Life and Relationship Coaching near Key West, FL

People visit Florida for various reasons—the endless sunshine, the gorgeous beaches, the warm weather, the theme parks, the greenery, the tropical air, and the laid-back and breezy style of living. But the Florida food scene—from fresh seafood to Publix subs to Mickey-shaped treats—is also worth writing home about.

Across the state, there are regional and statewide specialties to try, all promising to delight your palate with the same zest that makes the Sunshine State famous. From the buzz of Cuban coffee to the euphoric pleasure of a bite of just-right Key lime pie, here's exactly what you need to eat on a Florida vacation.

A Publix Sub

Have you lived until a Pub Sub has sated your appetite? A Floridian would say no. The motto at Publix is "Where shopping is a pleasure," and it's true: Publix grocery stores are the best in the world, hands-down, bar none, and their made-to-order subs at the deli counter are every Floridian's favorite way to get fed fast. You can pick up a Pub Sub for any occasion, from a day at the beach (one Florida couple even created a container specifically designed to keep your Pub Sub dry and sand-free) to a romantic picnic dinner. There's even a dedicated website and Twitter to check whether Publix chicken tender subs—yes, Publix fried chicken tenders on a sub, and, yes, as delicious as they sound—are on sale.

Mangoes

There's a lot to love about a Florida summer, and the arrival of mango season is one of them. The syrupy-sweet fruit may be expensive in your home grocery store, but in a Florida grocery store in the summertime, expect to pay one dollar or less per mango (sometimes they go as low as five for one dollar). And that's if you have to buy one at all—mango tree branches hang heavy all season long, and you'll be doing the owner a favor if you pick a few from their tree to eat (with permission, of course). In neighborhoods throughout South Florida, you'll often see boxes of free-to-take mangoes on any street with a mango tree growing.

Key Lime Pie

You may have tried Key lime pie before. You may even think you don't like Key lime pie. But until you've had a cold slice of Key lime pie made the right way—with tongue-tinglingly tart juice from freshly squeezed Key limes, which are not the same as your regular grocery-store Persian limes—you really haven't tried this crave-able dessert in its fullest and most delicious expression.

Every Floridian has their signature recipe, and the meringue-vs-whipped-cream debate is controversial in the Sunshine State (the graham cracker crust, however, is not up for discussion, and neither is the proper yellow hue—no Key lime pie should ever be green for any reason).

What is the best way to find your personal favorite? Taste-test them all. If not my mom's homemade version, which no store-bought pie could ever beat, my go-to is an ice-cold slice from Mrs. Mac's Kitchen in Key Largo or, for a real indulgence, a frozen chocolate-covered slice on a stick from Mattheessen's or Kermit's in Key West.

Mickey-Shaped Anything

Disney World is an integral part of the Florida experience, and inside these magical parks awaits another culinary highlight: Mickey-shaped food. My personal favorite is the simple Mickey Mouse ice cream bar, available at snack carts throughout the parks. Still, you can also get Mickey-shaped pretzels, waffles, cookies, cake pops, Rice Krispies treats, and candy apples for a true only-in-Florida feast. Snap a photo with your foodie finds to capture one of the most classic "Florida vacation" memories.

Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

If Florida weren't known as the Sunshine State, it could alternatively be called the Orange State. There are 422,421 acres of oranges growing in this citrus-scented wonderland. Many grocery stores in Florida have orange juice squeezing stations so you can fill your own bottle at the push of a button.

Still, it's also worth acquiring a sack of locally grown oranges and a squeezer to experience the pure liquid sunshine that is freshly squeezed Florida orange juice. Have a cold glass with breakfast to start your day like a true Floridian—and enjoy an immune-boosting blast of Vitamin C.

Cuban Coffee

If you're in Tampa or Miami, you'll want to start your day with caffeine from an authentic Cuban coffee spot. Order a cafecito or a café con leche to experience what makes this Hispanic specialty a delight to drink. Pair it with a guava-and-cheese pastelito for the full effect, and go back for lunch or dinner.

