycled materials displayed as part of nature within the beautiful grounds of the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. An opening reception to meet the artists and unveiling is to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26. College Road, Stock Island, (305) 296-1504
Red Barn Theatre presents: Camping with Henry and Tom
Bristling with humor, this delightful play is fictionally based on a 1921 camping trip taken by Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and President Warren G. Harding. An easygoing satire of politics and history, it draws on quotes and biographies to paint a realistic and far-from-sugar-coated picture of this trio, whose private personas often differed from the exemplary personalities known to the public. Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St.; (305) 296-9911
Christopher Peterson’s EYECONS
A master of impersonations, both visually and vocally, with impeccable comic timing. The show is all live, no lip sync. Enjoy his parodies of Marilyn Monroe, Carol Channing, Madonna, Joan Rivers, Reba McEntire, Bette Midler, Tina Turner, Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Eartha Kitt, Cher, Bette Davis, Lucille Ball, even Lady GaGa. Show dates are online. Show times 9 p.m. La te da, 1125 Duval St.; (305) 296-6706
Waterfront Playhouse Presents: Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire.
When Margie loses her job at the Dollar Store, she faces eviction and scrambles to make a break. She thinks an old fling, who made it out of South Boston to become a successful doctor, might be her ticket to a new start. An insightful dark comedy, this recent Broadway hit asks why some people manage to escape from the situations into which they are born—and why some don’t. Funny and surprisingly touching. Performances at 8 p.m. 310 Wall St.; (305) 294-5015;
Fringe Theater presents: Conch Republic . . . Revisisted!
You loved Conch Republic, the musical. Audiences did, too! So the Fringe is bringing it back, with a twist here and a tuck there. Learn the story of how the Conch Republic began. It will be an evening of song, dance and plenty of flags—which by the way is truly how the Conch Republic began. Join the Fringe Theater in celebrating our island’s heritage and sign up for the nightly Conch Republic Costume Contest. Performances are at 7 p.m. The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St.; (305) 731-0581
35th Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration
With activities ranging from a wacky bed race to a lighthearted sea battle featuring tall ships, the Conch Republic’s 10-day birthday party showcases the independent and eccentric spirit that characterizes the Florida Keys. (305) 296-0213
MAY
Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden Guest Speaker Series
Enjoy garden tours, and learn about the Florida Keys environment and how it affects gardening in a wide range of topics for discussion and education. Visit the website for schedule of monthly lectures, typically scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden; 5210 College Road; (305) 296-1504
Presented by Lazy Dog Adventures, the challenge includes a 12-mile Elite Race around the island and a 4-mile open race. Other events include a kick-off registration party, paddleboard clinics and kids’ races. Contact Sue Cooper (305) 304-4259
Key West Songwriters’ Festival
The 22nd annual showcase of musical magic features America’s foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, audience- friendly island settings.
(305) 304-0814
JUNE
2nd Annual Guitar Festival: 3 Concerts on 3 Keys
Enjoy three concerts throughout the Keys: June 2 in Islamorada at Coral Isles Church; June 3 in Marathon at the Florida Keys Country Club; and June 4 in Key West at the Key West Theater. Festival features virtuoso guitarists Larry Baeder, David Feder, Mike Emerson and Mateo playing blues, jazz, flamenco and classical concerts. Festival also includes arts & crafts, street fairs and the John Bartus Songwriters Festival.
Key West collectively shows its Pride every day, and this is your chance to be a part of the celebration! The five-day schedule includes daytime pool and beach parties, late-night drag shows, on-the-water adventures ranging from snorkeling and kayaking to glass-bottom boat tours, a street fair, a 10k relay race for tutu-wearing runners and walkers, and pageants to select Mr. Miss and Ms. Key West Pride. (305) 294-4603
The officially sanctioned event is a 12.5-mile swim clockwise around the island of Key West that is open to all age groups. Individual swimmers and relay teams can compete.
