Doing an adults only Florida Keys trip was more fun than I expected. Or it was more relaxing than I expected. I absolutely love getting to enjoy the Florida Keys with kids, but the experience is just so very different when you’re on your own. You actually have a different set of hotels and resorts you can choose from, sometimes different activities than you might pick when you have kids with you, and then there’s an element of freedom that you may not be used to. A Florida Keys trip without kids is a fresh take on a favorite vacation.
Have you gotten to visit the Florida Keys without kids? I know that not everyone has the luxury of doing and adults only vacation if they have a family, but if the opportunity comes up, I would recommend taking it. Having gotten to do an adults only Florida Keys trips now, I figured it would be a good idea to share both my itinerary for it and some planning tips. If you have any questions about planning the Florida Keys without kids or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more!
Adults Only Florida Keys Resorts
I’m so used to traveling with kids that I don’t ever get the chance to stay at an adult’s only Resort. I don’t mind the sound of kids or their presence one bit, even when there are little kids or crying babies. I think that’s just being human and understanding that there are lots of different people in the world and we all have to live together. Having said that, checking into an adult’s only resort then having several days to chill, really feels like a different sort of vacation. Maybe it’s because there isn’t that atmosphere of families all around or because I don’t have to be responsible for my own kids during that time, but there’s a very different feeling when you are at an adults only resort. In the Florida Keys there are quite a few different options.
If you are doing a Florida Keys trip without kids and have the budget for it, spend a few of your nights in an adults only resort. I think you’ll be surprised how different the vibe is. And it’s not that it’s a party vibe, it’s that everyone is in relaxation mode and nobody is wearing their parent hat. True, there are a few party options in the Florida Keys, but in general it just means a more quiet resort experience. I’ve got four great options. Four resorts we’ve actually stayed at, and these are either adults only or have adults only sections.
Casa Morada in Islamorada
When we first arrived at the Casa Morada Resort in Islamorada, I actually didn’t know it was adults only. It wasn’t until we’d been relaxing at the resort for over an hour that I realized there were no children around. It’s not because it was noisy or anything, but I just didn’t even realize that it was adults only. I have to say, it was a pretty amazing place to have a few days with no pants.
Our room was perfect with a living area and a bedroom, we had our own private patio that let out into the sandy gardens. Walking past all of the benches and hammocks, and get down to the waterfront and there’s a quiet little Marina with a vintage boat and tons of fish. Crossing the footbridge over to the pool. You have a small bar and a couple of pavilions to relax in as well as a ladder down into the water for snorkeling. And of course there’s a pool and lounge chairs looking out at the ocean. The whole experience is about relaxation and it is just peaceful. If you’re doing, if the Florida Keys without kids, definitely consider spending two or three nights at the Casa Morada Resort.
Book the Casa Morada Resort here!
Grassy Flats Resort in Marathon
Continuing South, the Grassy Flats Resort Marathon is another beautiful spot. While this one isn’t fully adults only, it has an adult’s, only section and an amazing rooftop bar looking out across the Atlantic. Each room has a fantastic balcony. That’s much larger than a regular hotel balcony and is very private. The fixtures are nice and the beds are comfortable, and then when you head down to the adults only pool and you get to really enjoy the quiet vibe. There is a pool open to all guests that isn’t too far away, but because this isn’t a resort geared towards families, there are very few kids around. Most afternoons. I didn’t even see any. Once you’re having a trip through the Florida Keys without kids and you realize how relaxed you and the other adults you meet in the kid-free spaces are, it really is a different experience.
I mentioned the rooftop area at Grassy Flats Resort, which is really nice. They have a full bar and a fantastic appetizer menu that is perfect for enjoying an adult’s only evening.
Book the Grassy Flats Resort here!
