The Conch Connection

Planning the perfect family vacation means finding a destination that offers something for everyone. From exciting outdoor adventures and fascinating history to beautiful beaches and unforgettable sunsets, Key West checks every box.

Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teenagers, grandparents, or the whole extended family, the island offers experiences that bring generations together. Better yet, if you're traveling from Southwest Florida, the vacation begins the moment you board the Key West Express, where the journey is just as memorable as the destination.

If you're searching for the best day trip from Fort Myers Beach, you're spoiled for choice. Southwest Florida offers beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and waterfront towns, but one destination delivers an experience unlike any other—Key West.

 Located at the end of the Florida Keys, Key West offers a tropical island experience that's surprisingly easy to reach aboard the Key West Express from Fort Myers Beach.  Colorful streets, historic landmarks, tropical scenery, fresh seafood, and a laid-back island atmosphere make it one of Florida's most unforgettable destinations. Better yet, you don't have to spend the day driving to get there.

While the island of Key West may be physically small, it's only about 2 by 4 miles. What the island offers it's visitors, in the form of celebrations, festivals and all around fun for young and old, is anything but small.

Year round weather makes Key West an ideal vacation spot for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike. This special little island offers an abundance of opportunities for every indulgence and thrill seeker. Planning ahead allows you to get the most out of your Key West excursion. For your convenience, we have included a selection of details on a variety of heart pumping activities.

Grab the kids and getaway!

Here in Florida, anytime is the time to plan a vacation.  Key West is the ideal getaway filled with activities and adventure to make smiles and memories for any and everyone!

With all the different options that  you have for a Key West Vacation, what should you do and see on your trip to paradise?

Go Once and you’ll be HOOKED!

Key West is the ultimate Florida fishing getaway. One of Key West’s most notable novelists, Ernest Hemingway, was an avid fisherman. Key West is one of the most popular game fishing areas in all of North America, attracting visitors from all over the globe. The area also has some of the best spearfishing anywhere. Whether it’s snorkeling or SCUBA, grab your gear and get ready.

Annual Key West BrewFest

September 4 - 6, 2026

The past Key West BrewFest events have been so much fun and an amazing success for the local charities, the committee is teaming up to bring it to you again! Between 150 and 200 beers and micro-brews are on tap at this "tasty" annual event that benefits the charitable efforts of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic.

Like snowflakes, no two sunsets are ever alike. There is no shortage of places around the world to watch our favorite star sink beyond the horizon, igniting the sky with radiant hues that cast magic over the surrounding scenery. However, whether you are overlooking the ocean from beach, pier or boat….Florida offers some of the most spectacular places to view the vibrant range of colors that infuse the sky and shimmering sea – perhaps with a green flash, if you’re lucky.

Photo Credit: Piqsels

June was chosen for LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBT people have had in the world.