I highly recommend Key West as a quick getaway for east-coasters. By day, it is full of beautiful winding garden paths, extraordinary wooden houses on the historical register, and lush foliage. While the beaches aren't great, the water has that blue tropical color, and the temperature in mid-winter is usually in the high 70s. There is also great sailing, para-sailing, snorkeling, etc. The nights are especially warm. By night, the foliage comes alive like jungle creepers, surrounding you as a lush backdrop for the warm nights. ... (more)