Peninsula Florida- a favorite vacation spot for Americans, combining a warm sunny climate, an ocean coast, and excellent infrastructure for recreation and vacations. Both in the “firewood on the beach” style and in any active way. Island group Florida Keys(Florida Keys), which will be discussed in this material, is located not far from Florida, a little to the south, closer to the Caribbean. - the southernmost city and island in the USA (unless, of course, you count Hawaii).

Holidays on the island (or Key West, which translates as “Western Key”) is traditionally considered more elite - the mere fact that it is most convenient to get to them by air raises the price bar. Plus, hotels and entertainment here are not cheap, and the “season” doesn’t last that long. The rest of the time, Key West experiences disgusting weather and the danger of hurricanes and tsunamis. But in the off-season, tourists come here because the weather is not the main thing.

is a world isolated from the modern frantic rhythm of the rest of America, its problems and crises. The most important thing that distinguishes it from all other resort towns is its exquisite charm, combined with lazy negligence, a special mixture of freedom of spirit and frozen blissful inaction.

Life here flows measuredly and leisurely, as it did half a century ago, ever since the “gay revolution of the 60s” in the United States made it a home and refuge for a huge number of informals: hippies, beatniks, gays, lesbians, and queers of all stripes. Since then, LGBT aristocracy, writers, musicians, designers, architects, lawyers, doctors, hairdressers, bartenders, waiters, actors and just people who are different from others have traditionally flocked to this tiny paradise. Whether you want to relax by the pool, spending days and weeks in sweet idleness, or hang out, explore the world, nature, culture, architecture - there is an offer for every taste. The island is also considered one of the best options for a relaxing and secluded honeymoon.

Travel guides proclaim that among places on the planet that boast diversity, Key West is one of the most vibrant. This is a place where any “closets” do not have doors.

How to get there

The island is connected to the American mainland by a bridge 11 km away and is geographically located 150 km away. from cubes. Previously, there was a railway from the mainland, but it was washed away by one of the disasters, but now there is a highway with no less picturesque views. A distinctive feature of the island is its own airport. In 1 hour you can fly from Miami, the nearest large city, or get there by bus in 4 hours (ticket about $40), or by car. The main street of the island is Duval st- goes directly to the pier, where cruise ships arrive 2-3 times a week.

Not very popular (or rather, not popular at all) among Russian LGBT travelers for two simple reasons:

1) required American visa, and this is much troublesome and more expensive than European Schengen, while there is visa-free Cuba or the Dominican Republic almost there,
2) cost air travel from Russia bites more than - against which again Cuba, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Bahamas, Jamaica or the countries of South America win.

But if you are still interested, let's take a closer look at what this recognized corner of LGBT paradise offers us -.
Short 2 minute video:

Weather

The climate in the city is tropical, clearly divided into two seasons - dry and wet. November to April usually has plenty of sunshine and less than 25% of the annual precipitation falls during this period. The period from May to October is considered the rainy season, accounting for approximately 53% of annual precipitation. Showers, rains and thunderstorms occur early in the morning. But anyway, Key West characterized by the lowest level of precipitation compared to other cities Florida.

Key West is the only “frost-free” city in the continental United States, it never gets cold here and has never snowed. It is the year-round sun that invariably attracts gays and lesbians from all American states and other countries. When the sun is hot, the temperature is cooled by a fresh sea breeze, so there is no sweltering heat here.

Island Key West, like most other islands in the Florida Keys, lies on the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The currents in them are different. In the Gulf of Mexico it is calmer and warmer, and sea grass grows there.

Key West Climate
Index	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec	Year
Absolute maximum, °C	32	31	32	33	34	38	38	38	36	34	33	31	38
Average maximum, °C	24,1	24,4	26,0	27,7	29,7	31,2	31,9	31,9	31,2	29,3	27,0	24,8	28,3
Average temperature, °C	21,3	21,6	23,2	25,0	27,1	28,6	29,2	29,1	28,6	26,8	24,6	22,2	25,6
Average minimum, °C	18,4	18,7	20,4	22,3	24,4	25,9	26,4	26,2	25,8	24,3	22,2	19,6	22,9
Absolute minimum, °C	5	7	8	9	13	18	20	20	18	15	9	7	5
Precipitation rate, mm	56,4	38,4	47,2	52,3	88,4	116,1	83,1	137,2	138,4	110,2	67,1	54,4	989,1

And, of course, the night temperature is always maintained at the proper level by parties, restaurants, bars, clubs with the best New York DJs, cafes, night shopping centers - for every taste and budget. And, most importantly, everything is within walking distance. Guidebooks warn: “You may not need a car, like an evening dress!”

Attractions

The main street is Duval. Life here does not calm down until the morning. Old-timers joke that the main duty of the inhabitants of the island is to relax, fish, scuba dive, walk along the embankment and watch the sunset.

Sunset is a spectacle, a whole performance and a holiday that never ends. Every evening a crowd of tourists gathers at Mallory Pier to watch the sun set on the ocean. Here's the trick: you look west and see the sun sink into the ocean waters. What does it matter if there is a continent hidden behind the waters? The impression is amazing. You sit with a beer or Cuban coffee on the promenade or stroll around, watching the performances of clowns, musicians and magicians, and wait for the sunset. Finally, to the stormy applause of those gathered, the last reflections of the fireball disappear into the darkened waves and the nightlife of the city begins.

Bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues are literally at every turn here. Each of them offers its own exotic specialty dish or drink. Below we will tell you in more detail about the most interesting places.

As a city where artists love to create, it is also interesting for its art galleries. There are five of them on Duval Street alone.
As for museums, there are more than a dozen of them. For example, dedicated to fishing, ship repair, or famous artists who lived and worked here. There is even a museum-bar-restaurant under the romantic name Schooner Wharf (and next to it there is a bar of the same name, see below).

