The southernmost point, mile 0, sunset celebrations, the coral reef–these are just a few of the things Key West is known for. Located at the end of a chain of islands connected by the Over Seas Highway, Key West is the last stop at the end of the road and 150 miles from the mainland of Florida. In fact, Key West is closer to Cuba than it is to Miami, as it’s famously written on the Southernmost Buoy, “90 Miles to Cuba.” The laid-back “come as you are” lifestyle and stunning tropical environs have inspired artists and poets from Ernest Hemingway to Jimmy Buffett. After all, the average temperature year round is 77 degrees, which means that the beach and water sports are always calling. Key West is home to the third largest coral reef in the world, and snorkeling season is year round. Great charter options include Fury Water Adventures.
An island of only 8 square-miles with a population of just under 25,000, it’s an intimate, melting pot of a community with people from all over the world who have chosen to make it home. That might be part of the reason the official motto is “One Human Family.”
Duval Street serves as the city center. It’s a mile long street that stretches northwest to southeast in the heart of historic Old Town. This is where you’ll find an abundance of bars, restaurants, and shops, everything from the legendary Sloppy Joe’s to new local favorites, like The Porch and Charlie Macs 404 Key West BBQ. Fine dining restaurants include A & B Lobster House, Santiago’s Bodega, and Nine One Five. For casual fare, enjoy Fogarty’s, the Conch Republic Seafood Company, and Fisherman’s Cafe. One of a kind shopping can be found at Besame Mucho, Blue, and the Fury Surf Shack. Other must-see neighborhoods include Bahama Village and the Historic Seaport for plenty of local color.
Accommodations on the island range from luxurious oceanfront resorts to charming bed and breakfasts, tucked away on palm tree lined side streets, as well as budget-friendly hotels. There’s a cruise ship in port almost every day of the year and over 2.7 million people choose to vacation in Key West annually. You can get here by flying into the Key West International Airport, on a scenic drive down the Overseas Highway, or by the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a seasonal retreat, Key West has something for everyone, from the stunning sunsets at Mallory Square, to the wonders of the coral reef, and the raucous nightlife Duval Street is famous for. As the saying goes, Key West is “close to perfect, but far from normal.” You’ll understand what we mean once you’ve arrived.