Four miles long, two miles wide, and loaded with quirky charm, the southernmost city in the continental United States feels like a Caribbean getaway. For instance, this was the lone place, south of the Mason-Dixon, to remain with the Union during the Civil War. Travel to Key West, and you’ll still find that freethinking sensibility today. The city’s location—closer to Cuba than to Miami—results in an eclectic cultural mix. This is a place where people go barefoot, chickens roam the streets, and epitaphs like “Devoted Fan of Julio Iglesias” are found in the cemetery. Though it may be best known for Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, you’ll find the real essence of the place in its very particular style of Victorian and Queen Anne architecture, and in its eclectic residents. Tap into this Key West travel guide to chart your own path here:
Things Not To Miss in Key West
• Watching the sunset (and theatrics) at Mallory Square
• Seeing the cats and literary relics at Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
• Exploring the Eco-Discovery Center
• Seeing the underwater life while snorkeling, or taking a dolphin or glass-bottom boat tour
• Catching a cabaret drag show at La Te Da
• Eating an authentic slice of key lime pie
• Taking a day trip, by boat or seaplane, to Dry Tortugas National Park
When To Go to Key West
The subtropical climate in Key West makes the balmy weather in Key West pretty consistent year round. That said, the height of the Key West travel season is winter and spring, when the weather tends to be the driest. Weather-wise, the riskiest time to visit Key West is during hurricane season, lasting from June to November—but most years that just means a higher chance of short rain storms.
-
Enjoy a Sunny, Two-night Stay at 24 North Hotel in Key West for Only $123 Per Night
T+L launched Operation Vacation to inspire workers to use their days off and get away, offering exclusive travel discounts as incentive. For the latest... Read More
-
7 Great Key West Airbnbs for Your Money
Looking to escape to a tropical island without dealing with passports and customs? Key West — the former home of Ernest Hemingway and a favorite of... Read More
-
The Best Places to Travel in February
With the holiday rush behind us, and summer still a long way off, February is the perfect month for planning a truly far-flung retreat. After all, the... Read More
-
VIDEO: Five Things to Do in Key West
Located off the tip of Florida, this city marks the southernmost point in the continental U.S. But that certainly isn’t the only draw for this bustling... Read More
-
Famed 'Welcome to Key West' Sign Found 300 Miles Away From Its Original Home
This story originally appeared on People.com. Key West will still be paradise.Following Hurricane Irma‘s rampage toward the U.S. island, the city’s... Read More
-
Tourists Return to the Florida Keys for the First Time Since Hurricane Irma
The arrival of tourists this weekend signaled an unofficial opening of the Keys.On Sunday, the first cruise ship returned to the Florida Keys after... Read More
-
54 Cats at Hemingway Home Survive Hurricane Irma Without a Scratch
Hurricane Irma caused considerable damage in the Florida Keys, but one beloved spot rode out the storm miraculously untouched — and its residents... Read More
-
11 Southern Getaways Perfect for Your Next Girls' Trip
This story originally appeared on SouthernLiving.com.Once the craziness of summer has come and gone, our excitement for all things fall can sometimes be... Read More
-
The Best Beaches in the U.S. for Celebrating Fourth of July
The United States is home to more than 12,000 miles of coastline (12,383, to be exact). With all that land, there are more than a few hidden beaches... Read More
-
This Cozy Cottage in Key West, Florida, Is For Sale
This story originally appeared on Coastalliving.com. Winter blues got you down? Then it’s time to take a brief mental escape to Key West, Florida,... Read More
-
10 Hotels to Book on Your Next Sibling Vacation
When you’re a child, you’re forced to spend time with your siblings—at home, at school, in the back seat of the car, on every single family vacation. As... Read More
-
The 12 Best Places to See the Sunset Around the World
Due to ongoing volcanic activity on Hawaii's Big Island, travelers are encouraged to follow the Hawaii Tourism Authority and stay tuned for alerts.The... Read More
-
10 Incredibly Preserved Shipwrecks Around the World
If there’s one thing that will get both diving enthusiasts’ and historians’ hearts aflutter, it’s a good shipwreck. There are hundreds—and then some!... Read More
-
Posh New Year's Eve Dinners to Add to Your Bucket List
New Year’s Eve is the last hurrah of the holiday season, the last blow-out before the credit card statements and cumulative hangovers push through the... Read More
-
The 25 Most Instagrammed Summer Vacation Spots
This story originally appeared on time.comFor many Americans, Memorial Day weekend is a chance to squeeze in a quick trip to the beach or soak... Read More
