If you want a quick beach getaway without sitting parked on 95, check out these beach-themed local restaurants. Bypass beach traffic (and skip the “are we there yet” chorus) by digging in to one of these eateries that dish up tropical treats and seaside decor. Some even let kids play in the sand! From new brand-new Boardwalk Bar & Arcade at The Wharf to worth-the-drive Bowleys on the Bay, swear you’ll feel the ocean breeze.

In the City

Boardwalk Bar & Arcade

It may not be the actual beach, but hanging out at The Wharf always makes us feel like we’ve gone on a mini vacation. Feel like you’re sitting oceanside at this new addition to The Wharf where beach bites include classic boardwalk staples like corn dogs, boardwalk nachos and jumbo pretzels. The kids’ menu features pizza, Mac and cheese and, naturally, cotton candy (it is the boardwalk, after all). You’ll find a small area with arcades and skee ball for pure seaside thrills. After lunch (or a snack), enjoy more beach-themed fun at The Wharf. Spend time on the family-sized swings, dash through the splash pad or hop on the free jitney for a short cruise.

Boardwalk Bar & Arcade
715 Wharf St. NW
Washington, DC 20024
202-481-044
Online: boardwalkwharf.com

The Boardwalk Bar & Eatery 

You don’t have to be near the water to feel like you’re hanging at the shore. You’ll find all the trappings of boardwalk life here: shuffleboard, skee ball, a photo booth (for those classic photo strips!) and even an indoor swing. The OG Boardwalk Bar (sister to The Wharf location) is located in the heart of Chinatown. Pop in for free popcorn every day (Tues.-Fri. .4-7 and Sat. & Sun. 3-5 p.m.) while you wait for hot dogs and cotton candy. If you need a summer elixir, you can get that cotton candy straight up!

The Boardwalk Bar & Eatery
507 7th St. NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-347-7665
Online: boardwalkbardc.com

Nick’s Riverside Grill 

Lounge on one of the outdoor sofas surrounding the fountain and you can keep eyes on your kids while they hit the splash pad just steps away. Enjoy the Bayou-flair of this Georgetown restaurant with an entree of wild Gulf shrimp or jerk chicken. Or sip a cocktail while you take in the passing boats and grab-and-go a spaghetti dinner for an easy night (Nick’s $32 family style meals are still available!). For more summer fun, board the Water Taxi (it pulls up right in front of the restaurant) and head to National Harbor for a ride on the Capital Wheel and a turn on the carousel – guaranteed boardwalk vibes!

Nick’s Riverside Grill
3050 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-342-3535
Online: nicksriversidegrill.com

 

 

 

Tortuga Caribbean Bar & Grille

Photo via: Tortuga Caribbean Bar & Grille

Vibrant colors and chill vibes will lure you in. But you’ll stay for the rooftop – misting fans to keep you cool on those hot summer days. There’s also a first-floor patio and indoor dining space, giving you ample options to relax and enjoy these tropical treats. The kids menu, or Little Mates, keeps the island vibes going with several seafood options but also features a couple of classic kid faves like cheeseburgers and chicken tenders. Unwind and relax to Caribbean tunes... we promise you'll think you're at the beach! 

Tortuga Caribbean Bar & Grille
514 8th Street SE,
Washington, DC 20003
202-507-8143
Online: tortugadc.com

Colada Shop

With fluorescent pops of pink, yellow and blue this restaurant will send you on a quick trip to Havana. Lots of outdoor seating, including a rooftop patio, allows you to soak up the sun while sipping a tropical delight – from cocktails to Cuban coffee, they’ve got your thirst quenched. While there’s no kids menu, there are many kid-appealing options like the Colada Shop Cuban and Churros for dessert. Combine it all with some high energy from the staff and a blend of Panamanian, Puerto Rican, Columbian and Cuban music and it can feel like you’re traveling the Latin American beaches.

