Key West with 9 & 11 year olds

[antkim]

Duval Street is fine during the day. My kids (17, 15, 11) got a kick out of walking down the street as we headed to the Southernmost beach, Southernmost marker, Hemingway House, etc. We stopped for lunch on the way back at Sloppy Joes for lunch and had a great time. Many of the bars/restuarants have live music during the day and are very family friendly.

Great to hear because I really would like to see that area! What is the Southernmost beach all about? Worth seeing? If Sloppy Joes has music then that will be our lunch stop!

 

[antkim]

Duval Street is fine during the day. My kids (17, 15, 11) got a kick out of walking down the street as we headed to the Southernmost beach, Southernmost marker, Hemingway House, etc. We stopped for lunch on the way back at Sloppy Joes for lunch and had a great time. Many of the bars/restuarants have live music during the day and are very family friendly.

Don't know much about KW yet but I just booked the cruise yesterday so I am on it! LOL

 

[MUN]

Great to hear because I really would like to see that area! What is the Southernmost beach all about? Worth seeing? If Sloppy Joes has music then that will be our lunch stop!

There are several well-known bars in Key West. Many have food and from what I can see, many also have music during the day. We stopped at Sloppy Joes, and we had a nice time. The Southernmost beach is a small beach with a thriving cafe near the southernmost house, the southernmost hotel, and the southernmost marker. Lots of people line up to have their photo taken next to the southernmost marker. The beach was ok and was worth stopping at for a short period while we explored Key West.

There were 2 ships in Key West that day (both Disney) and the island seemed crowded. It was also the day before NYE, and I know Key West draws big crowds for NYE.

MUN

 

[darnheather]

I'm planning to take mine to the butterfly conservatory.

 

[MUN]

I'm planning to take mine to the butterfly conservatory.

I hear that's nice. Plus you are near the southernmost beach, marker, etc. It's a nice walk down Duval to get there.

MUN

 

[Kimberly9701]

Well, once upon a time I lived in Key West, so I'm a bit partial . I just took my 5 year old old there for 7 nights..and we were booked solid every day with activities!
1st- PLEASE do NOT eat at Margaritaville or Hard Rock. Blue Heaven and Half Shell Raw Bar both have wonderful lunch. Make sure to get some conch fritters in Mallory Square, and if you want the best croissant- stop by Croissants de France- A-Maz-Ing. There's also a great "newish" gelato place just off Duval that has the best pistachio gelato I've seriously ever tasted. But ok- there is more than food..lol

Obviously the southern most point and Mile market 0 are 2 big photo ops.

The lighthouse is a must see, as long as you don't mind walking the stairs- my son loves it! And the shipwreck museum is really great, also at the end looking for pirates and ringing the bell is fun too! Ft Zach is a neat place, and just walking on Duval is an experience that both kids and adults will enjoy. Don't let people scare you- it's fine during the day. The kids can get their picture take with a parrot, a "real" mermaid, and get a rose, vase, or animal made out of palm leaf. Don't forget to purchase a small piece of local artwork. I could go on and on and on..lol. People have such a negative view of Key West and children- but really it can be a great and educational place to visit!

 

[phinz]

I was just in Key West for the umpteenth time last week. The Butterfly Conservatory was packed with people, as was the Hemingway House, but neither is really a big deal if you don't mind waiting a little bit. The lines for cruisers getting on the Conch Train were ludicrous, though. Do the hoho trolley instead. Either line.

The Dante's pictures are more than likely because of Fantasy Fest, which is a free-for-all and not family friendly in the slightest. When I was there in February a few years ago it was *really* tame. February 23rd is prior to Spring Break and it was *really* quiet this past week. Maximum two cruise ships a day last week, which made for tolerable crowds most of the time.

