Gude Adventures

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Key West, Florida - Things to See and Do

What to see and do in Key West, Florida

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Key West, Florida is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States

It is on the westernmost island connected by highway in the Florida Keys. Duval Street, its main street, stretches 14 blocks from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Key West is also the the southern end of U.S. Route 1. Key West is about 129 miles southwest of Miami and 106 miles north-northeast of Havana, Cuba.

While visiting Key West on 3/26/2018, we walked around the town and had lunch with some of our family (who were also visiting there) at Sloppy Joe's. We also went to the lighthouse, Hemingway's house and visited a few breweries.

We visited Key West again on 8/27/2023 and 10/23/2024.

One of the most popular attractions in Key West is the southernmost point buoy, which marks the southernmost point of the continental United States. Other popular landmarks include the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Truman's Little White House, Fort Zachary Taylor, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.

Key West is known for its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and its colorful history. It has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its diverse influences from Spanish, Cuban, and Bahamian immigrants, as well as its history as a pirate haven. The island has been home to famous writers, artists, and musicians, such as Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West for many years.

The island's warm climate, clear blue waters, and beautiful beaches make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and boating. Key West also offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and restaurants featuring live music and performances.

Overall, Key West is a unique and charming destination that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Looking for a place to stay? Click here for options.

Looking for things to do? Viator offers numerous tours in and around Key West. Click here for details.

For more information on wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries in the area visit https://flbwd.com

Pictures from Key West

First opened in 1937, Sloppy Joe's bar is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Lunch with family in Sloppy Joe's.
Captain Bill Pinkney Memorial along the Harbor Walk at the Key West Historic Seaport.
Old Coast Guard station was built during 1856 to serve as a naval supplies depot.
Captain Tony's Saloon was built in 1851 as an icehouse. It has been patronized through the years by many well-known artists, writers and celebrities including Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, Jimmy Buffett, John F. Kennedy and Harry Truman.
Kapok tree in Key West park.
Ernest Hemingway's house in Key West.
Key West lighthouse is a 65-foot tower first completed in 1825.
Built by Florida's first millionaire, the Curry Mansion is one of Key West's most beautiful buildings.
Key West Historic memorial sculpture.
Cruise ship dock in Key West.
Southern end of US Highway 1.
Sponge fisherman.
Captain Tony's Saloon is the oldest bar in Florida.
Key West Rum Distillery.
Entrance to the old Naval Base and Truman Whitehouse.
US Weather Station.
Truman's Little White House.
Marine Hospital.
Fort Zachary Taylor beach.
Straw Hat Beach and Whitehead Spit. Whitehead Spit is the true southernmost point of Key West.
Fort Zachary Taylor.
Fort Zachary Taylor cannon.
Fort Zachary Taylor artillery battery.