When you think about Key West, the question usually comes to mind that it is the closest point in the United States to Cuba, also famous for the writer Ernest Hemingway, among others such as Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Frost and the beautiful architecture
Key West is a subtropical paradise, a unique blend of history, climate, natural beauty, cultural diversity and architecture.
The island seems very small and most foreign tourists only come for a day, but there is so much more to do and it deserves about 3 days to really enjoy it.
It is famous throughout the world as a paradisiacal destination, due to its blue sea and beautiful sunsets that attract many people every day.
In addition to the charm, the blue sea and paradisiacal islands, it has incredible views, beautiful beaches, it is a paradise for water sports, fishing, diving, sailing or simply sitting on a sandbank, as well as, of course, a sunset cruise.
Where is Key West?
First we need to visit the Florida Keys, which are an archipelago made up of around 1700 islands south of Miami. It begins at the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula, about 25 km southeast of Miami, and extends along a gentle arc, first in a south-southwest direction, and then in a westward direction, towards Key West , the westernmost of the inhabited islands, and the uninhabited Dry Tortugas.
The Florida Keys are one of the areas most affected by hurricanes in the world, as the archipelago is located in the center of the path of hurricanes that constantly hit the southern United States and the Caribbean, it is closer to Cuba (150 KM) than than the USA.
A little history of Key West
Cayo Hueso (Island of Bones) was discovered by Ponce de Leon, called Las Martines and claimed by Spain in 1513, the name changed to Key West in 1822
Lieutenant M.C. Perry took possession of the island in 1822 and claimed it for the United States as part of the territory ceded to Spain.
In 1823, Key West was claimed as the gateway to the United States, the first customs house was opened, and the first naval depot was established. The Marines arrived in 1824 and the Army in 1831.
Throughout the history of the Florida Keys, the deep-water port of Key West attracted pirates such as Blackbeard and Jean LaFitte. Piracy in the Caribbean became such a problem that Commodore David Porter was sent to put an end to it in 1822, using Key West as his home port.
The military built Fort Taylor in 1845 and in 1846 began Fort Jefferson on the Dry Tortugas, 70 miles from Key West.
In the 1850s, a series of lighthouses were erected along the reef, from a point near Key Largo to Key West.
Between 1863 and 1886, the San Carlos Institute was created and Cubans began to migrate to the United States through Key West, which continued to be a rich and prosperous city.
After the 1900s.
In 1904, Henry Flagler started his Overseas Railroad to Key West. It was completed in 1912. Key West prospered as trainloads of wealthy northerners arrived to stay in Key West at the exclusive resort that Flagler had built. The current Customs House and Federal Building were completed.
In 1935, a Labor Day hurricane destroyed Florida’s East Coast Railroad and killed 500 people in Upper Matacombe, north of Key West.
1940 and 1950 the population doubled in Key West. Monroe County Beach opened and in 1952 the Havana to Key West passenger car ferry was established.
The large shrimp fishing industry began to decline and sought other coastal areas.
Writers, painters and various artists were imported to stimulate the tourist trade again. Many famous authors and writers have made Key West their home or at least a “second home.” Ernest Hemingway. Robert Frost, Elizabeth Bishop, Ralph Ellison, Philip Burton, James Herlihy, Phil Caputo and Tennessee Williams were among the best known.
The 1990s saw a lot of growth and development in the Keys and Key West. The once-sleepy Duval Street is like the “downtown” of a big city, with bars, t-shirt shops and tourist shops mixed with artist galleries, fine restaurants and exclusive designer stores.
Want to know more details about the history of Key West?
Main attractions
1. Go to the southernmost point in the United States.
The southernmost point is located between Whitehead and South Street. If it’s Key West and there’s no photo then… it wasn’t Key West.
This is the closest point to Cuba.
2. Have a drink at Sloppy Joe’s.
The official beginning of Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the famous and infamous Key West Saloon loved by Ernest Hemingway, was right in the middle of the depression, on December 5, 1933, the day Prohibition was repealed, it is a favorite spot for tourists and local residents stock up on alcohol.
There is also the Sloppy Joe sandwich, the ingredients are simple ground beef, tomato sauce, onion and peppers, but it is a must-order for many people who visit this bar.