Colada Shop
1405 T St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-931-4947
Online: coladashop.com

THROW Social

Photo by THROW Social

If your beach dreams include lounging in a cabana, THROW Social might be just the place for you. Reserve a cabana so the whole fam has a place to chill and relax while you also engage in games of football bowling and curling (with no ice!). Enjoy some yummy eats and drinks in this place that will remind you of your favorite Miami paradise! While there is no kids menu, there are definitely some kid-friendly tastes. Do take note that it is 21 and up after 9 p.m. Fri,-Sat. 

Editor's Note: Some games are limited to kids 5 & up. 

THROW Social
1401 Okie St NE
Washington, DC 20001
(888) 847-6919
Online: throwsocial.com

 

In the ‘Burbs

Macdowel”s
It may not be Key West, but living the Key life is a lot closer than you think! MacDowell’s brings a Florida vibe to Leesburg with their warm sandy beach and tropical-themed menu. Toss in some live music, fire pits and tropical trees and you’ve got that beach feeling for days. While there is no dedicated kids menu, there is a dedicated “kid-zone” play pit filled with toys on the beach. Let the kids enjoy beach play while you sip your favorite brew on tap and listen to some relaxing tropical tunes.

Insider tip: if you want to make a real vacation of it, they Airbnb the Palm House right behind the beach.

MacDowell’s
202 B Harrison Street, SE
Leesburg, Virginia 20175
703-777-2739
Online: macsbeach.com

Port-au-Prince Authentic Haitian Cuisine by Don Berto’s Kitchen 

Authentic Haitian cuisine is authentically cooked at this eatery, so be prepared to chill and relax (food prep is slow). This restaurant is best suited for adventurous eaters, but there is macaroni and cheese for picky eaters. Port-au-Prince isn’t just a  culinary journey, it’s an artistic one. Haitian art hangs throughout the restaurant giving you a rich sense of Haiti’s culture.  Immerse yourself and fall in love with the island of Haiti in this little kitchen right in DC.

Port-au-Prince
7912 Georgia avenue
Silver spring, MD 20910
301-565-2006
Online: paphaitiancuisine.com

Kentmorr Restaurant & Crab House

During the summer months, you can reserve a beach space on Kentmorr’s beach, but even after the season ends, you can come to Kentmorr Restaurant & Crab House to enjoy a beautiful beach vibe. Parents can enjoy some delicious seafood treats with adult drinks while the kiddos can order from the kids menu. It is a rather limited kids menu, but it does hit all the faves. Finish off the meal with a stroll along the docks or on the beach to extend the beach experience.

Kentmorr Restaurant & Crab House
910 Kentmorr Road
Stevensville, MD 21666
410-643-2263
Online: kentmorr.com

 

Worth the Drive

Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar

With boats, cars and other fun things that have been “beached” for seating, Dockside offers quirky waterside dining on a slim stretch of actual beach. With great food, great service and a laidback atmosphere, this child and pet-friendly hangout is perfect for the whole family to get away from it all and soak up the rays.

Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar
1787 Castlewood Dr
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
(804) 224-8726
Online: facebook.com

Bowleys on the Bay

Just north of Baltimore (and approximately an hour drive from downtown DC), Bowleys On The Bay feels worlds away.  Kick back on the tropically-themed patio or dig your toes in actual sand at the beachside tables. Most weekends feature live music including steel drums, Reggae, Salsa, and Latin Jazz.  Sit back, watch the palm trees sway and enjoy fresh seafood on the bay.

Bowleys On The Bay
800 Chester Road
Middle River, MD 21220
410-335-8613
Online: bowleysonthebay.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Wendy Miller

 

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Lost treasure and shipwrecks? Check! Easy walking to all the attractions? Check! Add to that delicious cuisine even picky eaters will delight in, famously docile cats, and wandering roosters, and visiting Key West with kids is a guaranteed family vacation win. Read on to find out just a few of the top reasons why you should book your trip now.

#1: History Like No Other Place

Amber Guetebier

Key West’s history reads more like an epic movie. From an indigenous boneyard to a secret haven for pirates to a military outpost, Key West has been home to shipwreck salvagers and bootleggers, playwrights and politicians and everyone in between. Geographically it’s closer to Cuba than Miami and you’ll see all of this reflected in the architecture and arts. When roaming the streets of Key West, you’ll exhaust yourself trying to photograph all the historic markers. Visit keywesthistoricalmarkertour.org and download a free app that narrates a walking tour for you.

