Planning a family vacation to Key West? You’re in for a treat! This laid-back island paradise offers sun-soaked beaches, exciting watersports, and a vibrant culture that appeals to all ages. But with so many options, choosing the perfect resort can feel overwhelming. If you’re searching for the ideal Key West resort for families, look no further. We’ve explored the options and are excited to share why the resorts in the Florida Keys, particularly gems like Hawks Cay Resort, stand out as exceptional choices for your next family getaway.
While technically located in Duck Key, a little further up the Keys from Key West itself, Hawks Cay Resort perfectly embodies the family-friendly luxury you’d expect from the best Key West resorts. After a stunning $50 million renovation, it’s better than ever, offering an unforgettable experience for families seeking both relaxation and adventure in the Florida Keys. Let’s dive into why Hawks Cay, and resorts like it in the Key West vicinity, should be at the top of your list.
Aerial view of Hawks Cay Resort pool area showcasing luxury and family-friendly amenities
Family-Focused Accommodations: Finding the Perfect Space
When traveling with kids, room configuration is key. Many Key West resorts, including Hawks Cay, understand this need and offer a variety of options beyond standard hotel rooms. At Hawks Cay, their renovated family guest rooms are a game-changer. Featuring built-in bunk beds, these rooms instantly become a hit with children. The bottom bunk is generously sized, even capable of sleeping two smaller kids, while the top twin bunk offers individual space. Each bunk even comes equipped with its own charging port – a thoughtful touch for tech-savvy youngsters! A separate TV in the bunk area adds to the appeal, giving kids their own entertainment zone.
These family guest rooms are also more spacious than standard rooms, providing ample room to spread out. For larger families or groups traveling together, connecting family guest rooms are available, creating a suite-like experience.
Happy family enjoying their stay at Hawks Cay Resort, a top choice for families visiting the Florida Keys
Beyond bunk beds, Hawks Cay also provides other family-friendly lodging choices. Guest rooms with lanais offer direct access to the pool area, perfect for families who plan to spend a lot of time poolside. While these rooms typically feature two queen beds, they are conveniently located. For those desiring even more space and a home-away-from-home feel, townhomes are an option. However, it’s wise to research townhomes carefully as they are individually owned and may vary in terms of updates and amenities. For easy access to the main resort amenities like the pool and saltwater lagoon, the family guest rooms in the main building are a highly recommended choice.
Unforgettable Family Activities: Fun for Everyone
Key West and the Florida Keys, in general, are havens for outdoor activities, and the best family resorts capitalize on this. Hawks Cay excels in providing a wide array of family-friendly activities right on-site, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Unlike some resorts that solely focus on water-based activities like snorkeling, Hawks Cay offers a diverse program of poolside and evening entertainment, keeping families engaged throughout their stay.
Families kayaking in the saltwater lagoon at a top-rated Florida Keys resort
The resort’s saltwater lagoon is a standout feature, offering complimentary kayaks and paddleboards as part of the resort fee. This provides easy access to water activities for all ages and skill levels. Coral Cay, the resort’s dedicated kids’ area, is packed with fun, boasting a pirate ship pool, a soccer field, a miniature golf course, and a playground. While older kids might outgrow the pirate ship pool, the putt-putt course provides a fun family activity for a break from swimming and sun.
Happy children playing putt-putt golf at Hawks Cay Resort, a great family activity
Dolphin Connection: An Extraordinary Wildlife Encounter
One truly unique aspect that sets Hawks Cay apart from other Key West Resorts For Families is the Dolphin Connection. As the only resort in the Florida Keys with dolphins on-site, Hawks Cay offers an unparalleled opportunity to get up close with these incredible creatures. Even if you don’t participate in a structured dolphin program, you can observe the dolphins in their lagoon, which is conveniently located near the main pool area.
The Dolphin Connection offers various interactive programs, including dolphin swims and trainer-for-a-day experiences. These programs are both educational and engaging, teaching families about dolphin behavior, conservation, and the individual stories of the rescued dolphins at Hawks Cay. This experience is a definite highlight and should not be missed when visiting.
Family swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Connection in Hawks Cay Resort
Delicious Dining for Every Palate
Family vacations require dining options that cater to diverse tastes and ages. Hawks Cay Resort excels in this area, offering a range of restaurants from casual to upscale, ensuring everyone in the family finds something they love.
The Marketplace buffet is a fantastic breakfast option, featuring fresh juices, fruits, and classic breakfast favorites like Belgian waffles and a custom omelet station. For a quicker breakfast, the Marketplace also offers grab-and-go options, perfect for heading straight to the pool or starting the day’s adventures. Throughout the day, the Marketplace serves as a convenient spot for lunch and dinner with its poolside location.
For poolside relaxation, the Tiki Bar provides food and drink service directly to your lounge chair. The Tiki Bar stays open late, allowing families to enjoy the pool, live music, and Key West evenings.
Angler & Ale: Casual Waterfront Dining
A short shuttle ride within Duck Key takes you to Angler & Ale, offering a delightful waterfront dining experience. With a spacious patio and beautiful water views, it’s an ideal spot for a family meal. The menu features fresh seafood, a staple of Key West cuisine. Starters like tuna nachos and conch fritters are popular choices. The fresh fish entrees, especially the hogfish special, are highly recommended and represent the best flavors of the Keys. The lively atmosphere, often including trivia and live entertainment, adds to the fun, family-friendly vibe. And don’t miss the memorable mud pie dessert!
Family enjoying dinner at Angler and Ale restaurant at Hawks Cay Resort
Kids enjoying a meal at a family-friendly restaurant in Key West
Sixty-One Prime: Elegant Yet Family-Friendly
For a special vacation dinner, Sixty-One Prime offers a casually elegant setting that still welcomes families. Outdoor seating overlooking the resort pool provides a pleasant ambiance, especially when dining with children. While Sixty-One Prime is known for its prime steaks, the menu also features creative appetizers like grilled octopus and tuna, and unique desserts like mozzarella ice cream. Fresh fish entrees are also excellent, with beautiful presentation. A children’s menu ensures even the youngest diners are catered to. And of course, no Key West dining experience is complete without indulging in key lime pie for dessert.
Family dining at Sixty-One Prime restaurant at Hawks Cay Resort
Evening Ambiance: Fire Pits and Night Swims
Evenings at Hawks Cay are just as enjoyable as the daytime. Live music and a lively atmosphere around the fire pit create a relaxing and social space for families to unwind after dinner. For kids, night swimming often becomes the highlight of the day, extending the pool fun into the evening hours.
Families gathered around the fire pit at Hawks Cay Resort in the evening
Your Perfect Key West Family Resort Awaits
So, are Key West resorts perfect for families? Absolutely! And while Hawks Cay Resort is located slightly outside of Key West proper, it truly captures the essence of a luxury Key West family vacation. With its focus on family-friendly accommodations, diverse activities, incredible dolphin encounters, and delicious dining, Hawks Cay and similar resorts in the Florida Keys provide everything you need for an unforgettable family getaway. Start planning your Key West family vacation today and discover the magic of the Florida Keys!
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