Explore the Natural Beauty of Key West on a Jet Ski Tour

One of the best ways to experience Key West is from the water. While there are many ways to explore the island’s coastline, one of the most fun ways is by jet skiing. Sign up for a jet-skiing tour and let a local guide show you the best of Key West on an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Hit the throttle and explore the crystal-clear water while looking for marine life, taking a dip at local sandbars, and admiring coastline views. Stay close to the water with Rent Key West Vacations and find the perfect lodging for your island getaway!

Jet Ski Tours vs Rentals

When you are looking for jet-skiing experiences, you may be curious why you can’t find any rentals on the island. That’s because Key West is located within the protected Florida Marine Sanctuary, and jet skiing in certain areas can cause harm to the natural environment. As a result, guided jet ski tours are the preferred option, ensuring you can enjoy the experience while avoiding restricted areas.

Key West Jet Ski Tours

If you were born in 1988 or later, you must complete the Florida Boating Certificate before heading out for the tour. For the ultimate convenience, Rent Key West Vacations has partnered with local operators like Fury Water Adventures and Barefoot Billy’s, so you can book a jet ski tour directly from our website:

Fury Water Adventures

Embark on a 28-mile jet ski tour with Fury Water Adventures. Travel through the backcountry on their top-of-the-line jet skis and take in the sights of the stunning coastline while keeping your eyes peeled for bottle-nose dolphins and sea turtles. Along the way, you will stop at a sandbar to cool down and have a refreshing swim.

Barefoot Billy’s

Sign up for the Casa Marina Island Jet Ski Tour with Barefoot Billy’s. Travel around the island and stop at five locations along the way as you learn about local history from your guide. If you are interested in a freestyle experience, they also offer a trip where you can play around in a designated ride area and try out some tricks.

Book Key West Condo Rentals near the Beach

Book even more water adventures for your Key West getaway directly on our website. From snorkeling tours to fishing trips and kayak rentals, we have something for everyone! Stay close to the action with our Key West condo rentals near the beach or with an ocean view. No matter which property you choose, you will have access to fully-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and open-concept living spaces. Book with us online or speak to a reservation specialist at 800-833-7368 for assistance customizing your Key West getaway!

Discover the Life of Ernest Hemingway in Key West, Florida

Key West has long attracted artists and writers. Among these writers was one of the most famous American writers of the 20th century– Ernest Hemingway. Inhabiting the island for nearly a decade, Hemingway wrote some of his most prolific works on Key West, drawing inspiration from the island’s landscapes, people, and history. Today, his presence can still be felt throughout the island. Visit the Hemingway Home and explore where the famous author resided during the 1930s, grab a drink at one of his local haunts, and join the annual Hemingway Days Festival celebration. Find the perfect lodging with Rent Key West Vacations and follow in the footsteps of Hemingway during your visit:

Hemingway Home

Hemingway resided in the Whitehead Street home for most of his time in Key West. Today, the Hemingway Home is open for tours so that visitors can explore the home, gardens, and grounds:

Inside the home, you can see the writing studio, where he wrote famous works like To Have and Have Not. Walk through the living room and see many photos of Hemingway and his fishing adventures.
On the property grounds, you will see the in-ground swimming pool he constructed, which was the first pool on the island and cost $20,000 to build.
While on the Key West, a local ship captain gave Hemingway a white six-toed cat. Today, the grounds are home to nearly 60 cats, some descended from his original cat, that you can pet and hang out with!

More Hemingway Haunts on Key West

Opened in 1933, Sloppy Joe’s Bar was one of Hemingway’s favorite watering holes, owned by his friend Josie Russel. The original Sloppy Joe’s, where Ernest Hemingway frequented, is now Captain Tony’s Saloon. Stop at Captain Tony’s for a drink in his honor!

Most of the other sites mentioned by Hemingway no longer exist on the island, but you can still visit the locations where they once stood. For example, the grounds now home to Blue Heaven Restaurant were once the site of the Key West Arena, where Hemingway refereed boxing matches.

Hemingway Days Festival

Plan your getaway around the annual Hemingway Days Festival and celebrate Hemingway’s life and literary accomplishments with other fans. Events throughout the festival include a look-a-like contest, a fishing tournament, literary readings, a street fair, and a short story competition.

Book Your Key West Vacation Rental and Explore the Island

Stay in Old Town Key West with Rent Key West Vacations and access the Hemingway Home just blocks from your vacation home. Our charming conch-style cottages perfectly encapsulate the historic charm of the island. These homes are also a short walk from the famous Duval Street, where you can enjoy restaurants, shops, history, and many attractions. Book your Key West getaway with us today!

Where to Watch the Sunset in Key West, FL

Key West, FL, offers countless stunning spots to catch a sunset, and Rent Key West Vacations is here to guide you to the very best ones. Check the sunset time online and watch the sun dip below the horizon as you take in ocean views and admire the vibrant shades of orange, pink, and blue. Whether you want to watch the sunset with a cocktail at our local restaurants or join the legendary Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, there is an experience for everyone. You can even reserve sunset cruises directly on our website. Read on to discover the best places to catch the sunset during your stay!

Sunset Cruises

One of the best places to watch the sunset is from the water. Browse the tour options on our website and find the perfect sunset cruise for your group:

Sign up for a sunset cruise with Fury Water Adventures, offering everything from champagne sunset cruises on a motorized catamaran to combination tours that include snorkeling, sunset sails, and reggae music.
Enjoy the sunset from your very own private tiki bar with Crusin Tikis Key West.
Embark on a private romantic sunset sail with Key West Eco Tours or Danger Charters.

