Key West

The southernmost city in the continental US known for its laid-back tropical atmosphere, sunset celebrations, water sports, and Ernest Hemingway connections. It offers unique Caribbean culture and some of the region's best seafood and diving.

Things to do

• Mallory Square Sunset Celebration — A nightly gathering of street performers, artists, and musicians celebrating the sunset with live entertainment and local crafts, creating Key West's most iconic social event.
• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum — Tour the historic house where Hemingway lived and wrote, featuring his original furnishings and the famous six-toed cats descended from his own pets.
• Dry Tortugas National Park — Take a ferry or boat to this remote fort and marine sanctuary 70 miles west for pristine snorkeling, historic Civil War ruins, and exceptional wildlife viewing.
• Conch Bar Crawl — Explore Duval Street's legendary bars like Captain Tony's Saloon and The Green Parrot, sampling tropical cocktails and experiencing Key West's spirited nightlife culture.
• Glass-Bottom Boat Tours — Observe coral reefs and tropical fish without diving by boarding a glass-bottom boat that departs from the harbor, ideal for non-swimmers.
• Fort Jefferson Exploration — Explore the massive Civil War-era brick fortress within Dry Tortugas, offering historical insights and dramatic moat swimming opportunities.
• Water Sports and Diving — Experience world-class scuba diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing at nearby reefs, with numerous outfitters offering trips to coral gardens and shipwrecks.

Food to try

• Conch Salad — A Bahamian-influenced dish of fresh conch marinated in lime juice, citrus, and served with diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers, representing Key West's Caribbean heritage.
• Grouper Sandwich — Fresh-caught Gulf grouper fried golden and served on Cuban bread with tartar sauce, a quintessential seafood staple found in waterfront restaurants.
• Stone Crab Claws — Tender claws from local stone crabs served chilled with mustard sauce, a seasonal delicacy typically available October through May at upscale seafood establishments.
• Key Lime Pie — The iconic dessert made with condensed milk, egg yolks, and tart key lime juice in a graham cracker crust, originating in Key West during the early 1900s.
• Cuban Sandwich — Pressed sandwich of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, reflecting the strong Cuban influence in Key West's food culture.
• Pink Shrimp — Local shrimp caught in nearby waters and prepared grilled, fried, or in ceviche, prized for their delicate sweet flavor and tender texture.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Laid-Back Pace — Key West operates on island time; locals value relaxation and avoid rushing, so embrace a slower rhythm and don't expect immediate service or rapid business dealings.
• Casual Dress is Standard — Flip-flops, shorts, and light clothing are perfectly acceptable everywhere including restaurants, as the tropical climate and casual culture don't demand formal attire.
• Hurricane Season Awareness — Key West's hurricane season runs June through November; locals take weather warnings seriously and many businesses and residents prepare or temporarily close during major threats.
• Local History and Hemingway References — Understanding Ernest Hemingway's significant impact on Key West's literary and cultural identity enriches conversations and helps visitors appreciate the city's artistic heritage.