Fourth Annual Mystery Fest Key West
Open to authors, aspiring authors and non-writing mystery-buffs alike—2017 headliners are John Hemingway, grandson of Ernest and author of Strange Tribe, Keynote Speaker Clifford Irving, and Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter past-President Randy Rawls. Lisa Black, James O. Born, Nancy J. Cohen and Heather Graham are the featured presenters among a criminally stellar hit-list of some two dozen high-profile and award winning mystery and crime fiction authors and true-crime experts. Highlights include presentation of the 2017 Whodunit Mystery Writing Competition and Award, a ghost tour hosted by Heather Graham and a panel on “How to Commit a Perfect Murder.” (305) 587-9392
JULY
Commemorate the anniversary of Mel Fisher’s famous 16-year search for the Spanish galleon Atocha and the discovery of the Atocha’s $400 million mother lode of treasure. Features annual Dock Party at Schooner Wharf Bar on Saturday, July 15, with tours of salvaging vessels, raffle, silent and live auctions and live entertainment; private tours of the Fisher Family Conservation Laboratory, July 13 and 15. Proceeds from these events benefit Wesley House Family Services, Inc. (305) 296-6533
Fifth Annual Key Lime Festival
A wacky talent show, pie-eating and cooking contests and other tasty temptations await Key West visitors during the fourth annual Key Lime Festival. A Key Lime martini Sip and Stroll, Key lime rum sampling and distillery tour as well as a new Key Lime Pie Hop are among events to kick-off the four-day tasty fest.
Hemingway Days
The annual Key West celebration of the legendary author’s enduring work and his lifestyle features literary readings, the Running of the Bulls, a short story competition, fishing tournament, 5K Run and Paddleboard Race, Sloppy Joe’s Look-Alike Contest and a birthday “party” commemorating Hemingway’s July 21 birthday.
(305) 296-2388 (Look-Alike); (305) 797-0579 (literary)
Hemingway 5K Sunset Run & Paddleboard Race
This is the original and oldest ongoing 5K Run in Key West and takes place as part of the annual Hemingway Days Festival. The race course is a scenic flat course that runs past Key West’s most famous landmarks including the Ernest Hemingway Home, the iconic Southernmost Point and the famous Green Parrot Bar. (305) 240-0727
AUGUST
The Key West Business Guild presents this all-male celebration that typically includes pool and dance parties, on-the-water adventures and a fashion show that raises money for a local non-profit organization. (305) 294-4603
More than 150 beers and micro-brews are on tap at this “tasty” annual event that benefits the charitable efforts of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic. Events from beer dinners, beer brunches, happy hour parties, pool parties, late-night parties, seminars and the Signature Tasting Festival Event are some of the offered activities.
(800) 354-4455
SEPTEMBER
Thousands of singles, couples and groups of women flock to Key West each year for this renowned celebration for lesbians and their friends. Activities generally include dance parties, poolside gatherings, sailing and snorkeling, live music, comedy performances and more.
(305) 294-4603
One Week, Two Islands. Be a part of history. Begin with an art, wine and dine experience in Key West, then be transported back in time to Cuba for the trip of a lifetime.
(954) 699-6556
Dine, shop and relax during this month-long moveable feast. Cuisine connoisseurs can enjoy multi-course prix fixe meals at several Key West restaurants during WineDine KeyWest. Restaurants include casual waterfront spots, trendy bistros, eateries specializing in fresh Florida Keys seafood and award-winning gourmet emporiums. Local spas and chic boutiques are also participating in the celebration. Register free online.
The Grand Guesthouse Key West Florida Dining
Staff’s Top Picks
We’ve listed some of our favorite restaurants and hope that you will enjoy them.
We will be happy to help you make any reservations you need, just let us know! Enjoy!!
