A Key West Escape for Every Kind of Honeymooner

Planning a honeymoon in Key West? You're in luck. Whether you're into nature, history, fabulous food or simply relaxing on a sandbar, Key West is the perfect honeymoon destination for every kind of couple. Read on for the best things to do and places to stay in the Conch Republic.

For nature lovers

From left: Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, The Gardens Hotel

Naturally beautiful, Key West has tons to offer to those who love wildlife, the outdoors and the rhythms of nature.

What to do:

• At the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, visitors can walk through a wonderland where hundreds of butterflies flutter freely in a climate-controlled habitat. (Talk about romantic!) There are around 60 different species of live butterflies from around the world, as well as exotic birds, cascading waterfalls and blooming plants.

• For brick paths through an acre of gardens teeming with orchids, bromeliads and a variety of tree and plant species, visit the historic Audubon House & Tropical Gardens. Legend has it that famed naturalist John James Audubon visited the home in 1832 and used the gardens in his drawings of local birds.

• If being on the water is more your speed, book the Bugeye Backcountry Eco-Tour aboard the Appledore Star schooner for a day of sailing, kayaking and snorkeling. As you explore the mangroves, you'll have plenty of opportunities for marine life sightings, from dolphins to sea turtles and manta rays.

Where to stay:

• When it comes time to snuggle up together after a day out in nature, The Gardens Hotel will keep the vibes going—there are 22 elegant European-style rooms, suites and cottages sprinkled amongst grounds with botanical gardens, magical alcoves and charming pathways.

For history buffs and cultural connoisseurs

From left: Key West Historic Inns, Lighthouse Hotel; Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Sloppy Joe's Bar

For those who aren't afraid to dust off a book or two, spend a day strolling the streets of Key West's Old Town. Start at Duval or Whitehead Street, and you'll never run out of things to see!

What to do:

• For a historic highlight, check out the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the eponymous writer resided in the 1930s, open daily for walk-in tours (and now home to a colony of famously six-toed cats). There's a lot to see inside and out, so take your time wandering this Key West landmark.

• The Harry S. Truman Little White House served as the winter home for President Truman between 1946 and 1952. Akin to Camp David, the Little White House has been a tropical respite for many other presidents, including John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton. Book the VIP White Glove Tour to be treated to first-class amenities, behind-the-scenes access and even a ride in the 33rd president's 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Limousine.

• When hunger strikes, a stop at the infamous Sloppy Joe's Bar will reward visitors with tales of a colorful history, and of course a sloppy joe or two. Dating all the way back to 1933, the bar conveniently opened on the very day Prohibition ended. Pro tip: Tour the various artifacts around the bar for a real taste of the island's storied past.

Where to stay:

• When night falls, the romance continues with a stay at one of the Key West Historic Inns, a collection of five different inns nestled in the heart of Old Town. The grounds are actually home to Key West's first motel and some of its oldest homes, and today the interiors reflect Queen Anne, Carpenter Victorian and classic Conch styles for a truly unique and immersive experience.

For adventure-seekers

From left: Dry Tortugas National Park/Getty, Sunset Watersports, Parrot Key Hotel & Villas

If a day packed with action, adventure and new experiences gets your blood pumping, you're in the right place.

What to do:

• Plan a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. (You can camp overnight, but that requires a bit of planning and equipment.) A national park like no other, Dry Tortugas is 99 percent underwater—and that's a big part of its appeal. Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, it's only accessible by boat or seaplane, but the journey to get there rewards intrepid visitors with stunning blue waters, a pristine environment and a rich 200-year history. Take advantage of all Dry Tortugas has to offer when you spend the day diving, swimming, snorkeling, wildlife-spotting and touring historic Fort Jefferson, the only real infrastructure in the 100-square-mile park.

• For those wanting to stick a bit closer to town, Sunset Watersports is a great option—they offer everything from sandbar trips to parasailing, snorkeling and sunset tours. They even have a six-hour Do It All package that includes Jet Skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, a waterpark trip and the option to parasail.

Where to stay:

• If you stay at Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, the fun doesn't have to end when you return to your hotel. In fact, this five-acre property boasts four pools, plus on-site water sports. Accommodations range from rooms to suites and villas, and the hotel offers regular shuttle service to Smathers Beach and Duval Street. Convenience is key here.

