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Island and city in Florida, United States
Photo: Joeschmitty at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Key West, in the Florida Keys, is a city and an island of the same name. It is the county seat of Monroe County and is considered the southernmost city in the continental United States.
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Hemingway lived and wrote here for a decade. He also raised cats, the descendants of which still roam the grounds and have extra toes.
The perfect romantic place to cuddle up with someone special, unwind, and watch the sun set as sailboats glide by... all without the crazy circus of Mallory Square. It doesn't get any more romantic in this crowded city. Nature trails, 1866 fort with a real moat, beaches, snack stand. Before Ballast Key was deeded to the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 2019, the beach area was the southernmost point in the continental US accessible to the general public, regardless of what the famous buoy at the corner of Whitehead and South Streets says.
A historic retreat used by President Harry S. Truman. Guided tours are available, as well as a gift shop. It's still used as a retreat and place of business by US government officials today.
The City of Key West has lost more than a thousand of its citizens to the AIDS epidemic. Some of their names are inscribed on a memorial near the White Street Pier. The memorial is embedded in the sidewalk near the ocean, and made of flat smooth granite. The memorial was dedicated on World AIDS Day in 1997, and funded entirely through private sources. At the time of dedication, there were 730 names engraved on the memorial. There are spaces for 1,500 names, and each year more are added and dedicated in a ceremony, also on World AIDS Day in December. A group called Friends of the Key West AIDS Memorial takes care of the memorial.
Visitors can explore the preserved battlement’s collection of relics from the Civil War, learn about the wrecking and cigar-manufacturing industries which shaped the Florida Keys, view the unique folk art of Mario Sanchez and the imaginative metal sculptures of Stanley Papio, as well as meet the Ghosts of East Martello, including the infamous Robert the Doll. The building, formerly the Fort East Martello, is on the National Register of Historic Places
In Key West, burial customs reflect combinations of African, Hispanic, Anglo and other mixed heritages. Due to the water table of the Keys, most burials are in above ground tombs. Grave markers with unusual inscriptions such as I told you I was sick, Devoted Fan of Julio Iglesias and At Least I know where he's sleeping tonight are not unusual. Cemetery maps are available at the front gate.
With a panoramic view of the island.
Offers a panoramic view of the island from its observation tower.
A "buoy" (actually an old sewer junction painted to look like a buoy) placed at this point contains an inaccurate message that it is the southernmost point in the continental USA. The true southernmost point of Florida is on Ballast Key, an island about 9 miles (14 km) from Key West, which is open to boaters during daylight hours only for minimally invasive activities such as birdwatching and nature photography. The marker is also not the southernmost point on Key West island—a private yard is immediately southeast of the buoy, and the island's true southernmost point is in the Truman Annex west of the buoy, which is U.S. Navy property and can be entered only by authorized Navy personnel. Even before Ballast Key was opened to public access, the buoy wasn't even the southernmost point that could be accessed by the public—that would be the beach area of Fort Zachary Taylor (see above). Nonetheless, it's one of the city's most visited and photographed spots. Expect large crowds on the weekends, and waiting for your turn to take a picture is the norm.
This rescue operation has released more than 2,000 healed animals into the wild since 1993. They take care of any animal that needs attention, from sea birds to raccoons, and at any given time you might see up to 100 creatures healing at the center. They come from all over, from the Seven Mile bridge to the Dry Tortugas. You can visit the patients any day from 9AM to 5PM, and the park is open sunup to sundown. It's free, but they like donations and volunteers.
Aquarium featuring a touch tank for hands-on experiences with sea anemones, plus guided tours.
Two entrances on Atlantic Blvd. Ocean front property that has been turned into an accessible natural area. Enjoy seeing local Key West wildlife such as lizards, butterflies and maybe even a snake.
Truman Annex Waterfront. With its touch screens, stunning photos, and roomy theater showing a short high-definition film about the Keys ecosystems, this educational center has become a hit with families. It's a fun way to learn about reef and mangrove habitats before or after an excursion. The newest addition is the Living Reef exhibit, which features a 2,500-gallon reef aquarium. Free admission and parking on-site.
WReef snorkeling, sunset sails, parasailing, all-day adventures from the tame Island Ting to the active Power Adventure. The parasailing tends to be a bit brief (13 minutes), but the crew is friendly.
