I’ve been to Key West and let me let you know, it’s a type of locations that will get below your pores and skin in one of the simplest ways.
Between the nice and cozy ocean breeze, the roosters strutting by way of the streets, and people mind-blowing sunsets at Mallory Square, my spouse and I have been each hooked from the primary mojito.
And now? The airport simply acquired a $130 million glow-up that makes getting there a lot smoother and fancier.
🛫 New Concourse A at EYW: Yes, It’s Fancy Now
So right here’s the deal… Key West International Airport (EYW) simply completed a HUGE $130 million renovation, and it’s form of an enormous deal.
The brand-new Concourse A is open, and it’s acquired all of the belongings you didn’t know you wanted in a tiny island airport.
“The Key West International Airport Concourse A transformation into the 21st century is an amazing upgrade for arriving and departing passengers. The floor to ceiling glass on the concourse, the glass jetways, and the first-class amenities make Key West’s small airport a world class destination hub. We still have some finishing touches but all who pass through this facility will be in awe of the results achieved by the team that made this happen.”
-Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl
Gone are the times of stepping off the airplane into that sticky island air (charming, however let’s be actual, it had its downsides). Now, you get glass jet bridges with candy, candy air con 😮💨.
Your hair and your outfit will thanks.
The new house is over 48,000 sq. toes, has eight gates, huge home windows, and sufficient retailers for each telephone, pill, and journey gadget in your bag.
And as a result of that is hurricane nation, the entire thing is constructed 14.5 toes above floor.
Image: McFarland Johnson
The home windows can deal with winds as much as 200 mph, and the glass even has particular dots on it so birds don’t fly into it. I imply they actually considered all the things…
As if that wasn’t sufficient, in addition they put in good glass that adjusts tint relying on the place the solar is. It’s like sun shades for the constructing 😎. Now I simply wish to determine the way to set up the identical tech in my windshield!
📈 EYW is Getting Busier—and Better
With 1.5 million passengers flying in final yr, EYW has grow to be far more than a tiny island airport.
Now, you may fly nonstop to cities like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Boston, and extra. American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Allegiant, Silver, and newcomer Breeze Airways are all within the combine.
Check out flight choices and airways on Google Flights if you wish to see what works for you.
And extra upgrades are nonetheless coming.
Next up: a pedestrian bridge, expanded baggage declare, higher safety checkpoint, and much more traveler-friendly options. They’re aiming to wrap that up by summer time 2026.
🏝️ So You’ve Landed—Now What?
Honestly, touchdown in Key West looks like arriving on one other planet in one of the simplest ways.
It’s quirky, colourful, and filled with stuff to do, whether or not you’re a historical past buff, bar hopper, seashore bum, or foodie. (10 factors in case you’re all 4 like me!)
🛏️ Where to Stay
When I visited, I spotted that the place you keep can actually form your journey. Key West has a ton of character, and the resorts mirror that. Some are cozy and quiet, others are vigorous and classy. Here are just a few I’ve both stayed at or have bookmarked for subsequent time:
The Capitana Key West– Beautiful and tucked away, however nonetheless near the motion. Perfect for {couples} and households. I stayed in one of many Cottages and it was like having my very own home, extremely suggest!
Southernmost Beach Resort– Right on the seashore with attractive ocean views, nice swimming pools, and a straightforward stroll to all the things. It’s good if you would like that toes-in-the-sand vibe with out being removed from the motion. (my spouse and our Press Manager, Liz, is there proper now and I’m so jealous!)
Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel – Super cute, tremendous Key West. Bonus: it’s proper close to the Hemingway House.
@traveloffpath The Capitana is the very best dwelling base for exploring Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #journey ♬ My Addiction – Alex Guesta
🎯 What to Do
After you’ve settled in, it’s time to wander. I like how all the things in Key West is walkable or only a brief trip away.
Here’s what I’d hit first if I have been again there now:
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square – Street performers, meals carts, and epic sundown views. It’s touristy, however completely price it.
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum – Even in case you’re not a ebook nerd, the six-toed cats alone are definitely worth the go to.
Duval Street Crawl – From dive bars to fancy cocktails, this road has all of it. Don’t skip Sloppy Joe’s.
Rent a Bike or Scooter – The island is small, so skip the automotive and cruise like an area.
Snorkeling or Sailing Trip – Book a half-day tour and hit the water. I beloved our journey with Honest Eco. We spent the primary half of our tour Dolphin Watching (we had them come proper as much as the boat!), and the 2nd half snorkeling.
@traveloffpath What an unimaginable expertise with Honest Eco in Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #journey #boat #diving #dolphin ♬ These Memories – Hollow Coves
🍽️ Food You’ll Dream About Later
Okay, meals is an enormous deal for me after I journey. And in Key West? It does NOT disappoint. These spots caught with me lengthy after the journey was over:
Blue Heaven – Go for brunch, keep for the important thing lime pie. There’s reside music and chickens roaming the yard. Trust me, it looks like its personal little world.
Garbo’s Grill – It’s a meals truck in a tropical yard and it’s wildly good. Try the Korean tacos.
Latitudes – For a splurge evening, take the ferry to Sunset Key. It’s dinner with a view you’ll always remember.
🌞 Why Now’s the Time to Go
Between the upgraded airport, extra flight choices, and all of the basic Key West allure nonetheless intact, there’s by no means been a greater second to plan a visit.
Whether you’re escaping the chilly or simply want a reset that includes flip flops, conch fritters, and nil stress, that is your signal. In truth I’m tempted to go forward and ebook my ticket now…
So seize a ticket, pack mild, and prepare to fall in love with Key West over again, beginning the second you step off that jet bridge.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.