The diverse and extremely colorful history of the Florida Keys archipelago is full of adventures.
From Indians, Spaniards and pirates to hurricanes and numerous shipwrecks, these islands have always been a place to explore.
Florida Keys is a chain of paradise islands that start 15 miles from Miami.
The archipelago stretches across the Atlantic Ocean for hundreds of miles and includes 1,700 islands.
The capital is the city of Key West, which is located on the island of the same name, more than 30% of the total population of the archipelago lives here.
In addition there are other a few more large islands: Key Largo, Big Pine Key, Marathon and Islamorada.
Let’s start our journey to Key West today!
Must 15 Unique Things to Do in Key West
1.Go on a sightseeing tour of the island. A fun ride on a mini train or trolley bus will help you feel the carefree spirit of this resort.
2.Walk around the city. On its streets you can easily meet one of the celebrities – for example, Madonna or the Princess of Monaco.
3.Stay in an aquarium. Here you can see sharks, giant tortoises and other inhabitants of the ocean, and you can even touch some of them.
4.Swim with scuba diving. The island is surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs in the world, so diving on the island is very popular.
5.Catch a shark, swordfish or barracuda. Key West is recognized as one of the best places in the world for fishing – it even hosts an international tournament.
6.Sit in the Hard Rock Cafe. It is the only one of all such establishments where a ghost lives.
Legend says that this is the spirit of the former owner of the cafe.
7.Visit the house-museum of Erenst Hemingway. Now it is inhabited exclusively by cats – the descendants of a kitten presented to Hemingway by his friend.
8.Visit a festival called the Ernest Hemingway Festival which is dedicated to the memory of Ernest Hemingway.
It starts a week before the memorable date – July 14, and lasts for 7 days.
The brightest event of the holiday is the competition of the writer’s doubles, who come here from all over the world.
In addition, the festival program usually includes a theatrical performance “Race of the Bulls”, repeating one of the scenes described in the novel “The Sun Also Rises”, and a competition for the best short story-imitation of the author.
Some of the events are held at Hemingway’s favorite bar, Sloppy Joe’s.
9.Visit one of the galleries.
The most famous and visited of them is the Key West Gallery – many works by famous artists are exhibited here.
The city has an incredible number of art galleries.
The most famous and most visited is the rather prosaically named Key West Gallery.
Here you can find the works of many famous authors, as well as those who are just starting their career.
10.Watch a unique sunset.
Key West is an amazing place, because there is hardly another such resort in the world where the same event is celebrated almost every day.
I am talking about the Sunset Festival.
It takes place on Mallory Square and the adjoining pier, which offers a breathtaking view of the sun as it sinks into the ocean.
This event is attended not only by tourists, but also by local residents, for whom it has become a good tradition.
It is believed that the night life on the island, and it is no less noisy and stormy here than during the day, begins with the last rays of the sun.
And if you come to Key West in the summer, when it often rains, there is a chance to admire several rainbows at once against the backdrop of a fiery sunset.
11.Go to the National Park.
Another great place in the city is the Fort Zachary-Taylor National Historical Park.
Here you can see the real ghosts of pirates, who, like all pirates, are arguing about who owns the chest with gold.
12.Make a fast Bar run
Key West is famous for its bars, so be sure to dedicate at least one day to exploring them.
And it’s better to start with Captain Tony’s Saloon, which was first opened in 1851; Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Jimmy Buffett and many other famous personalities rested there.
13.Make a Sup Surfing
Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding through the mangroves to crystal clear waters where you can swim with sea turtles, tropical fish and maybe even a dolphin is an activity not to be missed in Key West.
14.Try the local key lime pie
Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe is a sweet tooth mecca in Key West.
The establishment offers a large selection of sweet treats, among which lime pie and citrus salsa deserve special attention.
15.Visit a street show
Head to Mallory Square for an evening show featuring local artists offering guests a variety of genres.
Is Key West Worth the Hype?
Yes, definitely.
Key West is a stunning beach resort and the capital of the Florida Keys.
You can get here along one of the most beautiful roads in the United States, stretching right across the ocean.
But be careful, because as the locals like to tell tourists, “you need to arrive at Key West for 2 hours and leave immediately. Otherwise, you will stay here forever.”
And indeed, the resort is unlike any other city in the world – everyone here is so good-natured, relaxed and truly happy every day.
And the wonderful climate, vibrant nature and gentle ocean with insanely beautiful coral reefs make you seriously wonder if you really should stay in this paradise.
