Key West is the southernmost point of the continental United States, located closer to Havana than to Miami. This small tropical island is famous for its laid-back attitude, spectacular sunsets, and wooden architecture with tin roofs. Throughout its history, it has been a haven for pirates, treasure hunters, famous writers like Ernest Hemingway, and Cuban exiles who brought the cigar industry and Caribbean culture with them. Today, Key West offers a unique blend of historic charm, vibrant nightlife on Duval Street, and crystal-clear waters perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Why visit
- ["The southernmost point of the U.S.
- just 90 miles from Cuba"
- "Daily sunset celebration at Mallory Square"
- "Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum with its six-toed cats"
- "Historic "Conch" architecture and palm-lined streets"
- "Coral reefs for world-class snorkeling and diving"]
Top things to do
Celebrate sunset at Mallory Square
Every evening, locals and tourists gather at this waterfront square to watch the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico. The celebration includes musicians, jugglers, acrobats, and food vendors, creating a daily carnival atmosphere.
Visit the Hemingway Home
The famous writer lived and wrote here in the 1930s. The beautiful Spanish colonial house is filled with his belongings, but the biggest attraction is the dozens of polydactyl (six-toed) cats roaming the property, descendants of Hemingway's original cat.
Take a photo at the Southernmost Point
The iconic concrete buoy painted red, black, and yellow marks the southernmost point of the continental United States. The sign reminds visitors that Cuba is just 90 miles away across the Florida Straits.
Stroll down Duval Street
The island's main street stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. It is lined with historic bars (like Sloppy Joe's), restaurants, art galleries, and shops. It is the epicenter of Key West's nightlife.
Try Key Lime Pie
You can't leave without trying the island's official dessert. Made with the juice of small, tart Key limes, egg yolks, and condensed milk on a graham cracker crust. Every restaurant claims to have the best recipe.
