Key West Island. Open left menu key west. Gay beaches of Key West


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Every resident of the United States considers it his duty at least once in his life to make a pilgrimage to the southernmost point of the United States in the city of Key West ( Key West) located on the island of the same name. Key West has become a mecca for Americans and tourists. If you haven't visited Key West, then you haven't been to Florida...


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If in America they sang a song similar to ours “Where does the Motherland begin?”, they would have no doubt - “Or maybe it begins...”. They know for sure that their homeland, America, begins exactly from this place - the zero starting point of the number one road running through the entire country - "US-1"

This is the southernmost tip of the United States, if you remember the map, then the state of Florida protrudes into the Atlantic Ocean like an appendix, and Key West is the southernmost of a series of islands starting from the southern tip of Florida. The road to this island is laid partly along these islands, partly along bridges between the islands (it is clearly visible in the film “True lies” with Schwarzenegger).


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From Wikipedia:

Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States. Among the 49 states (except Hawaii), it is the only city that has never recorded a temperature below 0°C.

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

The climate in the city is tropical, clearly divided into two seasons - dry and wet.

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Key West is the southernmost point of the United States, an island located 150 km from Cuba and connected to land by a bridge 11 km away. The nearest major city is Miami.


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Distinctive feature islands have their own airport. You can fly from Miami in 1 hour.


Airplane landing on Key West


Immediately upon arrival, right at the airport, Floridians set the tone for an acceptable attitude towards marine fauna. An installation has been created at the airport especially for arrivals: fish are rolled into a ram's horn and decorated with ornaments. .

Fishing in the Florida Keys, including Key West, with its rich underwater life, is one of the best in the world. An international fishing tournament is held annually on one of the islands.

You can also get there by car or bus in 4 hours (from Miami).

From time to time you pass different islands. Some of them are very tiny, like in the photo, and some of them take several minutes to drive

It was also unusual to see poles with wires stretched along the road and installed directly in the water.


From Miami to Key West (in a minute).


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Key West Island is the latest in a chain of Florida islands that are connected by one narrow causeway and very long bridges.


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The road to Key West from Miami is very picturesque and runs along a highway that connects the islands with dams and bridges, on one side of which is the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other the Gulf of Mexico. From here you can enjoy an incredible panorama - a bright blue sky and a dazzling turquoise ocean.

The road also passes over the world famous 7 Mile Bridge. From here a breathtaking panorama opens: blue sky and turquoise blue ocean. Have you seen the movie "True Lies" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger? The episode on the bridge was filmed here.



Not a single photo, not a single video can convey the full picture of the view and sensations when you are on the rise of this bridge. In reality, we see not only the road going into the sky, but at the same time we see with peripheral vision the oceanic mass: on the one hand, the Atlantic, and on the other, the Gulf of Mexico. Sky and ocean... all that remains of the earth is a strip leading to the sky...


If you make an effort and stretch your imagination a little, you can roughly imagine what this amateur was trying to film with his camera.

And when the imagination goes off scale, then these are created computer games on the topic "Destruction of the Seven Mile Bridge."


Computer games such as “Destruction of the Seven Mile Bridge” are created with sick imaginations.


And those who have a “healthy mind in a healthy body” organize sports runs across the famous bridge.



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Florida Keys - Bahia Honda State Park. Original (3008×2000)


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"Beauty And The Beast"


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At the beginning of the 18th century, this island belonged to the Spaniards, was sold for $2,000 to the American Matthew Perry, and he declared it property of the United States. These islands were discovered by the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon on May 13, 1513. He named the island that is now Key West "Cayo Hueso" - "Island of Bones". The fact is that the Calusa Indian tribe lived here, and the whole island was strewn with bones. The once disastrous place was at one time even considered a refuge for smugglers.


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Subsequently, in the 18th century, the name of the island turned into Key West, and it has nothing to do with the English word “West”. And the word "key" in the name of these islands comes from the Spanish word "cayo" "small island", and not from the English word "key" - "key".


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For almost 300 years, only fishermen, pirates, turtle hunters and treasure hunters on lost ships lived here. Shipwrecks occurred here quite often, and looting was a very profitable business. After the War of Independence, the islands went to Spain, and in 1815 they were presented for unknown services to the soldier Juan Pablo Salas, who in 1822 sold the island of Key West to a certain John Simonton in one of the bars in Havana for $2,000.


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Simonton quickly realized that he could get rich by dividing the island into plots and selling them. This is how the first permanent settlement appeared on the island. The city began to grow rapidly and by 1890 became the wealthiest in Florida with the highest per capita income in the country.


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There were more than 160 cigar factories here, more than 90% of sea sponges were mined, and a huge turtle processing plant was built (officially, turtle hunting was banned only in the 70s of the 20th century!).