#2 Famous Felines

Amber Guetebier

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is not only a sweet oasis from the busy streets, it also features the descendants of Hemingway’s own famous six-toed cats. These cats have the run of the place and are as mellow as they come. You can pet them (but no picking them up). If the kids are little, skip the guided tour and explore the property and historic home on your own. Look for paw prints in the cement! 

#3 Maritime Marauders

Amber Guetebier

The Mel Fischer Maritime Museum tells the story of this world-famous treasure hunter and includes many of the spoils he salvaged from the wreck of the Atocha. Upstairs you’ll find pirate history and a few interactive exhibits for the kids.The Shipwreck Museum offers plenty of interactive fun for the kids but the real highlight is the view from the top of the tower. The Key West Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters  lis right across the street from the Hemingway Home. Kids 6 and under are free and you can climb the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse.

#4 Kid-Friendly Cuisine

Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

The rich culture of Key West, from Cuban influences to the abundance of fresh seafood, means there's no shortage of amazing cuisine. It is impossible to try every place and the beauty of Key West is once you visit, you just want to go back again and again. Do not skip Blue Heaven We love it for breakfast where the crowd is mellow and hungry for Key Lime Hollandaise on their eggs. The vibe, which also includes wandering chickens, is like an artsy backyard in the tropics. Cuban Coffee Queen has two locations and some of the best Cuban coffee you can find in Key West. It's uber-casual and quick, meaning you can feed your hungry kiddos on the fly while upping your colada (strong Cuban coffee served with sweet cream) intake in style. Look for the location off Key Lime Square for real hidden gem.

#5 Wandering Roosters

Amber Guetebier

It's not at all uncommon to see a rooster dash across as frequently as squirrels in Central Park. Chickens and roosters roam free, along with the occasional cat. Animal-loving kids will fit right in here. 

#6 Key Lime Pie

arshefield via Flickr

Rule #1 when you're in the Keys: eat Key Lime Pie. And you might even eat it for breakfast. Nearly every place has it, and they all claim to be the best. It's your duty to try them all and compare.

#7 Adventures on Land & Sea

Amber Guetebier

From a sunset sail on the Appledore II to a sunset carnival just off Mallory Square, adventure awaits around every corner. Don’t miss the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden, an impressive collection of the busts of famous people who lived in Key West, from shipwreck salvagers to confectioners to writers.

#8 Surprisingly Uncrowded Beaches

Amber Guetebier

Maybe it’s because there’s such a variety of indoor and outdoor activities right near by, but we found the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park to be surprisingly uncrowded. While by no means deserted, there was plenty of space to spread out your blanket or rent a couple of lounge chairs and relax (in between sand castle building and pristine-water swims).

#9 The People You'll Meet

Amber Guetebier

From the cat-loving docents at the Hemingway Home to the ticket vendor to the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour, you will meet many a friendly face in Key West. With a unique cultural background, Key West boasts a vibrant sense of community and attracts artists and sailors alike. You never know who you'll meet on the streets of Key West. 

#10 Secret Street Poetry

Amber Guetebier

You'll no doubt be looking up a lot in Key West, craning to see the Victorian-details of the turrets of a historic home, or watching a mermaid weathervane turn with the wind. But don't forget to look down, literally. Throughout the streets of downtown Key West, you'll find poetry embedded. Stop, read aloud, and get your kiddos in on the beatnik vibe. 

Key West Tips & Tricks

It is possible to fly in and out of Key West and not need a car while you are here. There are a number of "hop-on/hop-off" trolleys and buses to take you to sights a little farther afield, though truthfully the majority of the top highlights are within blocks of each other. 

Parents should be aware that the "party town" atmosphere of Key West can come out after dark, especially during peak Spring Break season. We never felt unsafe in any way but the crowd is definitely different after dark, with bar patrons spilling onto the streets and loud music. 

Parking can be tricky in downtown, but there are a number of paid parking lots. If you are driving, make sure you map out the location of more than one because many of the lots are small and could fill up. 