Key West is associated with the names of such outstanding personalities as American President Truman, who often vacationed in, located on one of the central streets of Key West. Writers Tennessee Williams, Robert Frost and, of course, Ernest Hemingway lived here, whose house-museum is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. The Hemingway Days festival is held annually.

The old part of the city is rich in historical sights, architectural monuments and small, but very cozy and romantic small hotels (inns). You should definitely check out the store, for example, at 419 Duval Street, where they sell beauty products made from Florida aloe.
After walking along the main street of Duval (called the longest street in the world, since it runs from the shore of the Atlantic Ocean to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico), purchasing souvenirs as a souvenir, you can walk to the southernmost point of America and take a photo at the “90 miles to Cuba” buoy.

The city's population is 25.4 thousand people (statistics for 2000) - approximately a third of the total population of the Florida Keys.

There are a huge number of cats living in Key West, and local residents happily feed them. The mild, warm climate and the proximity of the sea, and, accordingly, sailors, are the main reason for such a large population; on average, there are 4 cats per resident of Key West. Most of these animals in Key West have six toes on their front feet.

More information about important attractions:

Hemingway House Museum. Information Official (English) A beautiful garden, the six-toed descendants of Hemingway's beloved cat Snowball (Snowball) have lived happily and carefree in the house for more than 70 years. By the way, you can hold a wedding ceremony or just a celebration there.

Mallory Square. Information Official website on Key West (English). .

Butterfly Conservatory (Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory). Information Official (English)

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum). Information Official (English)

Bar Sentimental Joe (Sloppy Joe’s Bar). The legendary bar of the early 20th century at 201 Duval Street. Its most famous, frequent guest and patron was Hemingway, a big fan of Cuban rum. By the way, he was directly involved in the real name of the bar, which did not immediately become that. Since 1981, “Ernest look-alike” competitions have been held here, and in 2006 the place was included in the US Historical Heritage List. The bar has many loyal fans around the world. The location is also mentioned in the film Citizen Kane. Official. with sound.

Gay beaches of Key West

Higgs Beach

a lively sandy beach with warm water currents on the western side of the island. Possibility of fishing from the pier. Rental of sunbeds and umbrellas. Free parking. Hetero-friendly beach.
Address: Atlantic Blvd. (between White Street and Reynolds Boulevard).

LGBT events

Blue carriage

An interesting entertainment was invented many years ago in Key West: a tour of the city on a train, including visits to the most interesting places. Of course, gays and lesbians immediately organized a “blue flight”: with songs, flags, jokes and, of course, themselves as passengers.

Time: the schedule may change, but for now the order is as follows: the “blue flight” starts every Saturday at 16:00 from the corner of Duval Street and Angela Street. The flight is hetero-friendly, so everyone is welcome, not just LGBT passengers. The duration of the trip is 75 minutes, the ticket price is $18-$25, you can buy it on the spot, order by phone 305-294-4603 or online.

During the flight, from the lips of the guide, you will learn about the history of the city, its architecture, and main attractions. You will see the memorial to HIV victims, Mallory Square, the ghosts of Tennessee Williams, hear about the life of Hemingway, plus a lot of other interesting things that you are unlikely to read in books somewhere. This is the only LGBT history tour of its kind in the US, don't miss it.

Gay Spring Break
(Gay Spring Break)

An annual traditional celebration of LGBT students and their friends who come to have fun on the beaches and clubs of Key West, where they are already welcome special discounts and hot offers. Comfortable, safe, fun!
Time: March and April 2013
Official.

Headdress Festival
(Headdress Ball an Official Event of Fantasy Fest)

Time: October 23, 2012.
This year the annual competition for extravagant headdresses will be held for the 30th time. You can participate as a competitor or as a spectator. Tickets for the show are sold on the official website, cost from $30 to $320 (VIP table). Video from the 2010 festival:

Contestants do not need to pay anything for themselves; on the contrary, if they win, they will be paid: $1500 for the best headdress, and $300, $200 for 2nd and 3rd place. Registration of participants ends on the day of the show. “Headdress” is considered to be everything from the shoulders and above. Costumes do not count, but are highly encouraged by both the audience and the jury. Remember: the headdress must not only be demonstrated, but also moved in it, and no assistants are allowed. In general, the conditions are extremely creative, go for it!
Official.

Gay Pride in Key West

Time: from 5 to 9 June 2013.
Traditionally, it includes not only a street procession (families are welcome, there are a lot of them here), but also a whole week of events: a cultural festival, film screenings, comedy performances, exhibitions, club parties. During the day, events take place on Duval Street, and towards night they move to clubs.
Official, where it will be published the day before detailed program. Video from Gay Pride 2012:

Time: August 15-18, 2013.
A 4-day annual festival “only for men”, during which there are sports competitions, games, as well as foam and cocktail parties, where they do God knows what, not fully dressed (or even at all...) In a word, in August on Key West is hot in every sense of the word. Usually by this time all the places in popular guesthouses are completely booked, so if you want to join in, book in advance.
Official.

Women's Festival

Time: September 3-8, 2013.
Key West is a place that lesbians love, and this festival is for them. The festival took place for the 25th time in 2012. These are traditional parties, clothing-optional pool parties (clothing optional), water excursions (girls only), where you can watch dolphins and whales, water sports, auctions of all sorts of fetish rarities, live concerts (from country to jazz) , comedy performances starring famous actresses, speed dating nights for Facebook nerds, film screenings, art classes, and much more. After all, if you don’t feed gays bread - let them show off their muscles, then lesbians like to laugh and dance. The participants themselves call their festival the southernmost point of the USA “Close to perfect and far from normal”(“Close to perfect, far from normal.” Join us, sisters!
Official.

