KEY WEST FALL & WINTER GUIDE 2011 – 2012
The best places to eat, sleep and play in Key West this fall and winter With more than 50 million reviews and opinions, TripAdvisor makes travel planning a snap for the 50 million travelers visiting our site each month.
Think before you print. And if you do print, print double-sided.
INTRODUCTION TripAdvisor, the most trusted source for where to eat, sleep and play in thousands of destinations around the world, has collected the best insider tips from its 50 million monthly visitors to produce a unique series of travel guides. In addition to the best hotels, restaurants and attractions for every type of traveler, you’ll get great advice about what to pack, how to get around and where to find the best views. Be sure to check out the guides at www.tripadvisor.com.
You’ll find reviews for more than 520,000 hotels, 125,000 vacation rentals, 155,000 attractions and 715,000 restaurants on TripAdvisor.com. Learn from other travelers what to expect before you make your plans.
PACKING TIPS 1. Bring comfortable shoes. Walking “is really nice - not just down Duval but also the side streets to see all the conch houses, wild chickens and cats.”—TripAdvisor Member, Plainville, Mass. 2. Pack a motion sickness preventative to combat bouncy boat rides. 3. Shorts and tees are the island uniform. Casual pants or a sundress are as fancy as it gets. 4. Don’t leave home without sunblock. Key West’s latitude is south of Cairo’s, and the rays are brutal.
Inside
KEY WEST The pace is slow in Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States. Here, flip-flops and tank tops pass for formalwear, and sunsets are celebrated. Despite an influx of cruise ships, and tourism over the years, which has upped the traffic on the main drag Duval Street, the island city still moves to its own beat. Follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Harry S. Truman while exploring the eclectic streets of Old Town. Dine on fresh seafood and key lime pie at one of the many delightful restaurants tucked away in quiet neighborhoods. Step into history at Fort Zachary Taylor or enjoy a sunset sail with a cocktail (or two). Snorkel the magical underwater world of the Dry Tortugas, an isolated sevenisland cluster about 70 miles west of the city. The adventures are limitless in this offbeat town at the end of the road. tripadvisor.com
2
Top
VIEWS
KEY WEST’S BEST VIEWS Lovely pictures are the reward for climbing the narrow spiral staircase of the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum. “You can see the top of the old Victorian buildings and overlook Key West.”—TripAdvisor Member, Keystone Heights, Fla. Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum, 938 Whitehead St., 305 294 0012
Where to
The Shipwreck Museum was an “unexpected treat! We thought it was just a museum and that would have been fun, but the show they put was great, too. The tower at the top is a must—a great view and a good way to get your bearings.”— TripAdvisor Member, Florida
The Overseas Highway drive south can seem uneventful until the Lower Keys. “When you begin driving over the long bridges and see the watery expanses dotted with islands near and in the distance, you realize that you really are driving out into the sea.”—TripAdvisor Member, Covington, Ky.
Key West Shipwreck Museum, 1 Whitehead St., 305 292 8990
PLAY
The Overseas Highway, An approximate 110-mile stretch of highway through the Keys
“…you realize that you really are driving out into the sea.”
TOP 10 Attractions 1. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, 1316 Duval St., 305 296 2988
6. Vandenberg Wreck
2. Harry S. Truman’s Little White House, 111 Front St., 305 294 9911
7. Mallory Square, 300 Duval St., 305 292 7700
3. All About You Day Spa, 1714 N. Roosevelt Blvd., 305 292 0818
8. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, 907 Whitehead St., 305 294 1136
4. West Martello Tower, Atlantic Blvd and White St., 305 294 3210
9. Key West Golf Club, 6450 East College Road, 305 294 5232
5. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, End Southard Street, through Truman Annex, 305 292 6713
10. The Overseas Highway, U.S. Route 1
FAMILIES Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is “one of the classiest places on the island. It gives you, through its fine interactive exhibits, a lot of insights into what makes the Keys special. The wonder of it all is that the museum is completely free and has ample free parking.”—TripAdvisor Member, New York
Fledgling marine biologists will love the tours and feedings at the Key West Aquarium. “They have an interactive touch tank and even let us pet a baby nurse shark!”—TripAdvisor Member, Virginia Key West Aquarium, 1 Whitehead St., 305 296 2051
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, Truman Waterfront, 305 809 4750
“…a romantic, relaxing night with amazing food”
“My kids and I have been going to Harry Harris Park for a few years. We like it because it’s safe for smaller kids to swim and there’s a playground and picnic areas. It’s a quiet area and just what a young family needs.”—TripAdvisor Member, New York Harry Harris Park, Mile Marker 92.5, Oceanside, Tavernier Key, 305 852 7161
“Just what a young family needs.”
