Key West, in the Florida Keys, is a city and an island of the same name. It is the county seat of Monroe County and is considered the southernmost city in the continental United States.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
In pre-Columbian times, Key West was inhabited by the Tequesta and Calusa peoples. The first European to visit was Juan Ponce de León in 1521. As Florida became a Spanish colony, a fishing and salvage village with a small garrison was established here. The island was used by fishermen from Cuba and from the British Bahamas, who were later joined by others from the United States after the latter nation's independence. While claimed by Spain, no nation exercised de facto control over the community there for some time.
With many narrow and one-way streets, driving Key West is difficult and parking is expensive. Many visitors choose to rent motor scooters, bicycles, golf carts, explore on foot or use public transportation. [2] When renting a golf cart keep in mind that you have to find parking for this vehicle as well. Scooters and bikes can normally be parked on the sidewalk right outside your destination. The tourist area in Key West is Duval Street. Key West Transit offers a fairly comprehensive bus system for local travel in and around Key West and up to MM 53 on Marathon Key in the Lower Keys.
1 Ernest Hemingway House, 907 Whitehead St. 9AM-5PM daily. Hemingway lived and wrote here for a decade. He also raised cats, the descendants of which still roam the grounds and have extra toes. $14. 2 Fort Zachary Taylor, 601 Howard England Way (end of Southard Street on Truman Annex), ☏ +1 305-292-0037. 8AM - sundown. The perfect romantic place to cuddle up with someone special, unwind, and watch the sun set as sailboats glide by... all without the crazy circus of Mallory Square. It doesn't get any more romantic in this crowded city. Nature trails, 1866 fort with a real moat, beaches, snack stand.
Key West is not the greatest place to bring a family. There are beaches and a few small parks during the day... for those that are awake. Enjoy an early night and prepare for the next day's adventure. However, if you are traveling with young ones, stay in a hotel off the main streets. For those who stay out all night you may not get to do these things but you should try. Because many locals get around by scooters, bikes, and/or electric cars, you may want to consider renting them at one of the many rental shops throughout the island. Key West Nature Preserve. Two entrances on Atlantic Blvd. Ocean front property that has been turned into an accessible natural area.
Conch Republic, 631 Greene St. Enjoy their spacious waterfront setting where the atmosphere is like a trip back in time to the way Key West used to be. Enjoy fresh fish and a raw bar. Feel like you are dining outside with the large windows that remain open during the day. A great place for a drink & some snacks, especially during football season. El Siboney, 900 Catherine St, ☏ +1 305-296-4184. This Cuban restaurant, tucked into a quiet residential intersection, flies well below the tourist radar. Delicious food at very reasonable prices. 1 Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, 500 Duval St, ☏ +1 305-292-1435. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. Cheeseburgers.
There are a large number of drinking establishments of various types. The main tourist strip on Duval Street has numerous watering holes. Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval St, ☏ +1 305-294-9354. Part of the gay-oriented Bourbon St. Complex on the 700 block of Duval. Captain Tony's Saloon, 428 Greene St. Ernest Hemingway's old stomping grounds. Pirate's Punch in a 22-oz cup. Hog's Breath Saloon, 400 Front St, ☏ +1 305-292-2032, bosshog@hogsbreath.com. Take a peek at the "hog cam" on their website. Irish Kevin's Pub, 211-C Duval St, ☏ +1 305-292-1262. Webcams here, too. Can be a lively place at times. Rick's/Durty Harry's Entertainment, 202 Duval St, info@ricksanddurtyharrys.com.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Key West typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 16 rainy days.
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