Busy moms know how hard it is to arrange a big family vacation that makes everyone happy. There’s always someone who wishes they were doing something different. Fortunately, Key West has enough going on to make even the pickiest family member happy. Because it’s so close, Key West is easy to get to; even if you live across the country, every major airport can connect you with a flight to Key West. The weather is usually sunny and warm so there’s not as much to pack. And because you’re traveling to the Florida Keys, there’s no need to worry about hassles like passports. Just book your family vacation to Key West, pack, and go!
Visit Dry Tortugas National Park
At Dry Tortugas National Park, the former Civil War-era Fort Jefferson comes to life with historical reenactments, tours, and ample opportunities to explore nature with snorkeling, kayaking, and bird watching. This unique park is mostly underwater, and visitors can snorkel and dive shipwrecks, coral reefs, and old dock pilings for a close-up view of the abundant sea life found in these warm waters. The park is available only by air or sea.
Get the Best Tapas in Key West
Santiago’s Bodega serves an exciting and authentic tapas-style menu for lunch and dinner, including a spicy lentil soup with curry, jalapenos, and cilantro; pear and avocado salad; Yellowfin tuna ceviche; beef carpaccio; shrimp and chorizo; croquettas; and mini quesadillas. The warm reclaimed wood decor and repurposed stained glass windows make Santiago’s a feast for the eyes as well. It’s ideal for your family vacation to Key West.
Book a Fishing Charter
Fishing charters are a great way to bond while on vacation. Guests with all experience levels are welcome aboard. Fishing captains and their crew take care of all the permits and gear. Depending on what time of year you plan your family vacation to Key West, you may be able to fish for grouper, snapper, tarpon, mahi mahi, and more. Fishing charters go out for full-day and half-day excursions, and you can choose from deep water, back country, reef or wreck fishing.
Swim at Key West’s Best Beach
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, located at the southwest corner of the island of Key West, describes its large beach as the best in Key West, and it’s hard to argue with that. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas as well as snorkeling gear for a day of fun. There are self-guided tours of the fort, trails for walking and biking, and fishing off the jetty. It’s perfect for a family vacation to Key West.
Discover Why Lobster Rolls are So Popular
Everyone talks about the key lime pie in Key West but lots of people might argue that the lobster rolls are actually the most memorable food here. At Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant, you can get your takeout lobster roll and relax at the picnic tables outside, people-watching and lingering over a glass of wine and your lunch or dinner. Eaton Street also serves grilled lobster, mahi mahi, stone crab, smoked fish and shrimp. And if you ever want to recreate the best lobster roll in Key West, Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant also ships its freshly caught seafood anywhere in the country.
Get In Touch with Nature
At the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, you and your children can walk through a spacious butterfly habitat that’s also home to tropical birds and flowers. If you’re lucky, one of the flamingos in residence may even wander over to say hello. Learn about these beautiful and delicate creatures up close; be sure to bring your camera for some amazing photo opportunities on your family vacation to Key West.
Enjoy the Sunset Celebration
Street performers and vendors come out nightly to meet the crowd who gather for the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square which is another great reason to plan your family vacation to Key West. It’s a family friendly party with live music where kids and adults can enjoy a little nightlife (but not too late!). The area has lots of shops and is close to several bars and restaurants, museums, and one of the most popular main roads in Key West, Duval Street.
Have the Picnic of Your Dreams
If you’ve ever fantasized about a romantic picnic just the two of you or a family gathering on the beach for a sunrise breakfast (since your little kids are early risers anyway), trust Key West Picnic Company to make it happen. They’ll set up everything you need, from hot coffee, fresh fruit, orange juice, and pastries for breakfast to a full dinner for two, complete with cutlery, plates, a beach blanket, and even a Bluetooth speaker for a little dinner music.
Planning your family vacation to Key West is a great idea because there are so many ways to tailor your trip to your kids’ ages and interests. Because the island is so small, everything is close by, and you can enjoy outdoor adventures, al fresco dining, cultural activities, shopping, and more.