ROMANCE “If you are looking for a romantic, relaxing night with amazing food take a ride with Sunset Culinaire Cruise. We were amazed by how wonderful ALL 3 courses were. It was so laid back and the owners and captain were wonderful.”—TripAdvisor Member, New Jersey Sunset Culinaire Tours, 5555 College Road, 305 296 0982
Hold hands in the dark at Tropic Cinema, where the Key West Film Society presents an “excellent choice of alternative and independent films. Big plush seats and a great sound system. Don’t miss it when you visit!”—TripAdvisor Member, Key West
Take a break from the excitement with a quiet drink. “Vino’s has an extensive wine list and a great, relaxed vibe. It’s an oasis from the noisy, crazy crowds.”— TripAdvisor Member, New York Vino’s on Duval, 810 Duval St., 305 294 7568
Key West Film Society, 416 Eaton St., 305 295 9493
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
tripadvisor.com 3
Where to
PLAY
BUDGET There’s “great swimming, snorkeling and a history lesson” at Fort Zachary Taylor. “Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a relaxing day.”—TripAdvisor Member, St. Cloud, Minn. Fort Zachary Taylor, End Southard Street, through Truman Annex, 305 292 6713
ADVENTURE
Yes, Duval Street has its share of tourist traps. It also has “plenty of nightlife, free entertainment all over the place and the people-watching is a blast.”—TripAdvisor Member, Leonardtown, Md. Duval Street
“See dolphins, stingrays and sea turtles...”
“We highly recommend a trip to the Dry Tortugas! We took an interesting tour of Fort Jefferson and spent time snorkeling. The visibility was very clear, like snorkeling in an aquarium. How often do you get to visit such a remote location and see such wonderful sights?”—TripAdvisor Member, Leesburg, Va.
“Danger Charters takes you kayaking in a wildlife-rich area, where you can see dolphins, sea turtles, moray eels, stingrays, cormorants, pelicans, and jellyfish. It was definitely the highlight of our trip!”— TripAdvisor Member, Hamilton, Ontario Danger Charters, Westin Marina #8, 305 304 7999
Dry Tortugas, Dry Tortugas National Park, 305 242 7700
EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL The Ernest Hemingway Home is “a quintessential part” of Key West, with its beautiful grounds and “all the six-toed cats.” Take the tour “because there are several interesting anecdotes that you’d otherwise miss.”—TripAdvisor Member, Sarasota, Fla. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, 907 Whitehead St., 305 294 1136
Harry S. Truman’s Little White House “offers a great glimpse into the life and legacy” of this fascinating leader and “the tour was informative and insightful.”— TripAdvisor Member, Houston, Texas Harry S. Truman’s Little White House, 111 Front St., 305 294 9911
“...a (free) delightful garden.”
“Everyone comes to Mallory Square” for the sunset. “There are lots of entertainers, such as jugglers, tightrope walkers and trained animals. Take your favorite drink and have your camera ready” when the sun goes down.—TripAdvisor Member, The Netherlands Mallory Square, 300 Duval St., 305 292 7700
“Since the Vandenberg Wreck was only sunk recently, it is still in very good condition. There are already some great fish making it home, including some giant grouper and large barracuda.”—TripAdvisor Member Vandenberg Wreck
TripAdvisor members have posted more than 8,000,000 traveler photos on the site. The good, the bad and the very candid. It’s almost like being there! “We took a paddleboard trip with SUP Eco-Tours. Our guide had a PhD in marine biology, and we loved learning about the unique marine ecosystem of the mangroves and surrounding waters.”—TripAdvisor Member, Austin, Texas SUP Key West, 305 240 1426
“…just loud enough to be fun.”
