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 St. Lucia Travel Guide | See Puerto Rico Travel Guide | See Turks and Caicos Travel Guide | See Key West Travel Guide | See Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide | See Cabo San Lucas Travel Guide | See Oahu Travel GuideSee St. Martin Travel Guide
$494+: Royal Caribbean 5-Nt Cruise to Key West, Cozumel & Cococay Cruise Web
$259+: 4-Night Western Caribbean Carnival Cruise from Miami Cruise.Com
$284+: 3-Nt Cruise to Key West & Nassau from Ft. Lauderdale Cruise.Com
$229+: 3-Night Bahamas Cruise from Florida w/Bonus Cruise.Com
$509+: 7-Night Caribbean Cruise to Cayman, Roatan & More Cruise.Com
$399+: 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Florida Cruise.Com
$849+: 9-Night Bahamas & Florida Cruise from Baltimore Direct Line Cruises
$995+: 9-Night Bahamas & Florida Cruise from Maryland America's Vacation Center