Seafood, Steak
700 Front St., upstairs; (305) 294-5880
Since 1947, A&B (named for its original owners, Alonzo and Berlin) has been a destination of choice for superior seafood dining with great views of the boats docked at Key West Bight. Try the shrimp cocktail martini appetizer: jumbo Key West pink shrimp served chilled with horseradish cocktail sauce and lemon. $$$
1401 Simonton St.; (305) 293-0304
Ambrosia serves up fresh sushi and Japanese-influenced fare. Try the sashimi appetizer with four varieties of the day’s fresh fish, or the duck tataki: duck breast marinated in sweet miso paste, seared, sliced thin and served with spicy green yuzu pepper. $$$
Mediterranean, New American
425 Grinnell St.; (305) 292-2987
Enjoy Azur’s Mediterranean fare on a shaded terrace by a waterfall or in the comfort of the cool dining room. The menu changes seasonally. Highlights include the eggplant chips topped with salt and rosemary honey, and the whole, grilled branzino fish served with rosemary, garlic, cured tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and Yukon potatoes. $$$
926 Simonton St.; (305) 296-8102
This decidedly adult dessert-only restaurant serves tongue-in-cheek titles of its sweet confections, such as the Fork You Fondue: vanilla cheesecake fondue served chilled and paired with pound- cake doughnut holes rolled in cinnamon sugar. $$
Traditional American
The Westin Key West Resort, 245 Front St.; (305) 292-4320
Dine indoors or outside with sweeping views of Key West Harbor perfect for viewing the sunset. Bistro 245 serves fresh island cuisine such as grilled pineapple salad, gazpacho, shrimp bisque or herb-seared local mahi-mahi, served with tangerine butter, scallion potato cake and grilled asparagus. $$$
Floribbean
729 Thomas St.; (305) 296-8666
In historic Bahama Village, Blue Heaven is one of the more casual Key West restaurants, with live entertainment and American, Caribbean and vegetarian cuisine. Try the popular Key lime pie (Kenny Chesney is a fan). $$$
Burgers, Seafood
801 Caroline St.; (305) 294-9272
Home of the “Square Grouper Sandwich,” B.O.’s Fishwagon is a slice of old Key West. Stop by Friday nights for great live music and try the fried cracked conch, shrimp or fish-of-the-day sandwich. Try a fried seafood platter, served with black beans and rice, salad and hand-cut fries. $$
Seafood, Traditional American
700 Front St.; (305) 294-9191
The Boathouse, on the harbor, is a favorite happy-hour spot, serving half-priced beers and appetizers. Try the Boathouse bread or the lobster tail tempura, served with a chili mango sauce. $$
Seafood, Traditional American
700 Front St.; (305) 294-9191
Request a table by the window for fine dining with great views of Key West Bight. The Commodore serves select seafood and steak dishes as well as an extensive wine menu. Try the mahi-mahi sautéed with mushrooms, tomatoes, capers, and lemon in a white wine sauce, served with roasted red potatoes. $$$
Sandwiches, Seafood
629 Duval St.; (305) 294-0102;
Recently featured on the Food Network, D.J.’s Clam Shack serves traditional Northern and Southern American seafood. Favorites include the overstuffed Maine lobster roll, cracked conch tacos, New England clam chowder, and golden-fried clam strips served with fries or coleslaw. $$
Cuban
900 Catherine St.; (305) 296-4184;
El Siboney is one of the island’s best Cuban restaurants, serving generous portions of affordable, traditional Cuban cuisine. Favorite menu items include the café con leche, Cuban mix sandwich and the roast pork with yellow rice, black beans, sweet plantains and Cuban bread. $$
Caribbean, New American, Seafood
(305) 295-7970;
This restaurant and wine bar serves inventive contemporary menu options such as barbecued Danish baby back ribs, which are spice-rubbed and slow- baked, then finished on the grill with a jalapeño barbecue sauce and served with sweet-and-spicy Szechuan green beans and macaroni and cheese. $$$
Seafood, Burgers, Food Truck
409 Caroline St.; (305) 304-3004
Garbo’s Grill isn’t your typical brick-and-mortar restaurant. It’s a food truck that was recently featured on the Food Network. Locals Eli and Kenna Pancamo serve popular dishes such as Korean barbecue tacos: marinated beef short rib, Napa cabbage, scallions, carrots, daikon, citrus soy dressing, and siracha served on two soft tortillas. $
Seafood
6810 Front St., Stock Island; (305) 293-4041
This is the place for local seafood, with Key West pink shrimp, lobster and hogfish. The restaurant only uses hogfish caught by local divers and does not substitute other fish when it’s out, so call ahead to make sure the hogfish is available. Try the fried hogfish sandwich with Swiss cheese, onions and mushrooms on fresh Cuban bread. $$
