Could there be a better place to have a couple’s weekend getaway than Key West? Both of you will enjoy the Caribbean architecture, small town atmosphere, warm waters, and great seafood. At only four miles long and two miles wide, this paradise encourages walking and biking everywhere. Plan on staying at any of the bed-and-breakfasts in Old Town during your romantic weekend. The few larger hotel chains further away are inconvenient and lack the charm and soul of the independent establishments. Proprietors of the Angelina Guest House make homemade cinnamon buns every morning, give great tips from a local’s perspective, and have a hammock area near the pool you’ll never want to leave. Jet set travelers looking for a chic experience might enjoy the posh Truman Hotel, a surprisingly sleek property.
Day 1 of Your Key West Weekend
Getting to Key West by air or car is easy. The Key West International Airport is located only ten minutes from Old Town, or about $15 in cab fare. If you drive down highway 1 from Miami, skip the tchotchke shops along the way and instead head down to Bahia Honda Key, around mile marker 37. Turn off at the Bahia Honda State Park, which has two amazing beach areas featuring shallow clear sands, and enjoy a lazy afternoon together.
Once you arrive in Key West, take in the sights on Duvall Street before renting bikes from Eaton Bikes or Island Bicycles. Head to the funky Bahama Village area for some shopping, taking note of the famous entrance sign on Petronia Street. Hit the shops for something special for your significant other. Besame Mucho sells romantic gifts, housewares, perfumes and stationery, while Wanderlust specializes in island photography, art, ladies’ fashion, and accessories. Most restaurants and bars in Key West have great happy hour specials from 4-7 p.m., and Santiago’s Bodega is no exception. Sip on their house specialty, a delicious white sangria with fresh fruits. Don’t miss their lamb patties or the croquetta tapas appetizer. For dinner, try the seafood at Blue Heaven for a rustic and relaxed meal. Key West has a relaxed dress code, so don’t go overboard with your outfits. A sundress for ladies or a polo for guys is acceptable for dinner at most restaurants.
Finish the night with a treat from Better than Sex, a desert restaurant featuring risque confections in a boudoir-styled interior. Share a chocolate rimmed glass of red wine together before heading back for a quick swim before bed.
Day 2 of Your Key West Weekend
Wake up refreshed and ready to get going on day two, beginning with a tour of the Hemingway house. Arrive early before the crowds and stroll back in time with your beloved in Ernest’s lush garden. Try the crab reuben at the Six Toe’d Cat, a quaint little restaurant next door. If the weather is not terribly hot, climb the lighthouse for breathtaking views of the whole island before heading to the marina or biking down to the beach. Smather’s Beach is only a short ride away. If you head to the marina instead, take a sunset sail on one of the historic schooners or watch the sunset celebration at Mallory Square. End the evening at Alonzo’s Oyster Bar, downstairs at the A&B Lobster House. Enjoy the views overlooking the marina, and make sure to sample the conch soup, conch fritters, and fresh fish entrees. Be sure to try the locally brewed Key West Golden Ale or Southern Clipper with your meal. Enjoy the bike ride back to your room, and begin making plans to come back soon.