Most travelers (including me) fly over different beautiful islands , trying to quickly get to Key West right away – the southernmost point of the continental United States, but other islands can also please any tourist.
Is 3 Days Enough For Key West?
Yes!
Even 2 days are enough , you will spend the whole day loitering around the city, lounging and having fun.
That is why it seems that time in Key West has stopped and just stands still.
And the people who live here are incredibly slow.
Therefore, you should not be surprised that a tourist will have to wait for his order in a cafe or restaurant not for 5 minutes, but for half an hour, and sometimes even more.
Prices for hotels (and any other types of accommodation) are simply extortionate, so the bulk of tourists come for one day to snorkel and put a tick: “was in Key West.”
What is Key West Best Known For?
It is known for its southernmost point of the continental United States.
This heavenly place is so saturated with an atmosphere of happiness and serenity that you just want to be here, without being distracted by architecture and monuments.
However, Key West is ready to offer a lot of interesting attractions for those who are a little tired of the carefree beach life, surfing and diving.
What is The Best Month to Go to Key West?
From November to April.
Key West is the only city in the continental United States that never gets cold or snowy.
Here you can not see a minus temperature on the thermometer.
The climate here is tropical marine – in January the thermometer shows + 66 or 75 ° F, and in July – in the range from 80 to 90 ° С.
From November to April, the island is dry, but between May and November, the rainy season begins.
At this time, there are often showers and thunderstorms, but usually it happens early in the morning – in the afternoon the sun is already shining.
In this regard, Key West holds the record for the state – the island receives less rainfall than any other city in Florida.
How Do You Spend a Day in Key West?
By spending time on the beach and visiting some attractions.
Spend several hours at the local beaches which will not leave you indifferent.
I didn’t want to leave from there.
I wanted to dream, smile, enjoy the warm ocean and watch the pelicans, who, without the slightest fear, dived for fish a few feet from the swimmers.
After that you can attend several unique attractions that make Key West a must-visit.
You can also walk along Duval Street, visit local shops and restaurants, and travel to the southernmost point of the continental United States.
Is everything walkable in Key West?
Yes.
It is possible to get around the entire island in 2-3 hours.
Cruise ships with tourists come here almost every day.
But most tourists, of course, arrive by land.
Whom you will not meet in this city!
And poor students, and sedate pensioners, and the Princess of Monaco, and even Madonna herself, who loves to visit this island city very much.
Do I Need Jeans in Key West?
Of course No, the whole peculiarity of this southern town can be expressed in one word “chill”.
So take a swimming suit and short clothes in what you feel MAXIMUM chill.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Key West?
Yes, ONLY in the bars and if you are 21.
The US has very strict laws regarding the drinking of alcoholic beverages.
Persons under the age of 21, even when accompanied by adults or at home, are prohibited from drinking beer, wine or any other alcoholic beverages.
There are no exceptions to this law, regardless of your nationality.
What should I avoid in Key West?
Pickpockets.
Most often, tourists are faced with them on the main street and bars.
The most dangerous street was the famous pedestrian Duval Street, it is the heart and soul of Key West.
Stretching from Mallory Square to the southernmost tip of the US, you’ll find an abundance of atmospheric outdoor cafes, boutiques, art galleries and some of the country’s most famous bars.
Many tourists have stories about thefts in this place.
Do I Need a Car in Key West?
No,It is possible to get around the entire island in 2-3 hours.
Are Beaches Free in Key West?
Yes, once a tourist sees this wonderful place,he/she needs to have with him/her only a supply of free time, it will be needed here.
You can easily relax here, but it is much better to try to look around, because the place is amazing in nature.
Designed to be perfect for a complete family vacation, it has everything you need, from just a huge parking lot, toilets, numerous stalls, chairs and even tables for an unforgettable family picnic and many other things.
Also, in this place (along the entire perimeter of the recreation area) numerous trucks are parked, ready to offer potential visitors the freshest and most delicious snacks, unique soft drinks of their kind.
How to Get There to Key West?
The Florida Keys Airport is also located on Key West.
You can get here with a connection through Miami, New York or other major US cities.
My Conclusion
It is not difficult to understand the people who remain on this island.
In such places, ambition and acumen are not needed.
Having tasted nirvana once, the main thing is to stop in time and not succumb to the deceptive and alluring beauty of the mirage.
But while you are sitting on the pier and breathing in the southern night, remember that life in paradise is a product that perishes too quickly…
