Springtime in the Florida Keys: Sunsets, Seafood & Spring Festivities! 🌴☀️

"The best things to do in the Keys this week, from hidden gems to can’t-miss events."

Author

Florida Keys Road Trip
March 06, 2025

Dear Road Trippers,

Spring in the Florida Keys is something special. The days are getting longer, the water is warming up, and the islands are buzzing with energy. This is the best time of year to explore—whether you’re after an off-the-beaten-path sunset spot, fresh seafood straight from the docks, or some of the best festivals and celebrations the Keys have to offer.

This week, we’re diving into all of that and more. If you’re here in the Keys (or planning your next visit), this is your guide to making the most of it.

So, grab a conch fritter, kick off your flip-flops, and let’s hit the road! 🚗🌴

🌅 Hidden Gem of the Week: The Best Secret Sunset Spot

Everyone knows about the world-famous Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, and while it’s an experience you should have at least once, sometimes you just want a peaceful, crowd-free view of the sun dipping into the Gulf.

This little-known dock offers the perfect setting for a quiet, romantic sunset or just a moment of tranquility. The boats in the marina rock gently with the waves, and the sky reflects beautifully in the still water.

Why You’ll Love It:
✔ No crowds – Just you, the water, and the sunset.
✔ Dockside bar – Grab a drink and settle in for the show.
✔ Great dolphin-watching spot – Keep your eyes on the water, you might get lucky!

👉 Pro Tip: Head there about 45 minutes before sunset, grab a drink, and watch the sky transform. This is also a fantastic place for photographers—so bring your camera!

🎣 The Must-Try Dish This Week: Fresh-Caught Yellowtail Snapper

One of the best things about the Florida Keys? Seafood doesn’t get any fresher than this.

Right now, yellowtail snapper is in peak season, which means local restaurants are serving it up at its absolute best—flaky, flavorful, and caught just hours before it hits your plate.

🦞 Where to Try It:

✅ The Stoned Crab (Key West) – Try the pan-seared yellowtail drizzled with a citrus butter sauce. A true Florida Keys classic!
✅ Keys Fisheries (Marathon) – Their fried yellowtail sandwich is a local favorite, served up with hush puppies and slaw.
✅ Hogfish Bar & Grill (Stock Island) – Their blackened yellowtail tacos with mango salsa are the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and spicy.

Want to catch your own? 🎣 Book a half-day fishing charter, then bring your catch to one of the many "cook your catch" restaurants in the Keys. Nothing beats eating a fish you reeled in yourself!

👉 Pro Tip: Pair your yellowtail with a Key Lime Colada. Thank me later.

🎭 Festival Season is Here: Events You Can’t Miss

Springtime in the Keys means festival season is in full swing! From seafood celebrations to quirky local traditions, there’s something happening almost every weekend.

📅 March 8-9, 2025 | 📍 Marathon Community Park

This iconic seafood festival has been around for over 40 years, and it’s a must-visit if you love fresh seafood, live music, and island vibes.

Highlights:
✔ Seafood straight from local waters – Stone crab, lobster, conch fritters, you name it!
✔ Live music – Local bands will be playing all weekend long.
✔ Fun for families – Kids’ activities, marine exhibits, and more.

👉 Pro Tip: Come hungry! The portions are huge, and you’ll want to try everything.

📅 March 15, 2025 | 📍 Key West (Starting at Southernmost Beach Café)

Key West may not be Ireland, but we definitely know how to celebrate St. Patty’s Day. This annual pub crawl takes you to some of the best bars in town, where green beer, live music, and Irish-inspired cocktails flow all night.

Why You’ll Love It:
✔ One of the best bar crawls in Florida – Hits all the most fun spots on Duval.
✔ Live Irish music & dancers – Irish spirit with a tropical twist.
✔ Exclusive drink specials – Get your green beer fix!

👉 Pro Tip: Wear green, or risk getting pinched! It’s tradition.

🍸 22nd Annual Habitat for Humanity Cocktail Party (Islamorada)

📅 March 14, 2025 | 📍 Cheeca Lodge & Spa, MM 81.8 Oceanside
🌐 Website: Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Why You Should Go:
Imagine an evening under the stars, sipping craft cocktails, enjoying gourmet bites, and playing carnival games—all for a great cause. This year’s theme, "Circus Spectacular," promises an unforgettable night at the lavish Cheeca Lodge & Spa.

What’s Included:
✔️ Unlimited beer and wine 🍷
✔️ Gourmet food stations 🍤
✔️ Carnival games & a silent auction 🎪
✔️ Supporting Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for local families 🏡

👉 Pro Tip: Tickets sell out fast! If you love luxury, philanthropy, and a great party, this is the event for you.

🎨 Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys (Lower Keys)

📅 March 14, 2025 | 📍 Artists in Paradise Gallery, 221 Key Deer Blvd, Big Pine Key
🌐 Website: Artists in Paradise Gallery

Why You Should Go:
If you love local art and live music, this pop-up event is a must-visit. The Florida Keys Council of the Arts presents a stunning mosaic of nearly 100 unique canvases, each created by a different Keys artist.

What You’ll Experience:
✔️ A breathtaking community art piece 🎨
✔️ Live performances by talented local musicians 🎶
✔️ A chance to support and meet Florida Keys artists 🖌️

👉 Pro Tip: Get there early to grab a drink and enjoy the live music before it gets crowded!

🏡 Old Island Restoration Foundation: March Home Tours (Key West)

📅 March 14-15, 2025 | 📍 Multiple Locations (Self-Guided Tour)
🌐 Website: Old Island Restoration Foundation

Why You Should Go:
Did you know Key West has the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the U.S.? These exclusive home tours offer a rare chance to step inside five of Key West’s most stunning historic homes—from charming cigar-makers' cottages to re-imagined Victorian mansions.

What You’ll See:
✔️ Beautifully restored homes with fascinating stories 🏡
✔️ Lush, tropical gardens hidden behind historic facades 🌿
✔️ A peek into shipbuilders' craftsmanship & unique island architecture

👉 Pro Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance. Your receipt will be your ticket, or you can pick up a physical ticket at the Oldest House Museum (322 Duval St.) the week before.

🚗 Road Trip Challenge: The Mile Marker Bucket List

The Overseas Highway isn’t just a road—it’s a journey through some of the most scenic spots in the world. If you’re making the drive, here are five must-stop locations to check off your list:

📍 Mile Marker 102 – The African Queen (Yes, the actual boat from the Humphrey Bogart movie!)
📍 Mile Marker 77.5 – Robbie’s Marina (Feed the giant tarpon and enjoy a cold drink.)
📍 Mile Marker 50 – Seven Mile Bridge (Take a moment to soak in the view—it's stunning!)
📍 Mile Marker 0 – The End of the Road (Snap the classic US-1 sign photo—you made it!)

👉 Pro Tip: Snap a photo at each stop and tag us—we’d love to feature your road trip!

👀 Stay Tuned for Next Week!

Next week’s edition will feature:
✅ The Best Springtime Drinks in the Keys 🍹
✅ Where to Find the Best Sandbars (and How to Get There) 🚤
✅ A Secret Beach You’ve Probably Never Heard Of 🏝️

Until then, enjoy the sunshine, take the scenic route, and never say no to Key Lime Pie.

🚗🌴 Cheers!
Brian


Florida Keys Road Trip Team

📅 Complete Florida Keys Event Calendar: fla-keys.com/calendar
🎣 Fishing Charters & "Cook Your Catch" Restaurants: floridakeys.com/fishing
🍽️ Best Seafood Spots in the Keys: tripadvisor.com/floridakeys-seafood