Casa Marina, Key West: Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
A posh paradise filled with lush tropical landscaping, historic homes, beautiful beaches, fine dining, and luxury amenities, Casa Marina is one of the most sought-after Key West neighborhoods to stay in.
Casa Marina offers premium experiences, like spacious, secluded private vacation homes and upscale restaurants and spas, while still remaining true to the down-to-earth spirit of Key West with beaches, watersports, parks, and yes — you’ll still see some of those famous roosters running around.
Ready to plan your perfect Key West vacation? Here’s your ultimate neighborhood guide to Casa Marina, Key West!
About Casa Marina, Key West
Casa Marina is located in Southern Key West, along the Atlantic Coast. It’s tucked in between the Beachside and Upper Duval neighborhoods, with Old Town just to the north. Many popular beaches and attractions are within walking distance from Casa Marina, making it a great choice for those who want to stay close to the beach, but also have easy downtown access (downtown Key West is about a 10-minute drive, or a 25- to 30-minute walk if you’re up for it!).
The Casa Marina neighborhood has a long history as a luxury destination in Key West, dating back to the 1920s, when it was home to the landmark Henry Flagler Hotel that catered to travelers on the once-booming Overseas Highway Railroad. Today, it still holds pieces of history to marvel at, mixed with modern amenities that keep it a present-day luxury destination.
Things to Do in Casa Marina, Key West
From beaches and watersports to museums and spas, there are lots of fun things to do in Casa Marina, Key West!
Beaches and Watersports
Being so close to Beachside has its perks! Depending on which part of Casa Marina you’re staying in, you might be less than a 10-minute walk to some of the area’s most beautiful beaches, including:
- Higgs Beach, famous for its calm, clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling.
- Rest Beach, a quiet, secluded beach great for relaxing.
Along the beaches, you’ll also find watersports rentals like kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie Cats, plus parasailing excursions and other watersports adventures. Key West beaches have something for everyone!
Parks and Nature Trails
Close to the beaches, you’ll also find some gorgeous natural areas to explore, such as the Key West Gardens inside Fort Martello, adjacent to Higgs Beach. It’s home to a variety of exotic plant species surrounded by the remnants of a Civil War-era Fort, plus a beautiful butterfly garden.
You’ll also find nature trails at Indigenous Park where you can take a serene stroll and spot lots of birds at the Key West Wildlife Center, which resides inside the park.
Landmarks, Museums and Attractions
Key West boasts numerous famous landmarks, museums, and attractions, and while there aren’t any big ones within Casa Marina, many are just a short walk, bike ride, or drive from the Casa Marina neighborhood.
You can stroll the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to marvel at colorful butterflies, birds, and flowers. Soak up some literary history and meet the famous six-toed cats at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
Stop by the Southernmost Point to snap some pics with the island’s most famous landmark, an oversized, brightly-colored buoy that marks the Southernmost point in the Continental United States. No visit to Key West is complete without a photo here!
While these are just a few of the closest to the neighborhood, you’ll find plenty more attractions in Downtown Key West (Lower Duval), which is only about a 10-minute drive from the Casa Marina neighborhood.
Trolley Tours
One of the best ways to explore Key West and get to many of the island’s main attractions is by taking the Old Town Trolley. You can purchase passes good for one or two days that offer unlimited rides where you can hop-on and hop-off at numerous stops around Key West, including famous spots on Duval Street, Mallory Square, and the Historic Seaport.
With two stops close to Casa Marina (one near Higgs Beach and another near the Southernmost Point), the trolley offers a great way for those staying in Casa Marina to get around and go sightseeing.
Spas
What’s a vacation without a little pampering? Casa Marina has their own fantastic spa where you can relax and melt away all your worries with a massage, facial, body wrap, manicure/pedicure, aromatherapy, and much more.
In addition to the typical spa treatments, they also offer sunrise yoga for those that want to start their days off with a little exercise on the beach. You can find out more about the spa’s services on their website.
Dining in Casa Marina, Key West
Casa Marina has plenty of great dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining with ocean views. Our favorite restaurants within Casa Marina include:
- Louie’s Backyard: Upscale oceanfront restaurant featuring a menu of seafood specialties with an island twist, like coconut shrimp, Bahamian conch chowder, and Creole shrimp, plus prime steaks, fine wines, and delectable desserts. You can dine in the main dining room or enjoy light bites and wine or cocktails in the upstairs cafe or deck bar, all with incredible ocean views.
- Salute! On The Beach: Breezy beachfront spot famous for fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and its signature toes-in-the-sand tables that bring all the vacation vibes. Our favorite pastime here is digging into a plate of peel-and-eat shrimp while sipping on coconut mojitos and watching the waves.
For more options nearby, we recommend:
- El Siboney: Casual cafe serving up authentic Cuban specialties such as ropa vieja, empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, fresh tropical juices, and of course, some killer Cuban coffee — a must-try while in Key West!
- The Lobster Shack: No-frills New England-style seafood joint famous for lobster rolls. The menu is small, featuring mostly just different types of lobster rolls (obviously we’re partial to the Key West-style roll made with Key lime juice), but you’ll also find shrimp rolls, lobster bisque, salads, and coconut shrimp.
- Frenchie’s Cafe: Quaint French bakery and cafe offering freshly baked breads and pastries, croque-madame sandwiches, quiche, paninis, cheese plates, and much more. A fantastic spot for breakfast, lunch, or a midday coffee and pastry stop — the almond croissant and café au lait are our favorites!
Book Your Key West Vacation in Casa Marina
Ready to plan your perfect Key West vacation? Book your stay in Casa Marina with Vacation Homes of Key West and relax in your own private paradise with premium amenities. You’ll enjoy fully furnished living spaces, private pools, hot tubs, beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces, and so much more. And of course — you’ll be just minutes from some of the best beaches in Key West!
