Key West, FL

We just got back from celebrating my birthday in Key West, Florida. It has been so cold  (it is currently snowing) here in Dallas, that we just couldn't wait to get somewhere beachy. We actually started our trip flying into Miami Thursday night. Between our free hotel stay at a JW Marriott (yay Marriott credit card) and 13$/day rental car, this trip started off right!

We woke up the next morning and spent the morning driving around South Beach and then on the Overseas Highway between the beautiful keys (Key Largo, Marathon, and Big Pine Key are among the biggest). We stopped at the beach in Bahia Honda State Park. The water was stunning.

We drove to Key West and Jason surprised me with some champagne in our room. We took it out to our porch and enjoyed the wonderful weather. Seriously, the highs are in the upper 70s and lows are in the lower 70s - perfect! After this, we went to grab some Cuban food and sangria at El Siboney.

We also ventured out to Duval street. We had heard it described as the Bourbon Street of Florida, but honestly we thought it was 10 times better! There was still the live music, drinking on the streets, crazy people, etc., but it was cleaner and WAY more chill.

Holding the photographer's drink :)

The entire island of Key West is 2 miles x 4 miles, so renting bikes (or a moped) is definitely the way to get around. We stayed at a little B&B called La Pensione Inn, which was only about a 5 minute bike ride to everything on the island. We had never stayed at one before and were both pleasantly surprised.

Saturday was spent exploring the area around us. We grabbed brunch and mimosas at Blue Heaven. It was AMAZING! We biked to the Southernmost Point, Duval Street, Mallory Square - really all over the island. That night, we celebrated my birthday at The Flaming Buoy and ate some Key Lime Pie (of course).

Every night, there is a sunset celebration in Mallory Square to say goodbye to the day. There are street shows, people selling key lime EVERYTHING, and musicians. Also, you can't forget the beautiful sunset! We tried conch (rhymes with honk) which was...interesting.

Sunday, we only had time to grab a quick breakfast at the B&B before we drove the 2 miles to the airport. The airport was awesome - 6 total gates, 1 restaurant, and zero security line.

As Jimmy Buffet says, "Key West is the original changer of latitudes and attitudes" and in just one weekend, we found that to be true. I can't wait to make another trip back here! It was one of our favorite trips we have taken during Jason's time at Southwest.