Cuban food is full of spirit and flavor. It has been intimately woven into the fabric of the Florida food scene for decades (but you may forever drool over your memories of Florida's impossible-to-replicate ropa vieja and picadillo).

BBQ

Yep, BBQ! While Florida's not exactly known as the BBQ capital of America, its unique take on the mouthwatering cuisine could rival anywhere in the South, but is unlike any BBQ you've tried before. (We Floridians also like to point out that BBQ originated here with the Taíno tribe slow-roasting meat over a grill, thank you very much.)

4 Rivers Smokehouse, with locations throughout central Florida, is one famous option, but to experience authentic Florida-style BBQ, head to Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach. You'll find specialties like spicy wahoo dip, mojo pulled pork, BBQ jackfruit, Cajun gator sausage, and brisket empanadas here.

; multiple locations; 3815 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Stone Crabs

Yes, stone crabs belong in the fresh seafood category, but they deserve an entry of their own. This only-in-Florida specialty is in season only from October 15 through May 15, outside of which you can't (or shouldn't) get them. Unlike most Florida seafood, stone crabs are served cold, usually atop a bed of ice. You can get a few small claws or one to two jumbo claws, and they're typically quite pricey unless you purchase directly from a local fishmonger.

To avoid hard work, have them cracked so it's easier to dig in, but don't bite down too hard. You pull the sweet, delicate meat from around a thin shard of cartilage with your teeth (sort of like eating an artichoke). Stone crab pairs best with a side of melted butter and mustard sauce. Want to avoid DIY-ing this famous Florida feast? Book a reservation at Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach.

Can't make it to the Sunshine State? Joe's Stone Crab delivers on Goldbelly with overnight shipping.

; 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Fresh Seafood

You might not like seafood, but keep an open mind when visiting the Sunshine State. From Key West pink shrimp to Apalachicola oysters to bay scallops to Florida lobster to mahi-mahi, grouper, and snapper, the seafood selection in this pleasant peninsula is unparalleled.

The trick to getting good seafood (and learning to like it if you don't) is to only eat seafood near the sea, where you can confirm with the restaurant that what you're eating is fresh from a local fisherman—never frozen. If you ask for details on the origin of the fish and the waiter can't tell you, order something else. If they say something like, "It just came in off the boat—our fresh catch of the day was still swimming this morning," you're in the right place. You'll find the best and freshest seafood anywhere close to the ocean.

When a fresh catch is available, ask for the restaurant's recommended preparation for your order. Still, my personal favorites are blackened mahi (or grouper or wahoo), seared scallops, lobster served with a side dish of hot drawn butter, and grilled shrimp (though, admittedly, coconut shrimp and fried shrimp are the crowd-pleasers). Just remember that seafood here is so fresh, there's no need to cover the flavor by frying.

Cuban Sandwich

You can't leave the Sunshine State without trying an authentic Cuban sandwich, a lunch staple in Florida. The grilled sandwich is made on pan Cubano, which is a sandwich-style roll that's crisp on the outside yet still soft and pillowy on the inside. It typically contains ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.

Though you can find them all over the state, Cuban sandwiches are extremely popular in Tampa Bay, Miami, and Key West.

Spiny Lobsters

If you're visiting Florida from August through March, you're in luck—spiny lobster season is a big deal in the Sunshine State, and dive boats and hotels tend to book up quickly in anticipation. Spiny lobster is slightly sweet and salty with a firm texture and is often served grilled or broiled. In addition to trying the dish at a restaurant, many places offer whole lobsters or tails that you can buy and cook at home. Because you can only get them whole during the months that they're in season, you definitely want to take advantage and try this Florida specialty if you get the chance. We recommend trying a spiny lobster at Southernmost Beach Cafe in Key West.

; 1319 Duval Street, Key West, FL, 33040

Conch Fritters

Though conch fritters originated in the Bahamas, they're considered a Florida specialty due to the number of Bahamian transplants in the state. You can find the dish all over, but it's especially popular in Key West. Conch fritters are made with conch meat deep-fried in a seasoned batter and are often served with a spicy remoulade sauce.

