Take a Road Trip Through the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys, which includes Key West, have long been popular destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. Between WomenFest, Tropical Heat, and Key West Bear Weekend, there’s always something fabulous going on down there.
We’re in good company too. According to American Express Travel’s 2023 Trending Destinations report, the Florida Keys are among the top destinations to visit in the next year. Travelers are looking for new adventures and personalized experiences in the post- Covid era and the Keys are uniquely qualified to satisfy those desires. Whether it’s the food, the geography, the marine life, or the nightlife, the adventure and exploration are never-ending.
As the Florida Keys celebrates its bicentennial in 2023, we’ve put together a handy road trip guide to aid travelers as they embark on their journey to Key West.
WHERE TO STAY
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
Before any traveler embarks on their road trip, the first and most important task is to book their stay. We urge travelers to let the “Keys Disease” take over and stay by the historic seaport in order to catch the ultimate island vibes at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort. Recently rated as the #1 resort in the Florida Keys by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, guests can partake in the hotel’s daily pool area programming which includes Key Lime turndown service and Reggae Sunday poolside concerts. The property is conveniently located just steps from lively Duval Street and Mallory Square.
You are invited to luxuriate in this modern waterfront resort which offers a hidden sanctuary of lush tropical grounds, three saltwater pools, and an open-air restaurant/ bar for al fresco dining. Each of the resort’s 96 spacious and glamorous guest rooms features a private balcony, perfectly appointed design elements, and Key West-inspired touches. Book now, you will not be sorry.
Once accommodations are arranged it’s time to hit the road!
Key Largo
As you begin the descent down to the Old Republic, Key Largo will tempt you with destinations definitely worthy of a pit stop.
Sundowners is a long-time local favorite restaurant serving sunsets, sandwiches, steaks, and seafood on the Florida Bay. While on the back dock, visitors can feed the tarpon or sign up for parasailing with family and friends.
Just a few miles down from there is Pirate Cove Water Sports. Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a bit of action at the start of the road trip can rent jet skis, paddle boards, and kayaks, and go snorkeling to explore the marine life native to the Keys.
Another recommended stop is the famous Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory for all things key lime. At the Blonde Giraffe, key lime lovers can savor their famous key lime pie while relaxing in the serenity garden and also purchase key lime-flavored cookies, pecans, almonds, malted balls, and more.
Islamorada
Next up on the road trip is Islamorada, the sport fishing capital of the world. Consisting of four islands, Islamorada is a popular destination with several eateries and local stores for all to enjoy.
The first stop you should make is at the Islamorada Fish Company, a restaurant overlooking the bayside of the Florida Gulf Coast with legendary sunsets and soft bay breezes. After a meal, patrons can walk over next door and shop at Bass Pro Shops for all things nature and nautical.
Robbie’s Marina of Islamorada is another recommended stop on your journey through Islamorada. From hand-feeding the massive tarpon to stocking up on handcrafted souvenirs from the local shops, there’s plenty of activity for everyone here.
Big Pine Key
Vacationers looking for a quiet oasis can pull over to Big Pine Key and take a break from the road. This area of the Florida Keys is surrounded by wildlife trails, water-borne activities, and white-sand beaches. The Bahia Honda State Park has some of the best views of the island strip with clear waters and breathtaking sunsets, serving as a great refuel and recharge stop on your road trip.
While in Big Pine Key keep your eyes peeled for wild deer as you step into the National Key Deer Refuge, a national park made to protect and preserve deer and other wildlife in the Keys.
Stock Island
Just outside of Key West is Stock Island, a laid-back vintage spot that authentically channels the spirit of Old Key West. Stock Island is home to some of the best restaurants and water activities for all to enjoy. One such spot is the Hogfish Bar & Grill which offers all who step foot inside the freshest seafood with panoramic waterfront views.
After that, we suggest a visit to Fun in the Sun boat charters and rental companies, who provide good times under the Florida Keys sun with paddle boarding, kayaking, bike rentals, and more.
Key West
As travelers arrive in Key West, they can finally escape to island time and check out historic attractions, waterfront resorts, and one-of-a-kind local eateries.
Just a few steps away from The Marker is the Funky Rooster, an eclectic coffee house and wine bar channeling all the island vibes with local art. For a bigger meal, travelers should head to Pepe’s Cafe, the oldest eatery in the Florida Keys and the second oldest in the state of Florida. Then to satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe for the city’s staple dessert item, key lime pie.
Of course, you can’t leave Key West without checking out one of the many historic attractions which include: The Hemingway House, the 1930s residence of famous author Ernest Hemingway; the Little White House, the former home of President Harry S. Truman; or the thrilling Ghost and Gravestone Tours, amongst many others.
