Escape to Key West

Key West, the continental United States’ southernmost city, blends a colorful 19th-century heritage with a laid-back contemporary vibe. Visitors will find palm-shaded streets, picturesque historic homes, a lively multicultural culinary scene and a flourishing arts community. 

But perhaps the most appealing thing about Key West is the mellow, relaxing pace of life — a pace that inspires new arrivals to release everyday pressures, breathe deeply and absorb the island’s revitalizing rhythm. 

In Key West, the sunset merits a nightly celebration. Environmental attractions and eco-experiences abound, encouraging visitors to share residents’ close-to-nature mindset. And smiles are as frequent as subtropical breezes, making the island a terrific place to escape and unwind. 

Escape to Serenity: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is renowned for a picnic area shaded by Australian pines and cooled by ever-present breezes, set beside a long and lovely Atlantic Ocean beach. Located at 601 Howard England Way, it’s a favorite of snorkeling fans for the relatively deep water and rocky promontories close to shore —  which means snorkeling off the beach can bring encounters with tiny, colorful tropical fish in a tranquil underwater realm. And no visit is complete without exploring the weathered Civil War–era fort, seemingly lost in a hushed and dreaming past, that gave the park its name. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-zachary-taylor-historic-state-park 

Escape on the Water: An unforgettable experience observing dolphins in the wild awaits passengers on Honest Eco’s SQUID. A revolutionary lithium-ion hybrid electric charter boat, the unique vessel was built by biologist and environmentalist Captain Billy Litmer, Honest Eco’s founder. Departing from 231 Margaret St. in the Key West Historic Seaport, SQUID journeys to a realm of warm, shallow water where it’s possible to witness the natural behaviors of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins — from socializing to feeding — in their ocean home. honesteco.org 

Escape into Renewal: A morning stroll through Key West’s Old Town, the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the United States, is a wonderful way to ease into the island city’s slower pace. There’s a quiet magic in wandering without a specific purpose, “getting lost” down whatever narrow lanes look most enticing, and soothing the senses amid beautiful surroundings. While passing the district’s lovingly restored Victorian homes and cottages, wanderers can chat with locals and absorb the fragrance of flowers blooming behind white picket fences. 

Escape into Nature: The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is a living wonder located at 5210 College Road at the gateway to Key West. The unique 15-acre preserve shelters plant life native to South Florida, Cuba and the Caribbean including many threatened and endangered species. Rich in biodiversity, it features two wetland habitats, national and state champion trees, two butterfly gardens and native butterflies, resident and migratory birds, seasonal flowers and many other attractions. Green and serene, it’s a sanctuary for nature lovers and those simply seeking a place for relaxing, reading or quiet contemplation. keywest.garden 

Escape to a Hidden Haven: On a shady Key West side street lies a tiny hideaway beach that’s dedicated to people and their pooches. Dog Beach is located at Alberta and Waddell streets on the Atlantic Ocean, beside a restored Victorian home that’s now a gourmet restaurant called Louie’s Backyard. Around cocktail hour, tail-wagging dogs and their owners can be seen hurrying down the street together — the dogs headed for the beach and a game of coconut fetch, and the people headed for Louie’s waterfront cocktail deck to sip a libation and watch their pets play. Beloved by Key West literary legends, fishing guides and savvy locals, it’s a great spot to soak up the easygoing island atmosphere. louiesbackyard.com/stories