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Key West (FL) 2027 defensive lineman Josh Johnson made his way up to Gainesville on Saturday for the Gators' spring practice.

It was his first visit to campus since being offered in early February, and he now has an official visit set with the Gators, he tells Swamp247.

"Florida, I'm June 11 to June 13," Johnson told Swamp247.

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To say that at any point, No. 9 Florida had a chance to win on Sunday felt improbable. Already dropping the series after back-to-back tail whoopings by High Point, the Panthers were on the verge of completing the first mid-major sweep against Florida since Florida Gulf Coast University did it back in 2013.

Trailing 11-8 with one out in the ninth, the game felt over – until it wasn't.

Brendan Lawson blasted his eighth home run of the season and second of the day to cut the lead down to 11-9 and instill a little life into the Gators dugout. Following the sixth UF homer hit on Sunday - the most hit in a single game since they blasted seven out against Stetson in 2024 - the Gators used plate discipline to grind out at-bats and make life tough on High Point's pitchers.

"Go out there and grind it out and work the pitcher," Lawson said on the message heading into the ninth. "Get his pitch count up, make him press a little bit. And I think we did a really good job of that."

If you are wondering if that sounds familiar, it's the same strategy High Point used on Florida all weekend long. But as the old saying goes – if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The next two batters drew walks to put the tying run on first with one out. Caden McDonald hit a pinch-hit single that loaded the bases and Sam Miller walked in a run after falling behind 1-2 in the count to make it 11-10. Cole Stanford drew the fourth walk of the inning that tied the game up at 11-11, with Colton Schwarz also hitching a free ride to first that ended the game on a walk-off walk.​

Somehow, someway, Florida strung together four runs in the ninth to overcome a four-run hole to win 12-11 and salvage an otherwise painful series.​

"A win is a win and a loss is a loss," Gators coach Kevin O'Sullivan said. "So I feel a helluva lot better right now, winning that game, even though we were probably gifted some things there, than I would be here, sitting here getting swept. Because we could have very easily gotten swept at home."

O'Sullivan is not wrong; Florida really had no business winning. Through nearly five half-hour long marathons - factoring in a two-hour weather delay - High Point was in control for 8.1 innings.

It started right out of the gate with the Panthers scratching across four runs on three hits. It was the second time starting pitcher Cooper Walls ran into trouble in the opening frame of a start, giving up three runs to Kennesaw State back on Feb. 22.

While Walls was able to settle in and put up zeros, his remaining 1.2 innings pitched before the long delay ended his day. O'Sullivan wants to see faster starts from his Sunday starter and not watch him wait until the later innings to get settled in.

"The thing with Coop is he's given up three in the first against Kennesaw, and then gave up four today, so seven runs in the first inning," O'Sullivan said. "We just got to get him going. I talked to him at the end of the game. You can't get in a mindset where you're trying to pace yourself, because you can lose a game in the first inning the same way in the ninth, they all count the same."​

While Florida battled back to take a 6-4 lead off of four combined homers, High Point put up another crooked number in the fourth inning, scoring six more runs to take a 10-6 lead.

The Panthers did tally four hits in the inning, but were helped out by two crucial infield errors - the first being an overthrow at first by Karson Bowen and the second coming two batters later on a bad throw from Justin Nadeau trying to turn a double play.

High Point tacked on one more in the sixth to go up 11-6 after Cole Stanford sailed one into right field on a drop-third-strike and allowed the runner to reach third base on the play. The run scored on the ensuing batter.

Florida racked up four errors on the day and finished with five on the weekend.

"It seemed like High Point was the aggressor, I'll be honest with you," O'Sullivan said. "It just looked like that to me."

Even to be virtually outplayed for the third day in a row, Florida found a way - showing some major resilience in the process to get a win like that and avoid being swept at home.

"It's huge," Lawson said. "They were a really talented team, and they played well throughout the weekend. So just to be able to battle back, show some resilience that we can carry on into Florida State on Tuesday, it's really huge."

