What it’s like Being a Tourist in Key West

Beaches, beaches, and more beaches!

It’s pretty freaking amazing how much body of water surrounds these islands, the amount of activities you can do and wander off to, as well as spend time with family and making memories.

Key West, a U.S. island city, is part of the Florida Keys archipelago. It’s also Florida’s southernmost point, lying roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. Famed for its pastel-hued, conch-style houses, it’s a cruise-ship stop also accessible from the mainland via the Overseas Highway. It’s known more for its coral reefs – destinations for diving and snorkeling – than for its beaches.

Google

Let me tell you a little something about this post before I really get started. It’s actually based off one of my close friend’s, Alex’s, experiences. Grateful she’s letting me use her photos and fun!

I’m trying to make this as touristy as possible!

What should you do in Key West if you’re going for the first time?

90 miles to Cuba

It only took a buoy structure for everyone to know we were 90 miles from Cuba. I feel like it’s actually become a landmark since then. Havana-ooh-na-na

It’s actually just a very large statement piece. I love that everywhere you go, you have a reminder of Cuba. The stories flood every time I look at something that reminds of this beautiful country. #ThanksPapi

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Housing about 60 different species of live butterflies from around the world. The nature conservatory is in a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat too. They’re absolutely beautiful!

Up close and personal too!

Ernest Hemingway’s home

Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters

This was Ernest’s home in the 1930s. As an American writer, he situated himself in Key West, Florida.

The exact address is 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040. To give you some visuals, it’s on the other side of the Key West Lighthouse by the southern coast.

Walk through Mallory Square

Duval Street

These photos don’t do it justice.

This specific street had a strip of restaurants, live music, markets, and beautiful sunsets. Mallory Square was the life of the party in the Keys.

Restaurants

• Fat Tuesday: souvenir cups are my all-time favorite!
• Willie T’s Restaurant and Bar: where you place $1 from all over and make it decor
• Kermit Key Lime Shoppe: best key lime pie ever
• Santiago’s Restaurant: yummy tapas, or Spanish food

Islamorada

Robbie’s

This place brings back so many memories. I love coming here and doing all kind of water activities. Ironically enough, I’m not a huge water person. And I’m from Miami, so that took a lot of me to say.

You can feed tarpon and manatees. Going snorkeling was my highlight! You can also rent kayaks, boats, and go into local shops for your handy dandy souvenir.

Marathon

Turtle Hospital

As a non-profit organization, the monies goes straight to the rehabilitation and care of turtles. Look how cutie they all look!

Fun fact: Another way to find sea turtles in Key West is to go snorkeling! At “The Great Florida Reef“, you can explore them too. Did you know that this coral reef is actually the only living coral barrier reef in the United States?!

Dolphin Research Center

Holding a 90k sqft saltwater lagoons makes it home to dolphins and Cali sea lions. It’s located in Grassy Key, Florida too! Since 1984, this is one of the most respected institutions that study and protect these animals.

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

Where all sea creatures meet in a safe environment. They also include sharks, tortoise, and sting way when treating them.

Did you know, turtles can breathe through their butts?

The keys is always somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. I’m pretty bias too, but it makes all the difference because South Beach and Miami Beach are always packed. This way, you have different areas to do all kinds of water activities.

Right Alex?!

If you have any questions, please let me know! I’d be happy to help mediate more places to go in these fine islands. Florida has so much to offer, so I want to be able to expand on much more than Miami.