Bear Festival

An annual gathering of hairy men in the prime of their lives) That’s why they are loved!
A flannel shirt is optional.
Time: October 4-7, 2012.
Official.

Gay bars and clubs

A dance club with drag performances and a variety of show programs (the nearest one, for example, a fashion show for pets), and DJ sets. You can get discounts with the festival Gay Spring Break Card.
Open: Show start times vary by show, check here. Life is in full swing there!
Address: 711 Duval Street. . Account in Facebook.

A small gay club, interesting with amateur striptease competitions. There are happy hours with discounts. There is also a small liquor store (not a bar).
Open: daily from 15:00 until the last visitor.
Address: 705 Duval Street. There was a site, but it stopped working, we don’t provide the link.

Gay dance pub with video. The best male striptease, themed parties, trendy club music. Outdoors, guests will find a “guys only” swimming pool. Look for discount flyers at parties and at your hotel.
Open: daily 22:00 - 04:00.
Address: 724 Duval Street. . Video .

801 Bourbon Bar
One of the oldest gay places, it includes a complex of a drag cabaret bar and a front bar overlooking Duval Street.
Open: daily front bar from 10 to 16, cabaret bar from 17 to 4 am. Drag shows in the cabaret are on from 21 to 23.
Address: 801 Duval St. . Video .

Pearl's Patio Women's Bar
A bar for lesbians on the courtyard of the Pearl’s lesbian hotel (see below about the hotel). Cocktails are served during the day. On Sundays you can get your fill of $2 Bloody Marys! Gay and straight friendly establishment.
Open: Sunday to Wednesday from 12:00 to 20:00, Thursday and Friday - until 22:00, Saturday - the bar is open until midnight.
Address: 525 United Street. .

“Leather” bar, where real macho people look for their own kind. Previously, they say, there was " a dark room", but not now. The largest influx of visitors is in the evenings/nights of Friday and Saturday. Entry is possible from the bar 801 Bourbon or from Petronia street. In some sources it appears as Key West’s Leather & Levi bar.
Address: 504 Petronia St. Account in Facebook.

Bobby's Monkey Bar
Great bartenders, cheap drinks, pool and karaoke on Sunday nights. The right place to “get drunk and forget yourself.” Working hours? H.z. Come any time.
Address: 900 Simonton Street. . Account in Facebook.

Atlantic Shores

Every Sunday at this gay swing motel there are evening tea parties with sunset views (from 19 to 23). A DJ plays, cocktails are served, and you can dance. Great place for a pre-party before going to 801 Bourbon Bar.
Address: 510 South Street.

Gay-friendly wine and cigar boutique. The wines are mainly Californian (but there are also South America and Italy), the cigars are Cuban and local. You can enjoy what you have purchased right here, watching the measured street life from the large veranda. However, no old-world snobbery: show up in beach flip-flops and no one will notice. There is music on weekends.
Open: daily 10:00 -23:00.
Address: 1218 Duval St. .

d'Vine Gallery - The Gardens Hotel
Gay-friendly establishment - a unique luxury wine tasting bar. The automatic dispenser system allows you to choose your own wine from 32 bottles, at one and a half dollars per measuring cup. Of course, you already know, but let us remind you anyway: the tasting sequence is as follows - from simple to complex, from white to red, from young to aged, from dry to sweet, from less strong to stronger.
Address: 526 Angela Street, in the hotel building Gardens. hotel.

Grand Vin Wine Shop & Bar
Nice wine store on Duval Street. You can taste it right here, sitting on the veranda. Wine is sold by the glass and by the bottle.
Address: 1107 Duval Street.

Key West's most famous live music bar with a rich history. #1 Live Music Bar in Florida by Playboy Magazine.
Open: daily from 10am to 4am. Happy hour with discounts from 16:00 to 19:00.
Address: 601 Whitehead St. . . Video channel on YouTube. Facebook.

Hog's Breath Saloon
The bar owners believe that Hog's Breath is better than no breath at all. In addition to tasty drinks, a nutritious snack is offered. There is a store with funny things, where piggy appears everywhere.
Address: 400 Front Street. .

Island House Bar + Cafe
Men's only cafe and bar set in lush tropical gardens next to the hotel pool Island House Key West(see below about the hotel), where clothing is optional.
Address: 1129 Fleming.

JDL's Big Ten Pub
Sports bar with large TV panels. Private viewing rooms. Food and drinks.
Open: daily 11:00 - 02:00.
Address: 920 Caroline Street. .

Eco-cafe, where any product - for example, coffee, wine, cheese, chocolate - is only grown and produced in compliance with eco-standards and the principles of preserving and renewing the environment. A very cozy place that any woman will like.
Address: 1130 Duval Street. . Links to places where you can still eat environmentally friendly are in your account on Facebook.

Rick's & Durty Harry's
8 bars in 1 place! This is a whole entertainment complex: dance club, martini bar, cold drinks, live music, entertainment for adults, karaoke - choose one or all at once.
Address: 202 Duval Street. .

Bar on outdoors"Schooner at the Dock", offering a Woodstock atmosphere, live music, fresh seafood, a variety of themed parties and competitions.
Address: 202 William Street. .

Great place for an experience. Local freshest grilled seafood, evening shows and costume parties, pleasant bartenders, magnificent sunset views.
Open: bar 10:00 - 02:00, bar-restaurant 11:00 - 22:00, company store 10:00 - 21:00.
Address: 4 Charles Street (look for the tuna sign). . .

