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Get to know Key West

Key West is a strip of paradise with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. It’s the extreme south of South Florida, but it sometimes feels as if it’s actually a different planet, a place where feral chickens, polydactyl cats, and tourists roam. Locals take this in stride, enjoying lives all about relaxation and the clear, blue waters. Key West is the last inhabited island in the Florida Keys and the southernmost city in the continental United States. While Havana is the nearest big city, Miami is certainly more convenient. The island itself is a mere 4.2 square miles, though the city limits include parts of nearby islets. It’s famously quirky, yet no amusement park; however, the people living there are pretty serious about not taking things seriously.

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Key West History & Culture

Mystery shrouds Key West’s origins. There are accounts of peculiar bone piles, tales of ship salvagers and pirates (and the accompanying ghosts), claims made by several countries, and a 1982 attempt to secede from the U.S. and form the Conch Republic. While Key West’s popular history is full of debauchery, it’s also rich in artistry, with famous novelists from Ernest Hemingway to Tennessee Williams to Judy Blume calling it home. Key West hosts bi-weekly festivals (what might more accurately be called island-wide parties), as well as literary conventions, fishing tournaments, footraces, and film festivals. However, most recreation happens on the water — in fishing boats, kayaks, and paddleboards — or underneath it, where the snorkeling and scuba diving action ranks among the world’s best.

Key West Dining & Shopping

Key West is an excellent option for finding authentic Florida coastal decor. Fashion boutiques source from the world over and provide the big labels and au courant styles to the social side of Key West. You can also get your fill of trinkets and souvenir mugs at stores catering to the cruise ship crowd. Old Town Key West is the quaint and touristy section of the island, where you’ll find restaurants serving seafood and fast Cuban-inspired cuisine. And daiquiris; lots of daiquiris. Duval Street is the main strip here, and almost everyone on that mile-long tour seems to be enjoying a day-drinking-filled vacation. Fantastic options for elevated casual dining are scattered all over the island. You can’t go wrong with the catch of the day at any of them since it’s probably the catch of 15 minutes ago.