RELAXATION “West Martello is a (free) delightful garden right on Higgs Beach. We had a picnic and caught the sunset. East Martello was interesting, too. The inside of the fort tells the story of Key West.”— TripAdvisor Member, Orlando, Fla. Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., 305 296 3913 West Martello Tower & Gardens, 1100 Atlantic Ave., 305 294 3210
“From the second you walk into the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, you become captivated. It’s very Zen walking along the little path listening to the ‘spa’ music, looking at the foliage and the butterflies.”—TripAdvisor Member, Melbourne, Fla.
Captain Tony’s Saloon is the real deal: “Low key. Funky. A little bizarre. Relaxed. It doesn’t get so crazy and loud that you can’t stand being there, just loud enough to be fun.”—TripAdvisor Member, St. Louis, Mo. Captain Tony’s Saloon, 428 Greene St., 305 294 1838
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, 1316 Duval St., 305 296 2988
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
tripadvisor.com 4
What’s the
TOUR
How to Get Around
“Renting scooters or bicycles or even the little golf carts is a great way to get around.”—TripAdvisor Member, Plainville, Mass.
“The Conch Train tour is a quick and entertaining way to get the basic layout of the island, and you’ll know where you want to go back to.”—TripAdvisor, Kansas City, Mo.
WHERE
to eat
Old Town Trolley Tours allow visitors to board and disembark at their own pace, offering stops at 10 major points of interest. Want more information on Key West? TripAdvisor.com offers free weekly e-mail updates filled with new deals, reviews and articles for Key West or any other destination you choose.
TOP 10 Restaurants
1. Garbo’s Grill, 603 Greene St., 305 924 4435 2. New York Pasta Garden, 1075 Duval St., 305 292 1991 3. The Flaming Buoy Filet Co., 1100 Packer St., 305 295 7970 4. Cuban Coffee Queen, 284 Margaret St., 305 294 7787 5. Old Town Bakery, 930 Eaton St., 305 396 7450
6. Better Than Sex Dessert Restaurant, 411 Petronia St., 305 296 8102 7. Colombian Grace Restaurant, 223 Petronia St., 305 517 6449 8. Lobo’s Mixed Grill, 5 Key Lime Sq., 305 296 5303 9. The Café, A Mostly Vegetarian Place, 509 Southard St., 305 296 5515 10. Blue Heaven, 729 Thomas St., 305 296 8666
FAMILIES Dine among the roosters at Blue Heaven, a quirky eatery where “the pineapple pancakes were terrific, the freshly squeezed orange juice really is and the banana bread is simply the best.”— TripAdvisor Member, Jacksonville, Fla. Blue Heaven, 729 Thomas St., 305 296 8666
“Our family was thrilled to stumble across the Old Town Bakery. Visiting for delicious sandwiches, amazing cookies and muffins, or just good coffee became a daily ritual. We loved the food and friendly service.”—TripAdvisor Member, Miami, Fla. Old Town Bakery, 930 Eaton St., 305 396 7450
“The food at Bad Boy is ultra fresh and packed with flavor. I particularly like the fish tacos and a nice tall glass of limeade. Check it out”—TripAdvisor Member, Key West Bad Boy Burrito, 1220 1/2 Simonton St., 305 292 2697
ROMANCE “We stumbled upon this jewel after watching the sunset at Mallory Square. The serenade of classical guitar lured us up winding stairs to the Roof Top Café. An absolutely perfect evening with my husband.”— TripAdvisor Member, Texas Roof Top Café, 308 Front St., 305 294 2042
With “dark wood moldings and warm gold walls,” Café Marquesa invites intimacy while also charming the palate. “As special as the entrees are, the desserts are even better.”—TripAdvisor Member, Normal, Ill. Café Marquesa, Marquesa Hotel, 600 Fleming St., 305 292 1244
“On the last night of our honeymoon we caught the boat to Sunset Key for dinner at Latitudes. We were given a table on the beach. It was so romantic with the stars in sky and the waves crashing ashore.”— TripAdvisor Member, Florida Latitudes, 245 Front St., 305 292 5394
BUDGET “We asked some locals where they’d recommend for lunch and they said, ‘You have to try Sandy’s Café.’ It was absolutely wonderful! We got a steak sandwich, rice and beans and an order of plantains. We had so much food, we couldn’t finish it all!”— TripAdvisor Member, Jacksonville, Fla.
