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The Southernmost House in Key West, Florida
Photo by Rob O'Neal |
Key West and the Florida Keys
Welcome to Key
West Paradise
If you have visited us before, you are probably still talking
about it and have some fond memories of a fabulous Key
West Vacation at one of your favorite Key
West Hotels, or of a beautiful Key
West sunset, or walking down an Old Town lane and smelling the jasmine,
or singing along to a popular duo at one of the famous downtown Key
West bars on Duval
Street.
If you have never been here before, you are in for a real treat. There is a Key
West attraction for everyone.
We have some of the finest saltwater
fishing around, whether you are an avid fly fisherman looking for the thrill
of sight casting to tarpon as they cross a beautiful, sandy flat in the Key
West backcountry, or offshore doing
some deep sea fishing and
thinking about a fresh seafood dinner at one of our fine Key
West restaurants. Or you may just want to enjoy a relaxing trip on a smaller
charter to view dolphins in the
wild or to kayak in the backcountry off
Key West.
SCUBA diving and snorkeling in Key West
Diving and snorkeling in
the coral reefs and wrecks around Key West is spectacular. If you are interested
in wreck diving, there are only a few around Key West that are available to
visitors, but the few we have are world class! On May 27, 2009 we sank the
USNS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg to create an artificial reef in 140 feet of water
seven miles off Key West. The Vandenberg is the second largest ship purposely
sunk as an artificial reef. Info
On Diving the Gen. Hoyt S.Vandenberg! Tropical fish are abundant on the
reefs and there is snorkeling available on a sailing catamaran or schooner
for a full day of fun. To experience the aquatic life after sunset, some of
the dive boats here in Key West also
offer night dives.
The Conch Republic - Key West
The Conch Republic was born on 23
April 1982, after the U.S. Border Patrol blockaded the Keys with a "border".
Mayor Dennis Wardlow seceded from the Union, declared War, then surrendered demanding
Foreign Aid; thusly creating "The People Who Seceded Where Others Failed". |
One of Key West's best attributes is that no matter what time of the year you
come here, there is always something going on. The Key
West calendar of events is filled from January to December with everything
from Florida Keys fishing tournaments to a gathering to celebrate the Conch Republic’s
Independence. We even have our own festival each October, Fantasy
Fest. If you have never been to Fantasy Fest you really need to come down
and give it a try. Go visit the website at www.fantasyfest.net for
more information.
Key West accommodations -
where to stay
Key West is a fun place and can be as relaxing, romantic, or wild as you want
it to be. There are accommodations
in Key West for every type of traveler. We have some of the most extravagant guesthouses
and inns with beautiful, lush landscaping and free-form pools. Some of the
places make you think you are in a tropical rainforest. You may find it hard
to believe you are really in Old
Town Key West.
There are also some fabulous, full-service resorts
in Key West, spread out around the island. The resorts offer great vacation
packages for families and for romantic getaways. Visit our Key
West accommodations section to find the resort that suits your needs.
Key West has some budget accommodations for
those who just want a place to crash. Again, check out the accommodations section
for more information.
You may find it difficult to watch the sun set on the beautiful, serene waters
surrounding Key West without wanting to get closer. So whether it’s a ride to
the tropical reefs offshore, a sport-fishing charter into the Straits of
Florida or the Gulf of Mexico, a daytime or sunset cruise aboard a catamaran
or tall ship, a nature tour of the backcountry flats, or an excursion to Fort
Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, this is the place to be. You can privately
charter your craft, join a small group, or sign on with a large group ...
whatever you choose. The waters around Key West are beautiful, the romance
and adventure of the seas are here for the taking, and the sunsets are free
for the viewing.
No doubt about it, for a 2-by-4 mile island, Key West sure has a lot going
on with food and drink. At last count there were over 240 eating and drinking
establishments, and there is one thing you can bank on while here in Key West, fresh
local seafood. Because of the spectacular views and the interesting people-watching,
outside dining seems to be a favorite in Key West. Some establishments have
a beautiful view of the sunset, while others are right on Duval Street, which
can get very interesting as the evening progresses. There are also many restaurants
off the beaten path. Ask a local where to eat; everyone has a favorite place.