The five-run comeback is the largest for Florida since they rallied down five last season to Alabama before winning that one 7-6. Lawson believes that it was good for Florida to experience a nasty weekend like this now and later in the season when you are in the heart of conference play. He also noted that Florida will be able to flush this series ahead of a big week coming up.​

"Got to have a short memory. And I think, honestly, it's better that we can get this out of the way early and just move forward," Lawson said. "You know, every day is a new day, and if we can just take this momentum that we got in the last couple of innings there and keep it rolling into SEC play. It's gonna be really huge for us."

Florida will be back in action Tuesday night when it welcomes in-state rival No. 20 Florida State for the first of three meetings this season. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network+.

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Florida’s centuries-old Spanish and Victorian streets, paired with breezy Gulf Coast and Atlantic waterfronts, create some of the most colorful downtown scenes in the South. St. Augustine leads the way with its lively historic district centered on pedestrian-only St. George Street. Key West brings a more tropical energy, with Duval Street lined with legendary bars like Sloppy Joe’s and crowds gathering at Mallory Square each evening for the island’s famous sunset celebration. The nine downtowns below are among the most beautiful in the state and are well worth a visit.

St. Augustine

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, and its downtown remains one of the most vibrant in Florida. Much of the action centers on St. George Street, a pedestrian-only corridor lined with shops, restaurants, and live reenactments that bring the city’s history to life. The iconic Columbia Restaurant is one of the best-known stops here, and just nearby sits one of St. Augustine’s biggest landmarks, the famous fort.

That fort, Castillo de San Marcos, is a 17th-century Spanish military structure and one of only two forts built from coquina. The soft limestone helped it absorb cannon fire instead of cracking, which only adds to its historic appeal. Beyond the fort, downtown is filled with other well-known attractions, including the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, the Old Jail, and the Oldest Store Museum. After dark, the district stays lively, and it is not unusual to come across costumed actors dressed as pirates, colonists, or other figures from the city’s past.

Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island in Northeast Florida, blends deep history with one of the state’s most appealing downtown districts. Known as the Isle of Eight Flags, the town reflects the many nations that once claimed it, and that layered history still shows up in the local architecture and landmarks. Its 50-block historic district is packed with more than 400 preserved structures, including Victorian-era buildings and handsome brick storefronts.

Some of the town’s best-known sights include the Amelia Island Lighthouse, built in 1838 and recognized as the oldest in Florida, as well as the Palace Saloon, which dates to around 1903 and claims the title of the state’s oldest bar. The Florida House adds another layer of history as the oldest hotel in town. At the same time, modern restaurants and cafés fit easily into the historic setting, including Hola! Cuban Cafe, a favorite place to start the day with a strong espresso before wandering downtown.

Key West

As the southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West mixes tropical fun, deep history, and a downtown scene that never seems to slow down. Duval Street is the island’s main artery, where visitors will find much of the local action by day and night. It is lined with famous bars, live music venues, and longtime favorites such as Hog’s Breath, Sloppy Joe’s, and the Green Parrot.

Sloppy Joe’s, which has been around since 1933, is one of the best-known landmarks in Old Town and is closely tied to Ernest Hemingway, one of Key West’s most famous former residents. Visitors can also tour Hemingway’s home, which is still known for its family line of six-toed cats. No visit feels complete without heading to Mallory Square at sunset, where street performers and waterfront views turn the end of the day into one of the island’s signature experiences.

Mount Dora

Mount Dora is a historic lakeside town whose downtown is as lively as it is charming. Set along Lake Dora, it is home to the 35-foot Mount Dora Lighthouse and a year-round calendar filled with more than 30 festivals. One of the biggest is the Mount Dora Arts Festival, which highlights the town’s creative side and ties in nicely with attractions like the Modernism Museum.

Downtown itself is shaded by trees and full of Southern charm, with boutiques, restaurants, and antique stores packed into its walkable streets. Shops like Vintage Goods and Through the Years Vintage are favorites for antique lovers, while the Mount Dora Olive Oil Company draws visitors with its specialty vinegars, infused oils, and gourmet ingredients. With its mix of festivals, history, and shopping, Mount Dora is a fun destination no matter the season.

