Planning a Solo Trip? Here’s What to See and Do in Key West
Sometimes, you just need to get away. Somewhere you can leave it all behind or immerse yourself in the heart of the action, depending on your mood. If you’re thinking of making travel plans for one but not quite sure where to go, consider Key West. It offers everything you could want in a destination that’s affordable and easy to get to. Here are just a few ideas to get you started on things to do.
Eat, Drink, and Shop Along Duval Street
This is one of the best places in Key West to stroll and people-watch. It’s one of the main roads that runs the length of the island, and it’s dotted with upscale boutiques, art galleries, jazz clubs, restaurants, spas and salons, bars, and museums. At one end, you’ll find Mallory Square. This Is where the island’s nightly Sunset Celebration takes place. Crowds gather to watch the magnificent sunsets while enjoying live music and entertainment, food and drink vendors, and arts and crafts vendors.
Off Duval, you’ll also find plenty of great restaurants that include Key West staples on their menus. Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant has plenty of outdoor seating for dining on-site or take your meal packed to go. The menu showcases freshly caught seafood that includes lobster, shrimp, conch, and fish. Among the most in-demand dishes are the grilled lobster, fish tacos, and conch fritters. And of course, if you’re in Key West, you’ll need to try the key lime pie. While it will seem like just about every restaurant serves it, get it from Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, the best recipe around. Kermit’s pies are made from scratch every day, and you can choose the traditional style or explore popular variations like strawberry key lime pie.
Go to the Beaches
One of the best things about Key West is how the beaches are open to the public, including visitors. For a small island, you can choose from among four beaches, each with a slightly different vibe. Rent snorkeling gear, beach chairs, and umbrellas to make a day of it. Stroll along sandy shores, sunbathe in the warm weather, and splash in the relatively calm and clear water. Even Key West’s Fort Zachary Taylor State Park has a beach for swimming! If you’d rather have a more low-key and secluded beach experience, consider booking your accommodations at one of the area resorts that includes private beach access. Key West has numerous high-end resorts and spas with seaside property that includes guest-only beaches.
Join an Eco-Tour
One of the hottest activities in Key West is the eco-tour. Like a traditional tour, your guide will show you around the area and provide an engaging view of what makes Key West stand out. You’ll get a great mix of history, geography, science, art, and exploration that really makes the island come alive. What’s different about an eco-tour is that you’re typically in the heart of nature, kayaking the backcountry waters where you’ll get an up-close look at the exciting biodiversity you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S.
Go Fishing
Nothing could be easier than booking a fishing charter. Even if you’re traveling solo, you can get a spot on a charter fishing boat for a half- or full-day adventure at sea. Local companies like All In Fishing Charters go out for wreck, reef, back country or deep water fishing so you have plenty of options, depending on what you like to fish for. Fishing is one of the most popular reasons people come to Key West, so it’s worth it to book this excursion with people who really know what they're doing. Local captains know the waters well and the friendly, professional crews make sure everyone has a good time. Plus, with the on-going fishing tournaments, you may even find the catch of the day is a real winner!
Book a Spa Treatment
Many of the resorts in Key West include on-site spas, which also accept appointments from those who aren’t resort guests, too. There are also independent spas and salons where you can indulge in the kind of pampering and self-care that soothes your body and soul. Get a massage, relax with aromatherapy, get a body wrap or try a facial. Something as simple as a manicure or blow-out can improve your mental well-being and outlook on life. And taking care of your whole self in a beautiful setting like Key West enhances the experience even more.
Key West Has It All, Just for You
Traveling alone offers you the chance to truly enjoy yourself and rejuvenate your outlook on life, and Key West is the ideal destination to do that. There’s a broad range of activities and things to do, where you’ll be welcomed as a single traveler so you can spend your days as you see fit. Whether you’ve got only a long weekend available or several weeks of vacation time coming to you, make your next trip Key West.