Bottle Cap Lounge & Liquor
Lounge bar, DJ sets and live bands.
Address: 1128 Simonton Street. .

La Te Da
Gay-friendly cabaret in the hotel of the same name. Live music from Tuesday to Sunday. There is a front bar separate from the cabaret if you just want to enjoy a drink and views of Duval Street at night.
Address: 1125 Duval Street.

Virgillio's - La Trattoria
Gay-friendly establishment. Live music - from jazz to salsa. They claim to have the best martini in town. There is an Italian restaurant in the back. Open since 1984.
Address: 524 Duval St. .

Where to stay

Housing in Key West is plentiful and varied. You can stay in large hotels offering standard service, or (more interestingly) in small gay-friendly boarding houses, guest houses and apartments. Stay in a restored Victorian mansion, providing all the necessary conditions for comfort, or a secluded cottage among a tropical garden, for two or with a group - what could be better for an unforgettable holiday?

Private LGBT apartments and guest houses

According to online surveys on gay sites, it leads the list of “Best Gay Hotels for Men.” Heated swimming pool, cafe, bar, jacuzzi, spa club and rocking chair, sauna, luxury rooms. The hotel, as the name suggests, is only for men.
Address: 1129 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. (caution, pictures 18+)

The Cypress House is one of the hotel's 6 "historic" guest houses located in the picturesque old part of Key West. Built in the 19th century, it belonged to the family of Richard Kemp, an avid fisherman and naturalist (there was even a species of sea turtle named after him). The building is surrounded by pine and cypress trees. This guesthouse has 22 rooms, all for adults only. This home is ideal for couples. Watch a funny video about him.
Address: 601 Caroline Street Key West, FL 33040. .

Part of the same 6 “historic” houses as the “Cypress House” in the old town. Chelsea House is two beautiful Victorian mansions, built in 1888 and 1906, surrounded by large tropical gardens. The heated pool makes this the perfect place to laze around to your heart's content. The property is ideal for couples, some rooms include a guest bed, and some rooms allow pets. Look video.
Address: 707 & 709 Truman Avenue Key West, FL 33040. .

8 historic buildings surrounded by tropical gardens and within walking distance of Duval Street. It is possible to stay with children over 16 years old. There are a couple of rooms available for tourists with pets.
Address: 419 Amelia Street Key West, FL 33040. .

Historic Hideaways, Inc.

Private apartments with a swimming pool in the historical part of the city. You can choose a house, cottage or condominium to live in, with different views from the windows. Depending on the number of people in your party, accommodation with 1-4 bedrooms is offered. Some houses allow pets. Rent for a minimum of a week, rental for the whole season is possible with good discounts.
Address: 1109 Duval St Key West, FL 33040. .

A restored Victorian mansion with a tranquil ambiance, located in the historic district, a short walk from Duval Street. Heated pool and jacuzzi. 26 rooms with a variety of features, such as a veranda, a separate staircase to the garden or a personal loft.
Address: 410 Fleming Street Key West, FL 33040. .

The Mermaid and the Alligator is a restored and elegantly decorated Victorian mansion offering the comforts of home, located in the heart of Old Town, just minutes from Duval Street. There is a swimming pool and sun terrace, private parking. According to a very long-standing family tradition, good-natured, cute dogs live in the house. If you love animals, this is your place!
Address: 729 Truman Avenue Key West, FL 33040. .

A boarding house loved by lesbians, which has received several awards in previous years as the best boarding house for lesbians. It’s not surprising, because lesbians also own it)
The hotel is located in the historical part of the city in the converted former buildings of a 19th century cigar workshop, a cigar shop and a surf motel. Look small video reports on YouTube, very nice. There is also a gym, 2 heated swimming pools (swimsuit optional), free wifi, bar and grill. Adults only. Hetero-friendly. Some rooms allow pets.
Address: 525 United Street Key West, FL 33040. .

Luxury gay apartments. Heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness room, restaurant. By the pool there is a clothing-optional area (clothing is not required). Great place to meet people!
Address: 409 Appelrouth Lane Key West, FL 33040. .

A luxury guest house for LGBT guests, offering rooms, apartments and suites to suit different tastes and budgets. Located in the old part of the city. There is a swimming pool, spa, sun terraces, restaurant, Wi-Fi. Only for people over 21 years of age.
Address: 1118 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. .

A gay men's only hotel located on Duval Street in the thick of things. Swimming pool clothing-optional (clothing not required), bar in a picturesque garden, breakfast served on the balcony. Some rooms are located above the pub and dance floor, which is open until 4am, but there are also quieter rooms where you won't have to bounce in bed to the beats of disco. As a bonus, there are regular themed parties held in the same pub, like swimsuit parties, live shows, and the best go-go dancers in Florida.
Address: 24 Duval Street, Key West, Florida 33040. .

Coconut Grove & Shasis Guesthouse

Two guesthouses “for men only.”
Address: 822/823 Fleming St., Key West, FL 33040.

Gay-friendly hotels

Address: 990 South Roosevelt Blvd. ..
1-800-771-KEYS (5397)
Interactive map of Key West (flash required): .
"National Hurricane Center" in Miami, where you can always find information about the danger of natural disasters: . Or follow the Center's announcements at

Key West (Florida) is both a city and an island. The territory belongs. You can get to it via numerous bridges - straight from Homestead or Miami. The island is located at one of the southernmost points of the United States, on a large archipelago called the Florida Keys. Among travelers, this resort is known for its warm climate, gorgeous beaches and high-class hotels.

