Weekend in Key West, Fla.

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For the AJC

BUDGET

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Florida Keys News Bureau A tour train passes Sloppy Joe's Bar, once frequented by writer Ernest Hemingway.

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Florida Keys News Bureau The Harry S. Truman Little White House Museum in Key West.

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Florida Keys News Bureau Body art and costumes at the Fantasy Fest Masquerade in Key West.

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Getting there: If time permits, experience the four-hour drive from Miami. Frequent one-way sale rates to Miami start at $79; nonstop AirTran, American, Delta. Starting Dec. 17, AirTran will offer same-plane service four days a week from Atlanta via Orlando to Key West; starting at $159 one-way.

Stay: The Island City House Hotel features 24 suites in three distinct houses. Street-side studio suites with a porch or balcony with a swing or hammock start at $150 through Dec. 20; www.islandcityhouse.com, 411 William St., 305-294-5702.

Eat: Sarabeth’s serves breakfast and brunch until 3 p.m.; starting at $9.50. An offshoot of the original New York City restaurant, this is a popular lunch and dinner spot; www.sarabethskeywest.com, 530 Simonton St., 305-293-8181.

Experience: Set sail aboard the 118-foot gaff-rigged schooner Halie & Matthew for a sunset cruise at $55 per person or a stargazing cruise with a local astronomer at $49. Beer, wine, soft drinks, water and ice are included, but guests can bring their own; www.calypsosailing.com, 305-896-8004.

MODERATE

Getting there: Delta Connection offers daily nonstop service (regional jets) to Key West; starting at $495 round-trip; 21-day advance.

Stay: Luxurious accommodations at the award-winning Marquesa Hotel. When six travel together, rent a three-bedroom Marquesa cottage with a private pool, deck and garden for $495 to $695 per night through Dec. 20. Children 14 and older welcome; www.marquesa.com, 600 Fleming St., 305-292-1919.

Eat: Fresh fish meets steak and meatloaf at 7 Fish, a cozy bistro off the tourist path. Entrees start at $15, with fresh seafood catches priced at $26; www.7fish.com, 632 Olivia St., 305-296-2777.

Experience: Experience the amazing underwater world without the heavy tanks. Go to depths of up to 20 feet with 
SNUBA gear (Surface Nexus Underwater Breathing Apparatus) or with long hoses that float at the water’s surface. Guided outings on a 33-foot power catamaran; $99 adult; $79 children minimum age 8-12. No dive certificate is required, but patrons must be able to swim; www.snubakeywest.com, 305-292-4616.

SPLURGE

Getting there: One-way, walk-up business class rates to Miami start at $318; nonstop AirTran or Delta. One-way, walk-up economy class to Key West starts at $473; nonstop Delta.

Stay: Internationally acclaimed Little Palm Island is a private island paradise accessible only by boat or seaplane. Romantic thatched-roof bungalows are scattered in lush gardens and feature beds draped with butterfly netting, living room, private ocean-view verandas. A four-night “Islander” package includes a welcome bottle of champagne, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, special evening turndown, a per-guest $150 spa credit, use of water sport amenities and more starting at $5,100 (low season), inclusive of resort taxes, fees. Children 16 and older welcome; www.littlepalmisland
 .com, offshore of Little Torch Key, 800-343-8567.

Eat: Romance your senses at Better Than Sex, a dessert-only restaurant and lounge where cabernet is served in a wine glass rimmed with warm chocolate. Choose from nearly a dozen decadent dishes, each large enough to share; $10-$13; www.betterthansexkw.com, 411 Petronia, 305-296-8102.

Experience: The Saltwater Angler, an Orvis outfitter, helps you discover why Key West has been a fishing capital for 100 years. Full-day trips (eight hours) in the Flats for bonefish are $600 for one or two anglers, including equipment and license; $500 for six hours; $400 for four hours. Full-day offshore light-tackle fishing for jacks, barracuda and pompano is $950 for a full day; $700 for four hours for one to four people. Food, beverages not included; www.saltwaterangler.com, 305-296-0700.