When you’re seeking a vacation destination where you can rekindle the romance that might have disappeared from your life, especially with the recent upheaval of everyone’s routine during the COVID-19 pandemic that hit so hard during the spring of 2020, look no further than Key West. This tiny island that caps the Florida Keys has been a popular getaway for generations. It has all of the sun, fun, and adventure that builds memories and strengthens relationships without the stresses of work and kids. Here are the top ten places to visit and things to do while you’re there.

1. Book your sunset cruise around Key West on one of the many sailboats and schooners that welcome guests for nightly tours, complete with friendly and knowledgeable tour guides who share captivating stories about the history of the island. Most of these sunset cruises include hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, wine and beer for toasting.
   
   
2. Indulge in the legendary lobster roll at Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant. Enjoy their to-go menu or, if you can’t wait, dine al fresco in front of the restaurant. Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant serves fresh-caught fish and shellfish that’s prepared as you like it, including grilled and fried. In addition to the lobster roll, popular dishes include the fried fish basket and the grilled lobster tail. Don’t miss the house-made sauces and sides for the best dining experience.
   
   
3. Take a self-guided tour of Key West and explore the island by bicycle, paddleboard, kayak, or Jeep at your own pace. Linger over scenic views, wander off the beaten path, and go wherever the day takes you along the trails and backcountry of Key West. The tour companies that arrange these rentals can take care of amenities like packed lunches so all you need to bring is each other.
4. If you’ve ever dreamed of a picnic on the beach, Key West Picnic Company can make that dream come true. They’ll arrange all the details for a memorable breakfast, lunch or dinner, complete with a stocked basket of delicious goodies, a beach blanket, and Bluetooth speakers for a little mood music. Because they’re locals, the folks at Key West Picnic Company know the best picnic spots for a one-of-a-kind experience.
5. You can’t visit Key West without tasting key lime pie, and Blue Heaven has the best. One of the bedrock restaurants of the Key West dining scene, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; you can also visit just for pie. The eclectic decor is complemented by a robust menu that includes creative dishes like the Florida shrimp omelette and Betty’s banana bread. There might be a wait for outdoor dining but it’s worth it.
6. Fishing is a staple of Key West living, and whether you’re an expert or a novice, booking a charter fishing trip is easy. Local fishing captains and their crews take care of all the fishing gear and permits you could need. Try reef, wreck, deep water or flat fishing. Depending on the time of year, you could go out for grouper, tarpon or snapper. You may even be able to make reservations ahead of time with a local restaurant to cook your catch, and enjoy the fish you catch for dinner that night.
7. Wander along Duval Street and discover unique shops, galleries, and boutiques that showcase that classic Key West look, including clapboard and gingerbread features. Pop into one of the many restaurants for a quick meal or a cold drink. If you’re in the neighborhood as the sun goes down, head to where Duval Street hit Mallory Square to participate in the nightly Sunset Celebration, complete with music, performers, arts and crafts vendors, and food vendors.
8. While you’re in the neighborhood of Duval Street, it’s worth mentioning Duetto’s Pizza and Gelato. Every single one of the more than two dozen specialty pies is a winner. The award-winning pizzas feature hand-stretched thin crust and the freshest toppings available. And don’t forget the gelato made with real milk for dessert!
9. Dry Tortugas National Park is a bit off the beaten path, as it’s about 75 miles off the coast of Key West, but it’s worth the effort it takes to get there by ferry or plane. Most of the park is actually underwater. While you can tour Fort Jefferson, a Civil War-era fort, and enjoy kayaking and birdwatching, most visitors come for the snorkeling. The relatively shallow waters are good for new and experienced snorkelers who can check out coral reefs and shipwrecks.
10. Get a glimpse of the real pirates of the Caribbean at the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum. Dedicated to the life’s work of treasure hunter Mel Fisher, the museum’s exhibits include Caribbean shipwrecks and Fisher’s own artifacts from a lifetime of exploration and salvage. What’s more, visitors can also learn about shipwreck sciences and how the exploration of shipwrecks has changed over the years.

Key West is a wonderful location for an authentic grownups’ getaway where you can rediscover yourselves as a couple, distant from the day-to-day hassles that distract you from your partner. There are numerous creative, exciting, and dynamic opportunities to engage over sports, adventure, and expertly prepared meals that feature fresh seafood and exciting flavors.