There's no shortage of hotels and B&Bs to choose from. We highly recommend the Oceans Edge Resort & Marina. It is located on Stock Island, the other side of the island from downtown, but there's a free shuttle to and from downtown between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. The resort is safe, peaceful and has six oceanfront pools! There's a restaurant on-site too, should you decide you need a little late night nosh. 

If you want to explore the rest of the Florida Keys, check out our guide to doing it with the kids in just five days

—Amber Guetebier

This trip was paid for in part by Florida Keys & Key West but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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If you’re thinking about your next family vacation (because who isn’t?) bump the Florida Keys to the top of your list. Offering sandy beaches, turquoise waters and a rich array of activities, food and culture—all without a passport. What do you need for a perfect vacation in the Florida Keys with your kids? You need to get there!

We recently spent five perfect days there and are here to share our tips for what not to miss when traveling through the Keys with kids. Scroll down for your itinerary.

Day 1: Upper & Middle Keys

Bob Care/Florida Keys News Bureau

If you aren’t within driving distance of the Florida Keys, you’ll likely fly in and out of Miami and rent a car to head south. While you can do Key West alone without a car, wheels are pretty necessary to see all of the hidden gems throughout the Keys that we’re going to list here.

Unlike other parts of Florida, the Keys maintain a cooler temperature in the summer thanks to the breezes. In fact, it's usually in the 70-80 degree range most of the summer months. Spring Break travel can bring peak prices, but the weather is often milder (can dip into the 60-70 degree range). Be cautious of planning a trip in September & October because of hurricane season. 

Tip: Consider flying into Miami but flying out of Key West. You will pay a little more to drop your car off at the Key West airport (budget an extra $100) but you may find it’s worth it so you can see it all. 

Amber Guetebier

Key Largo

Once you’ve navigated out of Miami metro area Key Largo makes the perfect stop for a bite to eat. A sleepier Keys town, with most of the obvious amenities along Hwy 1. Hit Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen (99336 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, FL) for a super kid-friendly environment, great food and your perfect first Florida Keys vaycay photo opp.

If you have a few hours to spare, it’s well worth a stop to go swimming or even snorkeling excursion at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Snorkeling tours are about 2.5 hours long, as are glass bottom boat tours. You can book everything at the park or in advance online if you want to guarantee your window. If you have a little less time, you can stop and let the kids enjoy the sand and surf at Canon Beach, where the remnants of a Spanish shipwreck is just 100 feet offshore.

Tip: Get a good map. We found a few dead zones, especially in the Middle Keys.

Amber Guetebier

Overnight: Hawks Cay Resort at Duck Key

Make Hawks Cay Resort (61 Hawks Cay Blvd., Duck Key, FL) home-base for at least two nights if you can. We met tons of families that stay their entire week-long break right there, venturing to nearby Marathon and even driving down to Key West as day trips.

There are 5 pools + hot tubs and a salt-water swimming lagoon. The resort has a ton of daily, exciting activities for kids (like diving for jewels with the Pirate Queen Priscilla or swimming with the resident Mermaid, Coral). There’s an entire, well-stocked, craftacular Camp Hawk area that’s just a 30-second dash to a Pirate Ship splashpad (and another pool). There’s also a soccer field, playground and an 18-hole Putt-Putt course.

Amber Guetebier

The resort offers everything from breezy hotel rooms to multi-bedroom villas (some with their own pools!). Following Hurricane Irma, which devastated this area, the 60-acre property underwent a 50 million dollar renovation and not a detail was left out.

Included in your resort fee you’ll get valet parking, paddle boarding and kayaking (perfect for the lagoon), bikes and access to all of the above amenities. There is also a spa and fitness room right next to the Camp Hawk, where kids ages 5 and up can hang while you treat yo’self. 

Book your room now at hawkscay.com.

Tip: Camp Hawk features environmental education camps and adventure camps for kids 5 and up, but those under 5 can use the rec area with parental supervision.

