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Key West is an American island city that is part of the Florida Keys archipelago. It is also the southernmost point of Florida, which extends 90 miles (144 km) north of Cuba.
The island of Key West is of great historical importance for Miami and also for the United States. The first reference dates from 1513 and since then Key West, Key West in English, became a paradise for pirates, explorers, immigrants, and even treasure hunters. Later, the way of life he offered attracted a flood of settlers from America, the Caribbean, and Europe, who have left their mark on the architecture, cuisine, and spirit of the island. Key West is also known to house such well-known characters as Henry Flager (the railroad businessman), President Truman and the famous writers Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.
Currently, Key West is famous for water sports, lively nightlife, beaches, and historic sites. A good way to enjoy Key West is by walking its streets, however, it is also possible to take the Conch Train, the Old Town Trolley or rent a bicycle. Many of the tourist points of interest are located on Duval Street, which constitutes its central axis, making it a good place to start the tour.
If you have decided to visit Key West during your trip to Miami, we recommend you book a full day for this excursion, as the island offers a lot of interesting places to visit. Another good option is to make a stay of 2 or 3 days, which will allow you to know this beautiful place with more depth. Here you have a direct link to the hotels available in Key West. It is also possible to hire an organized excursion to the Keys departing from Miami, and it is perhaps one of the most comfortable ways to visit.
What to do in Key West?
Our list of what to do in Key West shows the main activities, tours, and tours that make Key West such a paradisiacal and exciting place. See how to enjoy, book and save on each of the activities on our list of what to do in Key West. All ride options on this list are without Miami transportation. To see Miami to Key West travel options with or without activities, see more information.
Key West Diving
The clear and warm waters of Key West make this place perfect for dives. You do not need to be a professional diver to enjoy this attraction. You don't even have to risk in deep water. Scuba diving in Key West offers options for experienced divers, beginners and also for children.
Snorkeling for beginners and families: Price and availability
Snorkeling with boat trip: Price and availability
What to see in Key West?
Mallory Square
And if during the day the photos are great, the most special moment in Key West is dusk.
Thus, every day at sunset in Key West the "Sunset Celebration" takes place, which, as the name implies, consists of observing the romantic and idyllic sunset from the Mallory Square Dock.
Sit down in front of the water and accompanied by relaxing street music we see the sun fall. Thus, you will discover incredible skies that go from intense orange to a beautiful lilac color, going through a mixture of everything. Simply spectacular! Arrive early to see the sun fall at Mallory Square Dock. Many people look forward to the spectacle of nature.
Hemingway's house in Key West
Ernest Hemingway's house in Key West, officially known as Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, was one of the writer's residences during the time he spent in the United States. Hemingway lived and wrote here for more than 10 years.
Located on Whitehead Street 907, a few meters from the lighthouse and a few minutes from the south coast of the island. In 1986, this town was declared a National Historical Heritage and currently remains open to the public as a museum. The Hemingway House can be visited and see both the rooms and the garden. Also, this attraction has become famous on the island for the large number of cats that live in its surroundings.
The Key West Lighthouse
One of the points that I like most about Key West is its small lighthouse, former lookout post of the US Navy and named in 1969 the country's historical heritage and converted into a museum. It is currently possible to climb to the top of the lighthouse to admire the views of Key West from one of the highest points on the island.
Schedule: open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Ticket price: $ 10 adults / $ 5 children from 6 years.
Southernmost Point Key West The Southernmost Point of Key West is the southernmost point of the United States and is located in the Upper Duval neighborhood of Key West, directly on the corner between South Street and Whitehead Street.
You will find this tourist attraction just a couple of minutes walk from the center and you will recognize it by the thousands of tourists who are photographed in front of the sea.
The monument consists of a kind of great mooring in which it is indicated that it is the southernmost point of the country and that it is only 90 miles from Cuba.
- My advice: if you want to take the perfect photo here, better if you arrive early in the morning.
Throughout the day it is common for long lines to form and you will definitely have to wait.
So, the options are those, or get up early, or arrive patiently. 4.
Duval Street Key West Duval Street is the most important commercial area of Key West and crosses the island from north to south. Along this avenue you will find the most famous and popular bars and restaurants in all of Key West.
Among them, here is the Sloppy Joe´s, a typical American tavern where they make some delicious sandwiches of minced meat and that always has a very lively atmosphere, although it has also become very touristy. On Duval Street you will also see the Rick´s Café and the Irish Kevins Bar and, of course, the Hard Rock. If you continue down the street you will reach the historic port of the town (Old Town).
😉 Shopping in Key West Although there are no major shopping centers in Key West like in Miami, it is certainly a good place to buy swimwear and beautiful summer dresses in small stores.
In any case, the Bahama Village is a neighborhood in Key West that was originally home to the island's African-American inhabitants. Today, the Bahama Village hosts an open-air market, as well as multiple restaurants and some of the most tourist attractions of the Key.
Beaches In Key West
There are only three beaches in the literal sense of the word.
The Higgs Beach is very small and not always clean, and the water here is not as paradisiacally blue as in the rest.
The Smathers Beach on South Roosevelt Boulevard is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches of the Florida keys. The water is crystal clear and has many palm trees that provide shade and help cope with the heat on sunny days. On this beach, you will find a wide range of outdoor activities such as catamaran rental or Jetski.
The third Key West beach is located in Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park and is relatively small. To enter the State Park, and consequently to access the beach, you have to pay a ticket. In any case, the visit is worth it. From here you can see the large cruises that pass through Key West and romantic weddings are usually held. One of the best places to sunbathe with the best Key West Vibes.
Map of Key West
The distance between Miami and the last key, Key West (Key West) is 271 km (165.6 miles) and can be done in approximately 3 and a half hours without stopping. But of course, what is the point of doing this route if you do not stop to enjoy the spectacular route. For a two-day route, it is best to look for a hotel in Key West, or if we want to save on any of the previous keys that are cheaper, since the hotels increase in price as we approach the last key, Key West.
Bahia Honda State Park
Was selected as the best beach in America in 1992 (The Best Beach in America 1992). This key is a reserve and has 524 acres, including a small island in the southwest of the park. It has beaches, cabins, camping, picnic areas, showers ...
Admission to this park is paid but although there are many free beaches on the road to the Florida Keys, it is worth paying and entering. Prices depend on how many people are in the car, in our case $ 9 for two people.
To understand Bahia Honda State Park you have to know a little about the history of the road to the keys. Historically, only pirates arrived in these islands but at the beginning of the 20th century, they built a railway line from Miami to Key West (Key West). This was destroyed by a hurricane and was replaced by the current road in the 30s.
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