Key West 2026

Exotic wildlife, pristine white sandy beaches, eclectic towns known for inspiring artists and writers, sunset celebrations – it’s Key West, Florida! Come join us: paradise has never looked so good!

Monday, May 11th – We’ll leave bright and early this morning for there is so much to see and do on this trip. En route we will stop for lunch at Buc-ees (and for some people, that alone is a reason to sign up for this trip!) In the afternoon we will stop in Walterboro, South Carolina and visit the Artisans Center. It is considered the premier travel destination in the Lowcountry for handcrafted art. As “the Official South Carolina Folk Art and Craft Center,” the retail center features the artwork of more than 200 of South Carolina’s finest, juried artists. From there, we’re a short distance to our hotel near Savannah, Georgia. (D)

Tuesday, May 12th – Today we will make our way into Florida, stopping at The Kennedy Space Center for a self-guided tour. You can discover what is happening right now in the space program, explore the future of space travel, visit the US Astronaut Hall of Fame or the rock garden, touch a moon rock, see an IMAX movie or visit Space Shuttle Atlantis or the Apollo/Saturn V Center. It will be hard to narrow down your choices for there is just so much to choose from at the center! After this exciting adventure, we’ll continue on our way to Vero Beach, Florida for the night. (B, D)

Wednesday, May 13th – Rise and shine for this is going to be another great day in paradise. Our first stop is the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, the only museum dedicated solely to preserving the history and heritage of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, the birthplace of the Navy Frogman, you’ll be able to explore the history of Naval Special Warfare. After lunch we’ll travel along the Intracoastal Highway, with the Atlantic Ocean on our left and the Gulf on our right. This overseas highway is a 113-miles long and takes U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys to Key West. The remains of the railroad can still be seen as large parts of the highway were built on the Key West extension of the Florida East Coast Railway. This road that will take us to Key West where the highway literally ends and where we will spend two glorious nights. (B, D)

Thursday, May 14th – Today we will be immersed in all things Key West. We’ll start by riding the Conch Train where you’ll learn about this unique place and hear amusing tales of days gone by. It is a wonderful way to discover one of our country’s most unique and talked about cities. Then we’re off to tour the Hemmingway House and Museum. This tour will give you insight into this literary genius and Nobel prize winning author who had the most remarkable life. You’ll even be able to see some of the descendants of Snow White, his white six-toed cat given to him by a ship’s captain. Next, we’ll visit Truman’s Little White House. It’s a walk through history as you learn about where he lived, held meetings, worked and played. It is a wonderful tour! Our next stop is the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. In 1985, after 16 years of trying, a team of divers led by Fisher discovered one of the biggest prizes in treasure-hunting history: the wreck of the Spanish galleon which had sunk off the Keys over 300 years earlier. Almost a half a billion dollars’ worth of silver and gold bars, coins, jewels, and artifacts were recovered! The displays in the museum tell the story of both the ship and the salvage operation. Afterwards we will enjoy dinner at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and perhaps a slice of key lime pie. Then you’ll have time to browse Mallory Square where we’ll enjoy the famous sunset celebration. Yes, it’s the same sun. Yes, it sets like it does all over the world. But here, everyone comes out and celebrates. Started in the 1960’s, this celebration is a nod to the island charm. You’ll hear lively music, see street performers, enjoy the island food vendors and see lots of boats gliding through the water, waiting for that magic moment. It’s quite a unique experience and a great way to end the day. (B, D)

Friday, May 15th – This morning we will make our way back to the mainland, stopping en route in Key Largo to tour Island Dolphin Care, an amazing facility that provides life-changing solutions. (See optional tour below.) You’ll be able to observe how much of an impact dolphins can have as you watch these gentle and playful creatures being trained to interact with children and adults, as they provide therapy to them. It is quite heartwarming. Then we will cross over to the mainland and drive along Alligator Alley as we make our way to Fort Myers, Florida for the night. (B, D)

Saturday, May 16th – This morning we will tour the winter homes of two of America’s greatest innovators—Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. You’ll also be able to see their laboratories, research gardens, and museum that showcases their achievements. Afterwards we will continue on our way, stopping in Sarasota to visit The Ringling Circus Museum where we’ll dive into the history and art of the circus and learn how Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey grew to become one of the most well-recognized circuses in the world. From interactive exhibits to a model of the circus, it will be quite an interesting afternoon. After two great tours, we will make our way north, stopping in the Orlando area for the night. (B, D)

Sunday, May 17th – What an interesting day this will be as we travel to St. Augustine to learn about the history of America’s oldest successful European settlement. Founded 42 years before Jamestown and 55 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, history will surely come alive as we hear captivating tales and visit Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth. After this exciting journey through history, we will continue north, stopping in Beaufort, SC for the night. (B, D)

Monday, May 18th – What an exciting adventure this has been but today we will travel to the best place of all: home—perhaps looking and feeling a little younger. Time in paradise and drinking from the Fountain of Youth . . . who knows what could happen?! (B, L)

*Optional tour: Interact with the dolphins at Island Dolphin Care as you sit on a floating dock (no bathing suits needed) and work with a trainer to communicate with these amazing creatures. The session is about 10 minutes and is $75 per person or couple.

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