Key West is the perfect fantasy world where reality meets possibility. It’s exotic but familiar, like the remnants of a dream pulsing through your waking mind. Romance swirls around in currents too subtle to detect but impossible to ignore. Join us on an inspirational journey through Key West and choose for yourself how you would spend your perfect romantic day in paradise.
Romantic Mornings on Key West
The day begins with a wild rooster crowing at dawn. Key West’s sanctuary status extends to all birds, including the descendants of fighting chickens that now roam free on the 2-mile by 4-mile island. A calm blows over the island as the warm tropical sun slowly awakens and last night’s Duval Street revelers refuse to rise. It’s the perfect time for an bike ride or slow saunter.
Morning lovers can catch the sunrise at Higgs Beach or snorkel in early calm along the Reynolds Street Pier or the Knight Pier. A beautiful trail along the coast beckons you to check out the East Martello Fort, Smathers Beach, and the mangroves along Cow Key Channel. Mornings are also the perfect time to check out the Southernmost Point Marker before the crowds wake.
For a romantic breakfast, consider dining on the garden patio at Blue Heaven. You and your love can sip coffee in Blue Haven’s tropical patio beneath the shadows of the Key West Lighthouse. The same lighthouse that guided Ernest Hemingway home after rough nights out at Sloppy Joe’s. Maybe you can channel your inner Hemingway and let the morning inspire your creativity.
Of course, on some of the most romantic mornings, you never leave your bed. Key West is filled with romantic bed and breakfasts in historic homes like the Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn. Proof that you never need to leave your hotel to be steeped in the history of Key West.
Click to book your own Key West Romantic Getaway
Romantic Days on Key West
How do you define the boundary between day and morning? It isn’t a hard line but more of a feeling. For us, it’s when the promise of the day’s adventures outshine the allure of our morning imagination. The dichotomy between morning and day is even stronger in Key West. Here all dreams seem real, but there are so many amazing things to do in Key West. Eventually, you let go of the dawn and embrace the day.
The aquamarine water is calling you, how are you going to answer? If your language of love is fast and powerful, consider taking a jet ski tour around the island. If you prefer the slow motion of the ocean you love an eco-excursion with snorkeling and kayaking. If soft butterfly kisses are your thing, you can simply stroll along the stream at the butterfly gardens. You don’t have to look far to find romantic adventures on Key West.
That rumbling in your belly might be love, or you could just be hungry. No trip to Key West is complete without a slice of key lime pie and something to chase it down. We were delighted to find some crazy good Cuban coffee that really hit the spot. We also enjoyed the complimentary happy hour for Curry Mansion guests. It’s the perfect pre-game for sunset, and they take their sunsets seriously on Key West.
Book a water adventure of your own here.
Romantic Key West Sunsets
Key West claims the title – Home of the Sunset. Is that fair? The afternoon tropical weather and western facing waterfront might make you a believer. We discovered three unique romantic ways to enjoy the sunset. Mallory Square hosts a nightly sunset celebration filled with street food, performers, and, of course, sunsets. Show up early to check out the Shipwreck Museum and Key West Aquarium.
If you want a more intimate evening, Turtle Kraals pairs fresh food and fantastic views. You will not want to miss their Key West conch fritters and rum cocktails.
The ultimate sunset views might just come from a sunset cruise. You have many options to choose from, but we are adventurous lovers, so we opted for the sunset snorkeling cruise.
Book a Key West sunset excursion today.
Romantic Nights on Key West
We all know that romance doesn’t end with sunset. It’s time to go to town when the sun goes down. Duval Street features a hopping bar scene that blends a little getting wild with island style. You’ll find live music playing at any number of local bars and an electric atmosphere around every turn.
If you crave the macabre, you’ll be delighted to know that Key West is one of the most haunted cities in America. The Ghost and Gravestones Tour is a fun, kitsch way to hear the haunted history of Key West. No matter how you roll, your romance reserve should be full before you retire to your room.
Wrapping up our Romantic Things to Do in Key West
Romance is more than just in the air on Key West. It’s in the water, the sunset, the history, and the unique vibe of this little slice of heaven. From the bright lights of romantic Fort Lauderdale or the white sugar sand beaches of romantic Panama City Beach, there is no romantic getaway to Florida quite like it. Key West is a destination like none other that can’t be contained in a single day. We hope that you’ll remember our tips when you visit and that they will help you find your perfect romantic day.
Map of Romantic Things to Do in Key West
(If map does not load try refreshing your browser 🙂 )
Disclosure: A big thank you to The Florida Keys and Key West for hosting us and setting up a fantastic itinerary! For more travel inspiration check out their Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.
As always, the views and opinions expressed are entirely our own, and we only recommend brands and destinations that we 100% stand behind.
Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman, and together we are Coleman Concierge. It is our goal to inspire you to get out, expand your world, and to seek adventure, even in your own backyard.
