Key West conjures up images of a tropical island with azure clear waters, adorned with white sands and Palm trees. It is a popular tourist destination and a major port for cruise ships going to and from the Caribbean. People come here to discover a charming old city with quaint architecture, and various attractions such as Mallory Square, and Southernmost Point of the contiguous United States at the corner of Whitehead and South Streets.
Because of its geography and gorgeous sunny climate, there are a number of water activities such as sailing, diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing available to explore in Key West. There are also a number of famous festivals and parades that draw in tens of thousands of locals and tourists such as the Fantasy Fest, the Boat and holiday Parade, and PrideFest. Key West is an ideal place to visit and live in. It's no wonder that the likes of Ernest Hemingway, singer Tennessee Williams and various US presidents like Harry Truman loved to call this beautiful island home for so many years.
The best time to visit Key West is from November to April, when temperatures are mild and the sun is almost always shining. Less than 25 percent of the annual rainfall occurs during this season. On the other hand, May to November is the wet season and there's almost daily rainfall especially in the morning.
Key West is a small island, but jam-packed with a lot of historical attractions and things to do. Go to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and discover hundreds of types of butterflies. Be sure to visit the Harry Truman White House which was where President Truman and various other American presidents escaped during the winter months.
Check out Earnest Hemingway's home and museum, and watch a sunset with the locals in Mallory Square with tons of lively outdoor performances. If you're in the Old Towne area it's best to rent a scooter or park and walk around because there isn't a lot of parking. Also, you won't be stuck in traffic and you'll get to experience more of the city, especially its distinct architecture. Be sure to walk up and down Duvall Street for great restaurants, cafes and bars. It is considered to be the longest street in the world because it starts at the Gulf of Mexico and ends on the Atlantic Ocean.
Key West is on the southernmost tip of the Florida chain of Islands and the contiguous United States, and a lot of people drive here from Florida using U.S 1. Those who don't want to drive can take a boat from Florida as Key West is a major cruise port. People can also fly here as there is an international airport, and the Air Key West airline that serves the island.
Those who want to take the bus can hop on a Greyhound bus from Miami which has trips three times a day, or if you're flying to Fort Lauderdale or Miami there are also daily shuttles to the Keys. When in Key West, it is best to not use a car especially in the Old Towne because parking can be hard to find and expensive. Instead rend a moped or scooter, walk or take the bus.
Many Key West restaurants and hotels offer senior citizen and military personnel discounts. You should ask at each individual business to see if they do, and always be sure to bring your ID just in case. Some attractions in Key West such as the Waterfront Playhouse offer student and senior citizen discounts to its shows.
If you are looking to travel on a budget to Key West, first you may want to drive or take the bus instead of flying or taking a cruise or ferry. Second, you'll want to stay at a cheap hotel to save cash, check out the Blue Marlin Motel, the Truman Hotel or the Spanish Garden Motel and other budget accommodations. There are hundreds of restaurants in Key West with varying prices.
Try out Bad Boy Burrito, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, or Panini Panini. For high end travelers, stay at the Casa Marina Resort, the Ocean Key Resort, or the Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa. For great food, make a reservation at Blue Heaven, Nine One Five, Santiago's Bodega, and Louie's Backyard.
Key West is a fabulous weekend getaway destination or vacation spot for anyone. Couples will find Key West a premiere romantic spot with scenic beaches, gorgeous sunsets and luxurious resorts and spas. There are tons of attractions in Key West for the entire family like the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, the Southernmost Scavenger Hunt, swimming with dolphins and the Harry Truman White House.
If you are traveling to Key West with Children, keep them away from Duvall Street and other main streets at night, because things can get rowdy with all the bars. This atmosphere, on the other hand, might be perfect for groups of people traveling together looking for a good time. Some attractions offer group discounts, be sure to ask before purchasing your ticket.
Key West is the southermost city in continental United States, only about 90 miles from Cuba. Situated at the extreme west of the archipelago of keys in the south of Florida, Key West attracts many tourists year-round for its crystal clear waters perfect for water sports, especially snorkeling and scuba diving along its wonderful weather. The 42 islands leading to Key West are connected by the 7-mile bridge which showcases the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean on either side.
The Overseas Highway, as its called, is an extension of US 1 which runs from Key West through the west of the US up to New York State. It was built by the US government in 1938 as a replacement for the Florida East Coast Railway destroyed by a hurricane.
Key West offers a great deal of history from its Spanish and British origins with some of the oldest establishments, such as Ernest Hemingway's home and Key Lime factory. The concrete replica of a buoy at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets is the most symbolic and biggest attractions of the city as it marks the "Southermost point."
Duval Street is one of the main streets of Key West running from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Outlining the commercial zone of downtown where many festivities take place.
Sloppy Joe's
Fat Tuesdays
Hard Rock Café
Hog's Breath
Conch Tour
Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Boat Tours
Parasailing
Wake boarding
Jet skiing
... and other watersports
Ernest Hemingway's home
Key Lime factory
The Conch Republic