What is Key West? Everything You Need to Know About the Island Paradise

Are you looking for an exotic vacation destination? Somewhere sunny yet lush, with a vibrant nightlife and full of culture and cuisine? Look no further than Key West. This island paradise will make your island dreams a reality. It offers something for everyone – from artists to beach bums and from luxurious resorts to historical sites. Here’s everything you need to know about Key West.

Where is Key West?

Key West is an island in the Florida Keys island chain which is off the southern tip of the state. To give you a rough idea of its location, it’s just 90 miles away from Cuba. If you’re starting your journey in Miami, it’ll take you around 4 hours to drive down the Overseas Highway and reach the island.

History of Key West

Key West has a rich cultural history that dates back centuries. It was once known as Cuban Town and its people spoke Spanish, English and even Native American dialects. Back then, it was a fishing and trading village where the coastal natives and Spanish immigrants shared customs, food and folklore. Now, Key West is the second-largest city in Florida with a population of around 27,000 people.

Famous Attractions in Key West

There’s no shortage of things to do in Key West. Whether your interests lie in history and culture or drinking and partying, you won’t be short of activities. Here are some of the top sights and activities of the island:

• Take a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s home to get a glimpse into his time in Key West, while learning about the author’s complex relationship with the island.
• Explore the historic Old Town on a horse-drawn carriage tour.
• Visit famous Mallory Square which is the home of nightly Sunset Celebrations.
• Rent electric bikes and take in the sights while pedalling around.
• Party it up on Duval Street – famous for its dance clubs, bars and late-night eateries.
• Swim with dolphins during an up-close experience at Dolphin Research Center.
• Sail clear blue waters aboard Schooner America 2.0.
• Taste some Key Lime Pie – Key West’s favorite dessert.

The Weather and Climate in Key West

Key West doesn’t have a harsh winter: the temperature usually stays between mid-60s (°F) and mid-70s (°F). And with consistent sea breezes, visits to Key West in autumn and winter months really pay off with still warm temperatures but fewer tourists. During spring and summers it gets quite muggy, so if you don’t mind hot temperatures, visiting May-October is a great way to have extra funds for your other activities while still experiencing wonderful weather!

Where To Stay In Key West

From resorts to motels, visitor centers to famed guest houses, Key West offers more than a dozen accommodation options for every pocket size. The places to stay have all modern amenities, complimentary activities and most importantly – they offer an experience like no other. Visitors can also choose to stay at camping grounds and RV parks or stay in the water on houseboats or luxury yachts.

Getting Around In Key West

The best way to explore Key West is definitely by foot. All the main attractions of the island are located within a 1 mile radius, so walking around will give you the chance to explore at your pace and also snap some postcard-esque pictures! But if walking around isn’t your style, then you can always rent one of the iconic Conch Tour Trains or catch a bus from anywhere on and off the island. You can also rent cars throughout the city, if you don’t mind dealing with limited parking options throughout Key West.

The Food Scene in Key West

Food is unmissable in Key West. From seafood establishments to Cuban delicacies, fusions of Floridian favourites and Caribbean curries; Key West truly presents the best cuisine in Florida. Some of the must-try dishes on the island include conch fritters, barbecued shrimp and lobster rolls; not to mention Key Lime Pie – the crowd favourite! If you’re looking for luxury dining, several establishments are scattered across the island that offer inventive dishes cooked with locally sourced produce.

Conclusion – Should You Visit Key West?

If you’re looking for an exciting beach destination with a twist – then Key West is definitely worth considering. Not only does it boast scenic views, tropical sunsets and millions of photo opportunities; but it can also offer something more traditional like historic spots, captivating culture and Cuban-infused cuisine that will make your visit even more memorable! So why not book a Key West Pub Crawl tour today and enjoy everything this beautiful island has to offer!