ULTIMATE 48-HOUR GUIDE TO VISITING KEY WEST, FLORIDA
Key Lime Pie, Ernest Hemingway, roosters, and more! Key West (also known as the Southernmost point in the Continental United States) is the perfect combination of a foodies paradise, tropical getaway and step back in time.
Easily accessible from most of Florida’s major cities (including Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami) – or for those who don’t enjoy road trips via plane – Key West is the perfect weekend getaway easily doable in 48-hours.
When I moved to Florida earlier this year, I told myself that I would explore as much of the state as possible while I’m here. Florida is a big place with sooo much to see, and with major cities scattered throughout the Sunshine State to use as a “home base” on your travels you can be sure that a 48-hour adventure is an easy road trip or plane ride away.
Your guide to visiting Key West in 48-hours
How to get to Key West
There are multiple ways to get to Key West, and with a state with weather and multiple coastal highways, Florida is perfect for a road trip.
Tip to note: When looking for a car to rent I suggest choosing an SUV because not only will you be able to feel more comfortable and stretch out for a rest when it’s your travel buddy’s turn behind the wheel, you can also easily fit in all your beach gear!
Some of my favorite SUVs to rent come from Chevrolet. The Denali for when I’m feeling a little fancy — and was lucky enough to experience earlier this year — and for this trip, I was able to experience the 2021 Trailblazer.
I’m always amazed by what the newest models of vehicles can do, probably because the last time I owned a car it was a 2011. The new Chevy Trailblazer was no exception!
Although smaller in overall size than my sister’s Mazda CX-5 (which I was actually surprised at because I remember Trailblazers being massive) our sleek Oasis Blue model has a shockingly large amount of space inside — making for the most comfortable ride down that allowed for all the naps. The trunk space and ability for all of the seats to lie completely flat (seriously the front passenger seat will lay down all the way so you can fit a stand up paddleboard in the car) made it so we could bring all of our suitcases, puppy stuff, a cooler, water sport gear and our beach wagon, and even had extra space for my puppy’s car seat to fit.
When it came to the tech the Trailblazer was just as impressive as the Denali we previously experienced, featuring an 8 inch touchscreen, wireless charging (you could literally charge your phone without a cord in this car), rear park assist, and wifi.
Overall these features and the surprisingly great gas mileage made for the smoothest 8 hour drive to Key West.
Whether you’re driving in from a home base within the state or flying into Miami and experiencing the scenic route down, you’re going to need a vehicle. I will say though, once you’re in Key West my recommendation would be to not drive. Parking (unless you’re waking up early) is a major pain in historic Key West and can get a little pricey. So, it’s best to take a shuttle (more on that below).
Driving to Key West
After you’ve rented your perfect vehicle it’s time to hit the road!
Whether you like long or short rides you have a multitude of options from Florida’s major cities:
From Tampa Key West is about a 7-hour drive
From the Orlando area it’s a 6 hour and 45-minute drive
From Miami you’re looking at a 3.5-hour drive
From Fort Lauderdale it’s a 4-hour drive to Key West
From Fort Myers it’s slightly over 5-hours to get to Key West
If you’re feeling super epic, any of the major cities northeast or northwest of Orlando you’re looking at 8.5 to 10 to 12 hours
**Note: All the drive times listed above include tolls (see my tip about tolls below)
Tip to note about road trips in Florida: Pick up a SunPass (the pass you need for Florida’s toll roads), or make sure you get one from the rental car company! Traffic in Florida is insane, and although the tolls are an added cost, they can easily save you 1.5 hours plus depending on where you’re driving from!
Flying to Key West
Now if you would rather fly than drive to Key West that is totally understandable! But just know that Key West’s airport is super small which means you’ll most likely have a stop in Miami, and it will be a more expensive plane ticket, than if you say flew into Miami and drove down.
Taking a ferry to Key West
A third and unique option for getting down to Key West is via the Key West Express ferry boat, a pet friendly (link dog friendly blog post) ferry you can take with your pet from Fort Myers Beach or Marco Island to the Keys. If you do decide to go this route, there are a few things you need to know:
You’ll need to pay an additional fee to bring your dog, cat and even your bird ($60 round trip), and they will need to be in a crate or carrier and not on a seat. Bringing your pet is also subject to availability as they limit the number of pets onboard
If leaving from Marco Island travel is seasonal, so be sure to check their sailing calendar before booking. If you’re leaving from Fort Myers, you can travel on the ferry year round
Each person is allowed 2 carryon sized luggage and you’re not allowed to bring coolers or alcohol
It is a little pricey with one-way tickets starting at $109 and round-trip tickets starting at $139 for adults
The weather can affect how long the ride is, but typically it takes 3.5 hours each way
Where to stay in Key West
There are soooo many cute places to stay in Key West, so no matter where you stay you will not be disappointed!
