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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
May 26
11th Annual Yamaha Dolphin Masters Invitational
Headquartered at Key West's Historic Seaport, competitors vie for first-place honors and more than $13,000 awaits the angler scoring the highest total combined weight of three dolphin catches.
Contact: 305-304-7674
June 6 – 10
Key West Pride
Key West shows its Pride every day, and this is your chance to be a part of the celebration! This five day celebration includes a film festival, dance parties, drag shows, bike tours, clothing-optional pool parties, water excursions, a street fair, Pride Pageants, and a 'Pride in Our Community' Parade down Duval Street.
Contact: 800-535-7797
June 22 – 24
Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby
A grand prize of $5,000 cash is to be awarded the boat team with the largest aggregate weight in dolphin during the derby's two fishing days, with teams allowed to enter one qualifying fish each day. Second- and third-place teams will earn $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. Individual anglers can compete for trophies, prizes and cash totaling more than $20,000 in the tournament's divisions for male, female and junior participants.
Contact: 305-304-7674
July 17 – 22
Hemingway Days
The 32nd celebration of the legendary author's work and lifestyle features literary readings, a theatrical premiere, short story competition, fishing tournament, Sloppy Joe's Look-Alike Contest and a pre-birthday "party" commemorating Ernest's July 21st birthday.
Contact: (305) 296-2388
July 19 – 21
32nd Annual Sloppy Joe's "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike Contest
This annual contest takes place at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St., where Ernest Hemingway often enjoyed cocktails with cohorts. The event attracts look-alike contestants from around the United States and international locales to vie for the title of "Papa," and is a highlight of the annual Hemingway Days celebration of the legendary author's literary prowess and colorful lifestyle.
August 10 – 12
Key West Lobsterfest
Events include the Duval Crawl on Friday night, a street fair and free concert Saturday, and a spectacular Sunday brunch. Saturday's street fair features lobster-inspired culinary creations ranging from appetizers to full dinners with traditional trimmings. The festive feast takes place in the 100 through 500 blocks of Key West's famed Duval Street. Contact: 305-744-9804
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