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In addition, at that time Key West already had trams, had its own opera house, and had several banks, some of which still exist today in the same places. And the city of Miami at that time was a tiny, poor fishing village.

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So, Key West officially received city status and became part of Florida in 1896. At this time it was a fairly wealthy and populated city with a well-developed ship repair industry. And in 1912, a railway was built that connected the island with the mainland and breathed social life into it.


Life in the city began to calm down, only to be reborn again in another no less interesting form. Bohemian city!

The paradise island of Key West, located off the coast of Florida, has long been loved by connoisseurs of beauty.


Harry Truman Statue

Writers, artists and statesmen lived here from Hemingway and President Truman to Tennessee Williams and John James Auduwon, all of the houses in which they lived are now museums.

The city's reputation as the most intriguing city in the world has been strengthened, thanks to the fact that free artists, entertainers, gays, and eccentrics from the Bahamas, New England, Cuba and Africa have always flocked here, who lived by the philosophy of "Let it be" long before the appearance of the Beatles.


“Come to us for two hours and immediately leave back - otherwise you will stay for the rest of your life,” this is what the locals say, knowing how attractive the atmosphere of the island is. Many famous writers lived here and several US presidents vacationed in the Little White House, built by President Truman.

One of the bartenders said that he once lived in New York and had his own restaurant there, a lot of headaches and city bustle. Then he dropped everything, sold his house and moved here, where he now works as a bartender. When asked if he was happy, he laughed and said: “How can you not be happy here!? This is paradise!


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They say about Key West that “people disappear there”: when they come on vacation, they become defectors. The atmosphere of this city especially affects New Yorkers. Russian tourists don’t come to Key West often; our man likes Miami much more.

And the writer Hemingway disappeared in this bar.


Now there is practically a branch of the writer’s museum: on the wall hangs a stuffed fish caught by Hemingway himself and his photographs.


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Winslow Homer-Fishing Boats,Key West

Winslow Homer A North - Key West

Winslow Homer. Coconut-Palms,-Key-West.


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Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West from 1931 to 1940. Here's what Ernest Hemingway wrote about Key West: "... this is the best place I've ever been, flowers, tamarinds, guavas, coconut palms." The famous “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” were written here. The city's biggest attraction is the Ernest Hemingway House Museum.


The friend of the Cuban dictator and the famous American writer loved Key West, loved its quiet and measured life, the comfort of its bars and the beauty of its ocean landscapes. Key West hosts the Hemingway Festival every July.

"He (Hemingway) raced in a car with all the windows open. Dense waves of thick air rushed through the windows with a roar, ruffled his hair and clothes, chapped his face, and it seemed to him that it was easier to breathe. Birds flew high above his head - the wings of an eagle and the road was covered with a wide black shadow, the screeching of a stork was heard, and then, looking up for a second from the road, he managed to follow its long, elongated silhouette with his eyes.


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The heat gradually subsided, and he felt that he was beginning to run out of steam. He no longer wanted to sit clutching the steering wheel, and he slowed down. As soon as the car began to go slower, a blue light rushed into his eyes, like a robber from around the corner. It was an ocean that shimmered in the sun like an outlandish emerald. Never before had he seen so many shades of green-blue-blue, stretching into some hopeless, unimaginable distance. Sen's old girlfriend, whom he sometimes looked at for hours, unable to take his eyes off the water, now seemed like a small colorless gray sparrow compared to the colorful splendor of the ocean.

Now he was riding along a thin path of shore, surrounded by water. There was water everywhere you looked - both to the right and to the left. The road only went straight, and for a minute he became afraid that he would not be able to resist and would fall into this blue-green abyss. But the Sun, gradually sinking towards sunset, was still shining brightly, and he could clearly see the road rushing straight ahead. He remembered that old John had been waiting for him in the morning, but he didn’t want to drive the car anymore. Deafened by the cries of numerous birds and the whistling of the wind in his ears, he abruptly stopped the car and got out, barely straightening his legs. 13 years passed after the war, and the pain from the wounds still made itself felt.


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The ocean was surprisingly shallow near the shore, and the water, overgrown with mud, smelled of mold, and he thought that he really liked this image of a huge sea giant with the smell of a quiet village dam.


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Having looked around at the blue endless expanse and the tiny green island in the distance, he was already heading towards the car when he involuntarily stopped.


Not far from the island, three dark triangles appeared above the surface of the water, smoothly floating along the horizon. He stood by the water for a long time, watching the dolphins, and felt how delight slowly grew in his soul and the long-awaited feeling of peace and joy came after so many years of trials - war and injury, the suicide of his father and friend, and most importantly - unrequited and rejected love... .


