01 Key West Garden Club

This garden, nestled in the shade of an unfinished Civil War fort, with huge tropical trees growing atop its red-brick arches, is like something out of a Gothic tale. Lewis Carroll himself could not have dreamed it up. Mostly maintained by volunteers, this haven of tranquility overlooking the Atlantic features both indigenous and exotic plants, like Clusia rosea, the Bahamian Autograph Tree on whose leaves lovers write their names. And with free admission, you’ll also want to put down roots here.
1100 Atlantic Blvd., 305-294-3210, keywestgardenclub.com

02 Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa

The hotel’s resident macaw, Odie, and the turtles that bask in the outdoor ponds are the first to greet you at this property, located right near Mallory Square. Drop your bags in your minimalist suite, then swim up to the two chaise longues on the “private dock” floating in the bay – the perfect place to enjoy the view of Wisteria Island in the distance.
601 Front St., 305-809-1234, keywest.hyatt.com

03 Nine One Five

Take one bite of your lemon-and-Parmesan breaded pork cutlet, and you’ll understand why this restaurant’s team has been invited to cook for the James Beard Foundation – twice. Dine on the terrace overlooking Duval Street before heading upstairs to the Point5 bar, where you can burn off calories to the mixed beats of DJ George, who spins into the wee hours.
915 Duval St., 305-296-0669, 915duval.com

 

Photo: Steve Lamp

04 Sebago Watersports

Sunsets are to Key West what the northern lights are to Yellowknife. To enjoy one to the fullest, set sail on the Sebago, a catamaran that leaves port every night around 6 p.m. On board, the staff will regale you with nautical tales and unlimited beverages, including a glass of champagne served just as the sun bids adieu.
205 Elizabeth St., 800-507-9955, keywestsebago.com

05 Petronia Street

This quiet residential street in Bahama Village is the perfect antidote to the Old Town crowds. Admire the brightly coloured colonial mansions, then stop off at Bésame Mucho, a rustic-chic general store that stocks everything from Breton caramels to Mason Pearson hairbrushes and the complete range of Kiehl’s and Dr. Hauschka products.
315 Petronia St., 305-294-1928, besamemucho.net

Flight Planner

YOUR TICKET TO THIS MONTH'S STORIES

KEY WEST VIA MIAMI
Air Canada offers three daily flights to Miami from Toronto, as well as three weekly flights from Montreal on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Key West is then a scenic drive away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Low-key Spots to Grab a Bite


Start the day with a Shrimpers’ omelette (shrimp, bacon and onions) at Hogfish Bar and Grill, a Stock Island secret carefully guarded by locals.

6810 Front St., Stock Island, 305-293-4041, hogfishbar.com

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Try the best ropa vieja north of Havana at El Siboney Restaurant, a family-run Cuban eatery in a residential area east of Duval Street.

900 Catherine St., 305-296-4184, elsiboneyrestaurant.com

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Keys Fisheries Restaurant and Retail, in Marathon on the road to Key West, serves up a mean fried-hogfish sandwich. Give the name of a pop star when you order; your meal is ready when the name’s called out.

3502 Gulfview Ave., Marathon, 305-743-4353, keysfisheries.com