Havana Cabana Key West
Our whole family loves being in Key West together. It’s such a fun town but getting to visit without kids is extremely different. The Havana Cabana Key West is located on Roosevelt boulevard. Before you get into the main town area. It only recently converted to being adults only and this is one of those party hotels. It’s not a party 24/7, but in the afternoons when the DJ cranks it up around the pool and the lights are flashing with fog machines, it definitely feels like a nightclub.
The Havana Cabana Resort is not fancy, but it’s nice and it’s well maintained. It is extremely colorful with lots of murals and really does feel like the vibe of what I imagine Havana, Cuba feels like. I’ve spent lots of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and this feels a lot like that.
A key element to the Havana Cabana Resort that adds to the adults only flare is the shuttle service. Starting around 9:00 a.m. And going until 10:00 p.m., there’s a free shuttle that goes between the resort and the entertainment areas of Key West. It makes it so that if you are having an adult’s only Florida Keys trip and you want to have several cocktails, you don’t need to worry about driving.
Book the Havana Cabana Key West here!
The Marker Key West Resort
Our stay at the Marker Key West Resort was dreamy. I had no idea there could be such a beautiful and comfortable place right in the middle of all of the action at the seaport. While the Marker Resort isn’t officially adults only it has a large, wonderful adults only area with a beautiful swimming pool and quiet places to relax in the shade. You’re greeted with champagne and then as you make your way through the quiet halls to your room, it is very peaceful, like right outside the doors isn’t actually all of bustling Key West.
I love the balconies and adults only pool for feeling like it’s a retreat away. I will say though, if you go to the main pool area, you may encounter some families, which is totally fine and can be a nice reminder of how much you do enjoy traveling with kids. I’m not even meaning that sarcastically, but when you’ve been traveling for so long and then you have a big break from kid-centered life it can feel weird after a few days. If you’ve been doing the Florida Keys without kids for a week, you’ll be glad to be with the family again.
Back to the Marker Resort though. Its location is great for a variety of activities. Located at the Historic Seaport, you have all kinds of tours that leave from just steps away from the Marker (more on that below) and then lots of dining and drink options right there too. When it comes to planning an adults-only Key West or Florida Keys trip, you can’t beat the location and vibe of the Marker.
Book the Marker Key West here!
More Adults Only Resorts in the Florida Keys
There are lots more options for adults-only resorts in the Florida Keys, and then if you just consider the resorts and hotels that have adults only areas but may welcome families to part of the property, then there are even more. We’ve put together a short list of more adults only Florida Keys resort options below:
- H2O Suites – Key West (25 years and older)
- The Gardens Hotel – Key West
- The Mansion on the Sea – Key West
- The Orchid Key Inn – Key West
- Little Palm Island Resort – Little Torch Key (Lower Keys)
- Island Bay Resort – Key Largo
- Bungalows Key Largo
- Kona Kai Resort – Key Largo
Things to do Without Kids in the Florida Keys
Nearly any activity can be made family-friendly, but when you’re doing an adults-only trip through the Florida Keys, you have the flexibility to plan a bit more if you want. I personally love being in bed by 9:00 pm (we don’t judge, remember?) but having the flexibility of not having a schedule or bedtime with kids around is fun. The Florida Keys without kids isn’t just about staying out late, but it’s about doing activities that you might not normally do with kids. I’ve got some suggestions…
Private Charter a Sandbar Day
This is also one of my top suggestions for planning the Florida Keys on a budget, but having a private charter sandbar day trip is a great adults-only activity. We’ve gone out with both Lazy Dog Adventures and Island to Island Charters, and both have been wonderful experiences. I love getting out on the water in any situation, but having a day to dink around and visit the sandbars of Key West and just enjoy the relaxed side of the Keys is a top pick.
Note: the surface price tag of doing a charter seems high, but then when you break down the price per person it’s actually much more affordable than you might expect.
If you do the private Sandbar and Paddle charter with Lazy Dog, you get to enjoy swimming, snorkeling the mangroves if you want, and even paddling, with both kayaks and SUPs available. This could be a kid-friendly activity too, but it really is a wonderful adults only day trip to enjoy.