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

Join the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, a Key West tradition since the 1960s. Head to Mallory Square two hours before sunset and shop from local vendors, listen to live music, watch stunt performers, and laugh at the comedy shows. Then, find a spot along the Square and watch the sunset with the nightly crowd while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Sunset Views at Local Restaurants

Several of our local restaurants offer fantastic sunset views. Enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks as you watch the spectacular event from one of these bars or restaurants:

Sunset Spots Across the Island

Find even more sunset spots across the island, from our beaches, parks, and waterfronts:

Visit Fort Zachary Taylor and enjoy sunset views in a natural setting.
If you want to avoid the crowds of Mallory Square, we recommend heading to Truman Waterfront for sunset views in a more relaxed setting.
Stroll down the walkway of White Street Pier and watch the sunset.

Visit Key West and Watch the Sunset During Your Stay

No trip to Key West is complete without experiencing one of our world-famous sunsets. Book your getaway with Rent Key West Vacations and enjoy breathtaking sunset views throughout the island. Browse our collection of Key West vacation rentals and find the perfect basecamp for your adventures. Elevate your stay with our concierge services and reserve in-home chefs, gift baskets, and specialty services. Reserve your Florida Keys vacation today!

What to Do in Key West in December

Plan your December trip to Key West and celebrate the holiday’s island style with Rent Key West Vacations. Find the perfect accommodations for your winter escape, and join us this December for holiday events, beautiful weather, and outdoor adventures. Enjoy beautiful 75-degree weather as you embark on holiday tours, shop for gifts, stroll through twinkling lights, and watch lighted boat parades. Experience the magic of Key West in December, and read on to discover the top things to do during your stay!

Key West Weather in December

Winter weather on Key West is beautiful, with average temperatures hovering around 75 degrees. Water temperatures also remain comfortable for swimming and recreational activities. This means you can enjoy all your favorite activities year-round, like boat tours, snorkeling, jet skiing, fishing, boating, and sailing.

Festive Happenings on Key West

Plan your vacation around one of our annual events and make the most of your December getaway in Key West. Find more details on these annual events on the Key West Christmas website:

Kick off the holiday season during the Key West Holiday Parade and watch decorated floats drive down Duval Street.
Visit the Key West Historic Seaport and stroll through the magical Harbor Walk of Lights from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
Watch dozens of decorated boats cruising along the waterfront during the Lighted Boat Parade.
Head to Truman Waterfront Park and enjoy fun for the whole family during the Waterfront Winter Wonderland celebration. From ice skating to Santa visits and riding the Christmas train, there is something for everyone.

Key West Holiday Tours

Explore Key West’s historic properties decorated for the season during the Holiday Historic Inn Tour.
Join Old Town Trolleys or Conch Tour Train for their Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tours, taking you on a guided tour of the island’s best-decorated homes.
Sign up for the Ultimate Key West Christmas Tour with Fury Cat and play at Key West’s ocean water park for an afternoon.

Plan a Key West December Vacation

Discover the magic of Key West this December and book your getaway with Rent Key West Vacations. Spend the holidays at the beach and soak up the warm Florida sunshine while enjoying the island’s festive atmosphere. Whether you are visiting with your spouse or extended family, we offer the perfect lodging for your holiday escape. From oceanfront studio suites to Grand Estates hosting up to 30 guests, we have something for everyone!

Where to Find the Best Key Lime Pie in Key West

No trip to the Florida Keys is complete without savoring a slice of our signature key lime pie. Indulge in Florida’s official state dessert in Key West, the birthplace of this delectable dessert. Check in to your Rent Key West Vacations home and discover the best key lime pie in Key West during your visit. This tangy treat is the perfect end to any meal, made with tart key limes that grow on the island, sweetened condensed milk, graham cracker crust, and meringue. From the family recipes of Key West Key Lime Pie Company to Kermit’s signature pie bars, every bakery on the island offers their own spin on this iconic dessert!

Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

A Key West staple for over 30 years, Kermit’s Key West Lime Shoppe offers a wide range of key lime pies and products on Elizabeth and Duval streets. Order one of their traditional key lime pies made with tart key lime flavor, graham cracker crust, and topped with whipped cream. Or sample one of their pie bars dipped in dark, milk, or white chocolate.

Blue Heaven

Enjoy a slice of key lime pie amidst canopies of tropical foliage at Blue Heaven in the historic Bahama Village. Their key lime pie is made with a buttery cracker crust, freshly squeezed lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and topped with meringue. They are one of the only restaurants in town that serve key lime pie with mountains of baked meringue!

Key West Key Lime Pie Company

The team at Key West Key Lime Pie Company has been making their pies the same way for 100 years. Stop in and try the family recipe, which uses all-natural ingredients, real key lime juice, and a handmade graham cracker crust. Then, go behind the scenes and learn how to make your own key lime pie during one of their classes.

Key Lime Pie Bakery

Locally owned and operated, the Key Lime Pie Bakery offers freshly baked key lime pies daily. Pick up one of their signature pies and walk through the aisles, browsing key lime products like cakes, cookies, drink mixes, saltwater taffy, and tea.

Moondog Cafe

Even visitors with dietary restrictions can enjoy key lime pie in Key West. Head to Moondog Cafe and try the mini gluten-free, vegan key lime pie, made with key lime coconut curd, toasted meringue, and a pâte sucrée shell.

Reserve Key West Vacation Rentals and Condos

Head to our island to try the best key lime pie in Key West for yourself. Book your getaway with Rent Key West Vacations and let our knowledgeable, local staff help you plan your dream vacation. Enhance your stay with our concierge services and book a gift basket with key lime pie and sweets to welcome you as you walk in the door. Check out our vacation rentals and call us at 1-800-833-7368 to help narrow down the right property for your getaway!