Family reunions are a wonderful way to gather far-flung siblings, nieces and nephews, grandparents, and even close family friends for a meaningful get-together. Book a Key West trip to ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Key West is easily accessible by car or plane, and it offers the ability to customize your trip with the activity levels that work best for everyone in attendance. Here are some great ideas for your itinerary.
Ernest Hemingway House and Museum
For those who enjoy peaceful gardens and a glimpse into history, book a tour at the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum. This American literary legend may be one of the most famous residents that Key West has ever had, and although he lived here for only around ten years, his influence can still be felt in the city. Tours are relatively short and afterward, guests can leisurely wander the property, making it a good group activity that allows everyone to move at their own pace. Enjoy the creative art deco designs, simple Hemingway family heirlooms, and inquisitive cats who patrol the grounds–descended from Hemingway’s own polydactyl cats.
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
As you shop Key West, it’s hard to miss the bright yellow and green clapboard building that Kermit’s calls home. Although there are several locations across the island, be sure to visit the Elizabeth Street location to enjoy the charming seating area around a small pond and have some pie. The cafe items here, including the pie, are scratch-made daily and include sweet and savory dishes. Browse the selection of key lime-inspired chutneys, relishes, cookies, jams and jellies, candies, and skin care products like lip balm and hand cream for gifts to give yourself or share with friends back home. This is an ideal meeting place for everyone to reconnect over a light lunch or pie-break if folks are splitting up to enjoy separate activities like snorkeling, sunbathing or museum visits.
Fishing Charters
One of the best ways to build family connections is to enjoy shared activities, and a chartered fishing trip is one of those that’s accommodating to family members of almost any age or fishing experience level. The skilled captain and crew are knowledgeable about the best places to fish for tarpon, snapper, mahi mahi, and more. Full- and half-day charters are available so it’s easy to fit one into your itinerary. Get expert advice and tips for landing your dream catch and enjoy the truly panoramic views.
Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant
This local seafood restaurant is another great spot for family members to meet up for lunch or dinner. Its Old Town location is close to many other cultural and historical landmarks as well as shopping areas. Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant serves guests outdoors in a shaded seating area; menu items are also available for takeout, so it’s equally convenient to gather back at your accommodations for a delicious meal while caring for resting little ones. Among the most popular dishes are the conch fritters, fish sandwiches, fish tacos, and lobster roll. All food is made-to-order with freshly caught seafood you can select yourself from their cases.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
With amenities that cater to the most active family members as well as those simply looking for a quiet place to enjoy beautiful weather, this small state park offers enough to do that you could spend a whole day here. Tour the old fort and marvel at what’s been discovered through on-going excavation in pursuit of local history. Swim and sunbathe at the beach, or rent snorkeling gear for the day. There are umbrellas and beach chairs for rent, too. Bike trails and walking trails run through the park, and there’s a jetty for fishing. Pack a lunch and spread out at the picnic areas or travel light and enjoy light fare at the park’s cafe, serving breakfast and lunch items plus cool beverages.
Mangrove Ecotours
Discover the backcountry of Key West while paddling through the mangrove forests. Tours are led by engaging and educated guides who not only share their insight and knowledge but can answer your questions about this unique habitat, too. Learn about the natural geography of Key West and how that’s influenced life here, and get amazing views of wildlife, including birds and fish.
When planning a family reunion where guests will span a wide range of ages, it’s important to find a location that offers enough to do for everyone. Key West is ideal in that people can split up and easily reconnect at multiple points throughout the day. The small island makes getting around quick and simple, and the sheer variety of activities and dining opportunities available means that no one will be bored, which is pretty close to a perfect family reunion.
