Key West is an island at the southernmost point of the United States. To get there it's a 3 1/2 to 4-hour drive from Miami along a scenic road called the Overseas Highway and it is approximately 8 hours from Orlando.
We saw this lobster on our journey
It is part of the Florida Keys, a collection of little islands known for their laid back charm, beautiful beaches, fishing, snorkelling and amazing seafood.
The Southernmost House
Well, all my worries were laid to rest when we arrived. We all totally loved it there, and Key West Boat Rentals were easily available to take you to your destination and attractions that you should not miss!
Sunset in Key West
The main street is Duval Street which has many restaurants, shops and bars and leads down to the beach. There is also Mallory Square where everyone gathers at sunset to see the beautiful views and the street entertainers.
Key West has a laid back attitude and culture and celebrates diversity. It has a large gay community and has a number of gay and drag bars as well as one or two strip clubs but all are discrete, although you may have one of the drag queens welcoming you into the bars.
There are also a large number of bars playing live music with a great atmosphere, almost all being family-friendly. Many had happy hours for that delicious cocktail at half the price of normal too. We found a couple of nice wine bars as well and would recommend Vinos on Duval street.
We felt very safe at night and saw lots of families enjoying the town. In fact, it was much nicer than a night out in Cardiff that's for sure. There are other places to visit in The Keys that are quieter but we liked the buzz of Key West.
The beauty of the place is in the architecture. Small whitewash buildings add a European feel to the area. We saw the odd chicken roaming around the old buildings. It is really that laid back. Many compare the architecture to New Orleans.
The Shipwreck Museum
Attractions include The Shipwreck Museum, Ripleys Believe It Or Not, The Lighthouse Museum, The Ernest Hemingway Museum, The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and The Conch Train Tour.
Key West was the richest town in the United States in the 1800s per capita due to the town being built around the business of salvaging shipwrecks. The Shipwreck museum explained the history of the island and was very entertaining. Highly recommended for children.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Fort Zachary Beach and National Park
We loved Key West and would love to go back in the future. The weather is very hot in the summer and very pleasant and warm in the Winter. We stayed at the Orchid Key Inn, a beautiful hotel, on the quiet end of Duval street, with excellent staff, and extras including breakfast and drinks every day.
Wonderful lobster at the Southern Most Beach Cafe
Best restaurant with a view - The Southern Most Beach Cafe
Best shopping - Coach Outlet
Best local food - Key Lime Pie and lobster
Must Do - day - Visit the southernmost buoy at the southernmost part of the USA
Must Do - evening Watch the sunset go down on Mallory Square and see the street entertainers
Check out this post on a Florida road trip for more Florida travel inspiration.
Tell me have you ever been there? What do you think of my review? Would you like to go?
I have never been to Key West but we did visit Miami many years ago. It was fantastic and I had my first fresh lobster there. If we ever go back (hopefully one day) we will make a detour to Key West, it looks just as amazing.
ReplyDeleteFresh lobster is so delicious. I would advise you to go to Key West if you ever get a chance. There are quieter islands too if you prefer a slower pace of life like Islamorada.
DeleteWow, it looks amazing and that lobster looks divine and I want some now! This is somewhere we would love to visit one day
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely place and has lots to do.
DeleteI was waiting for a mention of Key Lime Pie! The seafood looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteI had Key Lime Pie with an Oreo cookie crust. I may just make it on my blog soon. It was divine!
DeleteWOW! This looks so amazing and I love the picture of all the signs. I would love to visit. Glad you have fun x
ReplyDeleteIt was great fun, you can do as much or as little as you would like there.
DeleteSounds divine - wonderful place to visit!
ReplyDeleteIt is a really lovely place.
DeleteOh my goodness!!! I would love to visit somewhere like this!! It looks and sounds amazing!!
ReplyDeleteHopefully one day you will get a chance to visit.
DeleteThose photos are stunning... though the lobster one kinda piqued my anxiety a bit, scary as hell!
ReplyDeleteI know it's a bit scary, at least it wasn't real though.
DeleteI've never been anywhere in the USA, but hope to one day face my fear of long flights and make it across the border. Although we speak the same language, everything in the states seem so, so much different from over here! To their beautiful beaches, and delicious looking food, and of course let's not forget their thrill seeking theme parks!
ReplyDeleteSpud is Disney obsessed, and I too am a huge Disney fan, it's our dream to one day visit Disney World, I should try to remember Key West for when our dream one day becomes a reality! I'm a big History fan, so much so it was my favourite subject in school, and most probably the only one I actually really enjoyed and wanted to participate in, with so many museums, I can find myself just getting lost! x
I don't like flying either. I do love travelling though! I have written a post on planning a holiday to Orlando if you are interested.
Deletehttp://www.thediaryofajewellerylover.co.uk/2013/12/top-ten-tips-planning-holiday-to-orlando.html
So glad you enjoyed your time at Key West! I left my heart there last year, such an amazing chilled, laid back place.
ReplyDeleteI'm longing to go back from the minute we left!
I would add my recommendation for Mattheessens cake and fudge shop on Duval street, they do the best Key Lime pie and peanut butter fudge cookie I have ever tasted!
I saw that fudge shop but didn't buy anything there, and now I wished I had! It is a lovely place, I totally agree with you Michaela.
DeleteMy Dad got married here and I am desperate to visit myself. Your photos are amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kara. It would be lovely for you to visit the place where he got married :)
DeleteWow that lobster is actually a little scary! Looks like a great trip though
ReplyDeleteLast Day to Enter our August Giveaway
It was and yes it is!
DeleteI would love to visit Key West, especilly as my favourite dessert is Key Lime Pie. Yum! Looks like a lovely trip.
ReplyDeleteI seriously have to make some soon.
DeleteMy Hubby is always going on about going to the States for a trip and this seems like a great place to visit! I think it would definitely be on our list of destinations.
ReplyDeleteHope you make it there one day!
Deleteoh wow! I'd love to visit Key West some day! x
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely place Fritha, you would love it there.
DeleteLooks like a great place. I love the sound of the chickens roaming around and wow, that beach looks gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYes it has a laid back charm but still plenty to see.
DeleteWe went to Florida last year but stayed in Orlando to enjoy the theme parks. I've never been to Key West but it looks gorgeous and I'd love to go one day.
ReplyDeleteYou really must go :)
DeleteIt looks amazing. I've never been but if I ever got the chance I would jump at it
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely place Angela. You have to go one day if you get a chance.
DeleteKey west is somewhere I'd love to visit. I was lucky enhough to visit Miami & Orlando as a child and it was amazing. Would love to go back one day x
ReplyDeleteI hope you get the chance to go back!
DeleteOh the memories I have relived reading your post!
ReplyDeleteWe went to Key West before the children and had an absolute ball, it's one of my favourite places in the world because of that chilled out vibe you refer to.
Thanks so much for linking up to the Time Traveller, I've really enjoyed your Key West post
It is such a relaxing place Mari, I totally agree with you and thanks for your kind comments.
DeleteNow here's somewhere I fancy visiting - sounds wonderful with the bars, architecture and atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting lots of ideas of where to go on future holidays with Mari's new linky.
The architecture is beautiful and such a great atmosphere too.
DeleteOh I need to explore more of America, looks like a fabulous place to visit.
ReplyDeleteI loved Key West. America is so vast, I want to explore more too Laura.
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