The Bar offers an extensive menu of other food, including its famous lemon tart.
At night everything changes with live music, considered the best party in the city.
3 Explore Key West.
The best thing about Key West is getting lost exploring every part of the island and its attractions
Duval Street is the central and most popular street, on weekends it can be a little chaotic, but one way or another you will end up there anyway, because it is where the hustle and bustle of the city is with restaurants and shops.
Old Town (the historic district) of Key West is great for strolling, full of beautiful (2,485 historic buildings and four structures) and historic buildings.
The center of the old town is marked by Mallory Square. This square really offers a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico.
4. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Museum among others.
Many famous people have loved Key West in the past, among them is Ernest Hemingway.
His colonial house was built around 1850 and inside you can find some of Hemingway’s belongings and see in person the place where he used to sit and write his novels.
Key West has several museums, such as the Shipwreck Museum, as well as the Aquarium and the butterfly conservatory.
5. Go to the sunset celebration.
The island is famous for having some of the most incredible sunsets in the world, which is why the sunset celebration was born on the island in 1960. Every day, two hours before sunset, you can go to Mallory Square, eat some street food or buy something typical from the vendors and enjoy the sunset.
6. Have a picnic at Bayview Park
Bayview Park is the perfect place to picnic on a bench under the trees or play sports. In this park you can find tennis and basketball courts, and even a playground for children. It’s a very nice place to relax alone or enjoy time with your family.
7. Go snorkeling or diving
Key West is the only place in the US with a barrier reef, which is why it’s so popular for snorkeling. The water is so clear and full of colorful corals and fish, as well as admiring some shipwrecks.
8. Take a boat trip.
All of Florida Key are islands, so of course one of the best things to do there is a boat trip. There are different types of tours.
It’s a good place to see marine animals like dolphins.
There are glass-bottom boat trips to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and fish without having to dive.
Another famous boat trip is the cruise to watch the sunset from a different point of view.
9. Take beautiful walks or bike rides
One of the best ways to get to know Key West is on foot or by bike.
The Keys Overseas Heritage Trail you can walk or bike.
It reaches Key Largo, approximately 140 KM, along the trail there are many places to fish.
10. Fishing
For those who like fishing, the island is a paradise, as in addition to many suitable places for this, there are many tours that take you out on a boat and fish in the middle of the sea.
However, the best places to fish are Praça Mallory and Bahia Onda State Park.
11. Relax on the beach.
For sun and sea lovers, a mandatory stop is relaxing on the beach.
Swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling are ideal at most Key West beaches. Lifeguards are not present on the beaches, so swimming is at your own risk.
There are almost no waves on the beaches due to the proximity of the only living coral reef in North America, just 7 miles away.
SMATHERS BEACH
Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Key West’s largest beach is a public beach. Plenty of space to relax, play volleyball or rent a stand up paddle board, or kayak and have a view of the beach to the sea.
REST BEACH
A smaller beach located at the south end of White Street. It is located between Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach. The beach area has areas to picnic, dip your feet in the water and enjoy the views.
DOG BEACH
It is the only pet-friendly beach in Key West. Located on the corner of Vernon and Waddell streets.
HIGGS BEACH
With plenty of covered picnic areas and children’s play area you’ll definitely want to spend the day.
You also have the option of taking a short walk to West Martello to enjoy the tropical setting of the gardens.
SOUTH BEACH
Just take Duval Street south until you reach the ocean, where you’ll find South Beach. Surrounded by historic homes and just steps from the southernmost point, you can enjoy the ocean views or walk to the pier to see the beach.
FORT ZACHARY TAYLOR STATE PARK AND BEACH
Part of the State Park system there is a nominal fee to enter the park. It’s worth the cost as you can swim and snorkel. If you want to enjoy the day, there are picnic areas with barbecue grills so you can grill your favorite dishes. The park is open until sunset, so be sure to stay and watch beautiful sunsets on the water.
Best time to visit Key West.
Winter (December to February):
During winter, the climate is milder and more pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 23 to 27°C.
It’s high season as Americans want to escape the cold, especially during the holiday season, so you can expect hotels and tourist attractions to be crowded and very expensive.
