What's your favorite things to do in Key West

[Mousemom]

What is a Tervis Tumbler?

 

[bumbershoot]

What is a Tervis Tumbler?

http://www.tervis.com/

Terrific insulated mugs/cups that keep hot drinks hot/warm and keep cold drinks cold/cool. Disney ships have themed ones (they go fast so if you see one and want it, buy it), Margaritaville has fun ones.

The only bummer about them is that they don't play well with sunscreen, so don't put a sunscreeny hand on the cup. (you can pick up handles at bed bath&beyond, though!) And while Tervis has a lifetime guarantee that does cover the sunscreen issue, if you get a special one all they can do is TRY to fix it in some way, or give you credit for a random Tervis...they can't, for specific example, replace my 2013 Disney Cruse tumbler that I ruined (the looks of) with sunscreen.



Oh yeah...my avatar over there to the left is a 16 oz The Simpsons themed Tervis mug I got from Universal Studios. It's empty. But looks exactly like I have a Duff beer in it.

 

[mom4fun]

I'm definitely going to that kino sandal factory.

 

[jrabbit]

if going with kids there is an aquarium and a shipwreck museum.

I have been to the Hemmingway house - kids might like it - they have the 6 toed cats there.

I really enjoyed the Truman Little White House tour - but am sure that kids would not be interested in it.

I liked the Key Lime pies at Kermits

I really enjoyed the Old Town Trolley. We got a package that was the Trolley, Hemingway and Truman. Was a good value.

I was there in January and the weather was heavenly!! Would love to spend a week in the keys.

 

[Maddysdaddy]

Docked at Key West on our Western Caribbean in February 2011 (when our daughter was 6).

Margaritaville was definitely within walking distance, and we thought that being Key West, how could we not go there for an early lunch?????

We started our day on the Trolley tour around the island (if you look online, there are usually some decent coupons), followed by lunch at Margaritaville (my 'Cheeseburger in Paradise' still ranks as the best damn burger I've ever eaten).

With burgers in our bellies, we still had time afterwards to take a tour of the Hemingway House before walking back to the ship.

 

[egesicki]

Another vote for Kermit's key lime pie, and another for the Hemingway House. The gardens outside are quiet and shady. Also may I suggest a bottle of key lime wine to bring on board from the Key West Winery.

 

[phinz]

I'm definitely going to that kino sandal factory.

I have two pair. One of them is almost worn out. Don't expect anything fancy, but for the price they can't be beaten, and I love the stark simplicity of the factory building.

 

[stepknees]

1. Have banana pancakes for breakfast at Blue Heaven http://www.blueheavenkw.com/

2. Buy sandals from Kino.

 

[lorimay]

The Blond Giraffe has been gone for at least a year. They moved to Pigeon Forge, TN.

http://www.blondgiraffe.com/

Best Key Lime Pie in Key West is at Fausto's, but it's usually sold out. Barring that, Blue Heaven has an amazing Key Lime Pie. You'll want to eat it at the bar unless you want to wait for a table. There's always a wait.

For what it's worth, the food at Margaritaville is OK, but that's about it. If you have to do it, go ahead, but there are *much* better places to have food. Go there, have a drink, order the Volcano Nachos and go next door to buy a shirt or twelve, but the food is not even *close* to the best food on The Rock.

Blue Heaven Key Lime pie is delicious, we saw it on a Food Network show and remembered it when we sailed in January 2012.
We were able to walk from the port. We were 6 adults and 2 little ones. We bought an entire pie sat at a table and enjoyed. I loved the atmosphere of the outdoor space so cool chickens running around and all!

I agree with the PP, you don't have to pay for an excursion here just walk and enjoy.
Have a great time!

 

[storknurse13]

We have 3 children and they love Key West! They are 3, 5, 7. They love riding the trolley and stopping again different places. The key lime pie is fabulous and they liked to look in all the different shops!

 

[phinz]

1. Have banana pancakes for breakfast at Blue Heaven http://www.blueheavenkw.com/

2. Buy sandals from Kino.

3. Have a Rum Runner with a Myers floater at Schooner Wharf Bar while listening to Michael McCloud. Request he play Schooner Wharf Bar Dog, The Conch Republic Anthem or Puesto del Sol en Cayo Hueso.

4. Take your picture in front of Shrimpboat Sound, Jimmy Buffett's studio.

5. Meet Kermit across the street from Shrimpboat Sound and have some of his pie.

6. Have a grilled dolphin sandwich at BO's Fish Wagon.

7. Get a taco or something else awesome from Garbo's.

8. Visit the Butterfly Conservatory.

9. Eat oysters at Pepe's on Caroline.

10. Have a Root Beer Barrel at The Green Parrot.

 

[one princess]

Last time we were there we did a stand up paddle trip thought the mangroves. It was awesome! We used supkeywest and loved every minute of it.

 

[phinz]

Last time we were there we did a stand up paddle trip thought the mangroves. It was awesome! We used supkeywest and loved every minute of it.

Was that the Salt Pond tour? I considered that when I was there in January for a couple of weeks but never found the time (busy with Key West Literary Seminary most of the time I was there.)

 

[one princess]

X

 

[one princess]

Was that the Salt Pond tour? I considered that when I was there in January for a couple of weeks but never found the time (busy with Key West Literary Seminary most of the time I was there.)

Honestly I don't remember. It was a while ago. I do know we were on the intercoastal.

 

[KathleenlovesMickey]

Our family went many years ago and we really were disappointed. It was bar gift shop bar bar bar gift shop with a few other things. I do think the weather did not help it was pretty drizzly all day. We did do a wave runner trip around the whole point. It started in an inlet the water was warm and calm and we stopped at a sand bar. To this day I can still remember the sand feeling like velvet! I had never felt sand like that before. I think our tour guide thought I was nuts but really I can still remember that like it was yesterday! We then took the wave runners around the point and really hit the waves it was really bumpy and the salt water killed my eyes but we had a great time and would do that wave runner trip again for sure! I just would wear goggles. I also thought if I was on a cruise and this was a port day it would be fine but I would never go and stay there I would rather be further up on the Keys.

 

[phinz]

Our family went many years ago and we really were disappointed. It was bar gift shop bar bar bar gift shop with a few other things.

And that's the problem with a cruise. You don't get to really experience Key West (or any other port for that matter) when you only have a few hours. Sounds like you spent most of your time on Front or Duval Street.

I know that I love cruising, but not for the ports. I know that I haven't even scratched the surface of a place in my 6-8 hours ashore. I won't write off any place based on my port call. Any disappointment of mine is just based on my expectations for a place that can't be fulfilled in the amount of time it takes to work one standard day at the office.

 

[ilovetexas]

Ok, nobody else has said it so I will.....PUB CRAWL!!!

I realize those of you with kids can't do that one. Mine were with me last September so we did the Old Town Trolley and Hemingway House. I went back in February by myself and did a pub crawl. It was really fun. Six different bars, live music at each and a fair amount of walking around the island looking at stuff, too.

Also, has anyone on this thread mentioned the Butterfly Conservatory? I haven't been there but I assume kids would like both it and the Key West Aquarium.

 

[phinz]

Also, has anyone on this thread mentioned the Butterfly Conservatory? I haven't been there but I assume kids would like both it and the Key West Aquarium.

I did. We had a great time there.

 

[fitmom0f2]

You will dock right next to Mallory Square where there is a nightly sunset celebration. I know ships must be out of port by a certain time, but you should be able to see a bit of the beginning. The party winds down after the sun drops below the horizon.

If you have kids, there is a small aquarium right near the port that is worth doing. My kids love that place even though it's small. They let the kids touch and feed the sharks and rays.

It's worth your time to just walk up and down Duval. So many shops, restaurants and opportunities to people watch! If you're looking for a snack (other than Key Lime pie) Mattheesens has cookies the size of your head - usually warm out of the oven, and some great ice cream.

Key West is one of my favorite places to visit. I don't think you need to pay for an excursion unless you're trying to do something daring and adventurous. It's an easy place to walk around and it's got a great vibe. Enjoy!

I'm so glad I found your post here.. I was considering an electric car as I have two kids with me and didn't know if it was doable by foot. Thank you for this info!