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Despite being born and raised in Florida, I’d never been to the Keys. I’d been to Miami a few times, but never made the 4-hour drive to Key West (or even the hour and a half to Key Largo). That all changed this summer, and after spending a few days there, I can’t understand what took me so long to go. I mean, really. The water is unbelievably crystal blue — so blue you’d swear someone’s filtered the heck out of it if you saw a pic on Instagram.
It’s got everything you’d want from a tropical vacation, without having to fly halfway around the world. If you get the chance to go, GO. Don’t waste a second debating it. Don’t begrudge the long drive from Miami International Airport, or even the road trip from wherever you happen to live, if hopping in a plane isn’t your thing. Just go. You won’t be disappointed.
FUN:
Bahia Honda State Park
This park/beach will set you back about $8 per car, but it’s so worth it. The beaches are pristine, and the land seems almost untouched by time. The abandoned bridge to nowhere gives the whole area a Jurassic Park vibe. It’s picture-perfect — and worth an afternoon.
The Southernmost Point in the U.S.
C’mon, you’ve got to do some cheesy, touristy stuff to mark the occasion, like posing at Mile Marker 0. Head there early in the morning to avoid long lines, or just take a pic next to the statue of the man blowing a conch shell like a horn, with the beacon in the background. It’s just as cool.
FOOD:
El Meson de Pepe
Cuban food so good you’ll eat yourself into a food coma. Order the Ropa Vieja (shredded beef simmered in a red wine sauce with peppers and onions), and plantains. So. Good.
Glazed Donuts
Gourmet doughnuts and cold brew better than any you’ll find from a chain or diner. There are plenty of island-inspired flavors, like Key Lime Pie, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, and Peach Blessed Doussant (doughnut-croissant).
FULFILLMENT:
The Hemingway House
Tour the writer’s Key West home, pet his six-toed cats, dream of writing the next great American novel in a loft overlooking a pool.
Paddleboard Yoga
Even if you’re completely unathletic (ahem, me), you can rock stand-up paddling. It just takes a little balance. NBD. Once you feel confident paddling around, take things to the next level with a local yoga class atop a board.
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