El Siboney draws repeat visits for its roast pork, black beans and rice. “Don’t care that they only take cash or about the parking or the crowds. Love the food and the prices!”— TripAdvisor Member, Columbus, Ga. El Siboney, 900 Catherine St., 305 296 4184
Sandy’s Café, 1026 White St., 305 295 0159
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
“I love Caroline’s Cafe! They have delicious food with huge portions. Their salads are the best in Key West. Prices are extremely reasonable. I’ve been there many, many times and am always floored by how great the service is. A pleasant experience every time.”—TripAdvisor Member, Key West Caroline’s Cafe, 310 Duval St., 305 294 7511
tripadvisor.com
5
WHERE
to eat
HEALTH-CONSCIOUS “The Cafe is one of Key West’s unsung heroes. The culinary creativity of the kitchen delivers a menu that’s consistently interesting in a funky, informal setting.”— TripAdvisor Member, Leeds, U.K. The Café, A Mostly Vegetarian Place, 509 Southard St., 305 296 5515
Make a reservation at local favorite Ambrosia Restaurant for “the freshest sushi” in town and “the nicest staff.”— TripAdvisor Member, Key West Ambrosia Restaurant, Santa Maria Suites Resort, 1401 Simonton St., 305 293 0304
Lobo’s Grill is “absolutely the best place in Key West for lunch. The menu choice is huge and includes around 60 different wraps, salads and much more.”— TripAdvisor Member, United Kingdom Lobo’s Grill, 5 Key Lime Square, 305 296 5303
“Yum—I think I’ll go tonight!”
HIDDEN GEMS “Make sure you check out Square Grouper on Cudjoe Key. The food is wonderful, a definite hidden gem. Unique menu, great service. Yum—I think I’ll go tonight!”— TripAdvisor Member, Providence, R.I. Square Grouper, Mile Marker 22.5, Cudjoe Key, 305 745 8880
Near the quieter end of Duval St. is 915, “a truly heavenly experience. The food was unique, yet recognizable. Everything in the meal was executed by a master.”— TripAdvisor Member, Los Angeles, Calif. 915, 915 Duval St., 305 296 0669
Hogfish Bar and Grill is “off the beaten track, but well worth the search. It is a place to savor that simple pleasure of peeling and eating freshly caught Key West Pink Shrimp. The Hog Fish sandwich is the best you’ll find in Key West.”—TripAdvisor Member, Key West Hogfish Bar and Grill, 6810 Front St., 305 293 4041
SPECIAL EVENTS Cheer on the Indy 500 of powerboat racing, beginning with the exuberant boat parade and continuing through a week of races, parties and events at the Key West World Championship. (November 6 – 13) Key West World Championship, Truman Annex, 305 296 6166, http://www.superboat.com
Ahoy, ye scallywags! Travel back in time during Pirates in Paradise, when Key West celebrates its swashbuckling history with reenactments, parties, daily pirate sails, parades, dances and live entertainment. (November 24 – December 4) Pirates in Paradise, Various venues, 305 296 9694, http://www.piratesinparadise.com
Park yourself along famous Duval Street to catch a procession of costumed revelers, marching bands, floats, Santa and a host of local dignitaries at the festive Key West Holiday Parade. (December 10) Key West Holiday Parade, Duval Street, 305 809 3700
Grab a spot at the Schooner Wharf Bar and enjoy the music, drinks and spectacular floats cruising through the waters of the Historic Seaport at the Key West Lighted Boat Parade. (December 10) Key West Lighted Boat Parade, Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., 305 292 3302, http://www.schoonerwharf.com/11boatparade.htm
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
