With beach towel, bug spray and boyfriend in tow, I set out on a road trip across what has to be one of the most scenic roadways in the U.S.—a.k.a. the Overseas Highway—to the Florida Keys, where I was met with warm weather, smiles and all the fish/shrimp tacos I could eat.
The first leg of my trip was spent at Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada, a village of six-islands boasting some of the world’s best sport fishing. Although the elegant, oceanside resort offers a bevy of onsite activities, including a snorkel excursion, sunset cruise and yes, fishing, we found oftentimes found ourselves wandering the property in search of the “share paradise” placards indicating the most photo-worthy selfie stops.
Next, we headed south for Key West where we made ourselves at home in an ocean-facing One-Bedroom Suite with wraparound balcony at the Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina. Whether we were gazing out on the boat-flecked marina from our balcony or dining by the waterside at the Latitudes restaurant on nearby Sunset Key (guests can take a complimentary ferry here), it seems we always had the perfect seat for the evening sunset spectacular. Speaking of water, we found plenty of watersports to participate in throughout our time in They Keys from jet skiing in Islamorada to parasailing in Key West. Take a trip down my (not-so-distant) memory lane in one of my favorite photos slideshows to date.
The pier at Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada. These “share paradise” selfie stops are sprinkled throughout the property.
The highlight of my stay at Cheeca Lodge? This outdoor soaking tub.
History abounds at the Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada as seen by these “vintage” photos.
This colorful plate of sushi at Cheeca Lodge’s Nikai restaurant left us wanting more.
While jet skiing at Robbie’s in Islamorada, we stopped to snorkel on a reef where we saw a grouper and nurse shark.
This quirky sign at the entrance of the Florida Keys Brewing Company let us know we were in for some fun.
Though I normally enjoy pale ales, Rio introduced me to the full body goodness that is dark beer in this 10-sample beer flight.
We couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop for our meal at Marker 88 in Islamorada.
The nonprofit Dolphin Research Center put the emphasis on education during this entertaining dolphin program.
Like I said before, I nearly ate my body weight in fish and shrimp tacos in The Keys at places like the Hungry Tarpon in Islamorada.
I tried a tilefish po’ boy for the first time at Tarpon Creek Bar Grill. Best. Decision. Ever.
This was the stunning view from our suite at the Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina.
We loved the beach-inspired decor at the Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina.
Poolside at Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina.
Beach views at Sunset Key.
Surf and turf at the Latitudes restaurant on Sunset Key.
Key West is one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. and this Duval Street staple was built around a hanging tree.
People watching from our outdoor table at Bagatelle Key West.
We felt free as a bird soaring over the Gulf of Mexico on a Sebago Watersports parasail adventure.
The study at the Ernest Hemingway House in Key West even has his royal typewriter.
Not only is the Curry Mansion in Key West a museum, it is also a hotel.
Nightboarding at the Ibis Bay Resort in search of crabs, jellyfish and lobster was quite a unique experience.