Of course, there are plenty of bars and
lots of drinking happening in Key West. Find one that suits you and enjoy the
surroundings. Some bars feature live, daily music from local and national acts
while others have a calm and quiet atmosphere with a tranquil view of the Atlantic
Ocean.
Looking for a second home or a retirement property? The Florida Keys are easy
to get to and easy for the rest of your family to come visit. Property in the
Florida Keys and Key West has yielded a tremendous return over past years. Realtors
and property management services are available as well as a listing of
their properties for sale. Key West architecture models itself after the architecture
of many different locales around the country. Whether you are searching for
a tropical getaway in downtown Key West that is close to it all, a cozy cottage
on the beach or the convenience of a condo where your boat is tied to the dock,
the Key West real estate agents and mortgage
companies can help. Also visit our Florida Keys Real Estate website: www.fkren.com,
the Florida Keys Real Estate Network -
a place to find Mortgage Brokers, Agents, Pre-Construction property, Property
Management, and any other Real Estate needs
you may have.
Sign up to receive hot Key West travel offers and information.
Places To Stay in Key West
Key West Hotels,
Key West Motels,
Guesthouses,
Bed and Breakfasts,
Key West Resorts,
Vacation Properties,
Camping & RV Parks,
Gay Friendly Key West Accommodations,
Accommodation Booking Services,
Hotels in Key West Florida
Key West Attractions and Activities - things to do and see
Key West Attractions & Activities,
Sightseeing,
Eco-Tours/Kayaking,
Fishing in Key West,
Diving/Snorkeling Key West,
Watersports,
Theatre,
Art Galleries,
Shopping,
Parks,
Beaches,
Restaurants & Bars
Key West Services - Everything you need to plan your vacation
Key West Real Estate,
Key West Wedding Planning,
Places of Worship,
Associations,
Transportation to Key West,
Travel Services,
Cruise Ships that stop in Key West,
Key West Maps,
Florida Keys and Key West Webcams,
Key West Calendar of Events,
Local Key West Daily News
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Upcoming Major Events
October 19 – 20
Goombay Fantasy Fest World Famous Street Festival
The rich Caribbean tradition that flavors Key West's culture is to be celebrated during the 31st annual Goombay Festival. The exuberant street party showcases island arts and crafts, music and food in the heart of Key West's historic Bahama Village neighborhood.
October 19 – 28
33rd Annual Fantasy Fest
An outrageous, 10-day celebration featuring costume competitions, promenades, street fairs and a grand parade with marching groups and lavish floats.
Contact: 305-296-1817
November 4 – 11
Key West World Championship Race
High-speed offshore powerboats race in Key West Harbor and surrounding waters to continue Key West's longstanding tradition in this 31st annual challenge, known internationally as the Indianapolis 500 of powerboat racing.
Contact: 305-296-6166
Nov 29 – Dec 2
Key West Film Fest
Showcasing films that exhibit excellence in storytelling, the festival's lineup is to feature screenings and special events hosted at landmark venues throughout Key West, including the Tropic Cinema and San Carlos Institute. The four-day program is to include 25 films from multiple genres and categories as well as social events.
Contact: 941-527-9385
December 15
Schooner Wharf Bar 22nd Annual Lighted Boat Parade
Lighted and decorated vessels from rowboats to tall ships proceed around Key West's Historic Seaport and harbor areas. Holiday revelers can watch and applaud from bars, restaurants and resorts in and around the Historic Seaport.
Contact: 305-292-3302
December 31
Florida Keys New Year's Eve Celebrations
The Southernmost City celebrates with a conch shell drop at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St.; a descending 6-foot red high heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; and a pirate wench descending from a tall ship mast in the island city's Historic Seaport.
Contact: (305) 296-2388, (305) 293-9800;(305) 292-3302
Jan 25 – 27
Key West Harbour King Mackerel Tournament
Big king mackerel migrate to the waters around Key West each winter, and a fittingly large prize awaits the winner of this challenge. The angler who weighs in the heaviest mackerel, also known as kingfish, is to go home with $10,000.
Contact: 305-296-0364
March 23 – 24
Naval Air Station Key West Air Show
The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team Blue Angels and other military and civilian aerial performances will fill the skies at this fre-admission, family friendly event. In addition to the Blue Angels, aerial demonstrations by military and civilian performers, and static military and vintage aircraft are planned.
Contact: (305) 293-2027
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