a+J’s Key West guide

Key West is a small island packed full of topical beauty, historical sites, and delicious restaurants. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite spots for you! 

Food and Drink:

  • Blue Heaven Restaurant and Bar – Check out Andy’s Cabana next door for some local music and a more laid back bar

  • Papa Pilar Distillery – A personal favorite! 

  • First Flight Brewery – The birthplace and headquarters of Pan American Airlines

  • The Conch Republic - A casual wharfside seafood restaurant 

  • Sloppy Joe’s Bar – Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bar!

  • Capt. Tony’s Saloon – The original location of Sloppy Joe’s Bar with a rich history

  • Hog’s Breath Saloon – Great for local music! 

  • Cuban Coffee Queen – A perfect caffeination station with many locations all over Key West


Places to Visit: 

  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum – Our beautiful wedding venue! During our ceremony/reception the home will not be open for our guests so we suggest visiting the day before or the day after to get the full experience. 

  • Key West Lighthouse – Located across the street from The
    Hemingway Home and Museum

  • Rodriguez Cigar Factory – A historic owned cigar shop with family ties to central Jersey! 

  • Mallory Square – Go here to watch the sunset

  • Fort Zachary Beach – Another great place to watch the sunset. We suggest renting and biking your way out there. 

  • Harry S. Truman Little White House Museum - Florida’s only presidential museum

  • The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory - Walk among hundreds of free flying butterflies  

  • The Turtle Hospital in Marathon Key – Located about an hour from Key West, but very much worth the drive. Join them for a guided educational program of the hospital facilities and rehabilitation area.

  • Old Town Trolley Tours – A great way to get around and a great way tour of Old Key West 

  • Dry Tortugas National Park – Explore a 19th Century Fort and snorkel in it’s crystal clear waters! Note this is 70 miles away from Key West so you’ll definitely need a full day to explore.  

  • Ghost Key West – For all our paranormal lovers, we hear this is a great tour!