Key West, Florida – A beautiful vacation which I have always dreamt of and finally the dream came true. We visited the Key West, tropical paradise located on the southernmost point of the United States. And it was a great escape from the cold winter in Burgh as the temperature in Key West was about 80 degrees. We flew to Fort Lauderdale from Burgh and reached Key West after three hours’ drive from the airport. We drove along Overseas Highway and the entire drive was in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with clear turquoise water on either side of the road.
Key West is a tropical island blessed with rich historic and artistic roots, clear beaches and access to an unlimited array of water adventures. You will never run out of things to do in Key West.
We had planned an entire day to explore Key West and the best way to enjoy the beauty of the city is by walk or by bikes. The temperature was very high close to 90 in Key West, hence we decided to explore by scooter. We rented from A&M rental services as they had the best prices in the town and also a free pick up/drop off service. We rented a bike initially but then later we returned it. To read about our bike tamasha, check out my blog post here.
Here goes the list of our favorite things to do in Key West
Take a selfie at the Southernmost Point
The buoy marking the southernmost point of the United States is a must visit in Key West. That was our first stop on the day. We made it at the start of the day as the queue gets longer as the day goes by. The buoy is located on the intersection of Whitehead and South Streets which is just 90 miles north of Cuba. Yes, Cuba is just 90 miles away from this point. Access to the buoy is free. I was surprised to see separate bike parking lane throughout the town. What’s most beautiful is the pelicans diving into the seawater near to the buoy! One can see a number of pelicans diving down into the water to cool themselves from the heat.
Take a selfie at 0 Mile Marker
The US 1 starts at the Key West and ends at Acadia in Maine. Don't forget to click a selfie at the 0 Mile Marker.
Tour the Hemingway’s House
The tiny beautiful town is home to a larger number of museums. Ernest Hemingway House located in Whitehead Street in the heart of the Old Town Key West is home to the most honored and respected authors –Ernest Hemingway. He stayed here and wrote for more than ten years. He called Key West as home and stated that he found solace in the turquoise clear waters that surround this tiny island. Tour the home, their flower gardens and also polydactyl (six-toed) cats. Yes, the museum is home to approximately 50 cats. Ernest Hemingway was given a white six-toed cat by a ship’s captain and some of the cats who live on the museum grounds are descendants of that original cat, named Snow White. And also check out the names of the Cats! Yes, they follow a tradition and are named after famous people.
Visit Truman Little White House
Visit Truman Little White House which was originally constructed in 1890 as naval officers housing. Even the scientist Thomas Edison and Edward Hayden stayed here during their visit. The house was also used for their stay by six American Presidents. Guided tours are offered every 15 minutes a day. Visit the house and observe its intricate beauty which was used as a restful place to restore body and mind by US Presidents.
Bike around the island
Do what we did. Key West is bite-sized and the entire island is within reach. Rent a bike and tour around the island. We drove through the Duval Street, Palm Avenue followed by the drive along the beaches. Soak in the beauty of the colorfully painted homes throughout the town. Watch Mangroves along the shore and Palm trees lining the shore.
Climb the Key West Lighthouse
The Key West Lighthouse & Museum run by Key West Art & Historical Society is home to Key West’s Maritime heritage and located exactly opposite to the Hemingway’s House in Whitehead Street. Climb 88 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse and learn about Barbara Mabrity, the first lighthouse keeper and one of the only women in history who held that position during that period.
Capture sunset at Mallory Square
Mallory Square is my personal favorite part of the town. Take part in the Key West Sunset Celebration which happens every day 2 hours before the sunset. Catch a show and watch gimmicks by the artists in the square. Grab a coconut drink and soak yourself in the vibrant music in the square. Every day sunset is Key West is a beautiful medley of colors. Watch the glowing pink and red sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico. Watch the dazzling sunset from the shore or set a sail for an evening that is steeped in natural beauty. We had two evenings to watch Sunset in Mallory Square. The sunset on the first day was spectacular with the pink and oranges hues lining the entire sky and the clear waters reflecting the beauty. Wish I could freeze that moment. The second day was cloudy and the sun was covered with clouds. Even then, we had a dazzling sunset and the sight of sailing Yacht with the sinking pinkish orange sun as the backdrop was a breathtaking calming therapy. Never miss a sunset at Mallory Square when you are in Key West. It’s a sin! LOL
Stroll down Duval Street
Duval Street stretches from Mallory Square to the southernmost point in the Key West. The street is lined with cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and outdoor bars. No wonder, why it is called the heart of the island. A simple walk along the street leaves you energized as the street is always high on energy with vibrant people, great food and soulful music. Duval Street is a dream of a foodie where one could find delicacies from all over the world. Don’t forget to try seafood when you are in Key West as they are freshly caught and taste delicious!
