Disclosure: The Toyota Camry Hybrid, travel and hotel stay were provided to me by Toyota. However, all opinions are my own. All opinions are 100% my own*
If you know anything about me, you know that I am a self-proclaimed adventurer. So, when Toyota invited me and one of my closet friends to explore the Florida Keys, I was more than happy to say yes. I was actually ecstatic!!!
Not only was it a perfect time to create some cool memories with my homegirl, but a Florida Keys road trip has been on my bucket list for what seems like forever. And I must say that it was well worth the wait, because we had the opportunity to experience a lot of firsts, which included parasailing and making Key Lime pies.
Keep reading to check out 5 things you should do while coasting the Florida Keys…
5 Fun Things to do in the Florida Keys
1. Seven Mile Bridge – The Florida Keys
OK yall! We have all heard the stories of the infamous Seven Mile Bridge located in the Florida Keys. I am sure most of us still get a little freaked out when thinking about driving over the bridge. Well, I am here to tell you that the infamous Seven Mile Bridge is no longer as scary as it was years ago.
There are NOW two bridges.
The original one is known as the Knights Key-Pigeon Key-Moser Channel-Pacet Channel Bridge, was constructed from 1909 to 1912, is narrow and yes, very scary. From what I have heard, it took concentration, a lot of nerve and a good grip on the steering wheel when headed to Key West back in the day. Eekkkkk!
Some even said at times you may find yourself actually driving less than an inch above the water along the bridge. I am here to tell you that it would be a no for me hunty.
Cruising on the Seven Mile Bridge
@sassyautochick Seven Mile Bridge #LetsGoPlaces #Toyota #sevenmilebridge #7milebridge #thefloridakeys #theKeys #keywestflorida #drivingtok #shedrives #roadtrip #girlstrip #camry #toyotacamry ♬ Daydream – Carly Pearl
However, no need to worry, because the modern bridge was finished in 1982. It’s high above the water, extremely well built, solid, very sturdy and the views are stunning. It was actually very cool and fun cruising over the bridge in the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, which is gorgeous, drives extremely smooth and is great on gas. The Camry is such an awesome vehicle for a girl’s road trip.
It’s funny! The new bridge was finished in 1982, yet stories about the old bridge are still scaring people and keeping them away from the beautiful Florida Keys. #Thingsthatmakeyougohmmm #doyourresearch
Note: It took about ten-minutes or so to drive from one end of the Seven Mile Bridge to the other end. However, I would suggest stopping along the way to check out the views. Additionally, the old bridge is still open but only for pedestrians and cyclists.
2. Private Sunset Cruise
We arrived at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort on day one of our adventure. A few hours later, we left the beautiful waterfront resort and headed over to the Fury Charters booth for our private sunset cruise, which was only about a 4-to-5-minute walk.
Yall the resort and the cruise were both spectacular. The Marker is located only steps away from all things fun and the views from the boat were simply breathtaking. If you are looking to relax, decompress or just want to have a good time this resort and private sunset cruise in Key West are a wonderful combination.
Click below to check out the Sunset view…
@sassyautochick Sunsets at Key West. #keywestflorida #ToyotaCoastingTheKeys #LetsGoPlaces #Toyota #sassyautochick #sponsored #boatrides keywest #sunsetlover #sunset ♬ sonido original – Tu mejor rola
The Marker:
Location Information:
- Address: 200 William St, Key West, FL 33040
- Phone: 305.501.5193
Fury Charters:
Location Information:
3. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
When you visit the Keys with a history buff you cannot leave without exploring the National Historic Landmark of Ernest Hemingway. The illustrious home/museum is unique, charming and wonderful.
It is simply amazing. I definitely left feeling inspired.
Additionally, there is also a huge pool, 40-50 cats, all descendants of Hemingway’s cat, Snow White, lush gardens, a gorgeous work area, bookstore and so much more.
Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there is a cat cemetery right on the property.
More on the Ernest Hemingway House below…
The Ernest Hemingway House was the residence of American writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. The house is situated on the island of Key West in Florida. It was built in 1851 in the Spanish Colonial style and was constructed of native rock hewn from the grounds. The home was in great disrepair when the Hemingway’s took ownership, but both Ernest and Pauline could see beyond the rubble and ruin and appreciated the grand architecture and stateliness of the home. The massive restoration and remodeling they undertook in the early 1930s turned the home into the National Historical Landmark that thousands of tourists visit and enjoy today.
Tours:
- Tour rates include a 20–30-minute guided tour.
- Museum is open daily, 365 days a year.
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tickets are only available at our main gate.
- No Reservations are required.
- General Admission:
- Adults: $18.00
- Children (6 – 12): $6.00
- Children (5 and under): Free-Cash Only
Location Information:
- Address: 907 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
- Phone: 305.294.1136
4. Isla Bella Beach Resort
We arrived at Isla Bella Beach Resort on day two, and instantly felt spoiled. This stunning ocean view resort is the crown jewel of the Florida Keys and all things luxurious. It is a great getaway for the solo traveler, a girls’ trip, couples’ and families.
It definitely sets a new standard for modern luxury resorts.
Isla Bella at-a-glance:
- One mile of waterfront.
- Sandy beach.
- 5 oceanfront pools including a 4,500 square foot pool.
- Multiple dining options including a world-class Polynesian-inspired restaurant featuring the perfect blend of cuisine of the Pacific Rim with classic Keys seafood, beach bar, poolside food and beverage service, The Marketplace café, and grab and go.
- Marina with water sports including fishing charters, jet ski tours, harbor cruises, and kayak, snorkeling and scuba diving trips.
- 4,000 square-foot spa with 5 treatment rooms, a relaxation room with steam, and a selection of services.
- 4,000 square foot conference center for groups and events from 25 to 300.
- 1,000 Square foot state-of-the-art fitness center.
Location Information:
- Address: 1 Knights Key Boulevard, MM 47 Marathon, FL 33050
- Phone: 305.481.9451
5. Pierre’s Restaurant
For our farewell dinner we headed over to Pierre’s Restaurant for some delicious cuisine. This restaurant is fabulous. The two-story building resembles the old colonial style residences found in West Africa.
I loved everything about it, from the atmosphere and great service to the pretty drinks, to the incredibly delicious food to the insanely stunning sunset.
Watching the sunset…
@sassyautochick Watching the sunset. #LetsGoPlaces #Toyota #islamorada #roadtrip #camry #keywestflorida #thekeys #keywest #roadtrip #travel #girstrip #sunsets #sunset ♬ Sunsets (feat. Olivia Lunny)
Location Information:
- Address: 81600 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
- Phone: 305.664.0604
It was so great coasting The Keys with Toyota. I am excited that I was able to cross off two of my bucket list items, which were parasailing and driving on the Seven Mile Bridge. Both were pretty spectacular.
When visiting Florida Keys, I highly recommend checking out all of the places listed above! Taking the time to explore and create memories with old and new friends is always good for the soul.
Thanks, Toyota, for another fun and very memorable adventure!
Have A Happy Healthy and Remember to Always…Stay Sassy!
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