There are a few things to consider when choosing where you lay your head for the night:
Do you plan to be out exploring all day? Maybe just look for a standard hotel without added amenities
Do you want to have a good balance of exploring and hotel time? Look for a hotel that has resort like amenities or go for the full-on resort
Are you someone who travels with their furry friend, like I do? Make sure you are searching for pet friendly hotels, and don’t forget to look at their nightly fees and the fine print about where your pet can go on the property!
I was very happy to find that a majority of the hotels in Key West are pet friendly! From the average 3-star resort to the high end ones, no matter your budget or star level preferences Key West is a location that you can be sure your furry friend will be welcome pretty much everywhere.
Here’s a breakdown for the those looking to travel with their fur baby, and for those who travel sans pet (or don’t have one)!
For the one who wants to bring their furry friend along:
Havana Cabana
You don’t need to leave the US to get to Cuba. All you need to do is look no further than Havana Cabana! Whether you’re looking for a spot with all the amenities or a relaxing place to lay your head at night or refresh by the pool during the day (this place boast the biggest pool in Key West) Havana Cabana has got all types of travelers covered.
If you’re all about the pool lounge life, complete with cabanas, frozen drinks and board games Havana Cabana has just what you need. If you’re more of the adventurous type, wanting to explore in a unique way look no further than their vintage Chevy tours. If you just want to have a place to relax that feels like home while you recover from all your walking and sightseeing, Havana Cabana has is a lush oasis packed with beautiful decor, fun mural art, unique on-site activities, lawn games, complimentary smoothies (at 12pm), popsicles (at 2pm) and churros (every evening from 4-6pm) and balconies attached to a majority of the rooms.
Unlike traditional hotels, Havana Cabana’s food offerings come from both their kitchen an a super cute on-site food truck: Floridita, right next to their covered outdoor seating and the Mojitos Pool bar. If you’ve never tried Cuban (or Cuban inspired) food Floridita is the perfect spot to do so! They feature Cuban cheese toast, guava and cheese pastry (I’m learning this is a super popular combination), sandwiches on Cuban bread (yes, it’s different than bread most people are used to), and fresh café con leche.
Quick note on Cuban coffee: If you’re like me and prefer your coffee a tan color and sweetened Cuban coffee will be a slight punch in the face! It’s strong, it will definitely wake you up and the words “tan and sweet” are not synonymous with it.
Mojitos features Cuban inspired cocktails (my sister and I were all about the Miami Vices — a delish frozen combination of strawberry daiquiri and piña colada), over 15 types of mojitos, a fabulous happy hour, and live even live music on some nights. Because you’re most likely going to leave Havana Cabana wanting to recreate one of the mojitos you tried make sure you chat it up with the super friendly bartenders! They are more than willing to give you any information you need.
But this isn't where the fun ends! Havana Cabana also has Vespas and bikes you can rent to toot around town. And like I mentioned above, if you want one of those “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences on your trip, parked out front are two vintage '57 Chevys that you can take a tour in from Monday to Thursday. Just make sure you make a reservation in advance or let the front desk know upon your arrival!
I also can’t forget to mention how dog friendly the hotel is (for an added fee of $75/night for dogs up to 50lbs). Aside from the pool/hot tub area your pet is allowed all over the property, including in your room, the lobby, tiki hut (which is where the food truck and lawn games are), the pool bar and even on the resort shuttle that takes you into Old Town!
My little adventure partner Brodie absolutely loved his stay! From his awesome welcome package to playing corn hole with my sister and I, it was his little doggie dream getaway.
Barbary Beach House (transitioning Margaritaville Beach House Key West in Fall 2021)
One of the newer properties (it opened in 2020) this hotel is a sister property of Havana Cabana, so you’ll be sharing a shuttle to and from the beach and Old Town. If you’re looking for a beach getaway look no further than Barbary because it’s right across the street from Smathers Beach. Complete with a pool with a waterfall feature, beautiful landscaping, and hammocks galore, this resort is the perfect beach escape that your furry friend can enjoy as well.
Opal Key West
If location is high on your ‘musts’ list for where you are staying then the Opal has got you fully covered (it’s a block from Duval Street — Key West’s main drag — and right next to Mallory Square). Rebranded and reopened at the beginning of 2021, Opal also has direct access to an on-site marina, guest rooms with private balconies, water sports and somehow is still able to be a “secret” escape from the hustle and bustle of its downtown location.
Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel, Ella's Cottages or Winslow's Bungalows
The thing I love about Kimpton is how pet friendly they are (seriously they have some epic stories) and the fact that their properties are always impeccably decorated — truly celebrating each of the locations they are based in. This is no exception for their three properties spread throughout Key West. You can be sure that you’ll get the perfect combination of impeccable service, amazing food, and one of a kind amenities and local activations. Kimpton is always a good bet when you’re traveling with a pet — no matter where you are.
Gates Hotel
You’ll pass the Gates as you enter Key West on your way to Havana Cabana (which is about a 20 minute drive from the downtown area). After you get past the fact that there’s not much to do by the hotel, other than walking along the water, and you get used to taking a shuttle to and from town (which like I mentioned before is actually pretty great due to the crappy parking situation in Old town) you’ll realize the Gates is pretty great! The property has all the beach vibes and features a Rum Row bar and The Blind Pig food truck by the pool, where you can catch live music and weekend DJs.
The Reach (by Hilton)
Image via Reach Resort
Image via Reach Resort
If all you want for your stay is to be beachfront this is the spot! It’s one of the best beachfront hotels in Key West, and features beautiful cabanas, a variety of water sports, and even a private pier to watch for dolphins. The fact that this property is dog friendly makes it that, much better!
Pier House
One of the amazing things I noticed about Pier House, because we accidentally walked through the property trying to get back to our shuttle one night, is the prime location right on the water (coupled with a man made beach complete with lounge chairs and sea grass umbrellas). The fact that Jimmy Buffet had his first gig here makes it an even cooler place to stay!).
Perry Key West
Image via Perry Key West
Image via Perry Key West
You’re slightly away from the hullabaloo of downtown and Duval street, being tucked away on Stock Island, which is part of the charm of the Perry. The rooms are naval-inspired with spacious balconies overlooking either the marina or the mangroves, and you’ll feel welcome as soon as you walk in with complimentary sparkling wine.
Casa Marina
If you are looking for glam and luxury look no further than the gorgeous Casa Marina! The hotel was designed by the same architects as the New York Public Library and features ultra-modern amenities including a spa, two pools, a gorgeously redone lobby, butler-attended private beach — the largest in Key West at 1,200 square feet — and a rum-focused cocktail bar.
For the one who is just looking for a classic (human) getaway:
Parrot Key Hotel & Resort
Image via Parrot Key Hotel
Image via Parrot Key Hotel
Even though it’s not dog friendly this hotel is well worth a stay with its four pools and expansive rooms that all have views of the gardens or the Gulf of Mexico. It’s also one of the more reasonably priced accommodations in the area.
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Image via Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Image via Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Like Parrot Key you can bring your pet along for your stay, but don’t let that deter you from this gem. All of the 100 guest rooms (equipped with whirlpool tubs) have balconies overlooking either the ocean or Duval’s historic district. There’s also a waterfront pool with a hot tub and cabanas and an onsite spa.
What to do in Key West
Rest assured you are never going to sit in your hotel room and think to yourself, ‘what should I do today?’ There are so many things to do in Key West that you will most likely leave with a list of things you need to come back down to experience, because you couldn’t fit them into your schedule the first time around.
Because I was traveling with my puppy, I made sure that everything we did was pet friendly. And surprisingly most things in Key West are!
** 🐾 denotes pet friendly activities
Learn all about Key West’s shipwreck history (there’s 400 years of actual shipwreck artifacts salvaged in the Keys) and get an amazing (and seriously Instagrammable) aerial view of the town, at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum.
Tickets start at $16 for adults (they’re discounted if you purchased in advance online), and you can even package a ticket for the museum and the aquarium (which is right around the corner) to save even more money. Keep in mind if you are interested in the presentations they happen every 20 minutes. 🐾
Step back into the life of one of America’s legends (and see his famous 6-toed cats) at the Hemingway Home
If there is one place really synonymous with Key West that you must make time for it’s Ernest Hemingway’s house and all of the descendants of his famous 6-toed cat. The entry fee for adults is $16 and it’s CASH ONLY, so if you don’t want to pay an ATM fee make sure you arrive with cash on you. If you want to take a guided tour you’ll have to sign up at the front door after paying your entry fee. 🐾
Explore the surrounding nature on water (in a clear kayak!) with Lazy Dog Charters
When you’re in a place as beautiful as the Keys there’s no excuse to not get out on the water and into nature. From kayak tours to paddleboard rentals to wildlife spotting on the pontoon boat tours through the mangroves there is more than one way to get into the clear blue waters with Lazy Dog.
