Top 4 To-Do’s in Key West

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(Newswire.net — October 8, 2021) –here’s what’s waiting for you in the Conch Republic.

Dry Tortugas National Park

This is one of the more recent additions to our country’s storied history of national parks, and it’s mostly underwater. It’s located around 75 miles off the coast of Key West, and the only way to access it is by water or air. If you’ll be adding Dry Tortugas to your itinerary, it’s best to plan ahead and book your ferry passage as soon as you finalize your trip, as space is limited and these spots go quickly. The park is made up of several small islands, and the largest, Garden Key, is where you’ll find the familiar-looking fort. You can walk the promenade, swim at the beach, or go kayaking around the other keys. The most popular activity here is snorkeling, and the clear shallow waters are ideal for those new to the sport as well as experienced snorkelers. Multiple coral reefs and shipwrecks offer colorful and comfortable places to explore, and you may even be able to participate in special events like night snorkeling so you can get a look at the nocturnal sea life that’s usually out-of-sight to visitors. 

Eaton Street Seafood Market

Key West is a crossroads of the world when it comes to food, with restaurants showcasing the best of French, Italian, Southern American, Caribbean, South American, Mediterranean, Japanese, Chinese and Korean flavors, and more. But what many of them have in common is the abundance of seafood that’s fresh and locally caught. For the best seafood around, check out Eaton Street Seafood Market. With the daily catch that comes in, the chef prepares made-to-order dishes like fish tacos, conch fritters, and even lobster roll. Dine outside the charming Art Deco building at Eaton Street’s abundant seating or take your order to go. If your vacation plans are booked somewhere with a kitchen and you enjoy breaking out those cooking skills, you can also purchase fresh seafood to prepare yourself. And for added pleasure, enjoy a little bit of Key West at home anytime when you order online from Eaton Street Seafood Market, with your purchase shipped straight to your door for maximum freshness.

Duval Street

All along what’s considered Main Street in Key West, you’ll find an array of shops and boutiques that offer hand-crafted and locally sourced goods, including gifts, food and drink, cigars, and more. This is the place to be when shopping for yourself or friends and family at home. You’ll browse one-of-a-kind clothing and textiles, housewares, art, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, and more. Take a break from shopping and stop into one of the many restaurants and cafes for a meal, snack, or drink. The street is also dotted with small museums where you can learn more about the local culture and history of Key West through its art and natural environment, the work of its people, and the waters that surround it. Once the sun sets, make sure you’re at Mallory Square at the end of Duval Street for the nightly Sunset Celebration, an open-air festival filled with performers and vendors, where tourists and residents alike relax and wave good night to the setting sun. After dark, the bars and jazz clubs come alive with live music and locally famous libations.

All In Fishing Charters

Fishing is one of the most popular activities in Key West and a reason that many people make their initial visit to the island. A fishing charter is great for both experienced and novice sports enthusiasts, and everything you need is included, such as tackle and gear. You can even work with All In Fishing Charters on a custom trip. Solo travelers, couples, families, and reunions are all welcome. The knowledgeable captain knows the area well and the schools of fish that visit here, too, including mahi-mahi, grouper, tarpon, and snapper. Try wreck, reef, flats, or deep water fishing. You can even participate in one or more of the ongoing fishing tournaments that are so well-known in the area!

Captain Experiences Guided Fishing Trips 

Captain Experiences makes booking a fishing trip painless: no more searching for weeks and playing phone tag. They’ve connected with guides all over Key West and offer over 60 different fishing experiences on their site. You can read up on all the different species and spots to fish in Key West and filter search results to find the trip that will give you exactly what you’re looking for.

Discover the Best of Key West

When planning your Key West vacation, these four stops are sure to show you the best that the city has to offer, from food to shopping, adventure, and the great outdoors. Because it’s so easy to get to from just about anywhere in the U.S., Key West even makes a great weekend destination. And with these four on your list, you’ll be ready for fun as soon as you arrive.