Key West
Vacationers flock to this tropical island city for its easy attitude and laid-back lifestyle. Despite the crowds, the Conch Republic maintains its appeal with a colorful cast of local characters, 19th-century architecture, and full-service resorts.
SPLURGE Once inside the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa, it’s hard to leave the private, powder-soft beach that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Located on the corner of Duval Street, right in Old Town Key West, Pier House combines a quiet beach escape with access to carnivalesque nightlife. Grab a room on the second floor and you’ll be treated to
magnificent ocean views. From $279/night after April 13; pierhouse.com
VALUE Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, a national landmark hotel built in the 1920s, has Key West’s largest private beach, is three miles from the airport, and is 15 minutes from the center of town. Fresh from a $43 million restoration, the 311 rooms have been upgraded with plasma TVs and iHome docking stations, while the iconic architecture and breathtaking views remain. From $279/night; casamarinaresort.com
GETTING THERE Direct flights from Atlanta (2 hours); Fort Lauderdale (50 minutes); Fort Myers (1 hour); Miami (1 hour); Orlando (70 minutes); Tampa (75 minutes)
See Aruba Travel Guide | See Barbados Travel Guide | See Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide | See Key West Travel Guide | See Oahu Travel Guide | See Puerto Rico Travel Guide | See Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide | See St. Lucia Travel Guide | See St. Martin Travel GuideSee Turks and Caicos Travel Guide
$279+: 5-nt exotic cruise to Western Caribbean ports from FL Royal Caribbean
$125+: Key West, Cococay & Nassau 4-nt cruise from Miami Royal Caribbean
$349+: Caribbean & Cancun 7-night cruise on MSC Poesia MSC
76% off Caribbean and Bahamas Cruises from Baltimore Editors' Review
$334+: Cheap 7-nt winter cruise to Western Caribbean cities Cruise.com
$334+: 7-nt Montego Bay & Key West cruise, kids sail free Cruise.com
$164+: Bahamas 4-nt cruises with $25 onboard ship credit Royal Caribbean
$149/nt+: Key West beachfront hotel w/4th nt free & champagne Perfect Escapes
$109/nt+: Key West hotel w/pool & 2 restaurants Travelocity