After our return from Dry Tortugas, we took a walk in the Duval Street and grabbed our dinner at Sloppy Joe. The nightlife in Key West is amazing and one should never miss that. With jazzy music everywhere, colorful shops and great food, everyone seemed to be so relaxed and enjoying their life perfectly on island time.
Spend your time at the beach
Key West has a number of beaches along the shore and some are private. We drove along the shore and stopped at Higgs beach followed by Smathers beach. Both the beaches are family friendly and have chairs, umbrellas and more for a price. Play a sand volleyball, take a splash in the blue waters, swim in the shallow waters, kayak, raft or just lounge under a coconut tree in the beach sand. I know I would visit Key West next year for sure and I have planned only beaches and sipping wines.
Visit the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
A visit to the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is a step back in time to the world of a maritime pilot and master wrecker in mid-19th century Key West.
The grand home that is now known as the Audubon House was built by Captain John Huling Geiger in the 1840s as a residence for his family, who lived there for more than a century. Slated for destruction in 1958, the Geiger mansion was saved by the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization. The home’s large-scale restoration was the first of its kind in Key West and sparked Key West’s restoration movement. Today, the home and its furnishings reflect the elegance and comfortable living enjoyed by a wealthy family in Key West in an era when frequent shipwrecks on the offshore reef created a flourishing shipwrecking industry.
Shop local art
Key West has art galleries inspired by the tropical landscape and eccentric local culture. Many artists call Key West as their home. Browse through art galleries and check out their local arts.
Bar Hopping
Key West has a number of bars with unique flavor and taste. Go bar hopping on Duval Street and taste their delicious brews.
Taste the World Famous Key Lime Pie
Key West is known for Key Limes and the best Key Limes are grown in every backyard. The Key Lime Pie is taken seriously in Florida and they bake to the most perfection. The Key Lime Pie originated in Key West toward the end of the 1800s. Aunt Sally, cook of Florida’s first millionaire and a Bahamian- born immigrant – William Curry concocted the first pie from Key Limes. One should taste the Key Lime Pie in the Key West and almost every restaurant serves Key Lime Pie. The Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe is famous worldwide for their Key Lime Pie covered in chocolate on a stick. We had Key Lime pie covered in chocolate and also their strawberry Key lime Mouse. If you ever wonder on as what could be prepared using Key Lime, then please do walk around the store to see the delicacies. You will find Key Lime Salsa, Key Lime Sauce to Key Lime Pie.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
The state park is located about 2 miles from the downtown key west. The beach in the park is a great way to spend your time in the Key West. Pack your snorkel and go for snorkeling in the beach. Visit the fort named after President Taylor which was used to protect the Harbor during the Civil War. The park has admission fees and it is another great spot to watch a sunset.
Kayak through Florida Mangroves
You will see the Mangroves once you enter the Key West on US-1. The Mangroves is a great place to kayak, experience the Mangrove forests and watch reptiles. Kayak, Jet Skiing and Paddleboard are the other best ways to enjoy the city and its beauty.
Take Old Wagon Trolley or Conch Train Tour
If you want to explore the city in a relaxed way, then I would suggest you take Conch tour train or Old Wagon tour. Conch Tour train is the World famous train in Key West and is one of Florida’s most popular reasons. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as the Conch Tour Train takes you on a 75- minute journey through the remarkable evolvement of Key West. Another way to get around the city is through Old Wagon Trolley. Both the tours take you to the iconic spots in the city and also provides you with a complete map of the city for your exploration.
Key West is a place brimming with historic heritage, local art galleries, eateries, shows, and clear beaches. You will never run out of options in Key West. Not the town offers you options to enjoy the day but also a great place to enjoy nightlife with outdoor bars, eating outlets and haunted tours. Yes, Key West is considered as one of the haunted towns and don’t forget to take a ghost tour at night in search of paranormal activity.
Having said that, Key West remains as one of my favorite destination to unwind, relax and reenergize my body and soul. And I will be a regular visitor to this tropical paradise just to absorb and soak in its beauty.
Have you ever been to Key West? If so, what are your favorite activities to do on the island? Do let me know and I would love to hear from you. If you haven’t visited so far, then I would highly recommend to include Key West in your Travel plans for the holidays.
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Thanks,
Karthi
