The best is in Key West starting from the scenic drive from the Florida mainland to the lively nightlife at the end of your day, and all fun-filled activities in between. Key West has so much to offer with amazing water adventures to enjoy, unique national parks to visit, and delicious food and desserts to eat. Go to Key West to see what all this tiny island has to offer!
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The Best Overseas Highway
Fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, rent a car, and drive the nearly 4 hour drive to Key West via the Overseas Highway, or Route 1. Stop at other keys along the way and make a whole day of it. One possible stop is Key Largo, one of the world’s best scuba diving locations with its coral reefs and shipwrecks to explore.
Another stop along the way is Seven Mile Bridge. This amazing bridge is actually two bridges that cross the colorful waters where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean. The newer bridge is open to vehicular traffic, and the older bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists. Finish the drive on Route 1 to its end in Key West.
The Best National Park Islands
Dry Tortuga National Park, located 70 miles west of Key West, is a 100-square mile park in the United States made of mostly water. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The park preserves Fort Jefferson, built in the early 1800s to combat piracy in the Caribbean. For interesting facts about this unique park, click here.
After exploring the hexagon shaped fortress, spend time snorkeling in the surrounding undisturbed coral reefs. Snorkeling at this national park is by far the best snorkeling spot I have ever witnessed.
The Best Pie
Key lime pie was originated in the Florida Keys in the 1850s and is made from Key limes, canned milk, and eggs. The light, fruity, slightly-tart custard pie is a refreshing dessert, especially in the hot summer months of the Florida Keys. When you visit here, get Key lime pie every day. You will not regret it!
The Best American Author Home
Ernest Hemingway House and Museum is located in Old Town Key West and across from the Key West Lighthouse. The American author, who wrote Old Man and the Sea and A Farewell to Arms, called this house home for ten years. Cats roam the grounds that are descendants of Hemingway’s cats.
The Best Historic Bar
Located at Duval and Greene Street, Sloppy Joe’s has been a popular Key West bar since 1937. The bar owner, Joe Russell, started a speak easy at a different location during the days of Prohibition which was frequented by Ernest Hemingway. After Prohibition ended, the owner moved the bar to Greene Street. Encouraged by Hemingway, the owner changed the name of the bar to Sloppy Joe’s because patrons claimed he ran a sloppy business.
The Best Dolphin Watching
Board a boat tour for close-up dolphin encounters in the Keys. Dolphin watching in this area is amazing and plentiful. Playful dolphins love frolicking in the wake of boats, and it makes for stunning wildlife sightings.
The Best Cardinal Point of America
The southernmost point of the Continental United States is located in Key West. It is marked by the Southernmost Point Buoy. From this point, Cuba is just a short 90 miles boat ride away.
The Best Pride Community
When you think of U.S. gay pride communities, your first thought is San Francisco. However, Key West combines its gay pride with the laid-back, island culture. Key West Pride is typically in June and consists of numerous daily events to celebrate the gay community.
The Best Shopping Street
Retail shops and cute boutiques line Duval Street and is a shopper’s dream destination. Whether you are in the market for clothes, art, souvenirs, or Panama hats, you can find it along Duval Street. When you need a shopping break, stop for lunch at one of the many delicious restaurants.
The Best Party Town
Voted one of the best party towns in America, Key West offers nightlife options such as casual bars, live-music bars, and dancing clubs. Stroll along Duval Street and nearby side streets for a fun-filled nightlife experience!
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