Key West - 2024

Exploring Key West in December: A Cruise Stop Adventure

Key West has always been on my travel radar, so when I saw it was one of the ports on our four-day cruise, I was beyond excited! I had heard so many great things about the island, from its laid-back vibe to its unique history. Visiting in December was a bit of a surprise. Florida is known for its warm weather, but stepping off the ship into a breezy 60-degree day surrounded by palm trees was a whole new experience.

Getting Around: Golf Cart Adventures

Since Key West is a relatively small island, we decided to rent a golf cart from Blue Sky Rentals to maximize our time. It was the perfect way to zip around, allowing us to explore without worrying about walking long distances or waiting for public transportation. Plus, it added to the fun island vibe!

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The Southernmost Point Buoy

Our first stop was the famous Southernmost Point Buoy, which marks the southernmost point of the continental United States just 90 miles from Cuba! This colorful landmark is one of the most photographed spots in Key West, and for good reason. The backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean was stunning, and even though we had to wait in line for our turn, it was worth it.

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Coconuts & Unexpected Chills

Just up the street from the buoy, we spotted a vendor selling fresh coconuts, and naturally, I had to get one. There’s nothing like sipping fresh coconut water straight from the source! The real surprise, though, was how cold it was outside. We had never experienced Florida in the winter, and feeling a cool 60-degree breeze while surrounded by tropical scenery was unexpected. But as the day went on, the sun warmed things up, making it the perfect balance of crisp and comfortable.

Hemingway House & Lighthouse Views

Next, we cruised over to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, one of Key West’s most famous landmarks. This stunning Spanish Colonial home was where Hemingway lived for nearly a decade, writing some of his most famous works. It’s also home to the legendary six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway’s own feline companions. We did not purchase tickets to tour but could tell from the line wrapping around the block that this place was a go to tourist attraction.

Right across the street stands the Key West Lighthouse, originally built in 1848 to help ships navigate the coral reefs surrounding the island. Fun fact: my husband and I love lighthouses. If we are ever in a place that has a lighthouse nearby, count us in because we will be there! I was proposed to at the top of the Cape May lighthouse! There’s just something so enjoyable about climbing to the top and seeing the beautiful scenery.

A Beach Break & the Iconic Key West Sign

As the temperature warmed up, we decided to check out one of Key West’s beaches and dip our toes in the water. The beach was a little rocky but had a cool tourist attraction the Key West directional sign, which points to famous destinations around the world. It was a peaceful, secluded spot with an outhouse open to the public, making it a nice place to relax before heading back into town. The water was ice cold but as clear as can be. You can tell we weren’t sure what to wear because the weather was wonky but oh well!

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A Slice of Key Lime Pie History

No trip to Key West is complete without trying its most famous dessert, a Key lime pie! We visited the original birthplace of Key lime pie, where the scent of freshly baked pies filled the air. It was fascinating to watch them being made right in front of us, and of course, we had to grab a slice. The bakery was small but had a charming little gift shop full of Key lime-themed souvenirs, from candles to sauces. Take a look at my pie, it has a bow on it!

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Wild Chickens & Island Vibes

As we strolled through town, we noticed wild chickens roaming freely, a quirky yet beloved part of Key West’s charm. Every corner seemed to have a unique gift shop, offering everything from tropical décor to Hemingway-inspired souvenirs.

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Lunch at Sloppy Joe’s

To wrap up our visit, we stopped for a late lunch at Sloppy Joe’s, one of Key West’s most famous bars. We snacked on conch and onion rings while enjoying a performance by Kiara Jayde, whose ukulele tunes blended tropical and holiday vibes perfectly. It was the ideal way to soak in the island’s relaxed energy before heading back to our ship.

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Final Thoughts

Even though we only had a few hours in Key West, we packed in so much and truly enjoyed the experience. The island had an undeniable charm, from its rich history and stunning ocean views to its quirky wildlife and delicious eats. While we loved our visit, we’d definitely want to return when it’s a little warmer to fully experience the tropical paradise Key West is known for. Until next time, Conch Republic!