The warm weather is here, vaccines are going around, and people are starting to travel again! One of the top destinations to visit this time of the year is the Florida Keys. Whether you are going for the weather and beaches or for the experiences and key lime pies, we have suggestion for a perfect, quick, and romantic Florida Keys getaway.
WHERE TO STAY IN KEY WEST
The Marker Resort
This signature Key West hotel is located at the northern end of the Lazy Way and it is surrounded by eateries, bars, shops, and entertainment. It is basically in the heart of all things fun in Key West! The suites are spacious and the décor with the beach style color palettes, scream Key West. Their balconies are super cute and will leave you conflicted between wanting to stay in the cozy room or wanting to venture outdoors. One of my favourite things about it is that guests have access to two pools, which you can decide on depending on your mood – one is perfect for the party crowd with DJs and bar, and the other is more private and perfect to just relax.
Equator Resort
Hosting men only, this resort is a safe haven for gay men to be 100% their authentic selves. The rooms are smaller than Marker Resort’s, but they are comfortable, charming, and have everything you need. From food to entertainment, it is located close by just about everything. The Equator Resort also has outdoor space with bar, pools and hot tubs, and clothing is optional!
Perry Key West
This waterfront Stock Island oasis is located just one bridge away from historic Old Town. The Perry Key West offers an amazing resort-like experience, and the amenities are perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. Amenities include Sol Yoga on the event lawn, dockside bars, two waterfront pools, outdoor fitness bootcamps, and more. The contemporary style rooms are spacious and cozy, and the best part is that they come with spectacular views.
Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club
Located outside of Key West, the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club has a full-service marina, amazing accommodations, restaurant, and even a historic lighthouse. The modern hotel features 125 rooms and suites designed with modern décor and comfort in mind.
LOCAL EXPERIENCES
Sunset Sail & Harbor Tour with Blu Q Catamaran
Nothing says romance quite like a sunset sail. The Sunset Sail & Harbor Tour is a 2-hour experience in an intimate setting with a breathtaking sunset from beginning to end. Appetizers are provided on board and you can BYOB with coolers to keep your drinks cold. Although this was the perfect romantic experience, we also got to meet new people too. We set sail with about 15 gay men from diverse backgrounds.
Island House
This is an all-in-one experience. From indoor spa and gym to outdoor pool and sun deck that is clothing optional, this is a place where you can just stay all day. We had a day pass and chose to have lunch there. We ate outside by the pool, and from food to service and ambience, everything was perfect. After having lunch, we sunbathed on the 2nd floor deck overlooking the pool.
Tasting at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery
This outdoor retreat was one of the most relaxing experiences. My favourite part was the cocktails on tap. But it is not all about the cocktails, batch rum & gin and beers… make sure you try the frozen key lime pie too!
Aquaplex
This experience will ensure that you have the time of your life. Not only are the cocktails amazing, but so are the cabaret style drag performances. I recommend the VIP experience with a private booth and bottle service. They call it the Aquaplex because the complex also features a side bar, back bar and also an amazing outdoor space that even serves poke bowls. They call it Poke in the Rear!
Key West Eco Tours
Offering sail, paddle, kayak, and snorkel tours, this is one of the most unique experiences. We did the kayak tour through the mangroves. The pace was slow, but it allowed us to see the wildlife in a relaxing setting.
Bahia Honda State Park
Although small, this is a beautiful and popular adventure with plenty to see and do. Outdoor experiences include everything you could possibly want to do in a state park, from fishing, swimming, and snorkeling, to watching the wildlife, hiking, birding, camping, and more.
DINING
Kermit’s Café Kitchen/Key Lime Shoppe
Shopping combined with food and drinks is always an amazing combination. Often ranked as the #1 spot for their Key Lime pies, this quaint establishment has a relaxing ambiance with vegetation, fountains, and sculptures, and it is the perfect place for breakfast and smoothies.
Fisherman’s Café
Located along the Lazy Way, this café is a must, and definitely go hungry! The fish tacos are the best I’ve ever had! It is made with your choice of blackened, grilled or beer battered fish, papaya & mango slaw, avocado, cajun remoulade sauce, and topped with cilantro. Yum.
Morada Bay Beach Café
To stay in theme with the romantic experiences, this is where you can have a romantic sunset dinner with spectacular food and amazing Key Lime Pie. We left with our stomach and hearts full and a sense of gratitude and complete contentment. I love that the outdoor tables were set in the sand right by the water.
Tiger Bar Exotic Eats & The Champagne Room
The Asian inspired speakeasy-style oasis is probably the only time when you feel like you are out of the Keys. You can enter through the Champagne room to get to the Tiger Bar Exotic Eats, where you can have a romantic date while enjoying small plates served course style.
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar
This was one of our top favourite dinner spots with food quality and presentation taking the 1st spot as well as their delicious Key Lime Pie. I know that usually, presentation means small portions, but that is not the case here. Definitely go hungry. Teraj had a 24oz steak that could’ve fed two people. Maybe. 🙂 We chose outdoor seating, and the romantic ambiance was perfect with the outdoor fires and stunning views.
Azur
This Mediterranean restaurant makes you feel right at home. Azur is gay owned, and it was another one of our favourite dinner spots of the entire trip, in part because we tried fresh catch. Ours was a yellowtail snapper. If you are looking for a quick break from all the Key Lime pies, definitely try their crème brulee. It is amazing!
Lighthouse Grill
The chic bayside restaurant & bar is located at the popular Faro Blanco resort. This is the place to go to enjoy lighthouse views while drinking cocktails and enjoying fresh seafood.
Robbie’s of Islamorada
This is one of the few restaurants that takes your own fishing experience to another level by cooking your catch, which is then served on a family style platter with sides, including island rice, vegetables, and plantains for dinner or and fries and coleslaw for lunch.
As you can see, if you are planning a quick getaway to Key West, you will definitely have a tough decision narrowing down which places to stop by. But the cool thing about the area is that you can go at any time of the year and have a ton of experiences to choose from!
Find more info about Florida Keys and Key West here.
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