Key West Florida

As the southernmost tip of the U.S. and the end of the chain of islands within the Florida Keys, Key West is known for its laid-back culture, azure seas, water sports, vibrant nightlife and rich history. Spanning only about 7.4 square miles, which in...

Key West, Florida, is a haven for the famous, the nonfamous and for those looking to get a little lost. Everyone seems to enjoy Key West's relaxed pace, storybook architecture, colorful history, live-and-let-live local attitude and end-of-the-world feel.

The natural surroundings in Key West are just as pleasant: Hibiscus, bougainvillea, palm trees and other flora and fauna give the island a tropical feel and smell.

And when the sun begins to set each day, there's cause for celebration as street performers, arts-and-crafts vendors and other characters participate in the waterfront activities at Mallory Square.

Venture off the island for snorkeling, diving or fishing. Or you can just walk around Old Town and soak up the mix of flavors, including hints of Cuba and Old Florida.

But no matter how you spend your time in Key West, expect to be part of a crowd, because Cayo Hueso, as the Cuban locals call it, draws droves of visitors, many of whom wish they could become locals, if not genuine conchs (that's Key West-talk for island natives).

Top Things to Do in the Keys

Sights

Spectacular sunsets and the street performers at Mallory Square; Key West's Historic Harborwalk.

Museums

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum; Mel Fisher Maritime Museum; Harry S. Truman's Little White House Museum.

Memorable Meals

Eating alongside chickens and roosters in the courtyard at Blue Heaven; lunch beachside at Latitudes on lovely, away-from-it-all Sunset Key; seafood along the harbor at Alonzo's Oyster Bar.

Late Night

The Green Parrot, one of Key West's oldest bars; Sloppy Joe's, Hemingway's favorite hangout, followed by a second round at the bar's original location, now Captain Tony's Saloon; the Key West Pub Crawl; a handcrafted libation at Burgundy Bar when you tire of the "scene."

Walks

Strolling through Key West Cemetery and reading the sometimes off-the-wall crypt inscriptions; seeing the city on foot; the Southernmost Point in the U.S.; doing the Duval Crawl.

Especially for Kids

Key West Aquarium; the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.