Day 2 Middle Keys

Amber Guetebier

Animal Encounters, Marathon

If Hawks Cay is your base, pry yourself off the glorious grounds and head a few minutes south to Marathon where you will find the Turtle Hospital (2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL). This is the perfect family stop to teach kids about the unique habitat of the Florida Keys, and raise awareness about the threats to the local (and global) sea turtle population. We highly recommend making a reservation in advance to visit. Tours are timed and—because it’s Florida and rain can come (and go) quickly—a rainy day crowd will quickly sell the tours out.

Hawks Cay Resort

If you’re craving more animal interaction, you can stop off at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters (11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL) which features a ton of touch tanks—and even the opportunity to get in the tanks with the animals. If you’re staying at Hawks Cay Resort you can arrange to meet their resident dolphins through the Dolphin Connection program. (Brunch + dolphin encounter = best day ever.) Allow about an hour and 15 minutes for this experience from start to finish. 

Amber Guetebier

Eating in Marathon

Don’t miss out on the authentic cuban cuisine you’ll find throughout the Keys. Cuban sandwiches come on the kind of soft roll kids adore. In Marathon you’ll find La Niña (1571 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL) or the Juice Paradise Cuban Cafe and Restaurant (2603 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL) where you can get smoothies for the kiddos and a Cuban coffee (called a colada). Pick up some Cuban sandwiches and head down to Sombrero Beach for the day. Gentle surf, turquoise waters and fine, white sand plus showers, restrooms and parking make this the perfect place to do a low-key beach day.

For dinner, try the Lighthouse Grill at Faro Blanco  (1996 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL) where you can eat outside in a casual-but-upscale atmosphere. There’s even a pool for the kids to splash in while you wait for dinner! Back at Hawks Cay Resort, the Angler & Ale is boathouse chic with a menu that is varied enough for adventurous palettes but tame enough for the littles. This is also another great excuse to eat Key Lime pie before heading back to your room.

Day 3 Middle & Lower Keys

Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

Grab a leisurely breakfast buffet on the property at Hawks Cay Marketplace, or hit up the Starbucks in the gift shop for lattes and pastries. If you haven’t had a chance yet, arrange an onsite dolphin encounter at Hawks Cay, let the kids swim one last time in the pool, and then hit the road south. 

Bob Krist/Florida Keys News Bureau

The drive to Key West takes a little over an hour with no stops but we think you’re going to want to make at least a couple stops on the way. Just past Marathon proper, you’ll cross the infamous 7-mile bridge and not long after the end of the bridge you’ll find Bahia Honda State Park (36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL) arguably one of the best places to snorkel in the keys. The park itself has amenities so you can arrange your excursion there.

Detour into Big Pine Key for healthy roadside sandwiches at Good Food Conspiracy. (30150 Overseas Hwy., Big Pine Key, FL) before continuing south. 

Amber Guetebier

Continue on to Key West.

Key West has a rep for being a party town, but we promise you any time of year it’s kid-friendly and a real delight for families. Parking in Key West can be tricky, so if you decide to drive to the heart of the area, be prepared for a lot of pedestrian traffic and narrow streets. There are a number of paid parking lots, some of them down little side streets, so do yourself a favor and map out a few before you get there. 

We recommend you check into Oceans Edge Resort & Marina (5950 Peninsular Ave, Key West, FL 33040) on Stock Island (Key West). It’s across the island from the downtown area of Key West, but it offers a complimentary daily shuttle to downtown every hour between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. (picks up downtown at 30 minutes past). When traveling with kids, this takes a lot of the stress out of it. You can relax, explore and then hop on that last shuttle home! 

The Oceans Edge Resort is safe, secure and chic: the property boasts six oceanfront pools, a 165-slip marina, private balconies, a scenic harbor walk, the Yellowfin Bar & Grill for onsite dining, and access to fishing charters and snorkel boats. The resort fee ($37/day) includes access to 1 hour of complimentary paddleboard and kayak rental, free bike rentals, the shuttle, wi-fi and more. (Parking is $20/day.) The concierge can hook you up with outings and coupons for all kinds of discounts around town. Book online at oceansedgekeywest.com 

DAYS 4 & 5: Key West

photo: Amber Guetebier

Museums Not to Miss

In spite of Key West's active night life, most attractions and museums open up by 8:30 or 9 a.m. which means you can get a full day in before the cocktail crowd comes out. There are no shortage of museums (we visited almost a dozen within a short walk of one another). Here are a few highlights you and the kiddos will love: 

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum (907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL ) is not only a sweet oasis from the busy streets, it also features the descendants of Hemingway’s own famous six-toed cats. These cats have the run of the place and are as mellow as they come. You can pet them (but no picking them up.) If the kids are little, skip the guided tour and explore the property and historic home on your own.

