Florida Guide > Other Florida
Key West, Florida
If you like lively holidays, or vacations, Key West, Florida is just such an energetic place to visit. It has a fantastic atmosphere unlike any of the other Keys in the chain of islands that outstretch from the mainland, south of Miami, reaching out just 90 miles from Cuba. In fact Key West is closer to Cuba than it is to Miami! It’s loud, brash, exciting and fun!
Just 4 miles long and 2 miles wide Key West is known for its balmy, frost free weather and azure blue skies. Key West is not only renown, like the other Keys, for fishing and diving but there’s a lot to see and experience – especially if you are only there for a few days with plans to visit other areas of Florida.
The locals are known as ‘Conchs’ and they are very proud of their island and its past. If it’s your first visit to Key West, get a feel and your bearings during the day by participating in either by Trolley Bus Tour or a Train Tour. The Trolley bus offers most flexibility as you can get off, look around an area, and rejoin a later trolley bus. The Train Tour does not allow you to get off and rejoin. These tours take you around Key West – both the new and old areas including Mallory Square, Duval Street, the most southern point, The Little White House where Truman used to stay and Ernest Hemmingway’s house which is also a museum, open 9am – 5pm, 365 days a year. It is said that he wrote seven per cent of his books here during his stay from 1931 – 1940 – another fact the Conchs are very proud to tell you! Whilst you’re driven around the island, your guide explains aspects of Key West history and current life – the city motto is ‘One Human Family. ’ You’ll see fascinating architecture along swaying palm tree lined streets where the locals have willingly restored old wooden homes – large and small - amongst lush tropical trees and flowers.
At night the atmosphere changes as everyone gathers to watch the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. Take a catamaran or stay on land and enjoy the street performers – tightrope walkers, fire eaters, jugglers and musicians whilst vendors set up market stalls to show off their wares.
And when the sun has set walk back through Duval Street and try out one of the excellent restaurants where you can ‘people watch’ or visit a bar (or two…) and listen to the music – Sloppy Joes, Irish Kevin’s, Hog’s Breath Saloon and many more.
Key West is laid back with the aim to make visitors feel stress free and just enjoy and have a good stay. Why not visit on your next trip to Orlando?
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