Book a Lazy Dog Adventures charter here!
Do a Sunset Live Music Sail
I’m all about sunset sailing and love it, whether we’re in Key West or Kailua-Kona. If you’re doing the Florida Keys without kids, planning a night out on the water with a live band and open bar is a fun addition, especially if it’s the Commotion on the Ocean sailing in Key West. Fury Watersports does a great sunset sailing trip out of the Historic Seaport with a live band doing covers of everyone’s favorite songs from the 70s to the 90s. There’s a serve-yourself dinner and apps and then beer, wine and margaritas are included.
We’ve also gone out on a sunset sail on the BluQ with Honest Eco Tours, and while they don’t do live music on their catamaran, it’s a fun trip too. Like I said, you can’t go wrong having a sunset sail when you’re doing an adults-only Florida Keys trip.
Book the Sunset Commotion on the Ocean sailing here!
Enjoy a Late Night Ghost Tour
When I’m traveling without our kids I do tend to stay out just a bit later since I don’t have to worry about tired kids the next morning, so adding a ghost tour is a great activity if you’re doing an adults only Florida Keys trip. You can get some history, get a little creeped out, and you can enjoy seeing Key West at night. There are few options for Key West ghost tours, but I like the Ghosts and Gravestones tour because you don’t have to walk and there are stops where you get out to see different spots.
The Ghosts and Gravestones tour in Key west covers a lot of ground and gives a good explanation of both the historic side of the city and the really weird and creepy side. I think it’s fun to do without kids and is a great way to add a layer of interest to your time in Key West. If you want to be on foot, consider a haunted pub crawl instead…
Book Ghosts and Gravestones here!
Rent a Boat to Cruise Around
I know that boating isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I love it and I love getting to drive a boat. There are a few options when you’re doing the Florida Keys road trip for where you can rent boats, but I think doing Florida Keys Boat Rentals out of Robbie’s of Islamorada is a good option. This is a great adults-only activity, but could be fun with kids too. I recommend adding a boat rental to your trip if you have boating experience and want to explore on your own.
When you’re renting a boat in the Florida Keys, you don’t need to have your captain’s license, but you do need to either have a Boaters Safety Education Card or be born before 1988. I have a license and have done updated safety courses so I am confident driving a boat in the Florida Keys, but if that’s not you then go for the charter or tour option.
Have a Spa Day in the Florida Keys
Something unique about visiting the Florida Keys without kids is that you can take time for yourself to be alone and relax, which may include a spa visit. I rarely get to enjoy any sort of spa experience either at home or when I’m traveling, but on our recent adults-only Florida Keys trip I was able to squirrel away a day at the Ocean Spa at the Faro Blanco Resort. While it’s always nice to be able to schedule a massage or something, it’s also nice to just be able to have a quiet day enjoying the relaxing atmosphere.
There are a few spas in the Florida Keys that allow a day pass to enjoy the different spa amenities without set treatments, and the Ocean Spa is one of them. Taking an afternoon away from my traveling buddies to enjoy the steam sauna, relaxation suite and quiet patio while reading and just vegging out was amazing. If you can add a spa day to your Florida Keys trip, do it!
PRIDE Celebrations in Key West
I think getting to share Pride events with kids can be fun and so celebratory, but if you want to enjoy more of the party side of Pride in Key West it’s a great idea to plan an adults only trip to the Florida Keys during June (Pride Month). In addition to the obvious parties and drag shows that happen on Duval Street during Pride, there are lots of other events. The parade with the largest Pride Flag I’ve ever seen, special LGBTQ+ tours and sailings, art events and more are all a part of celebrating Pride in Key West. And you can’t forget the street fair element for supporting local LGBTQ+ owned and allied businesses. It’s all wonderful to experience and is so very welcoming!
