Key West On Our Own ~ Questions

[LuvMyVette]

Hi:

DH/I will be going on a cruise in a few weeks (RCI - Grandeur of the Seas) and stopping at Key West. We prefer to explore on our own. Is it possible to take a taxi from the pier to Duvall Street? If so, how much is it and how long is the ride? If not, how long is the walk from the pier to Duvall Street? We are also interested in going to the Southernmost Tip as well.

Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

:)

[scubydo]

Duvall street is a 3 to 5 minute walk right from the cruise dock...just walk thru Mallory Square and walk up one block and you are there. SMP is about a mile or so to the opposite end of Duvall...not a hard walk for most,and if you do the walk you get to see all the shops and resturants that line the street. Take your time,walk one side of the street on the way up,do the other side on the way back....have fun.

[encoresue2]

And if you want to see the whole area....take the Conch Train....right from the same area....there is no need to take a cab anywhere there...everything is close. Plenty of fun little restaurants, bars, stores and galleries.

[LuvMyVette]

Hi:

Thanks so much for the information - it's greatly appreciated.:) Haven't been to KW since 1998 and the only thing I remember is that we were docked at some naval yard and had to take a taxi to Duvall Street. Looking forward to seeing KW again!

[rjscott]

We'd been to KW several times; twice on drives down from Miami, and a few times off cruise ships. This time (this past May), we decided to rent "cars" from Key West Cruisers.

 

We had a great time! Although the vehicles were basically a golf cart for four, it also had a windshield and a locked compartment in the rear for storage. We visited several parts of the island we hadn't been to b/f, and had a great time. I would recommend KW Cruisers for anyone who has at least a half day on KW. We were there for 6 hrs, but rented our "car" for 4 hrs, and had more than enough time to enjoy the island via our vehicle and then on foot, once we'd turned it in. The breeze we enjoyed from w/in the vehicle was more than enough "A/C".

 

Becki

[LuvMyVette]

Hi rjscott:

Thanks for the information on KW. That sounds like a great idea. Something different to do. Glad that you had a great time there.

Thanks again!

:)

[CaribbeanBound]

We decided to do our own thing in Key West. It was a little cold, but nonetheless very nice in Key West. We birthed at the old Navy pier and were brought into town aboard Conch Trains and Old Town Trolleys. Conch Trains and Old Town Trolley tours of Key West were available for $20 per passenger. Bone Shuttle transportation (without a narrated tour) is $7 per passenger. We hopped on the Old Town Trolley. It has 10 stops and you are allowed to exit and reboard at any station. We got the grand tour of the island in about 1.5 hours, and tipped our driver "AL" who we thoroughly enjoyed. Hint: if you plan on visiting any of the houses or museums, buy your tickets at the Train or Trolley booths and you'll save a dollar per person. We spent some time in Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum which we found educational and fascinating. We headed to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Cafe for a late "cheeseburger in paradise" lunch. I can't brag about the burger, but the fries and margaritas were great. We also bought pricey t-shirts next door in his gift shop. Jimmy got the bulk of our tourist dollar in Key West, and we're still smiling! I recommend all the experiences we partook here. The Truman White House and Hemmingway House were two popular tours we missed. They both got good reviews from fellow passengers. We plan to tour the houses on our upcoming trip.

[southernmost]

Here is a neat local secret. If you want the cheeseburger in paradise that Jimmy Buffet wrote about in his famous song, it is not at his restaurant, it is found at a little out of the way store called Dennis Pharmacy. They have a small diner that serves a very tasty cheeseburger, and Buffet supposedly went there often for the good food and air conditioning. For $4.95 it's truly is a cheeseburger in paradise (i had one yesterday).

Also, when at that end of town, you can check out the southernmost point and the Butterfly Conservatory (a neat new attraction since your last visit).

Enjoy!:)

[scliq]

How late are they open ??

My hubby would be in cheeseburger paradise & would love every bite!

 

Thanks,

Lisa

[WeBeGone]

They serve an awesome breakfast from 7:30 until 11. Then lunch, including those great cheeseburgers, from 11-4. enjoy!