Summer is here and so is the urge for a summer vacation — or two. Not everyone wants to hop on a plane and it takes way too long to drive out of Florida. Luckily, there are plenty of great 48 hour getaways you can get to by lunch time, complete with great food, family friendly fun, and gorgeous beaches.

All summer long, MIAbites will be featuring #TravelThursdays with easy to get to destinations and guides on how to make the most of your adventures. So grab your weekend bag and jump in the car and you’ll be there before you know it.

THIS WEEK WE'RE VISITING: Stock Island

Stock Island is one of the lesser known islands that make up The Florida Keys. It’s the last key in the lower Keys just before you reach Key West. On Stock Island you’ll find one of the largest marinas in South Florida, art galleries galore, and a laid back island vibe like no other. If you’re looking for a quiet island getaway, this is where you need to be — and of course, you’re a quick 5 minute trip from the craziness that is Key West.

WHERE TO STAY: The Perry Hotel Key West

Open just a little more than a year ago, The Perry Hotel is a 100-room boutique hotel that’s located on the Stock Island Marina, home to 220-slip boat slips — the largest deep-water marina in the Keys. The nautical decor in cool blues and browns create a calming atmosphere that make guests feel immediately relaxed the moment they walk into the lobby. The hotel boasts a large pool located dockside with perfect marina views. There’s two dog parks on property, making The Perry ideal for the entire family. Most rooms are graced with gorgeous waterfront views, and those that don’t are lucky enough to have their own private outdoor shower. The Perry itself is a destination all on its own. You can grab great eats from two restaurants, browse the adjacent art studios, take a chartered boat trip, and live in total relaxation all without leaving the property.

7001 Shrimp Rd, Stock Island, FL 33040

---

Where to eat: Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar, Hogfish Bar & Grill, Salty Oyster Dockside Bar

Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar is conveniently located inside The Perry and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving island comfort food like you’ve never seen before. If you’re stopping in for breakfast, don’t miss the crab avocado toast or the chicken and waffles — there’s key lime dust on the chicken. At lunch make sure to order the snapper tacos. For dinner you’ve got to get one of the towers, they’re a mix of everything delicious and a great way to start the meal. The cornbread mash is a sneaky winner on the menu, don’t let your trip go by without a bowl of that. Protip: ask for the warm banana bread as a snack to keep in your room.

7001 Shrimp Rd, Stock Island, FL 33040

Salty Oyster is the second dining option at The Perry (note: both restaurants are open to the public, not just hotel guests) and is located outside even closer to the marina. Here you’ll find half priced happy hour and island inspired drinks. The menu is your quintessential island bar food with Key West pink shrimp, mahi sandwiches, and smoked fish dip. The sneaky winner on this menu is The Squealer, a burger topped with lettuce, tomato, and red onions on a brioche bun. What the menu doesn’t tell you is — there’s bacon and cheese chopped into the burger patty itself. If you love burgers, this one is for you.

7001 Shrimp Rd, Stock Island, FL 33040

Hogfish Bar & Grill is one of those gems that all the locals love. This waterfront restaurant has a cheekily decorated indoor area and waterfront outdoor seating. This spot is always busy, as food is some of the freshest you’ll find. The menu claims they’ve got the best tacos in the Keys and the dragon shrimp tacos are some of our favorite. You can’t go wrong starting your meal with the sesame seared tuna or the conch salad. For entrees, the namesake Hogfish sandwich is always a winner. Make sure to check the blackboard for specials — that’s where you’ll find the dishes using fish fresh caught that morning.

6810 Front St, Stock Island, FL 33040

---

Where to drink: Duval Street in Key West

While there are plenty of waterholes and great island cocktails on Stock Island (see above), if you’re really looking to get your drink on you’re a 5 minute trip from Key West and 10 minutes from the famed Duval Street, lined with some of the best bars in South Florida. Guests at The Perry can enjoy free shuttle service to and from Key West. Make your way to the neighboring island to check out all the classics: Sloppy Joe’s, Green Parrot, Hog’s Breath Saloon, and Rick’s Bar. There’s no shortage of spots to drink in Key West and with Uber, taxis, and the shuttle service you can enjoy yourself to the fullest!  

---

What to do for fun: Lazy Dog Water Adventures, Chartered Boat Trips, Sunset Celebration

Stock Island is a small artsy island full of galleries to explore. Grab a bicycle from The Perry and set out on an adventure around the island to get your bearings. Check out Lazy Dog for kayaking and guided paddle board tours. Test your ability to find zen while doing a paddle board yoga class. If that’s not exciting enough for you — maybe a chartered fishing trip or visit to Cuba is more up your alley. The Stock Island Marina hosts chartered trips leaving their docks for groups large and small. Spend the day snorkeling right off the coast. Of course, you can’t make the drive that far south and not experience the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration that takes place every evening with street performers and local vendors.

Stock Island is way more than just the last Key you’ll pass through on your trip to Key West. Hop in your car and make the trip down to see for yourself.

Keep checking back every Thursday for the latest edition of Travel Thursdays with MIAbites, as we continue to supply you with exciting destinations you can be settled in by lunch time.