The Florida Keys: Key West

Key West is the last city at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys. Tourists to this city usually arrive in one of three ways. Key West is a port of call for many cruise lines. Once a cruise ship has docked, the streets are full of tourists who are looking for that perfect souvenir. The Key West International Airport brings many tourists from all over the world. And finally, many visitors arrive in Key West by car via Highway 1.

Once in Key West, no matter how you got there, it is time to enjoy the sights. You will find that the residents of Key West are very laid back and open-minded. The atmosphere in Key West promotes any type of lifestyle and attitude. If you happen to be in Key West during some of its many festivals and community events, you will witness the “anything goes” party atmosphere.

One place where you will witness the variety of people, and a place that cannot be overlooked, is Mallory Square. You will find that nearly everyone congregates in the square every evening before sunset. The square soon starts to exhibit a carnival feeling as performers of all types entertain for tips.

A great way to get around Key West is to take the Conch Train or the Trolley. These modes of transportation offer all day passes which allows you to sightsee to your heart’s content without having to walk from attraction to attraction. This also gives you a good overview of Old Town, where most of the fun takes place.

Some of the most popular attractions in Key West are The Hemingway House, the Aquarium, the Shipwreck Museum and the Cemetery. The most popular of these is the Hemingway House Museum. Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West from 1931 until his death in 1961. Because of his many world travels, his home is filled with many interesting objects from all over the globe. He was quite a character in town and the bar that he frequented on a daily basis is still operating.

The dining and nightlife in Key West is legendary. It seems as if there is a street party going on every night as patrons “hop” from one establishment to another. Don’t miss out on the live entertainment that is offered every night at some of the most popular places, which include Sloppy Joes and Margaritaville on Duval Street, Martha’s on Roosevelt Boulevard and Hog’s Breath Saloon, which is located on Front Street.

Although there are many things to do in town, don’t forget to head toward the water to enjoy the many activities. There you can rent any type of equipment for water sports. You can jet ski, snorkel, scuba dive, or kayak. If you want to do a little exploring but you don’t want to get wet, a glass bottom boat tour may be the answer. There are many companies offering tours around the islands. You could hire a boat or even a plane to take you sightseeing.

And don’t forget about the fishing. Key West offers some of the best fishing anywhere in the world. Look at any event calendar for the Florida Keys, and there seems to be a fishing tournament or contest held practically every week.

A trip to Key West in the Florida Keys is definitely one that should not be missed. You can make your vacation as busy or as quiet as you wish, but what ever you do, definitely make time to sit for awhile and people watch. You may be more entertained doing that than you ever could be kayaking.