Sunday, March 20, 2011

Margaritaville: Key West, FL

Welcome back Blog friends! Sorry I have been gone for a week but I am back and excited to share with you the amazing island of Key West, Florida. I just spent a week here during my last spring break as a college student and fell absolutely in love with it!



Key West is known as the southernmost city in the Continental United States. It is 129 miles southwest of Miami, Florida and is famously known for being the southern terminus of US Highway 1. I highly suggest you fly into Miami International Airport, rent a car and drive down the Florida turn-pipe to Key West. Although it is a one-lane highway the whole way, it is a breath-taking drive along the Florida coast and is a little under 4 hours long. It makes for a beautiful road trip!


Once you are there I suggest you stay at SunSet Key Guest Cottages, which is a Westin Resort located on its' own private island right off of Key West. These 1-4 bedroom cottages, are each designed in traditional Key West architecture and offering magnificent ocean views. Recently winning Travel + Leisure Magazine's Top 500 World's Best Hotels, Sunset Key is a fabulous vacation spot for a romantic get-away for two!

Sunset Key Island View

Sunset Key Cottage View

Located just 500 years from the historic old town of Key West, Sunset Key is accessible only by 24-hour daily launch service from The Westin Key West Resort & Marina. To learn more about this one & only resort check out their e-brochure here.

Key West is home to a number of famous names, beginning with Nobel Peace Prize winner and author, Ernest Hemingway. Legend has it that he wrote A Farewell to Arms while living above the showroom of a Key West Ford dealership in 1928. His home is now open to the public as a museum for tours. In addition, a number of songs have been written about this quaint little town and the song most associated with Key West is Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.  

Once settled in, I highly suggest you take the launch service over to Key West and moeze around Mallory Square. Being the center of Key West's historic waterfront, Mallory Square stages the famous Key West sunset celebrations and is a must see attraction. Nothing is better and more quick than a Key West sunset. Check out these pictures from my trip:


Aside from the breath-taking sunsets, there are tons of attractions to visit while in Key West. Many visitors rent bicycles and explore the history and architecture of Old Town Key West. Boat excursions are also a great way to view Key West from the water. I suggest taking a sunset sail from Fury Water Adventures. Their Commotion on the Ocean sunset sail is tons of fun and offers a live band while you enjoy all you can eat and drink!

After exploring the island during the day adventure over to Duval Street, the bar and restaurant district, which includes many different night time entertainment options, all within walking distance of each other. Key West offers a great nightlife for all ages - be sure to check out the complete list of bars and restaurants here.

If you would like more information of Key West do not hesitate to ask by leaving a comment. This is a fantastic vacation spot and hands-down one of my favorite places in the entire world!

Until next time, waste away your time in Margaritaville!

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