You can count down to the New Year in any number of ways in Key West, from the dropping of the conch shell at Sloppy Joe’s to the lowering of the Pirate Wench at Schooner Wharf Bar to the annual drag show and dropping of the red high heel at Bourbon Street Pub. (December 31) Sloppy Joe’s, 201 Duval St., http://www.sloppyjoes.com Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., 305 292 3302, http://www.schoonerwharf.com Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval St., 305 293 9800, http://www.bourbonstpub.com
Find one-of-a-kind gifts and artworks at the Old Island Days Art Festival, attracting artists from all over North America to display their craft, from paintings and sculptures to photography and collages. (February 25 – 26) The Old Island Days Art Festival, Whitehead and Caroline streets, 305 294 1243, http://www.keywestartcenter.com/festival.html
No matter what your age or experience, you can pucker up and honk the conch at the annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest. There is no cost to enter the contest, but conch shells will be available on sale for those who don’t have one of their own. (March 3) Conch Shell Blowing Contest, 305 294 9501, http://www.oirf.org
tripadvisor.com 6
Where to
STAY
FAMILIES The Hyatt Windward Pointe Resort is “clean and comfortable, with all the amenities of home.” Kids can have “their own room and bathroom without having to sleep in a separate apartment.” Plus, “the best beach on the island, Smathers Beach, is within one mile.”—TripAdvisor Member, Tiel, The Netherlands
At Santa Maria Suites, we had “two bedrooms and king beds, two bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen and washer and dryer. Our suite had everything we needed, and we felt pampered. We were traveling with two small children and my in-laws to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday, so everything had to be perfect. And it was!”—
Hyatt Windward Pointe Resort, 3675 S. Roosevelt Blvd., 305 293 5050
TripAdvisor Member, Fort Worth, Texas Santa Maria Suites, 1401 Simonton St., 305 296 5678
ROMANCE “We had an incredible stay at the Dewey House. It was quiet, romantic, near the action but off the beaten path. The private beach was amazing. The best part was the tiki bar. Best. Piña coladas. Ever.”— TripAdvisor Member, Clarksville, Tenn. La Mer Hotel & Dewey House, 1319 Duval St., 305 296 6577
Ambrosia Key West “is so intimate and the staff is amazing.” Enjoy a lovely breakfast or lounge in a hammock on the gorgeous grounds, which are “close to Duval yet quiet for sleeping.”—TripAdvisor Member, New Jersey Ambrosia Key West, 622 Fleming St., 305 296 9838
“Exceptionally clean and very well maintained,” the Best Western Hibiscus Motel has a “perfect location. Once the car was parked, we did not get back in it again until we were leaving Key West.”— TripAdvisor Member, Liverpool, U.K. Best Western Hibiscus Motel, 1313 Simonton St., 305 294 3763
Have questions about Key West? Get insider advice from local experts in our forums. The majority of questions are answered within 24 hours. Romance flourishes at Key West Bed and Breakfast, “a spotless, comfortable and beautifully decorated Victorian manse conveniently located on a quiet street, in the heart of the island’s most charming neighborhood.”—TripAdvisor Member, Washington, D.C. Key West Bed and Breakfast, 415 William St., 305 296 7274
“Best. Piña coladas. Ever.”
BUDGET The Grand Guest House is a quaint and affordable hotel that’s just a short walk from Duval St. “The place is nice and clean, with beautiful plants and flowers. And the rooms are wonderful. Felt like home. The atmosphere is warm and magical.” — TripAdvisor Member, Italy Grand Guest House, 1116 Grinnell St., 305 294 0590
“We liked the laid-back Old Key West setting at Alexander Palms. The continental breakfast under the palm trees was excellent (a little bird thought so, too). We hope to come back some day.”—TripAdvisor Member, Bottmingen, Switzerland Alexander Palms Court, 715 South St., 305 296 6413
“...felt like home away from home.”
