Location: Situated at the southernmost point in Florida, Key West is closer to Havana than Miami, and extends approximately 2 miles wide by 4 miles long in overall size. Key West is nestled between Stock Island to the northeast and Fleming Key and Dredgers Key to the north.

Far beyond a beach town, Key West offers a plethora of excitement. The nightlife activities, coupled with shopping, dining, guided tours, and historical events gives Key West the rich dimension to rival any Caribbean getaway. The arts scene has recently exploded with museums, theatres, the symphony, pops orchestra, film society, and an opera company. From country-and-western to jazz festivals, no stone is left unturned when it comes to entertainment. There is even a variety of gay activities to accommodate every preference.

The town is roughly divided into two sections, with Old Town servicing the tourist community, replete with history, shops, hotels, marinas, guesthouses, alleyways, and lots of life. Part of Old Town, a nightly event is the gathering of patrons in Mallory Square, when the plaza fills with watchers, waiting the arrival of yet another perfect sunset. The Key West Chamber of Commerce is located here, and tourists are welcome to grab free brochures to enlighten their holiday travel. The other section, New Town, is more residential, with normal day-to-day business, supermarkets, and shopping centers.

Among many of the popular sights, museums are a favorite. The Earnest Hemingway Home and Museum is a tribute to the writer’s life and tours are available filled with historical trivia. The Key West Art and Historical Society operates the Lighthouse Museum, a comprehensive exhibit of nautical memorabilia, charts, photographs, and models. Visitors can climb over 80 stairs to see a bird’s eye view of Key West. The Key West Museum of Art & History has scores of local painters’ works, woodcarvings, and exotic artistry. The Key West Shipwreck Historeum Museum takes you back in time as actors perform a presentation of the Isaac Allerton, the recently discovered wrecked vessel that sank in 1856. For 18th and 19th century antiques, the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens has no shortage of architectural artifacts to admire. The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory features a very impressive collection of everything butterfly, including facts, memorabilia, souvenirs, and imported gifts.

For fun in the sun, Fort Taylor and Smathers Beach are two of the most popular beaches on the island. Sun-worshippers are dotted amid the white granules while scores of sailboats and swimmers comprise the vast horizon.

Key West is chic and regardless of what you’re looking for, Key West either has it or it’s coming soon.

Getting to Key West is Very Convenient

By Car: Either traveling on busier Route 1 with “crocodile crossing” signs or Card Sound Road, a longer but more beautiful and scenic route to the Florida Keys, Key West is located only 30 miles from Big Pine Key.

By Air: With several domestic and international airports to choose from, Key West can be easily reached by travelers around the globe.