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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 here before, you are probably still talking about your vacation here and have some fond memories of a fabulous Key
West Vacation at one of your favorite Key
West Hotels, or the memory of one of our fabulous Key
West sunset, walking down an Old Town lane and smelling the jasmine, or singing along downtown to a popular duo at one of the famous 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 every person. We have some of the finest saltwater fishing here. 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 your fresh seafood dinner at one of our fine Key West restaurants. 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 the coral reefs and wrecks around Key West are spectaular.
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 27th we sank the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg as an artificial reef in 140 feet of water seven miles off Key West. The Vandenberg is the second largest ship purposely sunk as a 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 out to the reef for a day of fun. Some of the dive boats here in Key West also offer night dives so the nightlife on the reef may be observed.
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". |
Calendar of Events & Festivals in Key West, FL
One of Key West's best attractions 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 Florida Keys fishing tournaments, gathering to celebrate the Conch Republic 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 their website at www.fantasyfest.net for more information.
Key West accommodations - where to stay
Key West is a very 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 extravogant guesthouses and inns with beautiful tropical landsaping and free form pools. Some of the places make you think you are in an oasis in a tropical rainforest. You may find it hard to believe you are really in Old Town Key West.
There are some fabulous full service resorts in Key West as well. They are spread out around the island. The resorts offer great vacation packages in some cases for famillies 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.
Key West Boating and Marinas
It is difficult to think that someone could watch the sun set on the beautiful, serene waters surrounding Key West without wanting to get closer. Whether for a ride to the tropical reefs offshore, a sports 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 sunsets are free for the viewing.
Places to Eat & Drink in Key West
No doubt about it, for a 2 by 4 mile island, Key West sure has a lot going on with food and drinks. Last count was over 240 eating and drinking establishments and that was a few years ago. One thing you can bank on while here in Key West, fresh local seafood. Outside dining seems to be the favorite because those restaurants come with a view. Some have a beautiful view of the sunet, others have a view of Duval Street and downtown Key West, which can get interesting the further into the eveing you stay. There are many restaurants off the beaten path. Ask a local where to eat, everyone has a favorite place here or a place they would love you to go try. Plenty of bars and drinking go on in Key West. Find one that suits you and enjoy the surroundings. Some bars have local bands and music almost all day and night, others have a calm and quiet atmosphere with a tranquil view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Buying Real Estate in Key West
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 many different places around the country. Whether you are searching for a tropical getaway in downtown Key West that is close to it all, a 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 Need you may have.
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
Feb 27 to Feb 28
Old Island Days Art Festival
The 45th annual juried fine art show is set on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town..
Contact: (305) 294-1241
March 06
48th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest
An Old Island Days tradition, this unique contest features novel sounds produced by contestants in several age categories as they attempt to make “music” on fluted conch shells. Contest located in the garden of the Oldest House, 322 Duval Street.
Contact: (305) 294-9501
April 10 to April 11
Naval Air Station Air Show
U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration team is to host the Blue Angels, as well as aerial demonstrations by military and civilian performers, and static military and vintage aircraft. Free admission to Naval Air Station.
Contact: (305) 293-2425
April 13 to April 17
World Sailfish Championship
With a guaranteed top prize of $100,000, the prestigious sailfish challenge draws top teams and benefits the Don Shula Foundation for Breast Cancer Research
Contact: Mike Weinhofer (305) 395-3474
April 16 to April 25
28th Conch Republic Independence Celebration
Parades, bed races, parties and a wacky “drag race” commemorate the founding of the Conch Republic on April 23, 1982, in response to a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock that halted traffic in and out of the Florida Keys.
Contact: (305) 294-2298
April 19
15th Annual Taste of
Key West
Scores of area restaurants present mouthwatering samples of their cuisine to benefit AIDS Help Inc. The culinary celebration takes place at the Truman Waterfront overlooking Key West Harbor.
Contact: (305) 296-6196
April 28 to May 02
Key West Songwriters’ Festival
The 15th-annual showcase of musical magic features America’s foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings.
Contact: (305) 304-0814
June 9 to June 13
Pridefest Key West 2010 Diversity In Paradise
Event honoring diversity, openness and freedom in the city that is consistently recognized as one of the world's top gay and lesbian vacation destinations.
Contact: 800-535-7797
June 25 to June 27
Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby
Anglers compete to catch dolphin fish, a plentiful summertime treat off the Keys. The derby raises money for college scholarships.
Contact: John Stuempfig (305) 304-7674 |