It offers snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, rock climbing, water trampoline, sunset sails and cruises, reef eco tours, and glass bottom boat tours. Fury also offers combo packages such as the Ultimate Adventure, the Rum & Reggae, and the Commotion on the Ocean.
Offering daily dive trips to the reefs near Key West.
Luxury sailboat operating out of the Hyatt Centric Hotel offering daily snorkeling and evening Sunset Sailing adventures. A beautiful well maintained vessel taking much smaller groups that what you might find on some of the other commercial vessels in and around Key West. A very popular choice for weddings and private charters.
A popular stop for families on their way to and from the beach. Located directly across the street from Higgs beach.
Offers charters, guides, and fishing information for Key West. Includes private and group fishing charters.
This event begins every evening a few hours before sunset and is much like a street carnival, with vendors, performers, food, and fun. Also a great photo op for some of the most beautiful sunsets.
Since winning the prestigious "Venture Award" from the Key West Chamber of Commerce, The Southernmost Scavenger Hunt has expanded to offer a wider variety of custom designed features to their ever-popular scavenger hunts.
Luxury sailing catamaran for sail/dive, sunset sails, private partys, weddings/proposals. Upscale food and drink and a great adventure on the water.
Honest Works Island Pottery Co. is a vibrant art gallery and active studio space in Old town Key West. Stop on by and watch the pottery in the making or make it yourself. Honest Works offers pottery classes, as well as, paint your own pottery for locals and tourist alike. In this dynamic studio space artists, Adam Russell and Kelly Lever, create and display their own colorful island pottery. Come on in and fell the artist energy flowing!
Events include a "battle" reenactment, drag race, bed race, pirate party, regatta, conch shell-blowing contest, arts and crafts fair. Republic passports available online.
Annual event.
Annual event held in February, March, and April targeting college-age LGBT students.
Annual event. One of the largest lesbian-oriented parties on earth!
Adult-themed event for gay men held every year.
Held every year around the first week in August.
Enjoy their spacious waterfront setting where the atmosphere is like a trip back in time to the way Key West used to be. Enjoy fresh fish and a raw bar. Feel like you are dining outside with the large windows that remain open during the day. A great place for a drink & some snacks, especially during football season.
This Cuban restaurant, tucked into a quiet residential intersection, flies well below the tourist radar. Delicious food at very reasonable prices.
Cheeseburgers.
This rough and ready landmark has a three-egg seafood omelette that, coupled with a bloody mary or two, will shock you back to life from a throw down night on Duval.
The main dishes are mid-range in price, and paired with great tasting appetizers and salads. While Key West is warm and the porch may seem like a good idea, make sure you have a jacket. It is right on the water, and with the fans on high blast, it can get a little chilly.
Authentic, delicious Cuban food and mojitos with a kick. Every night at sunset, they have a band playing and enough space for dancing and having a couple of drinks at the bar. The walls of both the restaurant and the hallway connecting it to the gift shop are covered in colorful murals depicting early, Cuban-influenced life in Key West. History and folk art aficionados can easily spend 30-45 minutes just wallgazing.
A Taste of Old Key West. Traditional raw bar & seafood restaurant. Oysters, clams, shrimp, etc. A low-key restaurant for casual lunch or dinner.
A local favorite right on Duval Street next door to Antonia's. Unlike other pizzerias, this place serves very thin crust pizza that can be made with or without tomato sauce. Also serves salads and even a few types of seafood.
Dinner served from 6PM-11PM. You can dine on the porch of this dignified Victorian home. Similar to tapas dining, everything is intended to be shared and mixed and matched.
This mod-style restaurant has good seafood and a large colorful aquarium. The staff is intelligent and polite. The fish dishes are usually fresh and innovative. Reservations a must.
They serve breakfast lunch dinner and even Sunday brunch. The menu is very similar to many other restaurants: a lot of fish and seafood. A lot of tropical flavors and many fruits are included in the ingredients of their dishes.
This high-end establishment sells "dining with a view," and this is what you get because food is unremarkable.
Part of the gay-oriented Bourbon St. Complex on the 700 block of Duval.
Ernest Hemingway's old stomping grounds. Pirate's Punch in a 22-oz cup.
Take a peek at the "hog cam" on their website.
Webcams here, too. Can be a lively place at times.
Club with 6 venues & 10 bars. Live entertainment, VIP bar overlooking the action, juice & premium spirits bar, dance club, adult entertainment, & live rock & roll.