The few times I was on Duval Street going from point-to-point elsewhere the worst that I noticed this time was "tobacco pipes" and questionable tshirts like **** you you ****ing **** in the windows. (You fill in the asterisks). The bars were mellow as could be. It seems to have been cleaned up a smidge, though I still find it pretty trashy. I smelled more vomit on Duval Street during the day than I've smelled on a rough non-stop flight across the country.

Please don't eat at places like Sloppy Joe's, Hog's Breath or Margaritaville, though, . There are so many better places to eat. Smokin' Tuna Saloon, which is a really cool courtyard setting, was a great respite from the heat. Rum Barrel has pretty darned good food and their rum selection is better than any in the Keys. Conch Republic Seafood is good. Garbo's food truck behind Grunt's Bar has a small but excellent menu. B.O.'s fish wagon is a Key West tradition (you wouldn't think anything was there if you didn't know what you were looking for) and Pepe's is the oldest restaurant in Key West, with a funky vibe and great food. If you want a gorgeous view and spectaular food, there's the legendary Louie's Backyard, which sits right on the Atlantic, next to dog beach. Excellent vegetarian and non-vegetarian food can be found on Southard at The Cafe, A Mostly Vegetarian Place. If you're wandering the Historic Waterfront at the Bight, Turtle Kraal's has a spectacular view of the water and excellent food. The new Waterfront Brewery had the best Cuban sandwich I've eaten in years, and their beer was at least acceptable. The double IPA was phenomenal.

There's a new store on Duval that specializes in macarons that is spectacular, but they are *expensive.* $16 for 6 of them. Ouch. We bit the bullet and loved them, but I don't think I'd spend the money again. We also went to Glazed Donuts on Eaton, next to the Tropic Theatre. Fantastic donuts. We also made our regular trip to El Meson de Pepe on Mallory Square and were not disappointed. They're no El Siboney, but they satisfied an urge.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I was just in Key West for the umpteenth time last week. The Butterfly Conservatory was packed with people, as was the Hemingway House, but neither is really a big deal if you don't mind waiting a little bit. The lines for cruisers getting on the Conch Train were ludicrous, though. Do the hoho trolley instead. Either line.

The Dante's pictures are more than likely because of Fantasy Fest, which is a free-for-all and not family friendly in the slightest. When I was there in February a few years ago it was *really* tame. February 23rd is prior to Spring Break and it was *really* quiet this past week. Maximum two cruise ships a day last week, which made for tolerable crowds most of the time.

The few times I was on Duval Street going from point-to-point elsewhere the worst that I noticed this time was "tobacco pipes" and questionable tshirts like **** you you ****ing **** in the windows. (You fill in the asterisks). The bars were mellow as could be. It seems to have been cleaned up a smidge, though I still find it pretty trashy. I smelled more vomit on Duval Street during the day than I've smelled on a rough non-stop flight across the country.

Please don't eat at places like Sloppy Joe's, Hog's Breath or Margaritaville, though, . There are so many better places to eat. Smokin' Tuna Saloon, which is a really cool courtyard setting, was a great respite from the heat. Rum Barrel has pretty darned good food and their rum selection is better than any in the Keys. Conch Republic Seafood is good. Garbo's food truck behind Grunt's Bar has a small but excellent menu. B.O.'s fish wagon is a Key West tradition (you wouldn't think anything was there if you didn't know what you were looking for) and Pepe's is the oldest restaurant in Key West, with a funky vibe and great food. If you want a gorgeous view and spectaular food, there's the legendary Louie's Backyard, which sits right on the Atlantic, next to dog beach. Excellent vegetarian and non-vegetarian food can be found on Southard at The Cafe, A Mostly Vegetarian Place. If you're wandering the Historic Waterfront at the Bight, Turtle Kraal's has a spectacular view of the water and excellent food. The new Waterfront Brewery had the best Cuban sandwich I've eaten in years, and their beer was at least acceptable. The double IPA was phenomenal.

