Are you going stir crazy because of COVID19? Here is How to Spend a Girl’s Getaway Weekend in the Florida Keys, to give you something to look forward to once you are able to travel again! I happen to love Key West, everyone knows that it is my favorite vacation destination aside from Barcelona – and let’s get real, shall we? I can drive to Key West in under 4 hours, whereas Barcelona takes A LOT more planning.
So of course I go there as often as possible. I was just in Key West in early September, once things began opening back up and I felt safe with the covid rates in the Florida Keys.
How to Spend a Girl’s Getaway Weekend in the Florida Keys
We are now about 8 months into the COVID19 pandemic, with much of that time being spent in almost total isolation due to a very strict quarantine in Miami. I have watched friends and family having so much fun and living their normal lives for months now because their cities handled COVID19 well, and didn’t have a huge outbreak like we did – and I am incredibly jealous!
A place where no one rushes, no one cares, and you can waste away the day sipping mojitos, eating Key Lime pie and relaxing in a sun-drenched paradise? Nowhere, folks. Nowhere else that I have ever been has quite the same feel to it as Key West.
As soon as I cross the Seven Mile Bridge, I immediately feel relaxed and at peace…and so happy!
Book a Sunset Sail in Advance
Key West is one of those tropical paradise destinations that feels a little like home, but it’s also a totally different world! Relaxation, the ocean, a Caribbean vibe, a party scene, a foodie scene, and of course, fun in the sun – what’s not to love about Key West?
One of the iconic Key West activities is watching the sunset, which you can do at the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square every evening.
While there are a million amazingly fun things to do in Key West, my favorite by far is a sunset sail – a Champagne or Wine sunset sail, to be precise! Depending on which sunset sail tour you book, you can receive champagne, sangria, or beer and soda, along with snacks and that is included in the price. That’s definitely not something you get while watching the sunset from Mallory Square.
There are party boats and smaller, more intimate tours, maxing out at 20 people. I have done them all and it really depends on what mood you are in when you are vacationing. A large, rowdy fun bunch and a band on deck? Do a big Sebago sunset sail. Or if you want a small, intimate gathering, do something like Danger Charters – which is my very favorite tour for both daytime and the sunset sails.
I literally do a sunset sail every single time I go to Key West. It’s one of my favorite activities to do while I am on the island! Check out the boat tours through TripAdvisor to learn more!
Visit the Famous Key West Landmarks
US1 begins – or ends, depending on which way you’re going down the street – in Key West. You can park on the street and take your photo with the famous Mile 0 Mile Marker right off US1 and Fleming street. I probably have about ten versions of this photo that I’ve taken over the years. Some with my ex husband, some with friends, some just alone. Unlike the famous Southernmost point marker, this official sign doesn’t usually have a line, as most don’t really think about it. I personally love this photo opp and take my photo there all the time!
While we are speaking about the Southernmost point of Key West, did you know that the most Southern point of the United States in Key West is a mere 90 miles away from Cuba? I have been visiting the buoy for years and taking my photo in front of it as well, but not nearly as often because of the line.
While you may be able to get your picture pretty quickly on weekdays, for the past few years that we’ve been there, there is always a line down the street on weekends. I think we waited in line for half an hour one year!
Sail, Snorkel and Kayak in Key West
With wildlife refuges and reefs around Key West in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, you just can’t NOT go out on a boat while you are visiting Key West! We have been taking sunset cruises for years, but this past weekend, we went out in the daytime for the first time ever. I have booked a Sail, Snorkel and Kayak Day Trip with Danger Charters on several trips to Key West, and I have always loved every minute of it!
With Danger Charters, you will have an unforgettable day of sailing on a 65 foot schooner through the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, kayaking in the mangroves, snorkeling in sponge gardens and isolated boulder corals patch reefs. With knowledgeable boat hands and captains, you’ll not only have a lovely time, but actually learn about what you are seeing as you explore the waters off of Key West. You’ll learn about the wildlife inhabiting the Wildlife Refuse, the history of the area, as well as see the animals close up while snorkeling and kayaking.
Of course Danger Charters will keep you well-fed too! Once you begin sailing, you’ll be served a beautiful tray of fresh fruit, and they serve a lunch spread unlike any other! All of the food served aboard the Danger Charter day trips are purchased fresh each morning from Faustos Deli in town. You’ll also be served unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks (and water too!) after snorkeling is over!
Take a Key West Sightseeing Tour on the Key West Trolley
While Key West is a small island, and people seem to gravitate towards Duval Street, there really is so much more to see! Taking a Key West Sightseeing tour is the perfect way to see all of the highlights, as well as learn about the history of the island. Key West Old Town Trolley Tours is a hop on and off trolley, which means that as you arrive at a landmark that you would like to explore more closely – just get off the trolley and do just that! You can walk to the next trolley stop or just wait for the next trolley to come along to hop back on!
Adults are $30.45 and children 12+ are free! You can even get a special discount for purchasing online here.
Spend the Day at the Beach in Key West
Now, how silly would you feel if you went all the way down to Key West and you didn’t step foot in their white sand beaches? There are five public beaches in Key West, but I’ll share my favorite two with you!
Higg’s Beach – With wide, sandy beach, volleyball nets and a playground, chair rentals, picnic tables, restrooms and a full service restaurant right there on the beach, it’s the perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon! You can even rent water sports and rafts!
Smathers Beach – Smathers Beach is located alongside the Eastern part of Key West and is the beach we’ve visited most often. Half a mile long, Smather’s Beach is man made and perfect for those times when you want to spend an entire day at the beach! There are public restrooms, lots of parking, concession stands, chair rentals, bike baths, picnic areas, volleyball nets, water sports rentals, as well as para-sailing and windsurfing!
Hang out at Your Hotel Pool for a Day
I’ve had the luxury of spending time at some truly amazing resorts and bed and breakfasts in Key West.
I honestly can’t think of a single property that I disliked!
Many hotel pools offer cabanas, poolside bars, restaurants etc – it’s all right there for you when you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street.
Are you planning a trip to Key West? I would love to hear about it!
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