Florida keys
If you’re craving sun, salt air, and island vibes, an adults-only trip to the Florida Keys is the perfect escape. We packed our bags, flew into the Miami airport. After renting a convertible (highly recommend!), we hit the road for a stunning drive down the Overseas Highway - easily one of the most scenic routes we’ve ever taken.
We headed straight to Key West for two nights of fun, food, and laid-back adventure. The energy on Duval Street is contagious, and our self-guided Duval Crawl was full of great drinks, live music, and classic stops like Sloppy Joe’s (try the Prohibition Punch!). For a sweet treat we stopped in the Key Lime Pie Co. - truly a delicious slice.
Lunch at the Waterfront Brewery hit the spot, fresh ceviche and rum cocktails by the docks - true paradise! We also toured Hemingway Rum Co. and stocked up on a few favorite bottles. Between stops, we browsed charming shops, and local street vendors, each one full of Key West character. We capped our night with an incredible dinner at Kaya Island Eats. The island-inspired dishes, fun backyard patio, and live music made it one of our favorite memories of the trip.
Lunch at the Waterfront Brewery hit the spot, fresh ceviche and rum cocktails by the docks - true paradise! We also toured Hemingway Rum Co. and stocked up on a few favorite bottles. Between stops, we browsed charming shops, and local street vendors, each one full of Key West character. We capped our night with an incredible dinner at Kaya Island Eats. The island-inspired dishes, fun backyard patio, and live music made it one of our favorite memories of the trip.
KEY WEST
After a long day of sun-soaked beach time and exploring the historic fort, we were ready to wind down with some waterfront dining - and Alonzo’s Oyster Bar delivered big time. Located right on the harbor this spot is a total gem with casual vibes, killer seafood, and one of the best sunset views in Key West.
We grabbed a cozy outdoor table just in time for golden hour. Boats bobbed in the marina, pelicans soared above, and the whole place had that breezy, easy going energy that we love. We sipped on chilled cocktails (spicy margs for the win!) and dove into fresh oysters, peel & eat shrimp, and the kind of ceviche that makes you wonder why you ever eat anything else on vacation.
Watching the sky go from soft gold to pastel pink to deep orange while we lingered over dinner was magic. It was relaxed, unpretentious, and totally perfect.
Back at our hotel, we weren’t quite ready to call it a night. So we grabbed cocktails from the tiki bar and headed to the pool. The water was warm, the moon was bright, and the palms swayed above us like something out of a dream.
We floated, talked, laughed, and soaked in the stillness of the night. The stars were out in full force over the ocean - no city lights, no distractions. Just us, the night sky, and a perfect end to another beautiful day in Key West.
On our second day in Key West, we headed to Fort Zachary Historic State Park — a perfect blend of beach relaxation and a little local history. The beach here is beautiful, with clear water, shady trees, and plenty of space to stretch out. We spent the morning swimming, lounging, and taking in the ocean breeze.
After some sun, we wandered through the historic fort where old brick walls and cannon lined corridors gave us a peek into Key West’s past. It’s peaceful, scenic, and definitely worth. the visit if you want a break from the buzz on Duval Street.
24.5551° N 81.78000° W
islamorada
After our morning wander through the colorful streets of Key West, we slid into our convertible, ready to chase the sun up the Florida Keys. There’s just something about the Overseas Highway that feels like it was made for couples - top down, music up, and endless turquoise views that looked they were photoshopped by Mother Nature herself.
Every mile felt like a scene from a movie - wind in our hair, salty air on our lips and that wide open ocean calling us to keep going. And let’s be real, is there anything more romantic than holding hands while cruising over the ocean?
We pulled off at Wahoo’s Bar & Grill in Islamorada. This place is an absolute vibe - laid back, colorful, and perched right over the water. We grabbed a table and soaked in the panoramic ocean views with cold drinks in hand.
We ordered the grilled mahi-mahi sandwich - which, trust us, tastes even better when you’re staring out at the very ocean it came from. Add a round of Key Lime Coladas (tart, creamy, and dangerously good), and you’ve got yourself the ultimate island lunch date.
We thought we were just stopping for lunch, but Islamorada had other plans for us - and honestly we weren’t mad about it. This little slice of the Keys turned into one of our favorite detours, packed with color, craft brews, and a whole lot of charm.
Tucked away in a rainbow-colored bungalow, Florida Keys Brewing Co. is pure boho-beach energy. The beer garden is a tropical dream - think string lights, funky murals, palms and picnic tables made for lingering. We ordered a flight but the Hoppy Hour IPA and Spearfish Amber stole the show. Bonus Points: they’ve got board games, chill tunes, and the kind of laid-back atmosphere that makes it feel like you’ve just stepped into a local backyard party.
A short hop away, we made our way to Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, where things got a little more experimental - in the best way. Not only do they serve up some solid beers, but their cocktails are made with their own spirits, and they are chef’s kiss! Our key lime drinks were chef’s kiss!
We loved the vibe around Islamorada so much that we made plans to return the next day. We found our way to The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District. This hidden gem feels like strolling through a coastal art fair - with studios, galleries, and colorful installations at every turn. We chatted with local artist, picked up some handmade jewelry and gifts and soaked up the artsy, creative energy.
As our time in the Keys started winding down, we checked in for our final night at the Hilton Key Largo, and WOW—talk about saving the best for last. Nestled among the trees with private beaches and hidden corners made for couples, this spot felt like the perfect finale to our tropical love story.
We kicked off the afternoon with lunch at Fernando the Bull, a casual Cuban spot that instantly won us over with its spicy energy and ridiculously good food. The ropa vieja was tender and packed with flavor, and the garlic yuca? Don't even get us started. If you’re craving something hearty with a little local flair, this place hits all the right notes.
Back at the Hilton, we traded our shoes for flip-flops and headed straight for their private beach. It’s one of those hidden gems where the water is calm, the hammocks swing gently in the breeze, and the iguanas casually sunbathe like they own the place (honestly, they kind of do).
While walking out on the pier, we spotted nurse sharks gliding below the surface—peaceful, curious, and totally surreal. It was like our own private wildlife documentary, but with better cocktails and no camera crew.
Before sunset, we made our way to the resort’s Love Lock Pier, where couples from around the world have left tiny tokens of forever. We added our own lock, clicked it into place, and tossed the keys into the sea with a kiss. It's the kind of thing you'll remember every anniversary and probably bring up at dinner parties when you’re feeling sappy—and we’re totally here for it.
As the sun dipped low, we snuck away to the adults-only pool—aka the peaceful paradise section of the resort. No splash zone, just chill vibes, plush loungers, and some much-needed quiet time before dinner. It felt like a secret sanctuary where the only thing on our to-do list was clink glasses and watch the sky turn cotton candy pink.
We wrapped up our Keys adventure at The Conch House, a cozy, welcoming spot with that classic Florida Keys charm. We devoured fresh conch ceviche, shared a blackened snapper plate, and toasted to the trip of a lifetime with one last Key Lime martini.
If you're planning a couple's escape filled with beachy backdrops, quirky stops, great food, and just enough adventure, the Florida Keys absolutely deliver. From kissing under palm trees in Key West to leaving a love lock in Key Largo, every moment felt like our own personal postcard.
Already planning our next island getaway... but until then, we’ll be dreaming of conch fritters and convertible drives.
KEY LARGO
25.0926° N 80.4420° W