If you’re planning on visiting Miami soon, you may be wondering about side trips you can take. Extending your vacation to include a stop in Key West can show you a whole other side of Florida, one that’s slower-paced and more relaxed. This gives you the ideal transition stop before heading home to ensure you return refreshed and recharged.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Year after year, people visit Key West for world-class fishing. And when you book a fishing charter through All In Fishing Charters, you can skip the headache of figuring out how to get your fishing gear to Florida and renting a boat. Instead, trust the knowledgeable and skilled captain and crew to take you out for tuna, grouper, snapper, tarpon, and more. Recreational and sport fishing excursions can include deep water, wreck, reef, and flats fishing. Book a half-day or full-day charter depending on your availability.
Although most of Dry Tortugas National Park is underwater, there is a small collection of islands you can visit. One of them, Garden Key, is where Fort Jefferson sits; the aged fort will likely look familiar to you based on photos and postcards from Key West, and you can tour the historic site at your leisure. The park also offers kayaking, swimming, and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching. But perhaps the biggest draw is the snorkeling. The shallow water is clear enough for maximum visibility, and both experienced and novice snorkelers alike can find excitement under the waves. From shipwrecks to coral reefs, there’s plenty of chances to observe sea life up close.
Fun and Exciting Activities
Look no further than Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant located in Old Town Key West for mouthwatering seafood dishes prepared with care. Indulge in local favorites like conch fritters, fish tacos, and crab cake sandwiches, or go traditional with a lobster roll and fish sandwich. Shaded outdoor seating is cozy and comfortable, making a great spot for lunch or dinner. Purchase fresh seafood to make your own meals if you’re staying in lodging with a kitchen, or indulge in Eaton Street’s shipping services to get your favorite Key West seafood at home all year long.
Duval Street might be the most well-known street in Key West. Discover a variety of boutiques, cafes, shops, art galleries, bars, and even museums. Find the perfect souvenir or gifts for loved ones at home and recharge with lunches, dinners, and drinks no matter your preferred cuisine style. Because Duval Street meets Mallory Square, getting to the nightly Sunset Celebration is convenient. Every evening, this family-friendly party kicks off with live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, and more. To explore the area more conveniently, take a ride on the Conch Tour Train, with several stops around town; passengers are treated to an overview of the city’s history and culture provided by local guides.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park offers daily tours of the Civil War-era fort but you’re welcome to explore much of it on your own, too. Spend the day on biking trails and walking trails. Or you can swim at the beach and fish off the jetty. Along with picnic areas that include grills, the park has an on-site cafe so you can pick up a light meal and refreshing beverages all day long, such as sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
If you’ve ever dreamed of spending your days at sea, salvaging sunken ships for lost treasures. This is your chance to see what it’s really like. At the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, learn more about the research and discovery of shipwrecks in general. The works of maritime explorer and salvage expert Mel Fisher in particular. Plentiful artifacts reflect the work of Mel Fisher and his team. The on-site lab offers insight into the science of shipwrecks and how they’re found and excavated through maritime archaeology. In addition to museum access, you can add to your ticket for behind-the-scenes tours of the conservation lab.
And because no trip to Key West is complete without key lime pie, make sure to stop at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe. The tantalizing key lime pies are made fresh daily and sold whole and by the slice. The Elizabeth Street location has a full cafe menu and offers outdoor patio seating next to a charming koi pond. The shop’s selection of key lime-inspired treats, candies, condiments, and even health and wellness products is tempting, too.
Make the Most of Your Miami Vacation with a Side Trip to Key West
Adding Key West as an extension to your Miami trip makes good sense. Key West is close by and easy to get to. It also offers a wide range of activities that will help you return home feeling rejuvenated. Explore all of the great sights, sounds, and experiences that Key West offers visitors, and consider adding this stop to your Florida vacation itinerary today.