The Conch Connection

A successful family vacation does not require every traveler to want the same thing. One child may be happiest spotting dolphins, another may want a beach, a teenager may crave independence and a grandparent may prefer a comfortable museum or scenic ride. Southwest Florida and Key West make it possible to combine those interests without turning every day into a long drive.

The best plan is not a packed checklist. It is a flexible mix of outdoor time, hands-on learning, local history, good food and room to slow down. Use these ideas to build a vacation that works for toddlers, school-age children, teens, parents and grandparents—and leaves everyone with stories to bring home.

Florida makes it easy to plan a romantic getaway around the way you like to travel. You can watch the sunset from a quiet island beach, explore historic streets hand in hand, enjoy dinner by the water or turn the journey itself into part of the experience.

Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, planning a long weekend or simply making time for each other, these five Florida couples vacation spots offer memorable ways to reconnect.

Sanibel Island, located in Southwest Florida, off Fort Myers, has been crowned by experts as the best U.S. shelling spot, as well as one of the best in the world (according to Coastal Living). Collecting Sanibel seashells is a favorite pastime for beachgoers from around the world. Because of the abundance of seashells found on Sanibel and Captiva, they have rightfully earned the reputation as the "Shell Islands".

Discover the Secrets of Historic Key West

Key West is known for its beautiful sunsets, colorful architecture and laid-back island lifestyle, but beneath its tropical charm lies a fascinating history that spans centuries. From Native American settlements and Spanish explorers to literary legends, presidents and treasure hunters, the island has countless stories waiting to be discovered.

Corona Virus has forced us all to adjust how we work & play.  Key West provides the perfect respite with sand between your toes and sunshine on your face on this idyllic island oasis.   Relax,  rejuvenate, mask up and social distance as you escape to the vacation spot of Pirates, Poets & Presidents. 

Planning your next Key West trip? Scoping out the best places to eat or finding that perfectly, idyllic resort with all the amenities? Well, once you get there, you'll want to document your trip and all that you did and saw. There's nothing like making friends and family envious of your good fortune, while taking a wonderful sailing trip to the tropical oasis of Key West, Florida. To help you in your pursuit of finding that perfect spot, that is that " oh so " Instagram perfect, we have our recommendations on this very important issue!

A brick fortress, a rocky beach, tropical fish, shady picnic tables and one seriously good sunset spot—all in the same park? That is Fort Zachary Taylor.

Tucked away near Old Town and the Truman Annex, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is the kind of place where a quick visit can easily turn into most of the day. One minute you are wandering through Civil War-era passageways. The next, you are pulling on a snorkel mask, watching birds along the shoreline or settling into the shade with something cold to drink.

It is also an easy adventure for travelers arriving from Fort Myers Beach aboard Key West Express. The park is about 1.8 miles from the ferry terminal, so you can get there by taxi, rideshare or bicycle—or make the roughly 35-minute walk part of the experience.

Take a quick look at the Key West Express Fort Zachary Taylor guide, check the latest details on the official Florida State Parks page, and get ready for a day that can be as active—or as wonderfully lazy—as you want.

There are so many fun, exciting, and historical things to do in Key West, that even despite challenging times, tourism has stable growth!

Looking for a tropical getaway with a rich history? Look no further than Key West.

See More of Key West at Island Pace

Key West rewards travelers who slow down. A bicycle lets you move easily between the historic waterfront, quiet Old Town streets, colorful architecture, parks and beaches while still noticing the details that disappear through a car window.

For travelers arriving from Fort Myers Beach aboard Key West Express, a bike tour is also a natural fit. The ferry terminal is near the Historic Seaport, giving you a convenient starting point for either a guided tour or an independent ride. With a thoughtful route and enough time for stops, bicycling can become more than transportation—it can be one of the best experiences of the trip.