Planning a babymoon is a really special way to celebrate your growing family. The Florida Keys are one of the best places for a great babymoon.
No matter which island you choose for a Florida Keys babymoon (or maybe you’re choosing all of them on a Florida Keys Road Trip!), you’ll have a great time.
But today we are focused on the one and only Key West!
Key West is a small, vibrant island. There are plenty of activities and yet there are tons of options for R&R. A Key West babymoon is perfect for the couple who wants more options for fun things to do, good restaurants, but can still take time for relaxing.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate babymoon in Key West—tips and tricks, where to stay, when to visit, and to what to do:
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Why Key West is the Perfect Babymoon Destination
Key West is kind of hard to describe unless you’ve been there for yourself because there’s no place quite like it. But it has the beauty of the Caribbean and a lively yet laid-back vibe, yet you have the convenience of not needing a passport (if you’re coming from the states).
There are plenty of places to relax – get a prenatal massage, take a romantic boat ride, visit one of Key West’s beaches, or relax by your resort’s pool. Key West is also walkable for when you do want to do something.
There are good restaurants – this is not a spot with touristy restaurants that seem to be all the same.
The weather is warm year-round (though may be too hot in the summer for some people).
Where to Stay for a Babymoon in Key West
I truly think that where you stay for your babymoon is half of the fun. You’ll probably spend more time enjoying the pool and other resort amenities on your babymoon than you might on other trips.
For our babymoon, we opted for the Casa Marina. It’s luxurious, has its own private beach, and has two pools (one that’s family-friendly and one that’s adults only). It’s a destination in itself.
Read my full review of the Casa Marina if you want to get really in-depth about what to expect.
But the Casa Marina is definitely not the only option. When looking for a good resort while pregnant, I want it to be relaxing, quiet, and in walking distance to dinner or things to do.
Here are my overall top picks for a babymoon in Key West:
- Casa Marina is my first choice, like I mentioned above. It’s a destination in itself – romantic, on site waterfront dining, two pools (including adults only), and a private beach. It’s located near the Southernmost Point and just a few blocks from Duval Street.
- Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton – This is a sister property to Casa Marina, so you can use Casa Marina’s amenities if you stay here (and it’s located right next door). It is a bit more affordable and still has a private beach, on-site dining, a nice pool, and oceanfront hammocks.
- Ocean Key Resort & Spa – Location wise, this would be my #1 choice. It’s located right on Mallory Square so all of the action of the sunset celebration is at your doorstep every night. There is also an on site spa, the pool overlooks the water, and it’s literally on Duval Street while being tucked away enough to still be peaceful. It’s literally the perfect location!
Best Things to Do on a Babymoon in Key West
There is nothing wrong with taking time on your babymoon to enjoy the pool. But if you’re looking for more to do, Key West has plenty.
Here are some good activities for your trip:
Head to the Beach
When it comes to Key West beaches, the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach is my favorite. The water color is unreal and it’s usually very calm. The park also has an old fort that you can tour/walk around.
Do note that despite being an island, Key West really isn’t known as a beach destination. It’s common for there to be seagrass wash up and the beaches can be “rocky” from the coral. I still find the beaches to be enjoyable. It’s not a problem for me, but don’t expect long stretches of white sand beaches.
Take a Sunset Cruise
Sunset cruises are a romantic way of ending the day. There are plenty of sunset cruise options in Key West. For example, the schooner sunset sail takes out smaller groups while this catamaran sunset cruise is a bit more lively (and more affordable).
Eat Good Food
A Key West vacation isn’t complete without good food. And luckily, there is a lot of good food!
So much that I have entire guides for:
It’s hard to narrow it down and my favorites change by the day. But if I had to choose, here are my favorite places for each meal:
- A cafe con leche for coffee (I did drink caffeine in my pregnancies, but discuss this with your doctor as I am not one) from Cuban Coffee Queen
- The pancake charcuterie board from Breakfast Club, Too or a crepe from Banana Cafe
- Fresh seafood tacos from BO’s Fish Wagon or Cuban food at El Siboney
- Lobster pizza from Seaside Cafe at the Mansion (laid back but still romantic and on the water) or Caribbean-American cuisine from Louie’s (more upscale and also on the water). Both are good for a romantic dinner but Seaside Cafe is much more laid back.
Also go on your own little search for the best key lime pie. Everyone’s preferences are different but Blue Heaven is a local favorite with tons of meringue on top.
Pictured: El Siboney, Banana Cafe, and Seaside Cafe at the Mansion
Find Live Music
One of my favorite things about Key West is that you can always find live entertainment/live music playing somewhere – you absolutely do not have to be at a bar or drinking to enjoy it! I recommend naturally wandering around and just going where your ears take you/where the music sounds good. It’s all over!
Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
All of the resorts I recommended above have spas on site, so if you’re staying there you don’t have to go far for some pampering.
Otherwise, the Amri Day Spa is a great choice.
Explore!
My absolute favorite thing to do in Key West is just to explore. The best ways to do this (in my opinion) are by walking, biking, or renting a golf cart.
But another cool way is by taking the conch train. It’s hop on-hop off, so you can get off at any of their stops and get back on again. It’s a great way of getting around the island while also learning more about the history of Key West.
In full disclosure, when I was pregnant, it was hard for me to walk as much as I wanted to in the heat (the heat in Key West is no joke).
But the streets of Key West are so unique and I just like to wander them with no plan (you’re on island time, after all!) Old town Key West is my favorite area. I love looking at all the different conch houses – no two are the same.
Check Out a Museum
There is a lot of history in Key West, so there are plenty of museums to visit.
Here is an overview of some of my favorites:
- Hemingway House – This is one of the most popular things to do in Key West. This iconic house was once the residence of famed author Ernest Hemingway. You can explore the Spanish Colonial-style home (I’m obsessed with the house), see Hemingway’s personal belongings, and meet the descendants of his famous six-toed cats that still roam the property (many of them have at least one paw with 6 toes!) The museum offers a glimpse into the writer’s life in Key West during the 1930s.
- Mel Fisher Museum – I personally think this museum is underrated. It showcases artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. There were a lot of shipwrecks off the coast of Key West back in the day because of its shallow waters. The highlight is the treasure from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, discovered by legendary treasure hunter Mel Fisher, who the museum is named after. Exhibits include gold, silver, and everyday items that tell the story of life and loss at sea.
- Shipwreck Museum – This museum takes you back to the 19th-century wrecking era. Actors in period costume share stories of shipwrecks and the wreckers who salvaged them, while exhibits display artifacts recovered from the sea. But my favorite part is the 65-foot observation tower. It’s the best view of Key West, in my opinion (but note that it’s closed in inclement weather).
- Key West Lighthouse – Built in 1848, the lighthouse guided mariners through the shallow, reef-filled waters around Key West. You can climb the 88 steps to the top for sweeping views of the island and surrounding ocean. The adjacent Keeper’s Quarters has been restored to show what life was like for lighthouse keepers and their families in the 19th and early 20th centuries. And fun fact, it’s said to be one of Key West’s haunted places!
- Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory – *do note that this will not be a break from the heat – it is warm in there for all of the butterflies who prefer it that way* But if the heat isn’t bothering you, this is a great place to visit. It is literally euphoric with hundreds of butterflies from around the world flying around. There are also lush plants, waterfalls, exotic birds, and two flamingos.
An added bonus of museums is that they are in the air conditioning!
I’ve also put together a weekend itinerary for Key West if you want help putting it all together. Just know that this is more of a general itinerary, so it might be a tad busier than you want to be for a weekend.
Pregnancy-Safe Tips for Visiting Key West
The heat in Key West is no joke. It is very, very hot, usually from May-ish through October-ish.
- Hydrate constantly—bring a reusable water bottle and refill often. It gets hot here!
- Wear comfy shoes—Key West is very walkable, but cobblestone and heat can make things tricky.
- Book early—Key West isn’t really a budget destination. However, you can still find ways to save money in Key West and booking early is one of them.
What to Pack for a Babymoon in Key West
First and foremost, I say pack what you’re comfortable in. No matter what you are wearing, you won’t be judged in Key West.
Comfort is key when you’re pregnant and Key West is great because it’s super laid back (you’ll find people wearing swimsuits at restaurants) but you can also dress up if you want to and you’ll fit in.
With that being said, here is a quick overview:
- Flowy maternity dresses
- Comfortable sandals or walking shoes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Swimsuits (bring a few – you’ll live in them!)
- This belly band was such a big help when I was doing a lot of standing or walking!
Best Time to Go
Pregnancy-wise, you’ll want to do what you and your doctor are comfortable with, but I found travel in the second trimester to be the best. In the first trimester, I have the tendency to be sick. In the third trimester, I tend to be somewhat uncomfortable. I also like to stick close to my doctor and hospital towards the end of pregnancy.
Key West-wise, the cooler months are typically more enjoyable (typically December through April, approximately). Hurricane season is June through November with the most active months typically being September-October. Summer is hot – great for boating, beaching, and laying by the pool but not super enjoyable for long walks.
Final Thoughts on a Key West Babymoon
I truly think that a babymoon in Key West is a great destination for some great quality time as your last trip before your new baby arrives! It’s a tropical paradise great for relaxing or choosing from a wide range of activities if you want to be more active.
Key West truly is the perfect mix of island life, low-key adventure, and R&R.
