Where to Eat...

Breakfast

The Southernmost Beach Cafe, open on three sides and right on the sandy ocean beach at the end of the main "drag", Duval Street, is perfect for breakfast. The menu is complete for children and adults, the prices are affordable and, most important, the food is good. In the early morning, the sun rises on that side of the island and the ocean breezes will still be cool enough so you can enjoy the outdoor but covered atmosphere.

Lunch

Mango's, an outdoor cafe on Duval Street, is perfect for a Bloody Mary, from their full liquor bar, and a delicious lunch featuring fresh local fish or salads, alongside the street that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean (actually only fourteen blocks).

Dinner

After a day of walking the historic and lovely little island city, you should be ready for a romantic dinner at Square One in Duval Square. The bartender is a local favorite who knows every bit of gossip and every person in town, besides he makes a terrific cocktail! The menu is eclectic and the food is very fine dining. The atmosphere is artsy and friendly, but refined. Try their roasted garlic bulb; it's a local favorite.

What to Do...

Morning

Take a tour of Hemingway House; the author's typewriter is still in place in his writing studio. The six-toed cats, originating with his, still roam the grounds. Across the street, check out the lighthouse, which used to be on the water but was moved back during a hurricane many years ago. You can trek to the top after checking out the nice gift shop with its nautical maps and gifts.

Afternoon

Stroll Duval Street to check out the art galleries and especially Fast Buck Freddie's, the department store with interesting and beautiful items from all over the world's exotic places. Tour the Key West Historical Society's Custom House Museum, now an art gallery. The building itself is a gem. Across the street, check out the Mel Fischer Treasure Gallery, with its gold bullion and emeralds taken from the wrecks of the Spanish Galleons that have been found along Florida's Coast.

Evening

Go to Mallory Square, on the Gulf of Mexico, to look at the spectacular sunset, and enjoy the entertainers as the sun is setting. It's a Key West tradition.

Late Night

After dinner, LaTeDa's bar and cabaret or the Key West Art Bar just across the street, will entertain you with song and show. LaTeDa is known for its professional drag entertainers who have come in from Las Vegas and Hollywood to appear there nightly.

Comments

There is so much to see and do in this little island, but if you only have one day, it should probably be spent as suggested, rather than lying on the beach all day. You can do that anywhere! I've left out the wonderful Victorian captain's houses that are all over the downtown area, if you enjoy a walking tour. Or the Key West Cemetery where some of the headstone have things like "I Told You I Was Sick" on them.