Key West

Are you dreaming of breathtaking beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture all in one place? Then Key West is the place to be! This unique city on the southern tip of the United States has it all!

Key West quick facts

Welcome to the tropical paradise of Key West, the stunning chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida. Are you ready to learn some exciting facts about this enchanting destination?

  • Location: Florida, USA
  • Time Zone: Eastern (UTC-5/-4)
  • Size: 19,2 km²
  • Hot spots: Duval Street, Mallory Square, Dry Tortugas National Park

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Key West in Florida

Things to do in Key West

Welcome to Key West, where sun, sand, and sea combine to create a paradise for visitors from around the world! Don't miss the following attractions during your visit to this beautiful island:

Duval Street

One of the most famous streets in Key West, Duval Street, is known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and bars. With its colorful buildings, lively street performers, and flying vendors, Duval Street is a great place to explore Key West's culture and find incredible souvenirs.

Mallory Square

Mallory Square is the main gateway to Key West and the perfect place to soak up the sun and watch the ships come and go. The pier is full of vendors selling souvenirs, food, and drinks. It's also the site of the famous Sunset Celebration every night, where performers, street artists, and vendors show off their skills as the sun sets over the harbor.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a beach park and the perfect destination for visitors to enjoy the sun and explore the beautiful beaches of Key West. There are many activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can also tour the fort, built in the 1850s and served as a military base during the Civil War.

Audubon House and Tropical Gardens

The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is a historic site in the heart of Old Town Key West. Built in the 1840s, it is now a museum dedicated to naturalist and painter John James Audubon. Its grounds are home to a variety of tropical plants and birds, making it an ideal place to explore the natural beauty of Key West. Visitors can explore the gardens independently or take a guided tour with knowledgeable staff.

Key West Aquarium

The Key West Aquarium is a great place for visitors of all ages. It houses a variety of marine life, from sharks and rays to sea turtles and stingrays. You can explore the aquarium's exhibits and learn more about the different types of fish and other sea creatures. Many interactive exhibits, such as touch tanks and feeding stations, allow visitors to get up close and personal with marine life. In addition to the exhibits, the Key West Aquarium offers a variety of educational programs and activities.

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Southernmost Point

Southernmost Point marks the southernmost point of the continental United States and is Key West's landmark. Here you can take a picture with the legendary buoy, explore the surrounding shops and restaurants, and tour the area. In addition to its historical significance, Southernmost Point is a great place to relax and enjoy the view. Stroll along the boardwalk, explore the surrounding shops and restaurants, or just enjoy the breathtaking ocean views. Activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and fishing are also available nearby.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a great place for visitors of all ages. It is home to various butterflies, birds, and other wildlife, as well as lush tropical plants and flowers. Explore the conservatory and learn about the different species of butterflies and birds. You can also participate in a bird feeding or relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. These are just a few of the many incredible sights that Key West has to offer. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, history, culture, or relaxation, Key West has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Come and experience the beauty and charm of Key West for yourself!

 

 

Port in Key West

Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters

The Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters is a historical site located at the southernmost point of the United States. It is the oldest standing lighthouse in the state of Florida and a great place to explore the history of Key West. You can take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about the history of the area. The Keeper's Quarters offers a glimpse into the lives of the lighthouse keepers.

In addition to its historical significance, the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters is a great place to take in the stunning ocean views. Stroll along the beach, explore the nearby shops and restaurants, or simply admire the area's beauty.

The climate of Key West and the perfect time to visit

Key West has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to 30°C, while winter temperatures are cooler, averaging 22°C. The average annual rainfall is 127 cm, so don't forget to pack your rain gear.

As for the different regions of the Keys, the Upper Keys are slightly cooler throughout the year, while the Lower Keys are generally warmer. The island of Key West is the warmest part of the Keys, where temperatures are often higher than on the mainland. The best time to visit Key West is usually from mid-December to mid-April when temperatures are cooler, and there is little rain.

However, this is also the peak travel season, so hotels and other accommodations can be more expensive. An alternative is an off-season in spring and fall when temperatures are more comfortable and fewer people travel.

Getting around Key West

Key West is relatively small and easy to navigate, so renting a car is a great way to explore the island. Driving around Key West is very straightforward, and there are plenty of parking lots and garages in the downtown area. Be aware of speed limits and parking regulations, as they are strictly enforced.

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Unfortunately, there is no rail service in Key West. However, Key West's city bus, the Conch Tour Train, is the island's main form of public transportation. It's a hop-on, hop-off service that takes passengers to all the major attractions on the island, with frequent stops and a variety of fares.

Flying in and out of Key West is the fastest way to get to and from the island. Key West International Airport is located just outside the city and offers flights to many major US cities, including Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. There are also regular seaplane services between Key West and Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.

If you're looking for a more unique and scenic way to get around Key West, consider taking a boat. There are several boat tours and charters available, from sunset cruises to fishing trips. You can also take the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers, which takes just three hours to get to the island.

The history of Key West

Key West has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when Spanish explorers first discovered the city in 1513. Since then, Key West has evolved into a unique and diverse place where different cultures and traditions blend to create a fascinating destination for travelers from all over the world.

The first European settlement in Key West was in 1822, when a group of Bahamian settlers arrived and established a small fishing village. In the 19th century, the fishing industry flourished, and the Port of Key West became a central hub for shipping and trade. The city experienced a population boom in the 1880s when a railroad was built, and many immigrants from Cuba and the Bahamas came to Key West.

After the end of the Spanish-American War and the cession of Cuba to the United States, Key West became part of the United States in 1898. The early 20th century brought challenges to the city with the Great Depression and World War II, which led to a decline in population and economic activity. However, Key West experienced a resurgence in the 1950s when the U.S. Navy established a base there. In the second half of the 20th century, Key West became a popular tourist destination, and the tourism industry flourished.

The city's unique culture and laid-back island atmosphere made it a must for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. Today, Key West is known for its vibrant nightlife, music scene, and beautiful beaches. From its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its current status as a popular tourist destination, Key West has always been a place of diversity and culture. Key West is a thriving city and a major tourist destination in the United States.

Key West fun facts

We bet you haven't heard these fun facts about Key West:

  • Ernest Hemingway once lived in Key West.
  • Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States and is closer to Cuba than Miami.
  • Key West is home to the world's only Sloppy Joe's, a bar founded by Ernest Hemingway in 1933.
  • The annual Fantasy Fest, a ten-day celebration of costumes and creativity, draws tens of thousands of visitors to Key West annually.
  • The island of Key West is only 4 miles long and 2 miles wide and can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle.

Visiting Key West

Prepare for the heat! Key West is known for its hot, humid climate. Bring sunscreen and light, breathable clothing to fully enjoy the island's attractions.

The waters around Key West are great for snorkeling or a quick swim. Don't forget to pack a beach towel and water shoes to protect your feet. Be sure to explore the other islands in the Florida Keys. Each island, from Bahia Honda to Big Pine Key, has its unique beauty and attractions.

Key West is known for its breathtaking sunsets, so be sure to find the perfect spot to watch the golden sky. One of the world's most beautiful spectacles awaits you at Mallory Square or Southernmost Point. If you're looking for an exciting and fun vacation destination, Key West is the place to be! So bring your sunscreen, beach towel, and sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable trip!

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