With the warm weather of spring in full swing, you might be seeing a lot of posts from one of Florida’s most popular vacation spots: Key West. We at Shaka Kai are big fans of the southernmost point in the continental United States of America, and have compiled our own little guide of all our favorite grub spots and watering holes for you to enjoy! Key West is a diverse town full of old Florida history (with big names like Ernest Hemingway), exciting night life, and water activities.
First things first, Duval Street is where it all happens. All the bars, snacks, and shopping you could need on your vacation will be right on Duval. Whether you come by car or by boat, there are plenty of marinas and parking lots to leave your vehicle and continue the journey on foot. If walking isn’t your style, Key West has a number of rental companies with everything from golf carts and mopeds to bikes and electric scooters. Either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy a classic “Duval crawl.”
We like to park near Half Shell Raw Bar to get our day started with fresh seafood and delicious cocktails. From there, you can mosey down to Hog’s Breath for live music and a great outdoor bar atmosphere. If you’re looking to get out of the heat and see one of Key West’s oldest bars, check out Captain Tony’s where you can leave your mark by signing a dollar bill and stapling it to the walls! And, of course, it wouldn’t be a proper St. Patty’s Day vacation without a stop at Irish Kevin’s (remember to wear green!).
For boaters, our favorite marina here at Shaka Kai is the Galleon Marina. It’s got the easiest docking experience and is within walking distance of Duval Street. If you’re not able to sleep on your boat, there is also a hotel and restaurant to rest and refuel yourself. This marina can be a great waystation if you’re continuing past Key West and heading to Dry Tortugas.
When the day is over, we recommend watching the sunset at Mallory Square. This dockside walkway is the perfect way to wind down after a long day of fun in Key West. Like many other spots in Key West, this is a great place to find local art and discover more of Florida’s history. If you’re lucky, you may even see the green flash as the sun sinks below the horizon. If you’d rather be on the water, be sure to book a sunset cruise for the full experience.
Whether you’re a history buff or just love to bar hop, Key West has something for all ocean lovers to experience and enjoy. If you can’t stay in Key West, always remember to drive sober and safe. We at Shaka Kai want you to keep going on adventures and making new memories!
