Florida has long been viewed as one of the best vacation destinations in the United States if not the world. The Sunshine State has it all — magnificent beaches, incredible nightlife, fabulous dining destinations and of course, those magnificent beaches and crystal clear warm waters. Key West is the best place for a weekend getaway.

For those interested in the unique flora and fauna of this special part of the U.S. a trip to the Everglades should definitely be on the cards. But there’s a way to take any trip to Florida to the next level and that is to spend any weekend in the state in the Florida Keys.

The Keys are a fantastic place to spend the weekend. Firstly there is so much seaside real estate to explore. There are over 1,700 Keys (at least at low tide). Of course, you won’t be visiting them all – you’ll probably stick to some of the tourist hotspots like Key West because that’s where the fun really is to be had.

There is simply so much to do in Key West that making the most of the weekend can provide a challenge – but here are some of the most popular activities and destinations that are sure to bring a smile to the face of any visitor to this sub-tropical string of islands during that much anticipated Key West weekend getaway.

Firstly take some time to explore some of the natural beauty that is available to the visitor on Key West. One of the best ways to get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful of Mother Nature’s creations is to visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. You’ll be transported to a tropical paradise complete with vibrant pink Flamingos and exposed to a myriad of brightly colored wings during a walk through the indoor garden.

This is the perfect destination for those with young children as they will be immediately captivated by the colors and varied types of butterflies on display.

For lovers of both history and literature, a trip to Hemingway House on Key West must be on the weekend agenda. The famous author purchased a spacious Spanish colonial home at 907 Whitehead Street in 1931 – and remained on Key West with it as his home for eight years. It was during this time that he was gifted a cat who he named ‘Snowball’ who happened to have six toes on her front paws. this trait can still be spotted in her descendants – around 30 of which still roam the estate and its magnificent gardens. Hemingway House now operates as a museum and offers a fascinating insight into the life of one of the world’s greatest wordsmiths.

Ernest Hemingway was an avid fisherman – to say that he loved the sea would be an understatement – and looking out over the pristine, clear waters that surround Key West it is no wonder that he spent so much time away from land.

While the perfect Key West weekend getaway explore just why a boat trip must be part of any itinerary. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities that take place on the saltwater. There are numerous companies that offer anything from snorkeling, sailing, cruising and kayaking, not to mention deep-sea fishing on some of the most rewarding water on the planet.

For the romantically inclined sunset cruises are an absolute must. Dolphin-watching tours are also incredibly popular. Most tour operators offer both half and full-day packages with refreshments.

For those who want to explore the flora of Key West, a trip to Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is an absolute necessity. Named after noted ornithologist, John James Audubon (who visited the Keys in 1832), the property was built by Captain Huling Geiger in the 1840s. 29 Drawing and works by the noted ornithologist can be found at Audubon House, along with a wide variety of period antiques and artwork. The property itself has been lovingly restored and the guides are a delight. The tropical gardens are an absolute wonder to explore.

If you are planning that perfect Key West weekend getaway plan ahead in order to make the most of your time spent in this magnificent and scenic part of the world – especially if you are planning to stay in Key West. A visit to Kayak will ensure that all your requirements are taken care of long before you have your first sip of that tropical cocktail or set foot on those powder white sands.