From the history

Until the 16th century, the Kaalus Indian tribes lived here. In 1521, the first person from Europe visited the place. The island was given a name meaning “covered with bones”, which was associated with Indian battles. The modern name appeared as a result of an error. The Spanish words were eventually replaced by similar-sounding English ones. And now the name of the city of Key West can be literally translated as “Western Key”. Over time, the island began to be populated by new residents arriving from other territories. They were engaged in fishing, and from time to time they had to save passengers from sinking ships from death. Salt production was also developed here. In the 19th century, the island became part of the United States. Over the years, the place has become popular among tourists and vacationers.

At the beginning of the last century, the famous railroad was built across the islands, which stretched straight from Miami. It was destroyed by a strong storm in the 1930s and replaced with a car one. Now just over 25 thousand people live here permanently.

Consequences of the disaster

Strong winds and tornadoes are not that uncommon in Florida. Hundreds of residents died after a hurricane occurred in 1935. But this was not the only such episode in the life of the island of Key West. Most recently, the city of Key West suffered severe damage in September 2017 following Hurricane Irma. Houses and buildings were destroyed, trees were uprooted. The wind speed almost exceeded 210 km/h. The violence of the elements led to severe flooding. As a result, many residents were left homeless, and the people themselves were previously evacuated. The city is gradually being restored, many objects are being rebuilt.

Beach holiday

Why is Key West, Florida so attractive to tourists? Firstly, the special climate. In these parts, the temperature does not drop below zero degrees. The weather is usually clear and sunny. From morning to evening you can spend time on the beach, acquiring pleasant shades of tan, swimming in the purest sea water.

The coastal area is strewn with sand. The most popular among tourists is the equipped Smathers Beach, where there are parking spaces, retail outlets and cafes, a recreation area with the ability to rent tables and chairs. Many come here for diving or fishing. You can buy a catamaran or a boat for a while. There are also wild beaches on the island. For example, one of these is located on the territory of Fort Zachary Taylor Park. A quieter and more peaceful place, visited by significantly fewer tourists.

Entertainment

The already mentioned park is one of the places that are definitely worth visiting in Key West (Florida). Until the 40s of the last century, there was an active fort here. On this moment This is a historical park where you can take a walk (on foot or by bike), rent a kayak, or sit in a cafe. Park visiting hours should be confirmed in advance.

Duval Street is considered the main street of the city. On both sides you can see numerous cafes and restaurants. For example, Sloppy Joe's is a bar that Hemingway himself once visited! Fans of the writer's work are sure to come here to take photos of the interiors and have a couple of cocktails. This place often hosts concerts with live music. Other establishments offer karaoke, and If you come in the evening or at night, you can get into a colorful show and become a participant in the carnival.

Key West Attractions

You can move around the city not only on your feet. It also offers excursions, which are carried out on a special tourist bus. Or you can rent a scooter or bicycle to explore the surrounding area on your own. There are many palm trees around. Coconuts from them are sold in retail shops. A tube is inserted inside to make drinking coconut milk more convenient.

In the southernmost point of Key West, Florida there is a local landmark - a large painted buoy. Sometimes a long line of tourists forms to take pictures next to him. The buoy symbolizes the southern point of the United States (although in fact this is not entirely true). It also bears the marker “90 miles to Cuba.”

The city sells original souvenirs: it is wise to buy something to remember your visit to Key West (Florida). These could be magnets, small crafts, or sold in some stores. They are made on the island, according to local sellers. By the way, real Cuban cigars are prohibited from being sold in the United States.

Museums

Key West is home to many interesting museums. First of all, it is worth mentioning the Hemingway Museum, located in the house where the writer lived. The building has a long history, and it was built back in 1851. In the museum you can see antique furniture and things of the famous author. Hemingway brought some trophies with him from expeditions to distant lands. The museum is home to amazing animals - six-toed cats. These are the descendants of the writer's pet cat.

It is unlikely that any other city has a Shipwreck Museum. Here is an interesting exhibition of things that came to the residents of Key West from sinking ships. In addition to household items, you can see real gold bars, as well as watch introductory videos about rescue operations. Another museum complex where you can get acquainted with maritime treasures and treasures is the Fisher Maritime Museum. And you can see the inhabitants of the ocean by visiting the Key West Aquarium. Entry there, like museums, is paid, but tickets can be booked in advance.

How to get there?

You can get to the island on a large cruise ship. This is how tourists from China and other distant countries arrive in the Florida Keys. Another option is to fly by plane. Key West has a small international airport. But it is worth considering that the weight of luggage is very limited. Most often, travelers prefer to get to the island by car. The bridge offers stunning views of the sea, coral reefs and ships passing by. Along the way you can also see what remains of the destroyed railway.

There are practically no buildings in the city higher than two floors. And some ancient buildings, according to legend, are haunted by ghosts. An example is the Victorian-style mansion Marrero's Guest Mansion, near which the silhouette of a deceased girl, the beloved of the former owner of the house, has been seen more than once. And the walls of some other buildings still remember the times of pirate bloodshed.

You can stay in Key West (Florida) in a good hotel or in a private home. Some residents rent out rooms or entire villas to visitors.

In Key West, absolutely different cultures, styles, and aesthetics combine amazingly harmoniously.

Original (1024×768)

This billboard is located in the popular Mallory Square in northwest Key West, considered the best place to view the famous local sunset and the nearby harbor. The sign reads: "Welcome to Malory Square, where the sun goes down and the fun begins. Celebrating the world famous Key West sunset." One of the events is the "sunset festival" held in Mallory Square. Local residents, speaking about it, forget to mention that this festival is daily: after all, sunset happens every day!