6 Cocktail Spots and Breweries in the Florida Keys
Traveling through the Florida Keys without kids is so different because you really can go at your own pace and stop wherever you want. Sometimes this means that you’re visiting all the museums you know your family wouldn’t be into and sometimes it means that you’re enjoying cocktail bars and having great conversations looking out at the water. Going with the latter, I’ve picked some of my favorite cocktail spots in the Florida Keys starting at Key Largo and working down to Key West. And I saved the best for LAST! (see below)
I know that not everyone drinks alcohol and that’s absolutely awesome. Each of the cocktail picks below also serves non-alcoholic drinks, mocktails and some sort of food.
Skippers Dockside on Key Largo
I always enjoy Skippers Dockside on Key Largo, both for food and for drinks. I love the location just off a canal and there is plenty of outdoor covered seating. There’s usually mellow live music (it’s not annoying) and even on busy days we get sat pretty quickly. I love their blackberry jalapeno margarita (I hope it doesn’t go away) and they’ve consistently been the home of my favorite Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys for years. If you don’t want to get a beverage because you’re driving through Key Largo, you should still stop for the Key Lime Pie.
Islamorada Brewery and Distillery
Located across the street from my favorite adults-only resort in the Florida Keys, the Casa Morada, Islamorada Brewery and Distillery is a combination of a tasting room, cocktail bar and patio with yard games and a food truck. You can stop in and do a tasting of either the different spirits in the distillery (I like the hibiscus gin and passionfruit vodka) or the beers at the other bar. Order a handcrafted cocktail or one of their on-tap drinks and head out to the gardens and patio. It’s a great place to hang out, and there’s even a food truck if you need some snacks.
Marker 88 Cocktails
I think Marker 88 has one of the best views in the Florida Keys. The tiki style bar has a long counter facing out to the water with plenty of seating there or at the bar. You can come here for just a beverage or you can have a nice meal in the open air restaurant. I like Marker 88 for an adults-only stop because it is nicer and the restaurant area has a more mature vibe, but kids are welcome in the non-bar seating.
Lighthouse Kitchen and Bar
We had a wonderful stay at the Faro Blanco Resort and each afternoon we were sure to visit the Lighthouse Kitchen and Bar for their happy hour. The restaurant itself is wonderful (my favorite nice dinner in Marathon) but the bar is great if you’re visiting without kids. Hanging out chatting and watching the boats come in and out of the marina, all while enjoying delicious snacks and drinks, I love spending some time here relaxing between activities.
Bagatelle for Feeling Swanky
It’s easy to be swept into the Jimmy Buffet style spots of Key West, or the well known watering holes, but there are a few gems that are easy to walk by, and the bar at Bagatelle is one of these. Feeling like a 1930s speakeasy bar but not actually hidden, just dark and moody in the middle of the restaurant, Bagatelle has some wonderful dishes and cocktails. The carpaccio with a dirty martini… that’s the prime adults-only nightcap that finishes a night in Key West perfectly.
Hemingway Social Club Key West
This is my FAVORITE spot to visit in Key West without kids. The Hemingway Social Club is attached to the Hemingway Distillery (Papa’s Pilar Rum) and it’s THE vibe I want every bar or lounge to be in any city everywhere. It’s a step back in time to the 1930s, with the leather chairs, jazzy musicians and classic cocktails. Add to that a bronze statue of Ernest Hemingway at the bar and it’s perfection in a cocktail bar. Truly, they did an awesome job creating the atmosphere and setting the mood with the Hemingway Social Club.
I love getting to write about fun stuff and good travel ideas because it’s the reason I started 2TravelDads.com so many years ago. Doing an adults-only Florida Keys trip is a blast, and while I really do love visiting with my whole family, it’s a great experience and provides a level of relaxation I had forgotten exists in travel.
If you have any questions about planning your own trip to the Florida Keys with or without kids, please leave a comment or send us a note. We love spending time in the Keys and are always happy to help others enjoy their adventures too! And don’t forget to check out our site dedicated to this amazing destination: TheKeysExplored.com!