Naples

Naples is one of the best-known towns on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and its downtown matches the beauty of its beaches. The bright blue water and white sand set the tone for a district filled with upscale shopping, stylish dining, and a polished coastal atmosphere. Along 5th Avenue South, high-end boutiques like Caroline’s and Ally Baker’s sit alongside Tin City, a collection of colorful historic waterfront buildings now home to shops and restaurants. That mix of Southwest Florida charm and upscale style is what makes Naples stand out.

Within a few blocks, visitors will also find waterfront bars, excellent seafood, and fine dining spots like Ocean Prime. Downtown Naples has a strong arts scene as well, with galleries such as Emily Jane and Gallery One adding to the appeal. Nearby, Gulfshore Playhouse on 8th Avenue South gives the district even more cultural energy with its live performances and productions.

Micanopy

Micanopy is a classic small Southern town in Central Florida, and its downtown has the kind of old-world atmosphere that is increasingly hard to find. The town covers just over one square mile, yet it is filled with 19th-century buildings, antique stores, and enormous oak trees that arch over the streets. Cholokka Boulevard serves as the town’s main street and is lined with local favorites like Lost Ark Antiques and Shady Oak Gallery.

The town’s nickname, “The Town That Time Forgot,” feels especially fitting once you step inside the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, which traces the area’s past as an important trading center and highlights its Native American roots. A good way to start the day is at Mosswood Farm Store and Bakery, set inside a 1910 cottage and known for its locally made goods. Small though it may be, Micanopy packs a lot of history and charm into its downtown.

Winter Park

Just outside Orlando, Winter Park offers one of Florida’s most polished and attractive downtown districts. The Park Avenue area is especially well known for its tree-canopied, brick-lined streets, outdoor dining, museums, and shopping. Boutiques like Sultre and John Craig Clothier line the avenue, while restaurants such as Bulla Gastrobar and Hillstone keep the district busy from lunch through dinner.

Park Avenue is also a major cultural destination, thanks in part to the Morse Museum of American Art. The museum holds the world’s most extensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including jewelry, pottery, stained glass, and the remarkable chapel interior he designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. That blend of art, dining, and shopping is a big reason people continue to seek out Winter Park from around the world.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a small town with a downtown that feels especially personal, thanks to its strong emphasis on locally owned businesses. The area is known for its breweries in particular, led by Dunedin Brewery, the oldest craft brewery in Florida, which opened in 1996. Beer lovers also flock to Dunedin House of Beer, one of the town’s best-known tap spots, along with several other local favorites within walking distance.

Shopping is a big part of the appeal here as well, with everything from Celtic-themed stores and wineries to antique shops and art galleries. Stirling Art Studios and Gallery is one of the standout cultural stops, showcasing work from a wide variety of local artists. Bike trails connect downtown to the rest of town, making it easy to spend a warm afternoon browsing, riding, and enjoying Dunedin’s easygoing atmosphere.

Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs has one of the most distinctive downtowns in Florida, thanks to its deep Greek heritage and bustling waterfront atmosphere. The town’s modern history took shape in the early 20th century, when Greek sponge divers settled here and built a community that still defines the area today. The Historic Sponge Docks remain one of the main attractions, and Dodecanese Boulevard is lined with Greek restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops, including the well-known Hellas Restaurant and Bakery.

Visitors can also stop at Mykonos for another taste of authentic Greek food, then explore more of the area through the self-guided audio tours available in the Greektown Historic District. Woven among the Greek businesses are Cuban cigar shops like Don Estaban and Serafin de Cuba, giving the district even more character. Tarpon Springs stands apart for the way it blends cultural heritage with a lively, walkable downtown scene.

Florida offers a surprisingly wide range of lively downtown districts, from the polished streets of Fernandina Beach to the Greek-influenced waterfront of Tarpon Springs. Traditional Southern towns like Micanopy preserve old Florida charm, while historic Key West keeps the party going year-round. Together, these nine towns rank among the state’s best places to experience historic landmarks, local culture, and memorable street life.