Relaxing on Key West time

I’ve always enjoyed visiting the Florida Keys. Once you leave the Florida mainland and start driving over the water, you feel a whole different relaxed vibe. I had grandparents who lived in South Florida when I was growing up and made my first visit to Key West when I was around 12 years old. I loved the tropical atmosphere and remember feeling like I was in another country.

Pier House

We stayed at the Pier House Resort, which is nice because it has its own beach area. I was able to snorkel with my own gear right off the beach and see fish among the rock formations.

Bike tour

My dad and I went on a Key Lime Bike Tour to learn more about the architecture, culture and history of the Conch Republic.

Southernmost Point

We stopped at landmarks around the island, including Mile Marker 0, the Key West Lighthouse and the Southernmost Point in the Continental United States.

We also rode out on the Higgs Beach Pier, which offered beautiful views of the ocean. The tour lasted about three hours and took us by other popular spots like Mallory Square and the Ernest Hemingway Home.

Key lime treats

Our bike tour ended with a treat at Key West Key Lime Pie Company. I love Key lime pie and decided to give the blueberry version a try. I was not disappointed. Also, check out this amazing Key lime pie French toast I had for breakfast one morning at Harpoon Harry’s. Highly recommend!

Snorkeling

We also went on the Fury Reef and Ritas snorkeling trip. It was fun and there was some good snorkeling on North America’s only living coral reef.

Harbor Walk

For dinner, we enjoyed the Harbor Walk area, which featured several restaurants and was a short walk from our hotel.

Mallory Square

Also be sure to head to the Mallory Square area one night for its famous sunset celebration.

Fort Zachary Taylor

We went out to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, but the beach there was rather rocky getting in and out and not as enjoyable as some of the others. I had read you could snorkel right off the beach, but I didn’t see any fish when I tried. It was still pretty but a bit of a disappointment.

I always enjoy visiting the Florida Keys. What is your favorite thing to do there?