Discover Key West, Florida, the southernmost island in the United States, is the Home of tropical beaches, nightlife in Duval Street, Hemingway Home, Mallory Square sunsets and Key Lime Pie. Book Your Quintessential Key West vacation!
Key West Florida Full Guide.
Location & Geography
- Extreme southern of the continental United States.
- The Florida Keys are a part of an archipelago located approximately 90 miles to the North of Cuba.
- Size: ~7.4 square miles.
- Fixed to the mainland via the U.S. Route 1 (Overseas Highway).
- Bordered on by the Atlantic Ocean (east) and the Gulf of Mexico (west).
History
- The Calusa people used to live there originally.
- 1513: Juan Ponce de León made the discovery.
- Became one of the strategic ports of salvaging shipwrecks, naval defense and cigar making.
- Participated in the Civil War, and had been left under the Union.
- The prosperity of Key West as a cigar and sponge-trading center occurred in the late 1800s-early 1900s.
- Famous authors and artists such as Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.
Climate
- Climate: tropical savanna (warm all the year round).
- Average temperatures:
o Summer: 85–90°F (29–32°C).
o Winter: 65–75°F (18–24°C).
- Hurricane: June to November.
Major Attractions
- Duval Street
- The main street is barred, restaurant, art gallery, and shops lined.
- Notorious bars: Sloppy Joe (the bar where Hemingway hung out), Green Parrot Bar.
- Southernmost Point Buoy
- Iconic landmark.
- Concrete buoy that is painted with 90 miles to Cuba written on it.
- Ernest Hemingway Home Museum and Museum.
- House of the renowned writer (1930s).
- Casts of the renowned six-toed cats.
- Mallory Square
- Popular at the Sunset Celebration (street artists, street vendors, live music).
- Key West Lighthouse
- Built in 1848.
- Has panoramic views of the island.
- Zackary Taylor Historical State Park.
- Civil War–era fort.
- Best in history tours, snorkeling and picnics.
- Dry Tortugas National park (70 miles away by ferry/seaplane)
- Forts Jefferson, coral reefs, and marine life.
- Among the most popular snorkeling / diving destinations in Florida.
- Butterfly Key West and Nature Conservatory.
Tropical garden and butterflies and exotic birds.
- Little White House of Harry S. Truman.
- Previously used vacation home of the American President Harry Truman.
Culture & Lifestyle
- Famous bohemian and relaxed lifestyle.
- A combination of Cuban, American and Caribbean.
- Festivals:
o Fantasy Fest (October – a colorful, carnival-type of celebration).
o Conch Republic Days (April -the symbolic secession of Key West in 1982).
- Music: Bar live jazz, rock and island music.
Outdoor Activities
- Snorkeling and diving: Coral reefs and wreck diving.
- Fishing: The Fishing Capital of the World.
- Sailing and Kayaking: Mangroves and backcountry water.
- Beaches:
o Smathers Beach (largest).
o Higgs Beach.
o Fort Zachary Taylor Beach.
Food & Drinks
- Signature dishes:
o Key Lime Pie (can’t leave without trying dessert).
o Conch fritters/chowder.
o Fresh seafood (lobster, grouper, snapper).
o Cuban sandwiches and coffee (through the Cuban influence).
- Nightlife Bars, outdoor music, sunset cruises.
Shopping
- Duval Street: Arts, souvenir, local crafts.
- Key West Handprint Fabrics: Custom fabrics.
- Local galleries: Art with the Caribbean as its inspiration.
Getting There & Around
- Air: Key West International Airport (EYW).
- By Road: 160-mile Motorway drive between Miami and the beautiful Overseas Highway.
- By Ferry: Of Fort Myers and Marco Island.
- Getting Around:
o Scooters, bicycles, walking (island is small).
o Conch Tour Train (guided tour).
Accommodation
- The luxury resorts are: Casa Marina, Sunset Key Cottages.
- Boutique hotels & inns.
- Guest houses that are affordable.
- The outer-Key West campgrounds in the Keys.
Travel Tips
- Book early in high season (Dec -April).
- Informal dress code- flip-flops and light dressings are the order of the day.
- Parking may be a problem, better walk and biking.
- In the tropical heat, sun protection and water are a requirement.
Quick Facts
- Nickname: Conch Republic.
- Population: ~26,000.
- Celebrity neighbors: Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Jimmy Buffett.
- Languages English (although Spanish and Creole are also widespread).
Conclusion:
Key West is not only the southernmost of Florida islands, but it is also a rich mixture of history, the Caribbean culture, beautiful water and a crazy atmosphere. You can walk the Duval Street, dive into coral reefs, enjoy Key Lime Pie or see the sunset in Mallory Square but Key West is the only place in this world where you will find the perfect tropical vacation that will be both adventure and rest.
Also read- Great Wolf Lodge since 1997