Learn all about Key West’s cigar history (and even try rolling your own) at Rodriguez Cigars
If the mystery and romance surrounding the behind-the-scenes process of cigars intrigues you this family run business will give you one of the best inside looks into Key West’s first legitimate industry. As of 2021 Rodriguez Cigars is the last cigar manufacturer left in Key West, so a visit to their factory and shop is not only in support of the business but an investment in the future of the industry.
Tours are run by the super charismatic founder’s grandson, Danny, giving you a look into the company’s history, the harvesting process, and where they see themselves in the future. Visiting Rodriguez truly is an insight into the history and culture of Key West and I highly recommend adding it to your “must see” list. When visiting keep in mind tours happen twice a day (10:30am and 1:30pm), run an hour and a half, are priced at $35 per person, and happen everyday Monday through Saturday. You’ll need to make an advanced reservation, which you can do by walking into the shop,
Support Kino Sandals, a small, local business, and pick up your own pair of cute, and shockingly affordable, leather sandals.
This is one souvenir you must go home with! They literally make the best leather sandals — and literally the most affordable — I’ve ever seen. A family run operation that has been in business since 1966, Kino Sandals offers over 17 different natural leather styles, that are all hand cut, assembled, and glued in their traditional sandal factory. My sister and I each picked up a pair and you can bet that the next time we go down I’ll come back with another pair. 🐾
Memorialize your trip to the southernmost point in the continental USA by snapping a photo at the Southernmost Point Buoy and Mile Marker 0.
This activity is free but if you want to avoid crowds and super long lines make sure you arrive early (especially if you’re visiting over a weekend). We went to see the buoy during the week and arrived between 9 and 930 to a short line. I fully believe this was because it was during the week, so to play it on the safe side just get up and get their early. 🐾
Watch an epic sunset or two at Mallory Square.
This another free activity, but also something that requires you to arrive early to secure a great spot because it’s super popular. One of the fun things though is because it’s an “event” there are a bunch of performers and music. 🐾
Check out the other “White House” (where Presidents can still go stay) at Harry S. Truman’s Little White House.
I didn’t visit the house because we were running short on time, and because it’s not pet friendly, but if you are into past and present history this is a must stop. Part museum and part actual ‘residence’ (yep, current Presidents still come down and stay here) the Little White House also includes the 1950 Cosmopolitan Lincoln Limousine from President Harry Truman’s presidential fleet — which for an added fee you can ride in! Tickets for adults are $22.52 (with a slight discount if you purchase in advance online or if you’re a student), and tours run every 20 minutes.
Escape into nature at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservancy and the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden (this one is dog friendly)
The Butterfly & Nature Conservancy is home to 50 to 60 different species of live butterflies from around the world, as well as multiple colorful birds. It’s one of the most popular family-friendly activities as you make your way along a brick path through tropical trees and flowers in a large greenhouse. Admission is $15 for adults, and make sure you keep your receipt. It allows you to go through the Conservatory as many times as you want until 4:30 (the last entry time) for the date on your receipt.
The Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden is a arboretum and botanical garden — fun fact it’s the only frost-free botanical garden in the continental United States — containing an impressive collection of trees and palms. To visit the garden you’ll need to head over to Stock Island. Admission is $10, which gets you an all day pass. 🐾
Spend the afternoon at one of Key West’s many beautiful beaches
Key West has a number of beaches including Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor beach (which is amazing for snorkeling and watching the sunset). The only dog beach is called the “Dog Beach” 🐾 and it’s a little strip of sand next to Louie’s Backyard. Something to note about going to the beach is to make sure you do research and check out the seaweed situation a head of time! Depending on the time of year the beach can be full of washed up seaweed which definitely makes a beach day a bummer.
What to see near Key West
All of the below activities are not going to be pet friendly (aside from visiting Dry Tortugas National Park — in which you’ll have to do a bit more planning and spend more money to bring your pet. So if you do bring your pet to Key West you’ll need to make arrangements for them.
Take a day trip out to Eastern Dry Rocks and snorkel in the third-largest barrier reef in the world (and one of the US’ only reefs)
Check off the most epic National Park off your list – 70 miles off the coast of Key West – and visit Dry Tortugas National Park
This is a big bucket list thing for me, which we were unable to experience due to the fact that ferry was booked during our stay (and was actually booked for months). The park is made up of seven small islands and features the historic Fort Jefferson, which was once used as a prison during the Civil War.
