Find the Best Things to Do in Historic Seaport
By Amber Nolan
Travel Expert
About Historic Seaport
The sleepy seaport is a reminder of old Key West, long before the massive cruise ships and retail stores moved in. Fishermen bring in the latest catch of the day which the restaurants serve fresh to locals and tourists alike. Set sail on a classic vessel and return in time for happy hour.
See & Do
Sebago Watersports partners with the Schooner Appledore II, a traditional sailing vessel built by the Harvey Gamage Shipyard in South Bristol, Maine. During the winter, the Appledore II is located in Key West, where it sails on day itineraries as well as its "Tall Ships and Tapas" sunset cruise featuring menu items like duck empanadas, crab sliders, Moroccan beef tenderloins, and some fruity sangria.
Eat
This seafood shack may look like it's barley standing, but the food certainly holds its own. What began as makeshift food truck in the 70s has become a staple in Key West — and with good reason. The fresh fish sandwiches are simple, yet they're also the best in town. The open air seating, seafaring decor, and "anything goes" atmosphere makes for a laid-back lunch.
Party
Schooner Wharf maintains that "old Key West" atmosphere — from the salvage wreckage décor, to the interesting characters that linger around the waterfront. It is also the home of the largest fleet of working schooners on the East Coast, and for two years the bar was actually located on the Schooner Diamante before moving to its current location. There's always something going on, including magic shows and live music.
Stay
Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, this 38-room, boutique hotel features a heated swimming pool with a cascading waterfall, complimentary WiFi, a bike rack, and breakfast for guests. Flat-screen televisions are available in all rooms, and many have enormous balconies - perfect for relaxing with a morning coffee, or kicking back with a good book. Accommodations are a bit small, but the beds are comfy, and the staff at Albury Court are friendly.
Shop
Take the shortcut to Elizabeth Street and you’ll stumble across Lazy Way Lane, a side street full of shops selling curiosities from all over the globe. Try Dragonfly for imported jewelry and clothing from Indonesia and at Lazy Breeze Seaglass, the owner spends the summers in Greece finding sea glass and sells her creations in Key West. Yours and Mayan is a fair trade organization that sells handicrafts from the Mayan Indians of Guatemala.