The End of the Road
the lyfe choyces
Key West travel guide
So you're heading to Key West...
Well, either you flew in to Key West International airport, or you're on a 2 lane highway - bound by the mph by whoever is ahead of you. Good news is, look left or right and I guarantee it's a hell of a view.
While modern-day Key West is a legend of its own - history has a colorful story to tell about these Florida straights.
Key West is a location deeply rich in history: Cayo Hueso, or "cay of bones," named by the Spanish, earned that title when upon discovery, the island was littered with human bones.
Unlike the old pirate nest in Nassau, Bahamas, the Florida Keys didn’t have permanent settlements that could support pirates in the 1600s and 1700s. What the Keys did have was plenty of shallow, tricky harbors which pirate ships could use to attack merchant ships offshore in the Gulfstream and flee any warship in pursuit. There are plenty of tales about pirates using the Keys as refuge. These days? More of a refuge for ex-pats with a love for sun, sailing, and slow, easy living.
Here are our tips for this sandy escape on the tip of Florida...
01
no.
What to see + Where to go
Duval Street
A natural place to start - key west is famous for many reasons, but duval is a top one.
you can spend all day (and night) here without running out of things to do and see.
From martini bars to key lime everything to the best kind of dead-ending (into a beach bar), you won't run out of places to explore.
- grab one of the amazing martinis at 22 and Co's "Tutus" Their extensive menu boasts many flavors, some of our favorites were Key Lime Pie, Peanut Butter Cup, Espresso, and Stacie's Chocolate Covered Strawberry. They're all delicious, and all photo worthy
- Grab a bite at half-shell raw bar for some of the best fresh-catch. This chill, laid-back atmosphere is good for any occasion.
- If you know where to look, you'll run into a hidden bar down an alley serving up columbian liqour that packs a punch
- After your visit to Tutus, hit a drag show on the strip
See Key West from the Water
Whether by sail boat, paddle board, jet ski, or a booze cruise, you have to see key west from the water.
On the right side of the island, you'll see pablo escobar's key west home.
And, not too far down the coast from there, Taylor Swift + Kenny Chesney's new joint home studio location.
02
no.
What to eat + drink
Cafe Sole
Off the beaten Duval path, cafe sole sits nestled in a quiet residential area, and it is a must stop.
If the hogfish is on the menu? Order it!!!
The entire menu is to die for, and they keep the loveliest wine selection.
Make a reservation here if you hope to get in during season!
Lagerheads
While you can grab a bite, this recommendation is for drinks and views. I always order a piña colada with a floater and jump in the water to watch the sun sink. There's no better place to watch the sunset in Key West.
Blue Heaven - like no restaurant I've ever been to before - blue heaven may be top 5 of all time. Live saxophone, freshest food, this place is a must stop.
Half Shell Raw bar - a great view of the sunset, and good eats.
Moondog cafe - brunch brunch brunch. need I say more? This place was amazing.
Green Parrot Bar - voted best bar in key west, and sits as the southern-most bar in the us.
Better than Sex - a specialty dessert and cocktail bar.
More Great Stops
Best Eats in Key West
Traveling, it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller
