What is special about Key West?

Why is Key West famous? Thanks to its buccaneering history, Caribbean connections, picturesque pastel-hued houses, Ernest Hemmingway, iconic Key Lime Pie and legendary sunsets, Key West sure isn't short of famous draws.



People Also Ask

Key West is home to the third largest barrier coral reef in the world. Known as the Florida Straits, Key West's coral reef extends 150 miles north towards Miami and 70 miles west to the Dry Tortugas.

MORE DETAILS

The pristine waters of the Lower Keys highlights the area's stunning natural beauty. The 125-mile Florida Keys island chain is home to the continental United States' only living-coral barrier reef, which runs the length of the Keys about five miles offshore.

MORE DETAILS

Keep the second day for watersports and sunset sail. How many days do you need to visit Key West? 2 to 3 days are enough for Key West. With an extra day in the city you can either visit one of the national or state parks on a day tour.

MORE DETAILS

One of the best things about Key West is you can walk just about everywhere. Don't bring your car - leave it at home!

MORE DETAILS

Lots of people don't drink for different reasons and they do just fine going out. Key West has the whole outdoors to hang out in, lots of arts stuff, a great music scene. Just taking a walk in Old Town can make for a great afternoon.

MORE DETAILS

Best Local Foods to Try in Key West
  • Key lime pie. Perhaps no food is more strongly tied to Key West than key lime pie. ...
  • Conch Fritters. Conch fritters are another Key West delicacy. ...
  • Conch Chowder. ...
  • Coconut water. ...
  • Fresh caught fish sandwich. ...
  • Key West pink shrimp. ...
  • Spiny lobster. ...
  • Key West Legal Rum.


MORE DETAILS

Key West is a great destination filled with culture, natural beauty, and unique experiences. Whether it's relaxing on a beach or exploring historical landmarks such as Fort Zachary Taylor, you will never get bored in Key West.

MORE DETAILS

In general, you do not need a car while in Key West. The island is small, only 4-miles wide by 2-miles wide, and the historic quarter known as Old Town is all within a 1-mile radius. Taxis, ride-sharing services, bicycles, walking, and city buses are plentiful and a convenient way to get around.

MORE DETAILS

The crime rate in the Florida Keys is low, but you should still use common sense when exploring Key West, especially at night and around hectic Duval Street and Mallory Square. Exercise caution when going into the water as well; be sure to heed all flags and warnings from authorities.

MORE DETAILS

You can also swim and enjoy other water sports like windsurfing and snorkeling as well as kayaking and paddleboarding in the clear, clean water inhabited by tropical fish.

MORE DETAILS

This mass bleaching event has made an already bad situation worse. Well before summer, the area of healthy reefs in the Florida Keys had already declined by 90 percent, due to past heat waves, diseases, ocean acidification, and other threats. The majority of Florida's reefs that remain, meanwhile, are eroding.

MORE DETAILS