Original (1024×681)

Shipwreck Museum

In 1821, the Florida Keys came under the auspices of the United States, and that’s when they began to come to life. And everything would be fine, but these same territories were also chosen by pirates (the capital city, Key West, appeared around this period). Judging by the data that has survived to this day, the main source of income for the “settlers” were merchant ships that crashed near the archipelago. There are even suggestions that some shipwrecks were specially staged: by removing the markings of the shoals, greedy adventurers were simply waiting for prey. But here’s the problem: over time, the ships became more and more perfect, and therefore, disasters occurred less and less often. What can I say, technological progress was clearly not on the side of the sea robbers!

Shipwreck Museum.

Here, actors dressed in 19th-century costumes act out scenes from the sinking of the ship Isaac Allerton, which sank off the coast of Key West in 1856. At the Shipwreck Museum, they will tell you that Hemingway’s house was built in the 19th century for one of the city’s richest businessmen, who lived off the spoils of shipwrecks. The rule was this: all the loot belongs to the one who first reached the sinking ship. First they had to save everyone who could still be saved, and then raise the sunken cargo. Shipwrecks occurred at least once a week and due to this business, Key West was the richest city in North America. The whole city waited day and night for the call sign "Wreck ashore" - "shipwreck". This changed, first with the improvement of the quality of ships, and then with the construction of the railway. From this tower they looked at the sea around the clock in anticipation of a sinking ship - it offers a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor National Historical Park. A visit to it is included in the "Ghosts of Key West" tour.

Fort Zachary Taylor

Building with loggia and tower on Duvall Street in Key West. See original (3746×2810)

Duval Street, Key West. Original (1024×768)

San Carlos Institute, built in 1871, is a reconstructed example of Cuban architecture, resplendent with majolica tiles from Spain. A center for the study of Spanish culture is located here.

House on Duval Street in Whitehead St.

Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville Cafe on Duvall Street in Key West, Florida.

Mel Fisher Museum. Mel Fisher Museum Original (1024×680)

Mel Fisher (August 21, 1922 – December 19, 1998) was an American treasure hunter famous for discovering the wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1622).

Information about the whereabouts of the wreck was extremely scarce, but the treasure ship haunted many treasure hunters. However, one of them, who was determined and made the search the dream of his whole life, had already managed to find the treasures of the lost ship. In 1968, Mel Fisher decided to go in search of the ship and its treasures. He was considered a pioneer in the diving industry. He was distinguished by his energy and desire to independently comprehend all aspects of this activity, but his main motivation was the search for a treasure ship.
For almost four centuries, the ocean hid the treasures of the ship Nuestra Senora De Atocha, and on July 19, 1985, Kane Fisher came close to its remains. In the search that had become a real obsession for his family, a turning point came, and unexpectedly luck smiled on the treasure hunters.

Mel Fisher has been waiting for this moment for 16 years. At his headquarters in Key West, he received an epoch-making radio message. Soon Mel Fisher himself descended on the ship's treasures. When he found himself at the bottom, his hands shook with excitement. Soon, chests with gold coins, chains, emeralds, jewelry and much more were discovered nearby. As a result of his discovery, Mel Fisher is recognized as the world's greatest treasure hunter.

There is now a Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, run by Kim Fisher. Treasure hunters have so far managed to recover about 40 tons of treasures in the form of bars and other jewelry, and at the bottom there are still about 8 tons (35 boxes of gold, 300 silver bars and 100 thousand silver coins), the rights to which belong to the Fisher family.

The search for the treasure of the galleon “Nuestra Senora De Atocha” turned into a real epic for the Fischer family, and yet he realized his cherished dream, and we can rest assured that while the remains of the coveted cargo are buried in the silt, successive generations of divers will continue to try their luck.

P.S. According to expert historians, there were 47 tons of gold and silver on board the Spanish galleon, not counting smuggled jewelry, which made up 20 percent of the total cargo.

Of course, you can’t miss visiting the famous Aquarium. It was built in 1934 and is said to be the world's first open-air aquarium.

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Of course, it is not the largest in America, but it is interesting for its unusual show of feeding sharks and huge sea turtles. And besides, they allow you to touch various underwater creatures with your hands, see barracudas, eels, sea bass - you can’t list them all. Sharks and turtles are fed 4 times a day, feeding times are written on numerous signs, so that it is convenient to see the Aquarium and watch the shark or turtle lunch.

Shark Fishing in Key West

You can also go fishing, since the choice here is almost unlimited, and try to catch a swordfish or barracuda. Local fishermen claim that they even catch sharks, but this is very rare. If you catch some unusual fish, they can make a stuffed fish for you for an additional fee, but it will be quite expensive, and it is unknown how such a souvenir will be treated at customs"... (from LiveJournal)

The Oldest Devil in Key West St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Original (1024×653)

St. Paul's Episcopal Church. see Original (2560×1704)

Original (1162×778)

Small White House of President Harry Truman. (Harry S Truman Little White House)

Original (2816×2112)

The house was built in 1890 as housing for naval officers. Later, American presidents lived there: William Howard Taft, Harry Truman, Dwight David Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and others.

Harry S. Truman bust and portrait in Little White House, Key West, FL.

Time seems to slow down here, and you don’t want to rush anywhere.

The wildlife in Key West deserves special mention. In addition to the expected lizards and all sorts of marine life, the city is full of wild cats and... roosters and hens.

Chickens in Key West are treated with special respect; we will have to write about them separately.

They walk freely around the city and know how to cross the road in the right places.

Cars slow down and wait patiently until the last “pedestrian” steps onto the sidewalk.

In some cities, flocks of pigeons have become a common addition to the city landscape, but here they are chickens. They walk freely everywhere, feeling like worthy citizens of the city.

The roosters are beautiful - a tail with a green tint, a red crest.

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We also see decorative boats everywhere. Ships, boats - everything was included in the design of the city. Even small houses are decorated with them.

