Key West Romantic Getaway

The Florida Keys, an archipelago of about 1,700 islands extending south and southwest of the Florida mainland, offer all the beach-side enjoyments you’d expect from small, warm islands. Key West and Key Largo are the most well-known of the area’s towns, but Islamorada, between the two, is a terrific family destination.

Feast on seafood, visit various nature reserves, go snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, or just relax on the beach. Visit Key Largo for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, glass-bottom boat tours, casino boats and parasailing. The wild at heart should consider renting a Harley. The City of Key West has lost more than a thousand of its citizens to the AIDS epidemic. Some of their names are inscribed on a memorial near the White Street Pier. Visitors looking for something more cheerful can check out Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys, located at McCoy Indigenous Park. The organization has released more than 2,000 healed animals into the wild since 1993.

Located in the very heart of historic Key West, Heron House possesses the intimacy of a Key West guesthouse with all the style of a small luxury hotel. Bask in the sweet scent of orchids wafting through the exotic tropical gardens of rare plants collected from around the world. Somewhere within the myriad trees and plants, you will find a quaint swimming pool with surrounding wicker patio furniture. This four-diamond lodging prides itself on the small details, such as fine woodwork, tropical stained glass artistry, intricate stonework, and the elegance of etched glass panels. Every morning, guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast by the pool or indoors. The Innkeepers present wine and chees on weekends. Off-street parking is available at 15 per day. Each of the 23 rooms is uniquely designed and may include woodwork artistry, private decks, balconies, tropical plants, and custom interior lighting. Nevertheless, all rooms have air-conditioning, private bathroom, bathrobes, morning newspaper, telephone, and cable television and complimentary wireless access in the breezeway area.

Think martinis, think swim suits and think exotic food, all in one place. You've got the surf and the sand, so set sail or bask in the sun! Duval Beach Club has all this to offer and more. You can have cocktails bottoms-up or satiate your appetites with Steak, Crab and Shrimp delicacies. This destination is also perfect for weddings and receptions.

An amazing revamp turned a slightly seedy part of town into a sleek 8.5-acre historic restoration area with more than 100 businesses, restaurants, open air bars, museums, boutiques, bait shops, a marina, markets, dive shops, a Waterfront Market enclave of outdoor kiosks, and even a wedding chapel. A two-mile Harborwalk ties it all together and runs from Front to Grinnell Street. Along the walk you'll see schooners, sunset cruisers, cruise ships, charter boats and an amazing variety of Key West residents and visitors.

Located right in the middle of crowded Old Town Key West, this place is an "island in the stream." Owner Nancy Forrester has somehow managed to face down the pressure of development and the tree-tearing fury of hurricanes in order to keep this 30-year-old garden pristine and magnificent. Here you will see the tropics in all its foliage glory with exotics such as orchids nestling in branches, huge ferns, bromeliads, red ginger, pink heliconias and a "sunburn" gumbo-limbo tree. Bring a picnic lunch and tour the onsite art gallery, as well. Admission is USD6.

One tip to finding a good restaurant while traveling is to eat where the locals eat. In that case, El Meson de Pepe's Casa Cayo Hueso Restaurant is definitely the place to go. With some of the best Cuban and Spanish cuisine around, the restaurant boasts a prime location overlooking Mallory Square. Live salsa music and specialty drinks add to the allure. The food is considered "Cuban Conch," consisting of Ropa Vieja (shredded beef and tomatoes), Palomilla Steak, and the Spicy Mollete a la Pancho.

Located by the historic Key West waterfront, this open-air marketplace and entertainment complex is a great place to start or end your visit to Key West. Known for its magnificent sunsets, the area is also home to many shops, including Shell Warehouse, Key West Sponge Market and Caribbean Cargo. The Square also features daily entertainment, which includes guitar music, juggling, and animal performances. Local sightseeing tours also depart from the Square.

This national park is the farthest-at-sea national facility, and home to the historic Fort Jefferson. The 100 foot catamaran called 'The Yankee Freedom II' features twin bow observation pulpits and a main deck large enough to walk around, plus an air-conditioned cabin with galley and bar. Dine on a complimentary breakfast on board and a comlimentary picnic buffet at Fort Jefforson. Your journey includes a free, guided tour.

This national park is the nation's only at-sea national park and is home to the historic Fort Jefferson. Located about 70 miles west of Key West and accessible only by boat or chartered seaplane, the park and fort lure divers, snorkelers and nature lovers who flock here to get a close look at stag horn coral, angel fish, rare birds and the loggerhead turtles that gave the island its name. Built in 1846, the five-sided fort covers more than 11 of the island's 16 acres.

Michaels is a casual restaurant that serves up scrumptious seafood, pastas and beef in pretty surroundings. The chef, Michael Wilson, has won several awards for his cooking, and manages the restaurant along with his wife Melanie. The atmosphere is casual but classy - you can dine by the little fountain in the garden, or in the elegant dining room. If you feel like a drink, avail of the full bar or the extensive wine list. Open daily from 5:30 p.m.

Artist John James Audubon, famed for his detailed drawings of birds and animals, once visited this handsome and historic two-story house that now bears his name. Audubon House, whose construction is typical of historic Key West, offers a self-guided audiotape-tour guiding guests through the home and its lush, tropical garden. In the house are antique furnishings, old photographs and Audubon prints. A gift shop sells unusual items associated with the artist and the house, as well as souvenir items.

Built in 1845 and occupied by Yankee forces in 1861, the fort was finally completed in 1866. Now a National Historic Landmark, the fort has tours at noon and 2p. In January the park hosts the annual Sculpture Key West; if you're here in February, you'll be treated to Civil War Days. The west side of the State park is ideal for fishing and snorkeling. In addition, the park also provides tables and grills for a picnic. See website for admission info. Open daily from 8a onwards.

Key West Museum of Art & History was earlier a post office and government center. This red brick building has existed since 1890 and is a perfect example of Romanesque-style architecture. The museum recently completed its $9 million restoration project and is as good as new now. If you want to learn anything about the history of Key West, then this museum is a must-visit. Admission prices for adults is $10 and for children is $5.