However, it is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, diving, snorkeling and exploring the area’s beaches.
Spring (March to May):
Spring is an excellent time to visit Key West as the weather is still pleasant and the tourist season begins to wane a bit after the winter peak.
Temperatures begin to rise gradually, ranging from 25°C to 29°C, and humidity has not yet reached the extreme levels of the summer months.
You can enjoy local events and festivals that take place this time of year, such as the Conch Republic Independence Celebration in April.
Summer (June to August):
The summer months in Key West can be hot and humid, with daytime temperatures reaching 32°C or more.
This is hurricane season in the region, so you’ll want to keep an eye on weather forecasts if you plan a visit during this time.
Despite the heat, you can still enjoy water activities and explore Key West’s many attractions, but it’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Autumn (September to November):
Fall in Key West brings some reduction in temperatures and humidity compared to the summer months, making it a more pleasant time to visit.
However, it’s still hurricane season, so it’s important to stay aware of the weather conditions.
This is a quieter time to visit Key West, with fewer crowds and lower prices on hotels and tourist activities.
You can enjoy outdoor activities as well as cultural events and festivals that take place during this time of year.
How to get.
The most common and practical way is by car. It’s a 3-hour trip from Miami. The journey passes along one of the most beautiful and scenic highways in the world, the famous Overseas Highway (US Highway 1).
Here’s how to park on my trip to Key West.
The trip is already one of the highlights of this adventure. The Overseas Highway has 42 bridges and one of the most iconic bridges in the Florida Keys is the Seven Mile Bridge. This bridge connects Marathon to Duck Key and is one of the longest bridges in the world. The view from this bridge is stunning and unmissable.
There is the possibility of getting to Key West by bus from Miami, costing US$30.00 and the bus leaves from Miami Airport.
You can also take a flight from Miami, but you will miss the adventure of going over the bridges, but if you take a window you will have a wonderful view of the Everglades and Florida Keys.
Another way to get to Key West is by ferry. Ferries depart from Fort Myers and Marco Island.
Getting around Key West
The best way to get around is on foot or by bike.
All attractions are within reach, as well as easy access, as there are few parking spaces on the main part of the island.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in?
Wherever you stay on the island, you will be within walking distance of the attractions.
However, for the most central ones the cost is quite high, especially in high season.
The vast majority stay in Miami and visit the island during the day.
You also have the option of staying in the other Keys.
Where to stay.
Let’s see the best options in:
Economic :
Nyah – This bed and breakfast welcomes guests to the Old Town and offers a free continental breakfast, 3 outdoor pools and a hot tub. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a 15-minute walk away.
Cost of a bed in a dormitory US$ 100.00
Average:
Douglas House – Located just 2 minutes’ walk from the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, this adults-only inn features free parking and a shared outdoor pool. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
Room price for two people US$ 300.00
LUX:
Hyatt Sunset Harbor Resort is situated 700 meters from Mallory Square.
All units are air conditioned and feature a flat-screen cable TV and DVD player. Some units have a seating area and/or balcony. Some units also have a kitchen equipped with an oven.
Standard unit price for two people US$500.00
Gastronomy in Key West.
Local gastronomy is greatly influenced by Cuban cuisine and seafood such as the famous pink shrimp, abundant hot water fish and other marine delicacies found off the coast, you can also find dishes such as fried dumplings, lemon pie, Cuban sandwiches and lots of drinks like pina colada, margherita, etc.
Key West’s culinary scene continues to thrive, with a mix of traditional and modern restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to American cuisine.
Some typical dishes:
Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is certainly one of the most famous dishes in Key West.
The balance between creaminess and the right amount of acidity in the pie is the key point.
Conch Fritters
They are fried shell meat dumplings in a batter combined with onion and seasonings. They are crunchy and served with lemon or spicy pink sauce
Cuban Breakfast Burrito
The breakfast burrito comes with eggs, cheese, rice and beans on a plain or wheat tortilla. You also have the option of adding meats like chorizo, bacon or sausage.
Key West Pink Shrimp
Shrimp is served in a variety of ways, including in a pasta dish.
However, if you want to enjoy more traditional shrimp, opt for the fried skin option.
Key West itinerary
As most will only have one day on the island, include this itinerary so you can see the main attractions.
