For anyone heading to Key West this spring break, check out these restaurants, places to shop and things to do on the trip.
Restaurants
Blue Heaven
Known for its seafood and Florida-Caribbean cuisine, Blue Heaven favorites include Caribbean “BBQ” shrimp and key lime pie. Breakfast and lunch are first come, first served as well as limited dinner reservations. The restaurant also serves vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Blue Heaven is open from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and reopens from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Blue Heaven is located at 729 Thomas St.
Moondog Cafe Key West
Moondog Cafe Key West in downtown Key West serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. From omelettes to pizza, this cafe has an extensive menu. The restaurant also has a bakery featuring a variety of pastries such as tarts and cakes. Moondog Cafe is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m with happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 823 Whitehead St.
Ocean Grill & Bar
Serving breakfast, brunch and dinner, Ocean Grill and Bar is located within the Duval Square Mall and Bahama Village. Their extensive menu includes favorites like the Shanghai calamari and the grouper cayo hueso. Ocean Grill and Bar is open seven days a week for breakfast and brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and reopens for dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. at 1075 Duval St.
Harpoon Harry’s
Harpoon Harry’s serves American comfort food. The restaurant offers breakfast all day with one of their most popular dishes being key lime french toast. This all American diner is cash only with an ATM inside. Harpoon Harry’s is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 832 Caroline St.
Banana Cafe
This french bistro with a Caribbean twist is located in downtown Key West. Popular for breakfast, Banana Cafe features a variety of crepe flavors like strawberry cheesecake or pesto shrimp. Banana Cafe is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 1215 Duval St.
Things to do
Snorkel in North America’s only living coral reef
The Florida Keys are home to North America's only living coral barrier reef with more than 40 species of reef-building coral. Guests can book snorkeling tours through Florida Keys Activities. They have the option of a Rise & Reef Morning Snorkel or a Dip & Sip Afternoon Snorkel, both starting at $49.95 per person. The Rise & Reef Morning Snorkel includes breakfast and starts at 9 a.m. The Dip & Sip Afternoon Snorkel includes an open bar and begins at 1 p.m. Tours are offered seven days a week and are three hours long. This is open to guests of all ages and levels of experience.
Key West Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium has been a landmark in the Conch Republic and is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Since its opening in 1935, the aquarium is the first open air aquarium in the United States, allowing natural illumination of the exhibits. Tickets are available for a discounted price of $11.39 for children and $19.94 for adults. The aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m seven days a week at 1 Whitehead St.
Hemingway Home and Museum
The Hemingway Home and Museum offers tours of American novelist Ernest Hemingway’s home. Guests can learn more about his life, works, yacht and cats throughout the tour. Tickets are $19 for adults and $7 for children. No reservations are required and tickets are available at the main gate. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tours start every 15 minutes with the first tour starting at 9:30 a.m. and are 20 to 30 minutes in length. The museum is at 907 Whitehead St.
Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West, Florida. It is a half mile long and is located on the south side of the island. Guests can swim in the Atlantic Ocean from 8 a.m. to midnight daily. Guests can park in the public lots alongside the beach, street parking across the street from the beach and metered parking along South Roosevelt Boulevard for $5 per hour.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Guests can walk among living butterflies, colorful birds, and flamingos at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. The learning center within the conservatory explores all aspects of the butterfly world with a wall size mural map and illustrations depicting butterfly anatomy. Guests can visit the gift shop and gallery to pick up a souvenir to remember their experience. Tickets are $17.50 for adults and $12.50 for children. They also offer a senior price and military discount ticket for $14.50. The conservatory is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last admission into the conservatory at 4:30 p.m. The conservatory is at 1316 Duval St.
Shopping
Key West Island Books
This bookstore offers rare, used books and new bestsellers. The bookstore has many titles from Key West and South Florida authors. Guests can bring their old books in exchange for store credit. Key West Island Books is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at 513 Fleming St.
Art on Duval
Art on Duval is a celebration of art across Key West, Naples and Sarasota. Featuring local, national and international artists, Art on Duval hosts artist shows every weekend in March. At this gallery, guests can purchase select pieces of art. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 602 Duval St.
Commotion
Commotion, located at the Red Doors building, offers designer jewelry and clothing. Some jewelry this boutique offers include clasp bracelets and Caribbean bracelets. The boutique is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 800 Caroline St.
Good Day on a Happy Planet
Good Day on a Happy Planet is a gift shop, offering collectables, clothing, musical instruments and jewelry. This family owned and operated island boutique also features the work of local artists for purchase. They are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day but Wednesday at 907 Caroline St.
Madisson Cameron edited this story. Gretchen Schultz and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
