Taking a week off and headed down at the end of August/start of September. One part of Florida I’ve never been too so don’t know much about it other than the obvious stuff that comes up on the tourist sites.

What is worth seeing and what’s overrated? Any good places to eat? I lean towards the hole in the wall places. Will probably pick up a rental car, so getting around won’t be an issue.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MattW,

Do you like drinking and beaches?

Okay, there are some historical sites, Hemingway house, The Coast Guard vessel museum thing, 1 or 2 forts to visit.

It's been years but I have always enjoyed Key West. For me walking onto Duval street is instant stress relief. It has its special charm. With that said Key West is unique.

Are you driving? The drive through the Keys is something everyone should do once. You don't really need a car in Key West though depending on where you want to go. If you are there for a week hit Hemminway's and definitely Deval Square for sunset. Get the classic picture at the southernmost point. Everything in Key West is touristy so know that going in and enjoy it for what it is.

Bars are everywhere. It's been years since I was there so I don't have any recommendations. Just walk Deval St and have a drink here and there until you find the vibe you like.

Float plane or ferry boat to Fort Jefferson. A day or afternoon on a sailboat for hire or a booze cruise.

play like a broke college kid and stay in a tent at Boyd's on Stock Island or camp in Searstown lot and use Wendy's as a home base.

I thought the next storm is coming. Wait until just before Lent, when the party rages.

You can rent a gas powered golf cart that is street legal and drive pretty much everywhere on the island. I did that and it was a fun , more intimate way to get around and much easier to park than a full-size car. Doing it again, I’d probably rent a gas powered 50cc scooter, even easier to find parking and plenty fast enough to get around.

Parking is very limited and all the locals use scooters to get around.

La Grignote for breakfast. Very popular, very busy, make a reservation. Probably the best breakfast I’ve ever had. Wife said hers was amazing as well.

The town is infected with Democrats in charge of everything. They had mask mandates and were mask nazis even when the entire rest of Florida was open and no longer mandating mask… the much smarter democratic mayor and like minded idiots know better for us.

Too bad you won't be around for the Key West Halloween parade for 10 days in late October, when the weird people come out to play.

It's been 20 years since I was there, but I recall enjoying a tour of Hemingway's house.

The best thing to do is hit Duval street, the beaches, drink and smoke cigars. The sunsets are beautiful. Some pics from my recent trip.

Nice pictures. I can see going to Key West, once anyway. It’s been decades for me. Back then it was drinking, snorkeling & Duval Street.

They may have an O.K. beach somewhere, it would have to be a small one.

Besides just chilling on Duval we really liked Mangia-Mangia. https://mangia-mangia.com/

The thing that surprised me about Key West was that there are not that many views of the water from a car if you're cruising around. For a place surrounded on three sides by water, I expected to see more of it. The west coast of the peninsula is mostly industrial. The hotels are on the ocean side and have the only beaches to speak of. Nice place though. I'd go back.
I did make one mistake and that was to quit smoking cigars about a month before my trip. I get there and they're selling them on every street corner.

Check out the cemetery, kinda cool. Hemingway house is ok too.

If El Siboney has survived the pandemic go there for some great cuban food.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
Do you like drinking and beaches?

Okay, there are some historical sites, Hemingway house, The Coast Guard vessel museum thing, 1 or 2 forts to visit.

https://www.hemingwayhome.com/

https://www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com/

http://www.fortzacharytaylor.com/

https://www.keywestbutterfly.com/

I missed this when we visited last year:

https://uscgcingham.org/

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sigmund,

Avoid the hotels up on Roosevelt and stay in Old Town. A car will not be needed. Breakfast at Pepe's, Happy Hour at the Conch Republic, Dinner at Louie's Backyard. Tons of choices.

Fishing.

My visit there was way too short. It's on my list for a return visit and spend a few days. Have fun!

I've been going there since I was young-a million or so years ago.

I reiterate what many said-you don't need a car. In fact, the car will be a bit of a nuisance-parking is a real problem.

Stay in Old Town, walk Duval Street and simply enjoy a different, simpler touristy vacation.

Earlier posters gave you THE places to see and eat.

Bob