There are an incredible variety of restaurants, restaurants, cafes, cafes here. And they are all unique and unusual. The restaurant is like a sailboat...

Hard Rock Cafe, Key West. Original (1024×768)

And this restaurant “Hud Rock Cafe” is interesting for its history. The Hard Rock Cafe building in Key West is called the only Hard Rock Cafe in the world where a ghost lives. There is even a tour from the Key West ghost series. The building was built by Florida's first millionaire, William Curry, as a wedding gift to his son Robert. But Robert’s life story turned out to be sad: he suffered greatly from various diseases, and the feeling of pain did not leave him throughout his life. Over time, Robert had to manage the Kerry family fortune, but he was not the best entrepreneur, probably due to chronically poor health. He lost the family fortune and eventually committed suicide in the second floor bathroom. They say that this beautiful building is haunted by cruel fate even today, about which the restaurant employees continue to tell stories and tales.

This man "needs a beer" and tells "dirty jokes for $1 dollar" as reported on his billboard.

Sloppy Joe's Bar: This is Papa Ham's favorite bar and can be considered a "small branch" of the museum.

Here you can see a stuffed fish that Hemingway caught and his photographs. The menu includes various of the writer's favorite dishes and drinks, some of which are named like that: for example, “Hemingway's favorite double hamburger.”

Well, if you are lucky and you find yourself here in mid-July, during the so-called “Sloppy Joe’s Hemingway” - this is a look-alike competition that is very popular here, you will even be able to drink a glass of ice-cold beer in the company of an almost real “Hemingway”. In general, it must be said that Key West loves and knows how to have fun. Every month, various competitions and festivals are held here, so the chance of getting to some kind of celebration is very high - this is the Robert Frost Festival, and a theater festival, and all kinds of music festivals. .. In a word, there would be a desire to celebrate, but you can always find a reason.

Key West is the abode of rich, but sometimes disillusioned people. Perhaps even a saving shelter for those who recklessly flee from the pressure of the big city. Here you can get rid of depression by drowning it in a glass of Cosmopolitan steamed with ice... and......

Key West: 90 miles to Cuba (part 1)

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“Everything here is literally imbued with the proximity of the ocean, and no matter where you turn, you will certainly run into either the Gulf of Mexico, or you will find yourself on the shore, washed by the waves of the Atlantic. The ocean with you is an inseparable part of the soul and a happy peace, like the presence of a beloved woman, without whom you are lost and You don’t know what to do with yourself if she’s not around.” - this is another author’s impression of Key West (in the story

Key West - tropical paradise, a popular beach resort and the most fun city in the Florida Keys. Here you can relax and get into the spirit of old Florida.

Key West is an island city in Florida, photo dorinser-2

The city of Key West is called " tropical paradise", a tourist mecca in the USA. This is the southernmost point of continental America. It is located in the state of Florida - on the small island of Key West, part of the coral archipelago of the Florida Keys.

This piece of land is connected to the mainland by the Overseas Highway, 188 km long, laid across islands and overpasses. The length of the main bridge of the route is 11 km.

An airport has been built in the city. Cruise ships call at the port of Key West. Residents work mainly in the tourism sector. Fishermen, artists, bohemians live here.

The climate is tropical, there is never snow or frost.

Attractions

Ernest Hemingway's house

Small White House of Harry Truman

Shipwreck Museum

Sloppy Joe's Bar

Fort Zachary Taylor

Southernmost point of the USA, photo teekay72

The main city attraction is a three-colored cement buoy, a symbol of the city’s extreme southern position, installed in 1983. On the concrete structure is written: “Republic of Conque. 90 miles to Cuba. The southernmost point of the continental United States. Key West, Florida. Where the sunset is." This is a monument to an event in 1982: the mayor staged a political rally for a few minutes, declaring the Florida Keys an “independent Conch Republic.”

Old city

Old Town Key West, photo by teekay72

Key West has its own Old Town - a tourist part with historical houses. The oldest building has survived since 1829.

Key West Lighthouse

There is a preserved lighthouse in the Old Town (Key West lighthouse). It serves as an observation deck, and the structure was built in 1848. For a long time, its caretaker was a local resident, Barbara Mabrity.

Small White House of Harry Truman

Small White House (Harry S. Truman Little White House) is the former home of the commandant of the US naval base, and later the winter residence of President Truman and other American presidents. Today there is a museum there and weddings are held there.

Ernest Hemingway's house

Ernest Hemingway House, photo by Andreas Lamecker

The pride of the city is the Ernest Hemingway House, declared a historical monument. In 1931, the writer visited the island and took a liking to the abandoned building of the 19th century. Ernest bought the building and settled in it.

Today, tourists visit Hemingway’s house, filled with the writer’s personal belongings and books, and explore the studio, the “haunted balcony,” the “birdhouse” office, the tropical garden, and the swimming pool. The writer's passion was cats: there are about fifty of them at the museum. One day Ernest was given an unusual six-toed kitten. The cat Snowball lived a long time and left offspring. Since then, many cats with dewclaws have lived in the city.

Sloppy Joe's Bar

Sloppy Joe's Bar

The writer loved Sloppy Joe’s Bar. Today the walls of the establishment are covered with photographs of Ernest, many drinks and dishes are named after him. The main “exhibit” is a stuffed huge fish caught by Hemingway.

Aquarium, photo Joe Parks

The City Aquarium is not an ordinary oceanarium with fish behind thick glass, but a petting marine zoo. You can watch the inhabitants feeding and touch safe animals with your hands.

Art Gallery

The city has many museums and galleries of various subjects. The most famous is Key West Gallery. Here you will find works by famous artists and discover new names. You can buy your favorite paintings.