“We spent two nights at the Angelina Guest House and had a wonderful time. We’ve stayed in many luxurious hotels over the years and have never received such a high standard of hospitality. The owners went out of their way to make us feel welcome.”—TripAdvisor Member, Belfast, Norhtern Ireland Angelina Guest House, 302 Angela St., 305 294 4480
LUXURY “Parrot Key Beach House was a fabulous resort! Starting from the hospitable staff to the beautiful grounds and the immaculate room, everything was just perfect. The room was a townhome style that I just did not want to leave. Parrot Key felt like home away from home.”—TripAdvisor Member, St. Petersburg, Fla.
The Marquesa Hotel “has a great deal of character and is also extremely comfortable. The staff were 100% helpful and friendly. Book the Marquesa. You will not regret it.”—TripAdvisor Member, Alicante, Spain Marquesa Hotel, 600 Fleming St., 305 292 1919
Parrot Key Beach House Resort, 2801 N. Roosevelt Blvd., 305 809 2200
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
“Forget all of your preconceptions about Key West. Sunset Key Guest Cottages is five minutes (by ferry) and a world away. You can walk almost the entire island in 15 minutes, and it’s worth doing so—the private homes/conch cottages are lovely.”— TripAdvisor Member, Philadelphia, Pa. Sunset Key Guest Cottages, 245 Front St., 305 292 5300
tripadvisor.com
7
Where to
STAY
HIDDEN GEMS The Gardens Hotel, honored as a Best Hidden Gem in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards, offers “little surprises around every corner, including tortoises, birds, beautiful gardens and a lovely breakfast.”—TripAdvisor Member, Upminster, England
Suite Dreams are made of this: a Super Suite with two bedrooms and baths, “private lagoon-style pool” and service that is “five-star quality.”—TripAdvisor Member, Chicago, Ill. Suite Dreams, 1001 Von Phister St., 305 292 4713
The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St., 305 294 2661
“The Orchid Key’s location is only a 15-minute walk to the nighttime craziness of Duval Street, but afterward you can retreat to this mellow inn with its classic neon sign. The staff provided directions, recommendations and towels for late night swims.”—TripAdvisor Member, Philadelphia, Pa. Orchid Key Inn, 1004 Duval St., 305 296 9915
“…surprises around every corner”
About
TRIPADVISOR
TripAdvisor is the largest travel community in the world with 50 million monthly visitors and featuring more than 50 million reviews and opinions of 675,000 hotels and attractions. TripAdvisor.com is the most trusted source for travel recommendations about where to go, where to stay and how to play for 93,000 destinations around the world. TripAdvisor.com also provides easy access to the major online travel sites to make booking your next vacation, your best vacation, easier than ever.
Edited/compiled by LoAnn Halden, Michelle Schwartz and Kris Horton This brochure and its contents are copyright © 2011, TripAdvisor, Inc., all rights reserved. TRIPADVISOR, the owl logo and all other marks displayed herein are registered and/or common law trademarks of TripAdvisor and/or third parties. Representations made in this brochure are current as of its publication date. This brochure contains reviews, comments, photographs and other content regarding destinations, accommodations, airlines and other travel products and services submitted by users of tripadvisor.com. Reviews and ratings represent the opinions of such users. TripAdvisor does not sponsor or endorse any user content and therefore is not liable for any statements, representations or other information contained in such user content. Further, reference to any products, services, processes or other information of any third party does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation of or affiliation with, such third party by TripAdvisor. Such third parties are owned and operated by independent retailers or service providers, and TripAdvisor cannot ensure that you will be satisfied with their products, services, business practices or provided information. TripAdvisor recommends that you pursue any and all investigation you feel necessary or appropriate before transacting with any third party.
Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716
tripadvisor.com 8
