The Florida Keys are located south of Miami with the main islands being Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Lower Keys and Key West.
Key West is the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is known as the Conch Republic and is closer to Cuba than it is to Miami! This island was my vacation spot for a very hot 8 days! With a population of about 25,000 and approximately 20 square kilometers of land, Key West is home to divers cultures and amazing food!
It was my first island vacation, so I donned my Boho attire, drank too many cocktails and got a tan that has never really left me! The best way to tour the island is DIY and hire a bicycle as all the attractions have guides, waiting eagerly to impart their knowledge onto you. Duval Street is the main street in the town and has pubs and restaurants for everyone’s tastes.
Mallory Square
Mallory Square is filled with restaurants, stores and boutiques for locals and tourists. It also boasts a number of live performers doing fire juggling, balloon artists, blues guitarist, checkered man, uni-cycling, Island Ballard performances, aerial acrobatics and sword swallowers. Mallory Square is also one of the best places to watch the glowing pink and red sunset into the Gulf of Mexico horizon.
Key West Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium opened in February 1935, and is one of Floridaās oldest aquariums. Originally the aquarium was open air to allow for sunlight however, a roof was added in the 1960ās. The aquarium is home to turtles, sharks, stingrays, tropical and various other fish and is one of the top Key West attractions.
*Aquarium pictures are off the official website.
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
As the name suggests, this was the home of author, Ernest Hemingway and has more recently become a tourist attraction for the legendary poly dactyl/ six-toed cats that are descendants and/or relatives of Hemingway cat, Snow White. The home boasts memorabilia of the time that Ernest Hemingway lived there but by far, people come to see the cats. Snow White, Hemingway’s first cat was given to him by the captain of a ship.
Old Town Trolley Tour
Lasting approximately an hour and a half, the Old Town Trolley Tour covers over 100 points of interest in Key West, with a local guide sharing the islandās history. Some of the stops include Mallory Square, the Historic Waterfront, Bahama Village, Fairfield Inn, Roosevelt Station, East Martello Fort, and Southernmost Point.
Fury Water Adventures
An island holiday without water sports is a no-no! Therefore, I proceeded to spend as much time in the water as I could! On my first evening in Key West, I went on the glass bottom boat sunset cruise which was amazing ā snacks and complimentary champagne included! The following two days, I went parasailing and jet-skiing ā both firsts for me! The view from above was breathtaking – getting a 360 view of the islands really made it worthwhile!
**At the time of writing this post, Hurricane Irma is causing havoc and destruction along the path through the Caribbean and up to Florida. The Keys have mandatory evacuation underway. My hopes and prayers are that Ā nobody is harmed and The Keys and other destinations I visited in its pathway can be restored to the beauty I remember.
Sad that this stunning place is going through such trauma at the moment!
Thanks for the info! Love the trolley tour concept
It’s devastating – it really is a tragic beauty! The trolley tour was amazing, not rushed, and a good group to help with pictures!
Looks like a beautiful and fun place! I was just listening on the news to what happened in Key West with the hurricane. I really hope that they are able to restore everything to what it was.
This brings back memories! We road tripped round Florida many, many years ago and only stayed in Key West for a couple of days. We enjoyed our brief visit to Key West and would love to go back. Great restaurants and so much to do there.
This looks really wonderful. Being from the east coast of the US, I tend to forget about the beautiful areas that are so close. I love the idea of renting a bike to explore – and the kitty cats! (Though I would be tempted to bring a cat home!)
The Keys are so lovely. I do hope they recover from the hurricane very soon. Enjoyed following your journey in the southernmost point!
Thank you for praying for all those affected. I used to live for a year in Florida, hence I have a lot of friends which have been affected.
This looks amazing, the beaches look so fresh and amazing. Looks a whole world of magic and you’re photos just add to this. Brilliant
Great article packed with lots of things to do, loved the cats! My friend has a cat with extra toes as well, it’s paws look kinda human ha!
I can feel your emotions for the beautiful island of Florida in the wake of that destructive hurricane. But do hope that all would emerge more beautiful. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post.
ah, I love Key West, it is so beautiful… and so hot! you just can’t help but relax there
By reading your blog post, I felt like being in the place š Your pictures are sooo nice! And so much of them š
The first thing I thought about was ‘Dang, I don’t know how to ride a bicycle!’ :(. Please don’t ask what I did with my childhood. Anyway, I’ll add it as a goal for next year, so I don’t miss chances like this to hire a bike a tour a city. Great suggestions on where to visit. Never been to Florida, so I’ll keep this handy for when I do get to visit.
It’s such an affordable and environmentally sustainable way to see a small city/island by bicycle!
Reblogged this on Chronis G.
This looks so relaxing and wonderful. š I saw something about Key West on news, it was sad.
That’s a lot of cats š My sister would be happy to pet them š
So glad to hear that all the kitties and the caretaker weathered Hurricane Irma š what a decision to stay behind, but I can see why. What a special place.
I know – I always keep ahead of the news of the places I’ve visited because of the memories/friends I’ve made there!
I am going to Key West in a few weeks! This is exactly what I needed to read. And those cats are too darn cute!
Ahhh you’re going to have so much fun, I’m jealous!
Ahhh I haven’t been since I was 2 (so that doesn’t really count), but thank you for sharing all of this information so I know exactly what to do when I get there!
You should definitely plan to visit again soon š
My parents love Key West, I havenāt been since I was little, it looks great š
Keywest is such an exotic destination, I am yet to visit there, I hope all remains well there always esp hope no more hurricanes. Great pictures shared, noted for my future visit.
You will have a great time and make many memories there!
Nice post, when I read about Mallory Square, & the activities I could really visualize how fun it would be at night to visit. Wandering around bicycle is really one of the ways to explore this is what I always feel
Exploring on bicycle was ideal – you can stop for pictures and it’s a small island. The basket came in handy too! Key West in its own is amazing at night. The performers at Mallory Square are magnificent to watch!
I’ve heard a lot of great things about Key West. It seems like a fun town and those cats are just too cute.
the city looks like a cool getaway, lovely pictures. I would definitely like to visit it, escially for the home of my favourite writer, Ernest Hemingway. š Keep sharing
Great post, Yeshi! Key West is absolutely a stunning and bucket list worthy destination.
Definitely add it on whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with friends or family – it’s amazing!