This route was done on foot, but you have the option of doing it by bike or using the Durval loop (Hop-On, Hop-Off)
The ideal is to arrive at the island as early as possible and follow a logical and practical path.
If you follow the itinerary without wasting too much time, it can be done in 3 to 4 hours, but I recommend about 6 to 8 hours to really enjoy the city.
If you choose to use the Duval loop, you will have stops at all the tourist attractions throughout the city. You can get off the cable car, explore the region and embark on the tour again.
Places to see on the 1-day itinerary.
A – Higgs Beach: A beautiful central beach in Key West.
B – Southernmost Point: The southernmost point in the United States. From here it is only 90 km to Cuba.
C – Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters: The Key West lighthouse that offers a beautiful view from above
D – The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Home of the great writer, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Hemingway.
E – Fritas Cuban Burgers: Cuban food, delicious and at a great price
F – Key lime inn: The best key lime pie of your life. Typical Key West key lime pie
G – Sloppy Joe’s Bar: Historic Key West bar with several drinks
H – Mallory Square: Square with markets, street food, drinks on the street and a beautiful view of the sea and the sun.
At night
The nightlife is very lively with many bars with live music
Live music
This is the place for big lovers of cold Guinness. From intimate business affairs to family celebrations, Irish Kevin’s is a rustic second home for all its guests. With a high standard of hospitality and knowledgeable servers, it’s easy to kick back, relax and enjoy the delicious authentic Irish cuisine and incredible array of live shows.
Craft Beer • Live Music
As one of Key West’s most iconic locations and Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bar, Sloppy Joe’s welcomes visitors from around the world who come to enjoy their favorite drink, true Key West atmosphere and high-quality cuisine. There is always a party at the main bar and Joe’s Tap Room offers a wide range of artisanal items.
Caribbean Restaurants • Cuban Restaurants
Specializing in Cuban conch cuisine, this family-owned restaurant, and chef Pepe Diaz, has been attracting locals and tourists alike since 1984. Chef Diaz serves favorites like Picadillo, Ropa Vieja, Fambas Ala Plancha, Paella ala Pepe, and his own family recipe. of pudding, and let’s not forget the best Mojitos on the island.
American restaurants • Seafood restaurants
Smokin’ Tuna Saloon is the best place for good food and music. Offering a raw bar, a generous selection of starters, sandwiches, dinners, sides and a full bar, this lounge is ideal for sitting back, having a drink and listening to a wide range of live music. As a regular venue for the Key West Songwriters Festival, you’ll never hear a bad song.
American Restaurants • Burgers
Opened in 2015, Waterfront Brewery is a brewery, restaurant and entertainment center located in the heart of the old town, overlooking the historic harbor.
They are constantly creating new beers, many of which have won awards! The food is as carefully crafted as its beers.
Second day: Visit the Dry Tortugas park.
To visit the dry Tortugas park, the Yankee Freedom Ferry leaves from Key West, Florida, early in the morning every day. Day trips offer a 110km scenic boat ride and around 4.5 hours for visitors to enjoy the park.
Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online or by calling (800) 634-0939.
Third day: Relax on beaches and parks.
You can choose a place or divide the day between the beaches
This is one of the most interesting places in Key West. It’s a park with incredible beaches around it, but it’s also famous for its Civil War-era Fort. Many demonstrations and events about war memories take place in this park throughout the year.
The park has several activities such as admiring wonderful landscapes, going to the beach, spotting some animals, snorkeling and going on great walks or bike rides.
How much does it cost?
3 styles and their costs
Backpacker:
- Stayed in hostels using shared dormitories.
- Make your food and/or restaurants local and cheap.
- Use local transport and explore the city on foot.
- Choose free or cheaper tours.
Daily spending: US$ 100.00 to 150.00.
Intermediary:
- Stayed in hostels/budget hotels in private rooms.
- Eat meals in a medium-sized restaurant.
- Enjoy the main paid attractions.
- Use some taxis and Uber.
Daily rate: US$300.00 to 350.00
Luxurious:
- Stayed in the best hotels.
- Go to all the attractions.
- Hire more sophisticated packages such as use of a helicopter, etc.
Daily spend: US$500.00 and above