There's a new store on Duval that specializes in macarons that is spectacular, but they are *expensive.* $16 for 6 of them. Ouch. We bit the bullet and loved them, but I don't think I'd spend the money again. We also went to Glazed Donuts on Eaton, next to the Tropic Theatre. Fantastic donuts. We also made our regular trip to El Meson de Pepe on Mallory Square and were not disappointed. They're no El Siboney, but they satisfied an urge.

I LOVE the Cuban sandwich there! Glazed was closed when we were there in September, I had hyped my donut loving son up about it..and didn't even think to check if open during off season. They have amazing donuts and actually a really cool story to their philosophy.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Ok had to post these. There really is so much more to do than the Butterfly Garden! KW is an experience for young and old

 

[Fathawkeye]

I have never been to KW - but will be going there in December on my next cruise. I am a huge Diners Drive-ins and Dives fan - so I will be visiting all 3 restaurants while in port. They all see to be within walking distance.
Garbo’s Grill
409 Caroline St (between 407 Caroline St and a parking lot), Key West, FL 33040
Bad Boy Burrito
1220 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040
D.J.’s Clam Shack
629 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
I like to eat at local places rather than chain type of places. JMO

 

[Kimberly9701]

I have never been to KW - but will be going there in December on my next cruise. I am a huge Diners Drive-ins and Dives fan - so I will be visiting all 3 restaurants while in port. They all see to be within walking distance.
Garbo’s Grill
409 Caroline St (between 407 Caroline St and a parking lot), Key West, FL 33040
Bad Boy Burrito
1220 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040
D.J.’s Clam Shack
629 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
I like to eat at local places rather than chain type of places. JMO

DJ's is awesome! But so much of the (non chain) food is there. One of my favorite Cuban sandwiches is in a complete hole in the wall that you would blink if you missed.lol

 

[phinz]

Bad Boy has moved. They're at 1128 Simonton, in the same building as the Bottlecap now. Check Garbo's Facebook and make sure they are open when you head that way, as they close after lunch until dinner time and sometimes are closed all day.

 

[phinz]

One of my favorite Cuban sandwiches is in a complete hole in the wall that you would blink if you missed.lol

Are you talking about Sandy's or Five Brothers?

I'm most disappointed that most Key West cruise visitors don't get to be there at night, to be honest, if for no other reason than getting to meet Mr. Chapman. I'm so glad he's back.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Are you talking about Sandy's or Five Brothers?

Neither actually, it's a little place called White Street Sandwich Shop.

 

[phinz]

Neither actually, it's a little place called White Street Sandwich Shop.

I've seen it but never stopped. It's on my list now.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I've seen it but never stopped. It's on my list now.

It's out of the way, but you'll be happy that you did!

 

[phinz]

It's out of the way, but you'll be happy that you did!

I know exactly where it is, catty corner to the NOAA building. I love the NOAA building.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

With the young, I would strongly recommend President Truman's winter White house. Great history. Just a few blocks form the Hemingway House.


AKK

 

[phinz]

With the young, I would strongly recommend President Truman's winter White house. Great history. Just a few blocks form the Hemingway House.


AKK

If doing this, take Whitehead from the Hemingway House to Fleming, resisting the urge to use Southard to enter Truman Annex. There is a man gate behind the courthouse at Fleming and Thomas to get you into the Annex. This way you get to see the massive Kapok tree that is in front of the courthouse.



If you want to see an amazing Banyan tree too, keep going down Whitehead to Eaton. There's a man gate at Eaton and Thomas too. Just past Eaton, on the right, will be the Banyan Resort. Their Banyan tree is incredible and even makes a bridge over the driveway.



Overall, the walk from the Hemingway House to Truman's Little White House is about 3/4 of a mile, give or take a smidge.

 

[bumbershoot]

the worst that I noticed this time was "tobacco pipes"

And for anyone who lives in WA or CO, that's no big deal. (obnoxious, but legal, so...)


While on the HOHO on Duvall we could see obnoxious shirts that I didn't necessarily want DS to read, but ultimately they are just shirts.