Full disclosure: This adventure is NOT CHEAP as the ferry ticket (which does include breakfast and lunch, complimentary snorkeling equipment, a narrated 45 minute tour of the fort, and entry to the park and fort) is $180 per person.
If you want to bring your pet you HAVE to book your own transport (aka private boat or through an approved private tour provider) as they’re not allowed on the public ferry. They are allowed on Garden Key (not any other key) but not inside Fort Jefferson. 🐾
Image via DryTortugas.com
Image via Afar
If you’re the daredevil type, go sky diving!
Did you know you could skydive in Key West?! Me either. Skydive Key West gives you the unforgettable experience of seeing the Keys from above. If you’re not scared of heights (or like me of the potential death risk factor) this is one of those bucket list items to check off with the added bonus of it being in a beautiful location.
See Key West from the air on a helicopter ride
Another great way to see the Keys from above, and an activity that feels safer than skydiving, is via a helicopter. They have six different rides so you can take your pick of how you want to see Key West.
Where to eat in Key West
Initially I didn’t realize how much of a foodie destination Key West is. I just assumed there were a bunch of touristy restaurants, and a couple of staples you had to visit to try Key Lime Pie and Conch Fritters, but boy was I wrong!
There is so much good food going on in Key West you will leave stuffed and with even more spots to try on your list for your next visit.
The best way to find out about the best spots to try? Ask the locals. Now I will warn you, if you’re trying to ask your shuttle or Uber driver, many times their going to tell you the spots that everyone goes to, which “eye roll” is not what I am wanting you to add to your list. You need to ask the locals you see as you’re walking through the neighborhoods checking out the cute and colorful houses. The people of the Conch Republic, who have called Key West home for years (or generations).
I also can’t forget to mention that you’re in Key West, so make sure you eat all the fresh seafood you can get your hands on!
Breakfast
If you ask any local they are going to tell you that this is THE SPOT for breakfast/brunch. All of their breads are homemade and the lobster BLT egg Benedict is the dish you need to order.
Glazed Donuts & Red Buoy Coffee
I’m a big fan of fancy and Instagrammable donuts. That and cute latte art are kind of my thing, and this is where you need to go if you’re looking for a slightly over-the-top fried breakfast (or lunch, or snack).
There are multiple locations throughout Key West but my suggestion is to visit the location by the Waterfront Brewery. Why? Because the stand here is the cutest, there is a “Greetings from Key West” mural photo op, and the location is perfect for taking a waterfront walk. If you’re wondering what food to get with your coffee, I tried a Cuban breakfast sandwich and my sister got a breakfast burrito. In her words it was the best breakfast burrito she has ever had!
Lunch
There is where you want to go if you are looking for tacos. If you want a suggestion of exactly what taco to try, order the Stock Yard Tacos (your choice of crispy Mahi Mahi, blackened chicken or blackened shrimp) with citrus slaw and watermelon pico de gallo, wrapped in a flour tortilla.
A little spot on Duval Street (which you can easily walk right by), this is where you want to go for a lobster roll.
One thing Key West is known for (aside from the Key Lime Pie) is conch fritters. What is a conch fritter? You know those BIG shells that people blow into like a horn (see image below)? That is a conch shell, and living inside of the shell is a little mollusk, aka a soft-bodied sea snail. A conch fritter is that little snail fried up in a ball of dough. If it sounds gross I don’t blame you for thinking so. But get past that, take a walk on the adventurous side, and head to BO’s and order a ¼ order (three fritters) of these fried balls of dough to try.
Tip to note about conch fritters: If you go somewhere to order them and they give you regular old tartar sauce you aren’t having the most authentic version! Make sure the place you order them from makes their own dipping sauces.
The Original Sandys at M&M Laundry
Yes, this place is exactly what is sounds like, a laundromat. But it’s also a spot for great café con leche and Cuban sandwiches.
Dinner
From October to May there is a type of crab that you MUST get if you’re down in the Keys: the stone crab. The claws are not cheap but they are well worth the money and when in Key West Half Shell Raw Bar is the spot to get them! This is definitely a treat yourself moment, but one well worth the price and the memories of cracking these massive claws for the delicious meat. I unfortunately wasn’t in Key West during the season for these beauties, but I’ve heard that not only should you dip them in butter, but in a mustard sauce as well. You know I’ll be back once the season starts!
Stone crab tip to note: Eaton Street Seafood is another place to get stone crab when it’s the season, and they also apparently have a pretty amazing lobster roll.
This spot isn’t located right in historic Key West, you’ll need to go a little out of the main drag to Stock Island. But it’s a favorite among the locals, and all of their seafood comes straight from the local fishing boats.
If you want a break from the seafood this is the spot to get upscale tapas and Sangria. And when it’s crazy hot and humid outside a glass of sangria is just what you need.
I know it may seem weird to go all the way down to Key West and get sushi, but don’t forget the seafood here is top notch. Sometimes it’s good to change things up.
If you’re looking for Cuban food, really, really good Cuban food, run to El Mason de Pepe. Fun fact Cuba is closer to Key West than Walmart, so this is where you go for the authentic stuff! The prime location, right next to Mallory Square (aka go to watch the sun set after your meal) is also great for people watching. We tried a bunch of things on the menu, including their version of nachos with plantain chips, and it was all to die for.
Where to get your drink and happy hour on in Key West
Havana Cabana
You may be confused why I am mentioning the hotel that I stayed at but hear me out. Havana Cabana has some pretty, amazing drinks! Their poolside frozen beverages are to die for, and not only that they give you a hefty amount (in the form of your drink and the extra from the blender in a second smaller cup). So that is a big bang for your buck! Havana Cabana also has complimentary churros in the lobby from 3 to 6pm – and they were some of the best churros I’ve had!
For a beachfront location Latitudes is where you need to head. They’ve got a bunch of lobster items.
Before heading to dinner this is where you want to go for a craft cocktail and some live music to get the mood going for the evening.
If you’re an oenophile like I am, and you love a good happy hour deal, this place tucked off of Duval Street is your jam. The interior décor is not what you’ll expect with it’s super modern and sleek interior complete with crystal chandeliers, marble countertops and bright red, leather couches, but the happy hour deal on their house wines is not to be missed.
Ok, weird for me to suggest this right? Well, the main reason I am is because they have a dog happy hour! So don’t go necessarily for the people food, go because it’s the one spot I saw that has a happy hour menu literally catered to your furry friend!
Where to get Key Lime Pie in Key West
First things first, if you go anywhere and your key lime pie is green RUN, don’t walk away! Key lime pie is not supposed to be green, it’s a light-yellow color. This is the color you are looking for if you want authentic key lime pie.
El Mason de Pepe
I mentioned this spot above for dinner, which it is a MUST for dinner and some delish desserts btw, but it’s also a great spot to get a slice of Key West’s most famous dessert, which they call Torta De Limon.
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Due to its location, the original spot on 200 Elizabeth Street, Kermit’s is pretty touristy, but nonetheless this is where you go if you’re a little nervous about trying this tart dessert and want your first experience to be on a stick, dipped in chocolate. They also have classes where you can learn how to make the pie yourself!
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar
If you want to try key lime pie a variety of ways Matt’s in the Perry Hotel is just the place. This is where you can head down the less traditional road and try deconstructed Key Lime Pie in a jar and Key Lime Pie cocktails.
Cocktail pro tip: If you want to sip the “OG Key Lime Pie martini”, pop on over to Conch Republic Seafood Company along the waterfront where the first martini was made.
Key Lime Pie Bakery (on Greene Street)
This is where I had my first taste of Key Lime Pie, and where they claim to be the birthplace of Key Lime Pie (back in 1856). To be fair, many places claim to be the “original” when it comes to Key Lime Pie, but I prefer this spot due to the fact it’s a little place tucked on Greene Street, it wasn’t crowded at all, my puppy was allowed inside, and the lady was sooo nice and helpful! She even told us about a Dachshund Walk that happens on New Year’s Day that people all over the world travel for! I tried the classic with whipped cream and the coconut Key Lime pie, which ended up being my favorite, because the coconut cream took away a lot of the sharpness.
Key lime pie tip to note: If you’re unsure about trying a slice make sure you get your slice with whipped cream or meringue. Having either of those additions on top adds a refreshingly bit of sweetness to cut the tang.
Typically I’m someone who tries to see and do everything when I visit a place — because I don’t want to feel like I have to come back again to fully experience it. But there is so much to do in Key West that you are going to have to visit more than once to really take everything in! Which is why I’ll be trying to go back later this year or next Spring!
Let me know in the comments where I need to go and what I need to see on my next visit so I can add to this blog post in the future and make it even more epic.
stay wild + curious!
xo, lindsey
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