Key West Family Getaway – 5 Days of Sunshine to Cut Out the Chicago Winter. February 2020
In February 2020, we decided to treat ourselves to a winter break and fly to a sunny destination: Key West, Florida. Our stay was a great family break, with a perfect mix of cultural discoveries, relaxation and fun activities, all in a tropical atmosphere. Here's a sneak peek of our fun getaway to the Keys.
Day 1: Arrival in Key West and First Discovery
We took a direct flight to Key West and landed in this little slice of sun-drenched paradise. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a pleasant sea breeze and gently waving palm trees under the blue sky. After collecting our rental car, we took the road to our accommodation. We chose a lovely hotel, the Ocean Edge Resort on the marina, near the city center, so that we could easily explore the island on foot.
In the late afternoon, we strolled along Duval Street, the main street, to soak up the local atmosphere. This street is full of colorful shops, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine with Caribbean influences. We ended our day with a delicious fresh seafood dinner, where everyone was able to enjoy naturally gluten-free dishes, such as grilled shrimp and conch salad.
Day 2: Discovery of the History and Beaches of Key West
The next day, we started the day with a visit to Ernest Hemingway's house. This emblematic place allowed us to learn more about the life of the writer and to discover his famous six-toed cats who still roam the place. The children particularly enjoyed listening to anecdotes about the author's vibrant life and exploring the house's lush gardens.
In the afternoon, head to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, one of the most beautiful beaches in Key West and a fort steeped in history. The crystal clear waters and magnificent landscapes offered us an ideal relaxing time as a family. This fort, built in 1840, played a key role during the Civil War and then during the Spanish-American War. Today it is a listed historical monument.
At the end of the day, we went to Mallory Square for the famous sunset. The street artists, the music and the ambient excitement added a touch of magic to this moment.
Day 3: Kayak excursion and bike ride
On the third day, we took a small kayak excursion which allowed us to observe pelicans.
In the afternoon we rented bikes to explore the island at our own pace. Since Key West is a relatively small island, it's the perfect way to explore quaint side streets, colorful houses, and even take a trip to Southernmost Point Buoy , the southernmost point in the United States. continental.
Day 4 and 5: Sea Excursion and Unforgettable Sunset
To end our stay, we opted for a sea excursion aboard a catamaran. We wanted to explore the turquoise waters of the Keys and snorkel around the coral reefs. The children were delighted to see multicolored fish, and to sleep aboard this magnificent catamaran. The sunset was just magical.
Day 5: Shopping and Return Home
For our last day in Key West, we decided to do some souvenir shopping. We explored the island's many artisan shops, where we found local products such as shell crafts and sea-inspired items. We also took time to enjoy one last Key Lime Pie , a local specialty that is quite easily found gluten-free (check according to the recipes!) made with lime, which we loved.
Why Choose Key West for a Family Trip?
In conclusion, our family trip to Key West was a lovely getaway, filled with moments of complicity, discoveries and relaxation under the Florida sun. Between its beaches, its museums, its water activities and its warm atmosphere, this small island in the Florida Keys has it all.
