About Key West
Key West is an island city in the Straits of Florida in the south-eastern United States. It is, in fact, the southernmost city in the continental United States. The city is a popular landing spot for immigrating Cubans, since it so close to Havana - closer than it is to Miami even. Half of Key West residents are said to be of Cuban origin. Key West has always been an odd child compared to other Florida cities. During the American Civil War, Florida state seceded and joined the Confederate States of America, but Key West remained part of the United States Union. In 1982, the city also momentarily declared independence from the rest of the country, as the Conch Republic. Still to this day locals wear t shirts branded with “Conch Republic,” and there is a Conch Republic Celebration every year on April 23. The island city is only about four miles long and one mile wide, making hotels in Key West Florida limited in number. Even so, there are a variety of cheap hotels in Key West city center for visitors to choose from. There are also some Key West Florida hotels just off the island.
Key West is now a thriving tourist destination for Americans seeking solace from winters as well as Latin American travellers. Key West hotels offer hospice for those seeking whatever escape desired. The city is also a significant location to the American government. It is home to the Naval Air Station Key West, an important year-round training site for naval aviation. Other landmark building includes the Ernest Hemingway House, where the author wrote parts of many of his novels, and the Tennessee Williams House, where it is said he wrote the first draft of A Streetcar Named Desire.
Where to Stay in Key West
With the island’s area being so small, travellers might wonder where to stay in Key West. There are nearly 200 Key West hotels in the actual city, but their exclusivity does not necessarily mean visitors have to break the bank to find lodging. The average price of hotels in Key West city centre run between €85 and €130 a night. The absolute best hotels in Key West Florida are luxurious resorts, while the cheap hotels in Key West Florida still offer resort atmospheres. Other Key West Florida hotels can be found further land on the Strait. Key West airport hotels are also alternative options.
Motels like the Seashell Motel offer the most affordable prices. It offers bright but simple rooms, some shared dorms, and free wifi. Even then, it lies oceanside with proximity to the beach. The Gates Hotel is another affordable option for where to stay in Key West that feels a bit more like the surrounding culture. They have more contemporary rooms with a rum bar, a cigar lounge, and a Caribbean food truck.
The Mermaid & The Alligator is one of the best hotels in Key West Florida. It is a posh bed and breakfast set in a refined Queen Anne-style home dating back to 1904. It has refined rooms, a fancy pool, free wifi, and free breakfast. The Orchid Key Inn is another of the luxury Key West Florida hotels. It is oceanside, of course, and has polished rooms with whirlpool tubs, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a chic bar.
There are variety of Key West airport hotels that are primarily chain options like the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton and the Best Western. They are just as beautifully located as the hotels in Key West city centre as they are simply just on another island in the Florida Straits. They generally offer more touristy commodities like tiki bars, private beaches, and free airport shuttles.
Things to Do in Key West
Historically speaking, there are only a few things to see in Key West. The Winter White House and the homes of famous authors, like Ernest Hemingway, are significant Key West points of interest. Those truly desiring deeper historic options for what to do in Key West can visit the town’s small local museums and art galleries. The Key West Firehouse Museum shares the history of the fire service in the island city. It even has tours led by retired firemen. As Key West is a United State Naval training location, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum is a top choice among things to do in Key West Florida. It is, itself, a 100-meter-long ship that toured in World War II and the Vietnam War.
Key West Dining
The Conch Republic, Key West, has a multi-culturally influence local cuisine. Over time, it has developed its own identity with dishes unique to the island region. Key West pink shrimp is one such dish, harvested from the clear waters of the Dry Tortugas between November and June. They are often dipped in coconut with mango sauce or stacked on a shrimp BLT. Conch fritters and conch chowder are other popular options. They are typically composed of chopped conch meat, battered, and seasoned with cayenne pepper, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and salt. The Conch Republic Seafood Company is one of the top eateries that serves these famous local dishes.
Key West Shopping
Shopping might be a more popular choice for what to do in Key West. 7 Artists and Friends is both an Art Gallery and a local art, jewellery, and craft store. Shoppers often get to meet the friendly owner as they peruse the collections and items for sale. We Cycle is the Keys’ self-claimed best bike shop. Visitors can rent or purchase bikes at this local favourite. Old Town Key West is both among the best things to see in Key West as well as places to shop. It houses the Shell Warehouse, an emporium of rare shells from around the world, and the Sponge Market, where travellers can witness the native sponge industry.
Nightlife in Key West
Key West nightlife is everything one might expect from a near-Caribbean island culture. The Key West nightlife is often one of the main Key West points of interest to attract tourists from around the globe. Visitors can spend their evenings at one of the many tiki bars, drinking pina coladas and eating lobster rolls. The Galleon Tiki Bar is one of the top options. It is located in a hotel, but it is open publicly. Watching the incredible sunsets is also one of the most popular things to do in Key West Florida. It is a great romantic precursor to a night of dancing and drinking.