The El Patio is a 1950s art deco-style motel in Key West's Old Town, just two blocks from the beach. Visitors can walk to historic Duval Street and restaurants such as Louie's Backyard and Flagler's, both just blocks away. The El Patio features 29 rooms surrounding a tropical garden courtyard with a fountain at its center. In addition to such amenities as a freshwater pool, free wireless Internet and a rooftop deck, the motel also rents out bicycles to guests on both a 24-hour and weekly basis.
The Orchid Key Inn is a boutique motel located within walking distance of the historic Hemingway House, the lighthouse and beach. Nearby dining options include Bobalu's Southern Cafe and Ernest's Cafe. In addition to a complimentary breakfast, the Orchid Key also offers a complimentary sunset happy hour at the Orchid Bar. Other amenities include a large heated spa and pool, free Wi-Fi and wired Internet access and on-site parking. The Orchid Key also features a sun deck filled with waterfalls and indigenous plants around their pool.
Much of the early wealth in the Florida Keys came from salvaging the cargo from wrecked ships. In this tradition, anglers will find many opportunities for the sport of "wreck fishing." For the Key West Fishing Connection, a charter fishing company run out of Amberjack Pier in Key West, deep-water "wreck fishing" is their most commonly chartered excursion. In these instances, the boat is anchored to a wreck six to 10 miles off the coast, or it floats above the wreck with live bait. The depths of these wrecks range from 87 to 250 feet. Fisherman enjoy wreck fishing in the Keys because of the big fish and non-stop action. With sharks, cubera snapper and grouper, the Fishing Connection guarantees a catch 100 percent of the time.
In addition to deep-water excursions, the lower Florida Keys also present many opportunities for seasonal fly and light-tackle fishing among flats and backwaters. According to Key Flat Charters, who operate year-round, the Keys offer different seasons that change with the temperature of the inshore waters -- from extremes of 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the cool water season, to 90 degrees in the period from spring to fall. Additionally, while fish such as tarpon and bonefish are only available during specific seasons, barracuda, jacks and sharks are available year-round.