Traditional American
400 Front St.; (305) 296-4222
Hog’s Breath has great seafood, fresh smoked barbecue, live music, and even a kid’s menu. Sit inside or outside on the spacious patio while enjoying the live, local entertainers. Try the seafood sampler: peel-and-eat shrimp, conch fritters, garlic shrimp dip, and smoked fish dip served with coleslaw, lemon, dipping sauces and crackers. $$
Latin American, Seafood
Ocean Key Resort & Spa, 0 Duval St.; (305) 296-7701
The Hot Tin Roof restaurant is at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa overlooking Key West Harbor. Request a table on the covered patio at sunset to catch some of the best views on the island. Try the shrimp tacos, served with warm tortillas, pico de gallo, queso blanco and salsa verde. $$$
New American
Sunset Key (a short ferry ride from Westin Resort, 245 Front St.); (305) 292-5394
Request a table outside near the water for an uninterrupted view of the sun as it sets over the Gulf of Mexico. When the stars come out, tiki torches illuminate the beachfront. Try the pan-seared snapper served with citrus risotto, asparagus, ginger-lime cream sauce, tropical fruit relish, and crispy plantains. $$$
New American
915 Duval St.; (305) 296-0669
Dine al fresco with ample views of Duval Street on the elegant Victorian-style patio, sit indoors on the first floor amid eclectic artwork, or head upstairs to Point5 on the second-floor balcony. Point5 serves light bites and craft cocktails, while nine one five serves contemporary American cuisine infused with global flavors. $$$
(also seafood)
951 Caroline St.; (305) 296-4000
Quality, prime aged beef—such as New York strip—is the focus of Prime Steakhouse, but lobster tail, oysters, fresh local catch and pork tenderloin are also on the menu. Start with the she-crab soup followed by the Surf & Turf: a 10-ounce filet mignon and 8-ounce Florida lobster tail served with oven-roasted garlic and a red wine demi-glace. $$$
Barbecue, Seafood
1114 Duval St.; (305) 741-7071
The Salty Angler promises a casual atmosphere where fishing stories are as key as the adult milkshakes, like the Dirty Thin Mint or the SomBeach. Try out Thunder Thighs, smoked for two days in spicy brine and slow-smoked over hickory, or the Local’s Catch, with jalapeño cornbread or toasted brioche bread. $$
Caribbean, Italian, Seafood
1000 Atlantic Blvd.; (305) 292-1117;
Right on Higgs Beach, Salute serves Italian cuisine with lighter, Caribbean-influenced takes on classics, with fresh bread, vegetables, and local seafood. Request a table overlooking the beach and try the sautéed scallops on fresh greens served with tropical salsa. If you’ve got the kids with you, there’s a public playground right next door. $$
Spanish, Tapas
207 Petronia St.; (305) 296-7691
This tapas-style restaurant, a local favorite, is off the beaten path, deep in Bahama Village. Choose from more than 30 inventive tapas-style dishes, soups, and salads, and don’t miss the hot rum-soaked bread pudding for dessert. Tables typically fill up quickly, so reservations are recommended. $$
Traditional American, Seafood
202 William St.; (305) 292-3302
This open-air bar and restaurant is a slice of old, funky Key West that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a unique blend of special events and great live music at the water’s edge. Conch fritters, smoked fish dip, and chowders are on the menu, as well as a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches. $$
Seafood, New American
921 Truman Ave.; (305) 296-2777
This intimate seafood-centric restaurant features “off-beat, yet elegant architecture and tastefully accessorized space.” In addition to fresh fish, the menu includes grilled banana chicken, New York strip steak, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, and sea scallops served over mashed potatoes, pea purée and spinach. Reservations recommended. $$$
Seafood, Traditional American
201 William St.; (305) 440-2270
Stop in to try the beers of the Florida Keys and stay for the beer- battered fish and chips, slow-roasted baby back ribs or chargrilled ribeye. Make sure to get a table by the water, as the sunset views over the harbor are fantastic. $$
Key West Activities
Scuba & Snorkeling
The 120-mile Florida Keys island chain is home to the continental United States’ only living-coral barrier reef. This teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about five miles offshore and offers Florida Keys scuba diving vacation memories that last a lifetime.