The Mel Fischer Maritime Museum (200 Greene St, Key West, FL ) tells the story of this world-famous treasure hunter and includes many of the spoils he salvaged from the wreck of the Atocha. Upstairs you’ll find pirate history and a few interactive exhibits for the kids.

The Shipwreck Museum (1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL) has plenty of interactive fun for the kids but the real highlight is the view from the top of the tower. 

See what all that salvaging can buy you by paying a visit to the Audubon House & Tropical Garden, (205 Whitehead St., Key West, FL)

The Key West Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters  (938 Whitehead St., Key West FL) is right across the street from the Hemingway Home. Kids 6 and under are free and you can climb the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse. 

Hidden gem: The Florida Keys Eco Discovery Center (35 E Quay Rd, Key West) offers free admission, educates kids about the delicate and unique eco-system of the Keys through hands-on exhibits, and is located just a short walk away from a big public playground and splashpad. 

Tip: Fort East Martello Museum (3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL) is located (literally) right next to the Florida Keys airport, so make a pitstop there before departing to see Robert the Doll, a reputedly haunted doll who now makes this cool old brick fort his home. 

Amber Guetebier

Adventures on Land & Sea

There are a great variety of sailing excursions you can embark on, but skip them all and book on one of the historic wooden Appledore schooners. The Appledore II sails in Key West during the winter months (she heads north to Camden, Maine for the summer) and the Appledore Star sails Key West year round. This is no party pontoon—the captain and his crew work the rigging and hoist the main right before your very eager eyes. Book at appledore2.com

Nearby, just off Mallory Square you'll find the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden, an impressive collection of the busts of famous people who lived in Key West, from shipwreck salvagers to confectioners to playwrights. 

Tip: Don't forget to stop at the Southernmost Point in the Continental US (Whitehead St & South Street) for your classic Key West photo. 

Swap the narrow cobblestone streets for some serious sand at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. The beach area itself offers cabana rentals, concessions, and killer turquoise water and the park include a historic fortress. 

Hidden gem: Every day at Sunset off Mallory Square there's a Sunset Celebration where buskers and performers delight locals and tourists alike. 

If you have more time at all, we recommend dedicating an entire day to visiting the Dry Tortugas National Park to explore a 19th century fort, snorkeling shipwrecks and coral reefs and more. It requires most of a full day, and it can get costly, but it's definitely a unique and memorable experience. 

Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

Where to Eat in Key West

The rich culture of Key West, from Cuban influences to the abundance of fresh seafood, means there's no shortage of amazing cuisine. It is impossible to try every place and the beauty of Key West is once you visit, you just want to go back again and again. These are just a few spots you cannot miss. 

Blue Heaven (729 Thomas St., Key West) is an oasis unto itself. They don't take reservations, so its first-come, first-served but trust us: it is worth the wait. We love it for breakfast where the crowd is mellow and hungry for Key Lime Hollandaise on their eggs. The vibe, which includes wandering chickens, is like an artsy backyard in the tropics. Oh, and it's located where Hemingway once refereed boxing matches. 

Cuban Coffee Queen has two locations and some of the best Cuban coffee you can find in Key West. It's uber-casual and quick, meaning you can feed your hungry kiddos on the fly while upping your affine intake in style. Look for the location off Key Lime Square for real hidden gem. 

Tip: Rule #1 when you're in the Keys: you will eat Key Lime Pie. And you might even eat it for breakfast. Nearly every place has it, and they all claim to be the best. It's your duty to try them all and compare. 

—Amber Guetebier

This trip was paid for in part by Florida Keys & Key West but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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