For foodies (and drinkers and dessert fiends)

From left: Hemingway Distillery, Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shop, Opal Key Resort & Marina

Culinary delights abound in Key West, with a variety of fresh flavors and local specialties around every corner.

What to do:

• A must-try? Chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick from Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shop. This only-in-Key West treat is one you'll remember as the signature flavor of your honeymoon, no doubt.

• Add an educational component to your sensory pleasures, and take a distillery tour or cocktail class at Hemingway Distillery. Bottle your own rum directly from a barrel and bring home a one-of-a-kind honeymoon souvenir. Don't forget to sample Papa's Pilar Rum, made on site, and crafted with the writer's notorious spirit of adventure in mind.

• Cuban Coffee Queen is another must-visit; there are four locations around the island and the food is as flavorful as the coffee is famously strong. Trying authentic Cuban food in Key West is an essential—and tasty—way to experience the local culture (and flavors!).

Where to stay:

• A stay at Opal Key Resort & Marina will put you in the heart of the (dining) action. Located just steps from the famed Mallory Square and its nightly sunset celebrations, the resort now offers guests a newly revamped lobby, upgraded pool scene and three exciting new dining and cocktail experiences—each designed to immerse visitors in the colorful spirit of the island. It's also walking distance to many incredible eateries. There's even a 37-slip marina on the property should you choose to arrive by boat (or befriend a local during your stay).

For wellness lover and spa goers

From left: Date & Thyme, Jala Spa, Pier House Resort & Spa

There's no better time than your honeymoon to treat yourself, and for couples who love a bit of pampering, Key West has many tempting options.

What to do:

• One of the best hideaways in Key West is Jala Spa at Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa, where patrons are treated to the traditional use of healing waters. Every spa experience begins with a toast of sparkling wine, followed by a variety of treatments, from massages to facials, body treatments and more. An 80-minute couples' massage is a no-brainer for honeymooners looking to unwind after a day of fun in the sun.

• For a bit of action between spa appointments, the Lazy Dog kayak tour is worth changing out of your robe for. These backcountry eco-tours will have you paddling through the quietest, most serene parts of Key West and getting a bit of Vitamin D in the process.

• Craving some healthy eats? Located in what was once a gas station, Date & Thyme is now an organic café and market, where patrons can find everything from supplements to superfoods and even sit down for veggie-heavy dishes, smoothie bowls and juices.

Where to stay:

• Couples looking for a true Key West haven should consider a stay at Pier House Resort & Spa. With an on-site spa and a private beach, this is the perfect spot for honeymooners to get some much-needed R&R after all those months of planning. Make sure you take advantage of the oceanfront outdoor dining and the many waterfront balconies.

For beach bums ready for a break

From left: Sunset Key Cottages, Southernmost Point/Getty, Mallory Square

What's on the list of things to do for sun worshipers who just checked off a picture-perfect wedding? Nothing. And that's the point.

What to do:

• For a change of scenery, the half-mile Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West—but don't worry, it still has that laid-back feel. Pack a lunch and plan a day to soak up the sun, playing volleyball or renting Jet Skis.

• Snap a selfie at the Southernmost Point buoy landmark—no one will believe you really went to Key West without this iconic shot. The concrete buoy marks the lowest latitude in the continental United States, a mere 90 miles to Cuba.

• Whether you're on the way to dinner or planning for an early bird special, make sure you catch a sunset and sideshows at Mallory Square. Fun fact: The tradition of Sunset Celebrations famously dates back to the 19th century, where even Key West resident Mark Twain took part. There are also various galleries, sweet shops and boutiques to stop in along the way.

Where to stay:

• Sunset Key Cottages is the perfect place to stay for a couple looking to truly unplug. Situated on an exclusive 27-acre island off of Key West, and only accessible by ferry, this private island has a white sand beach of its own. And though it's minutes from the mainland, it has all the amenities you'll ever need, including an award-winning restaurant, luxury spa and just 40 intimate guest cottages.

Ready to start planning? Find even more things to do and places to stay for your Key West honeymoon at Fla-Keys.com.