Key West, Coastal city in Florida, United States.
Description
Key West sits on the westernmost island of the Florida Keys, connected to the mainland by the Overseas Highway that crosses turquoise water through a series of bridges. The town spreads across a flat coral island lined with narrow streets, wooden houses, palm trees, and small beaches.
History
Spanish explorers reached the island in 1521 and found Calusa settlements, naming it Cayo Hueso in reference to scattered human remains they encountered. The town later developed through shipwreck salvaging, salt production, and cigar making before becoming a naval base and eventually an artist colony.
Culture
Every evening locals and visitors gather at Mallory Square to celebrate sunset together while street performers, musicians, and artists entertain the crowd. This ritual reflects the relaxed island lifestyle that has shaped daily life here for decades.
Practical
Most attractions lie in the Old Town area on the northern part of the island, where everything is easy to reach on foot or by bike. For beaches and more distant spots, consider using the public bus or renting a bike, as the island is compact.
Did you know?
A concrete buoy marks the southernmost point of the continental United States at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street, just 90 miles (145 km) from Cuba. The famous six-toed cat colony at the Hemingway House descends from a captain's gift and still roams the furniture and gardens today.
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Florida's coastline stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, offering a wide range of beach experiences. The state has urban beaches near Miami where the energy and nightlife attract crowds, natural reserves in the Keys that feel more remote and isolated, and family-friendly...
Florida offers a trip that includes theme parks, white sandy beaches, and nature reserves where children can see alligators and birds in their environment. Orlando has several parks like Disney's Hollywood Studios and LEGOLAND Florida, while Miami shows its energy in busy neighborhoods and along the...
Conch Republic
84 m
Ernest Hemingway House
2 km
Southernmost point buoy
2 km
Sloppy Joe's
2.2 km
Duval Street
1.9 km
Smathers Beach
1.5 km
Key West Historic District
1.4 km
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
1.9 km
Higgs Beach
1.4 km
Key West lighthouse
2 km
West Martello Tower
1.4 km
San Carlos Institute
2 km
Key West Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage
2.2 km
Dr. Joseph Y. Porter House
2.2 km
African Cemetery at Higgs Beach
1.3 km
Eduardo H. Gato House
837 m
The Armory
1.1 km
Thompson Fish House, Turtle Cannery and Kraals
1.8 km
Dog Beach
1.7 kmSan Carlos Theatre
2 kmLincoln Theatre
2.3 kmDolphin Watch
1.7 kmArt On Duval Key West, A Procaccini Gallery
2 kmArt at 830
1.7 kmSouth Beach
1.9 kmMarilyn Monroe
2.1 kmScenic viewpoint
1.6 kmMile 0
2.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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