About Key West
The Florida Keys form a range of islands, starting from the southern tip of Florida in southwest direction. Connected by a stretched bridge, the Overseas Highway, the islands are famous for its carribean ambience, sunsets, crystalline water and beautiful beaches. As such the Keys are popular as a tourist destination as well as attracting day-trippers from Miami.
Key West is the main island and also the last one in the sequence. It is a small tourist town that has a notorious history including pirates, smugglers and of course Ernest Hemingway. The former home of the most famous citizen of Key West is currently a museum and traces of Hemingway’s residence on the island are still seen, worshipped and made into tourist attractions.
Founded by the Spanish, Key West has a turbulent past and tourism only really started after the construction of a railroad from the mainland in the early twentieth century. The railroad does no longer exist, but the Overseas Highway serves as a efficient and sceneric entrance route to the Keys. Key West also has a small airport.
The most famous attraction of Key West is its sunset. Every day, crowds gather on Mallory Square to watch the sun going down in the Floriday Bay. With its many street artists, entertainment and lively bars, experiencing a sunset on Mallory Square is a unique experience. The Southernmost point, as the name indicates, the most southern point of the USA, and a favourit picture-taking spot. Furthermore, Hemingway’s house and a variety of museums like the Mel Fishers Martime museum and the Harry S. Trumann Little White House, are well worth a visit.
Though, most people come to the Keys to enjoy its tropical beaches and ocean wildlife. Boat tours take tourists seaward and especially the ones with a glass bottom plate will provide you a great view on the ocean life. Diving and fishing are popular leisure activities in the Keys and there are plenty of possibilities to go on a diving or fishing tour.
Although Key West offers some charming beaches, the best beaches can be found on the other islands of the Keys. A short overview of the other Keys:
The first island you will encounter when leaving mainland USA is Key Largo. A popular place for day-trippers from Miami, Key Largo is the biggest island of the Keys and a good place for fishing and diving and has some great beaches. Islamorada is known for its exclusive Cheeca Lodge hotel while Long Key is a perfect place for snorkeling and has a typical mangrove coastline. The State Park of the Bahia Honda island is renowned for its beautiful Silver Palm Trail and has stunning sandy beaches, while the Dolhpin Research Center is a major attraction on Grassy Key.
Key West offers its visitors a wide variety of nightlife opportunities. Most action takes place around Duval St. and Whitehead, with a variety of bars and charming restaurants. The most famous bars are Capt. Tony Saloon and Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where Hemingway used to hang out when living here. Around Duval St. area you will also find most hotels and bed & breakfasts. Among the latter the nicest ones are the renovated old houses of the island, which provide the guests with a traditional and charming ambience. Many hotel chains are located at the entrance of the island. As parking in the town itself can be quite expensive, these hotels provide a good alternative if you travel by car.
Hotel Reservations in Key West
Booking online is an easy and efficient way of making a hotel reservation.
Simply use the hotel search engine above to find your hotel in Key West, Florida.
Always feel free to contact us with all your questions.
Make sure to give us information about the destination of your trip so that we can send you the
most suitable options