If you’re planning an August vacation to Key West, get ready to embrace the island’s easygoing spirit — because here, relaxation isn’t just an activity, it’s a way of life. And at Historic Key West Vacation Rentals, we know where you stay comes first. Our charming, well-located vacation homes place you close to all the island’s best spots, where you can kick back, recharge, and enjoy every sun-soaked moment. Here, we offer some of our favorite suggestions for ways to relax and unwind in Key West.
1. Indulge in a Spa Day
Nothing says “vacation” like a day dedicated to pampering. Key West offers a variety of serene spas where you can treat yourself to massages, facials, and full wellness experiences. Here are some of our staff’s top recommendations;
● Amri Day Spa: With a mission to put people and the planet front and center, this ethical and sustainable day spa offers carefully sourced products. Opt for services at Amri , like deep-tissue or Swedish massage, an organic custom facial or body scrub, nail treatments or a combo pamper package in a serenely beautiful setting.
● Ocean Wellness Spa & Salon: Find tranquility and personal attention at Ocean Wellness Spa. Located in the heart of historic Old Town, this handsome Aveda spa boasts restorative massage, facial and body treatments. Here, you’ll also find hair stylists, nail technicians and a variety of acupuncture treatments administered by the spa’s traditional and Japanese acupuncture practitioner.
● Essera Spa: Escape to Essera Spa to focus on wellness and relaxation. Here you’ll encounter an extensive menu of massage, facial, scrub, aromatherapy and aromatouch, foot-fatigue and scalp services, to name just a few. The benefits of high-quality dōTerra essential oils are central to Essera’s philosophy of wellbeing and rejuvenation.
For your convenience, many of Historic Key West Vacation Rentals homes are situated near these luxury spa services. Check Petite Maison or Dreaming on Duval, both perfectly positioned to make a spa day part of your daily vacation routine in Key West.
2. Stroll or Bike the Island’s Scenic Trails
Key West is made for exploring at a leisurely pace. Rent a bike or lace up your walking shoes and enjoy the island’s hidden gems. No car required!
● Stroll the Seaport: Take your daily “constitutional” along the 200-year-old Key West Historic Seaport. This lovely harbor walk affords opportunities to observe the fishing boats as they come and go, duck into engaging museums, plan an excursion or grab some fresh fish or a drink at one of the many waterfront cafés.
● Walk White Street Pier and Indigenous Park: Bike or walk out onto the pier for a stunning sunrise or sunset view, then wander through the lush gardens at Sunny McCoy Indigenous Park, highlighting native trees and bird habitats, where you’re likely to see songbirds, raptors and wading birds.
● Hike Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Trails: Fort Zachary Taylor offers the best of many worlds — sea, sand, history and nature. Here, you can explore the Tropical Hammock Trail and learn about the island’s native plants. The Fort View nature trail offers superb vistas of this important 19th century landmark and its surrounding scenic beaches.
When you stay in one of our centrally located homes like Hibiscus Cottage, it’s easy to spend the day sightseeing, then look forward to returning home without ever needing your car.
3. Spend a Day at the Beach
Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all — just a towel, a good book, and miles of sunny shoreline. Of course, you’ll find no shortage of gorgeous beaches in Key West, including the following, which shouldn’t be missed!
● Higgs Beach: Relax under the swaying palms, or rent a lounge chair to soak up the sun. At Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here, you can rent beach and water sports equipment, join in a volleyball game, or take the kids to a local playground.
● Fort Zachary Taylor Beach: Often voted Key West’s best beach, Fort Zachary
Taylor Historic State Park is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the shade of towering trees. You may find yourself snorkeling along offshore coral reefs, enjoying a picnic in the shade, paddling or fishing.
● Smathers Beach: With its wide sandy stretches, Smathers Beach is just what you envision for a day at the beach. Ideal for stretching out in the sun, people-watching, or renting a paddleboard for a bit of gentle exercise, there’s always something for everyone here. Many of our fabulous Historic Key West Vacation Rentals accommodations are just a short stroll or bike ride from the water, making every day of your August vacation in Key West as carefree as it should be.
4. Try Out Exciting Outdoor Activities
If you’re the type who finds peace in motion, Key West offers a wide range of sensational outdoor adventures to help you unwind while taking in the island’s beauty. Here are a few of our most popular ideas.
● Kayaking and paddleboarding: Explore calm backwaters and fascinating mangrove habitats. You’ll find myriad local guided tours and opportunities to rent equipment and explore on your own.
● Sunset sailing: You’ll sit back and enjoy the view when you book a leisurely sunset cruise and let the breeze do all the work. Our staff recommends Blue Ocean Yacht Charters (perfect for weddings, parties and corporate events). Make It So Charters offers private, customized charters that include its famous sandbar trips.
● Yoga on the beach: Several local instructors offer early-morning or sunset yoga sessions right by the water, blending movement and meditation. Or try out yoga on a stand-up paddle board with Lazy Dog for a unique experience.
After all your outdoor adventures, retreat to your home away from home — one of our luxuriously serene vacation accommodations, like Three Arches in Paradise or Sea Vista, offering a supremely tranquil setting to kick back after a fantastic day exploring the great outdoors in Key West.
Relax in Your Place in the Sun
August is a beautiful time to visit Key West. Warm waters, fewer tourists and soft, tropical breezes make it the ideal time for total relaxation. Whether you’re looking for a charming cottage tucked away in the island’s Historic Old Town or a spacious luxury home with a lavish garden and private pool, Historic Key West Vacation Rentals has an exceptional home base waiting just for you and your unique island retreat. Start planning today! We specialize in luxury Key West vacation rental homes, condos and cottages located in the Historic District. This highly desirable area offers all the best of Key West, including fascinating architecture and access to the island’s unforgettable attractions. Browse all available homes here and claim your place in the sun in your personal paradise.