Ernest Hemingway's "new" stomping grounds. Sloppy Joe's used to sit at the current location of Captain Tony's, but the landlord raised the rent on the owner back in 1937. Legend has it that upon hearing the news, the bar owner and his customers (including Hemingway) moved the bar, bar stools, alcohol, etc. across Duval Street to a former restaurant - its current location.
The last (or first, depending on your direction of travel) bar on US 1. Not your typical trop-rock bar, the Green Parrot leans more toward blues. Great bands, and an unbelievable selection of blues on the jukebox.
A piece of Old Key West, Schooner Wharf is an open air bar that sits on the Key West Bight. You can grab a brew and watch the yachts.
Irish style.
An Irish pub and restaurant attached to a bed and breakfast located right on Duval Street. Daily happy hour specials offered as well as great Irish food.
Sports bar with food, drinks, and games like pool.
Clean rooms, shared and private baths, pool, complimentary breakfast, wi-fi. Friendly and helpful staff knowledgeable of the city.
Villa and condo rentals in the historic Old Town.
40 yds from the Atlantic Ocean and Rest Beach. Beautiful landscaping with only 2 private Jacuzzi Suites. Complimentary Wi-Fi, off-street parking and bikes.
Bogarts Irish Pub
Family run bed and breakfast near the Old Town. Swimming pool and restaurant/bar located on the premises. Each room has its own private porch and private bathroom. Family friendly.
Built in 1926 and home of Key West's highest sunset celebration.
A small hotel with plenty of free parking, open bar cocktail party with piano player every afternoon, breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order eggs.
A resort-style property with a good rooftop view of the water. Book early, as the place is popular and there is limited space available.
This hotel offers a pool-side setting with swimming pool and heated Jacuzzi, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Fully renovated guesthouse with lush grounds.
A fun and relaxed B&B, with 10 rooms, all with private baths. Amenities include a heated lagoon-style pool with spa jets and a cascading waterfall, surrounded by tropical gardens that weave throughout the inn grounds. Along with a nightly happy hour, a continental breakfast is available each morning.
In the heart of the historic district, 23-room bed and breakfast. Complimentary breakfast is served in the mornings and a wine and cheese tasting each night.
Offers 6 different boutique hotel options in the Old Town.
Intimate resort with sumptuous, rich fabrics and stunning ocean views. Private marina to fish, scuba, snorkel, parasail, waverunners, or sail on the “Floridays,” the resort's 60-foot Irwin sailboat which offers daily sunset cruises and private charter trips. Exercise studio, private beach, pool with oversized whirlpool. Indoor and outdoor dining is available at two restaurants, where guests can watch the sunset.
Accommodations feature a king or double queen-size beds some with oversized bathrooms. Freshwater pool, tiki bar and poolside restaurant.
Charming and historical hotel offering 24 suites for lodging outside of Old Town.
This three-story Victorian in the heart of old town is full of color and art.
Waterfront resort offering spacious accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary parking and three tree-lined pools.
Deep-water access, an onsite marina, onsite access to fishing charters and six oceanfront pools. Oceanfront rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows with full ocean view and a private balcony. Also features seafood dining at the onsite Yellowfin Bar & Grill.
Complete with rooms, suites, retreats and penthouses, this lovely building has an enjoyable pool, a free boat slip when you check in (subject to availability), friendly staff, and beautiful decor. The boat slip is a manatee area: feel free to search and see the beautiful animals, but be careful not to harm them. There is free parking and free bike racks. Elegant flowers grow in the gardens along with the palm trees.
Elegant accommodations, lush gardens, a private beach, a selection of restaurants and bars, a full-service spa.
With the only natural beach on the island as a backyard, this hotel is a block away from Duval Street.
A boutique specializing in women's clothing. Everything from fun tees, to comfy linen pants they have everything for a casual day of drinking.
Swimwear and beach products for men, women and children, in addition to stylish dog clothing and accessories.
By bus
By sea
Since the re-establishment of US-Cuban relations at the end of 2014 and the easing of travel sanctions between the two countries there have not been any establishment of, or plans for regular ferry…
By car
The Overseas Highway terminates in Key West, and links all the towns in the Keys with mainland Florida and links into the US Interstate network.
With many narrow and one-way streets, driving Key West is difficult and parking is expensive. Many visitors choose to rent motor scooters, bicycles, golf carts, explore on foot or use public transportation.
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Key West · Regional · EYW
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