Customs House Museum

Custom House Museum, photo dorinser

The Custom House Museum is popular among tourists. The red Romanesque building was built in 1891 as a customs office. It is distinguished by round arches and a sloping roof. Today it is the Museum of Art & History, which gives you a real picture of life in Key West in the past. The Custom House Museum regularly hosts exhibitions of contemporary artists.

Shipwreck Museum

Key West Shipwreck Museum, photo by Jim Rhodes

The Key West Shipwreck Museum is Key West's most visited institution. The exhibition is dedicated to the heyday - a glorious time when ships were lost on the coastal reefs, and residents successfully made a living by looting. The museum interestingly combines artifacts, acting and films about real events.

A little history

Since ancient times, the island belonged to the Calusa tribe. In 1513, the conquistador adelantado Ponce de Leon first visited it, and then the Spaniards tried for centuries to establish their power. For a long time, the island was inhabited only by fishermen, sea robbers, and marauders. Only from 1822 did permanent settlements appear.

In 1896, Key West received city status. He grew, became rich; Cigar factories opened. The year 1912 was marked by a historical event: a maritime railway was built from the mainland to the island. It was destroyed by the “Storm of the Century,” a terrible hurricane in 1935.

At the Hemingway Festival, photo by Andy Newman

Holidays and competitions at the resort are held every month. The main city event is a festival dedicated to Hemingway (Hemingway Days Festival). It is held in July.

Fort Zachary Taylor

At the southern tip of Key West is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, a national monument and 87-hectare historical park. It was built in 1845–66. and until 1968 served as a military facility, and then was given to tourists. There is a beach in the park, where you can go diving, fish from the dam, and stroll along the sea in a kayak. Historical reenactments of the American Civil War are held annually in the park. During Halloween, Zachary Taylor turns into a "ghost fort."

Dry Tortugas

120 km to the west, on an archipelago of 7 coral reefs and the shallows surrounding them, there is another national park Florida - Dry Tortugas National Park with Fort Jefferson, one of the largest coastal forts in the United States.

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Key West is a popular beach resort and the capital of the Florida Keys archipelago, located on the island of the same name. A real tropical paradise, where even the harsh police cars say that they are guarding its gates - “protecting paradise”.

Cruise ships with tourists come here almost 24 hours a day. But most of it, of course, comes by land. Whom you will meet in this city! And poor students, and sedate pensioners, and the Princess of Monaco, and even Madonna herself, who really loves to visit this island city.

A little history

Once upon a time, Key West was an incredibly wealthy city: locals lived by collecting supplies washed ashore from sunken ships after shipwrecks. This was in 1889, and in 1930 Key West was declared bankrupt. But those days are long gone, and now city residents live only on the money that tourists leave here. The latter, it must be said, do not skimp, and shell out round sums for a vacation in a paradise.

Popular hotels in Key West

Weather in Key West

Entertainment and attractions in Key West

The city has an incredible number of art galleries. The rather prosaically named Key West Gallery is considered the most famous and visited. Here you can find the works of many famous authors, as well as those who are just starting their creative path.

The city has an incredible number of art galleries.

Chickens are also held in special esteem in the city. There are also quite a few of them here, and they all walk freely around the city. Chickens know very well where they are supposed to cross the road, and they do it very carefully. Well, drivers simply stop their cars and wait until all the interested birds have finished crossing the street.

But still, the most famous landmark of the city is a model of a buoy, which is built of cement. On this buoy is written in large letters the following: “Republic of Conch/ 90 miles to Cuba/ Southernmost point of continental United States/ Key West, Florida/ Where the sunset is.” Before the buoy, there was a sign here, but it was very often stolen by tourists, so the city authorities decided to write these words that are significant for the city on a cement buoy, which certainly no one can move.

Key West Museums

The most popular museum in the city has a much more romantic name than the gallery - the Museum of Shipwrecks. At first glance, the original wooden building can only be called a museum with a big stretch.

The most popular museum in the city has a much more romantic name than the gallery - the Museum of Shipwrecks.

Here, local theater actors, dressed in 19th-century costumes, perform real naval battles for the audience. And on the very roof of the museum there is an observation deck, onto which at one time every day the residents of the city took turns climbing and looking at the ocean, waiting for a shipwreck. When it finally happened, the person on the landing shouted at the top of his lungs that the ship was sinking and that it was time to go rob it. Raspberries, not life!

Fort Zachary Taylor

Another great place in the city is Fort Zachary Taylor National Historical Park. Here you can see real ghosts of pirates who, like all pirates, are arguing over who owns the chest of gold.

Hemingway House

It is impossible to visit Key West without visiting the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, the most famous resident of the city, and indeed the entire archipelago. He came here out of curiosity, but stayed and bought a small house with a garden.

The city is home to an incredibly large number of cats. There are about four animals for every Key West resident. By the way, there is another interesting story about these tailed creatures. Once upon a time, Hemingway was given an amazing six-toed kitten, which, since 1935, has led the family tree of the famous six-toed cats. Six or even seven toes on two or all four paws is not a breed or a disease, but a gene mutation. The descendants of Snowball, given to Hemingway, are the main owners of the writer’s house-museum. Today, more than 40 cats live here: they lie on the beds and accompany curious tourists. And behind the house there is a real six-toed cat cemetery.

Key West is also a center for sexual minorities. Here you can very often meet homosexual couples, and no one pays any attention to them. Everyone treats it as something that is also part of the city.

What do the residents do here? Practically nothing. They spend their days wandering around the city, messing around and having fun. This is why it seems that time in Key West has stood still and is just standing still. And the people living here are incredibly slow. Therefore, you should not be surprised that a tourist will have to wait not 5 minutes, but half an hour, and sometimes even more, for his order in a cafe or restaurant.