Days are getting longer and temps are inching upward around the U.S. — and those of you who’ve made it through another cold grey winter deserve a reward. Why not get a jump on the sunny season by savoring a break on the already-balmy island of Key West?
Marianne van den Broek creates an intricate sand sculpture on the beach at the Casa Marina Resort. (Photo by Rob O’Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau)
Slip away to the southernmost outpost in the continental U.S. to soak up the salt air, sweet breezes and irresistibly laid-back vibe. And while you’re in a Key West state of mind, check out the seven easygoing amusements here.
— Build a sand sculpture. Sure you’re a grownup, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build an oversized sandcastle on the beach. At the historic waterfront Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort at 1500 Reynolds St., you can create a sand masterpiece guided by Marianne van den Broek from Sand-Isle Professional Sand Sculpting. Marianne is acclaimed for constructing massive sand sculptures to mark holidays, special events, proposals and much more. Her fun-filled workshops last 2.5 hours and are designed for up to six people, who build their own sand sculpture from scratch during the experience.
— Indulge your inner child at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory at 1316 Duval St. It’s one of just three major butterfly facilities in Florida, and its highlight is a 5,000-square-foot glass-domed tropical butterfly habitat. In this magical “rainforest,” you’ll walk among hundreds of butterflies from 50 to 60 species, plus dozens of tiny exotic birds — and even meet a pair of graceful pink flamingoes. You’ll also learn about butterflies’ role in the natural world and be amazed by the butterfly artwork of Sam Trophia, the conservatory’s co-founder.
This beautiful flamingo, aptly named Scarlett, is one of a pair that delights visitors at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)
— Speaking of art, why not create your own art gallery stroll? Key West’s historic Old Town district features dozens of enticing galleries including the Gingerbread Square Gallery on upper Duval Street. Since its establishment in 1974, it has displayed the art of notables like Sal Salinero, famed for his vibrant studies of rainforest flora and fauna. Or check out White Street’s Harrison Gallery, whose offerings include Helen Harrison’s distinctive wood sculptures. And don’t miss Gallery on Greene, which represents the late folk artist Mario Sanchez and impressionist Peter Vey among others.
— If you’re looking for a Key West locals’ hangout with great live music, don’t miss the Schooner Wharf Bar at 202 William St. It’s an inviting open-air spot where people bring their dogs, fishing buddies and girlfriends for satisfying libations and lively conversation. It also serves good food (including wonderful breakfasts) overlooking the water in the colorful Historic Seaport.
— Bike or walk through Key West’s Old Town neighborhood, the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the country, just before dusk. Meander along narrow lanes to discover carefully restored Victorian homes and cottages, while enjoying the lush fragrance of flowers spilling over white picket fences. Peek into hidden gardens and small neighborhood emporiums, and share nods and smiles with people you meet.
Immerse yourself in turquoise water off the locals’ favorite beach, located at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. (Photo by Rob O’Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau)
— Investigate the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum to view the gold, silver, emeralds, weapons, rare navigational instruments and other items recovered in the 1970s and ‘80s from the Spanish galleons Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita — which sank in the waters off Key West. You can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of the laboratory where the priceless artifacts are studied and conserved by experts. Located at 200 Greene St., the unforgettable museum offers a glimpse of maritime history that you won’t find anywhere else.
— Enjoy the blue-green water. Swim from the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, the locals’ favorite getaway spot. Take a sunset sailing excursion on a tall ship with creaking rigging. Kayak the backcountry shallows with Lazy Dog Adventures. Snorkel or dive the living coral reef that parallels the Florida Keys. Or simply gaze at the seemingly endless view from sprawling Smathers Beach, stretching along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline.
Want more springtime pastimes to savor in Key West? Just click here.