On that summer day in 1931, Hemingway drove to Key West in the dead of night and spent the night at the house of his friend, writer John Dos Passos. In the morning he woke up from the desperate cry of a rooster climbing onto the veranda. There was a banana tree in front of Joe's window, the large, bright purple flowers, laden with fruit, dripping with juice and fragrance. He wanted to live and write with renewed vigor, this stupid writer’s itch returned to him, which he had not felt so strongly since the days of Paris.”

To be continued...

The Spaniards, who were the first to see these places, exclaimed: “Oh, Florida!” (Oh, the blooming one!) Legend has it that this is how the state got its name.

When you find yourself in Florida, you often want to exclaim after the pioneers: Oh, what beaches! Oh, what parks! Oh, what museums!

There are so many interesting places here that it is simply impossible to talk about everything in one article. Therefore, we will only talk about Key West, one of the islands of the Florida Keys archipelago, located in the south of Florida.

The Florida Keys are connected to the Florida Peninsula by the unique Overseas Highway. It is 113 miles (approximately 180 kilometers) long and is one of the longest highways in the world, connecting the islands to the mainland.

It is built on the site of an old railroad built in 1912 by millionaire Henry Morrison Flagler. Its length was 160 kilometers - a figure unthinkable at that time, especially considering that most of the road was built over water.

The railway took 7 years to build; it killed 700 people and cost $50 million. But it operated for only 23 years - a terrible hurricane on Labor Day in 1935 practically destroyed it...

Then, instead of a railway, a highway with 42 bridges was built, one of which is a local landmark. Its length is 7 miles (about 11 kilometers), it is called the “Seven Mile Bridge”, and its photograph can be seen in almost any tourist brochure.

Our route lies to the island of Key West. This is the final, southernmost point of the United States, mile zero of the Overseas Highway. There is even a special red, black and yellow buoy installed here, which says: “The southernmost point of the continental United States. 90 miles to Cuba.”

The island of Key West is very small - only 3.2 by 6.4 kilometers, but it fully confirms the Russian proverb: small is the spool, but expensive.

This island has a rich history. Many famous people of America lived and worked here, Presidents Truman, Eisenhower and Kennedy came here to relax (by the way, the presidential residence here is called the “Little White House”), the island even has its own airport. They also say that the weather here is always good, the sunset is the most beautiful and that this place is the dream of every tourist... But first things first.

Island of Bones

These islands were discovered by the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon. This happened on May 13, 1513. He called the island that is now Key West "Cayo Hueso" - "Island of Bones". The fact is that the Calusa Indian tribe lived here, and the whole island was strewn with bones (though the Spaniards did not specify whose bones it was...).

Subsequently, in the 18th century, the name of the island turned into Key West, and it has nothing to do with the English word “West”. And the word “key” in the name of these islands comes from the Spanish word “cayo” “small island”, and not from the English word “key” - “key”, as it might seem.

For almost 300 years, only fishermen, pirates, turtle hunters, and marauders - treasure seekers on lost ships - lived here. Shipwrecks occurred here quite often, and looting was a very profitable business. After the War of Independence, the islands went to Spain, and in 1815 they were given (!) for unknown services to the soldier Juan Pablo Salas, who in 1822 sold the island of Key West to a certain John Simonton in one of the bars in Havana for just $2,000!

This Simonton quickly realized that he could get rich by dividing the island into plots and selling them. This is how the first permanent settlement appeared on the island.

The city began to grow rapidly and by 1890 became the wealthiest in Florida with the highest per capita income in the country.

There were more than 160 cigar factories here, more than 90% of sea sponges were mined, and a huge turtle processing plant was built (by the way, turtle hunting was officially banned only in the 70s of the 20th century!).

In addition, at that time Key West already had trams, had its own opera house, and had several banks, some of which still exist today in the same places. And the city of Miami at that time was a tiny, poor fishing village.

City of artists and writers

Key West is often called heaven on earth, and, of course, such a place could not fail to attract many famous Americans. John James Audabon, Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost, John Dos Passos, Tennessee Williams and many other famous and not so famous writers, poets and artists lived and worked here at different times.

There are a huge number of art galleries and small exhibition halls where you can buy both real works of art and inexpensive paintings by local artists.

The city is divided into two parts: Old Town and New town, Old Town and New Town.

Of course, the Old Town is of greatest interest to tourists. It's easy to get around on foot in just a few hours. In general, I would advise walking everywhere here, since you can lose more than an hour looking for parking for your car. As a last resort, you can always catch a taxi - it won’t cost very much, and where else in the world can you ride in a pink taxi?!

There are a lot of museums here - literary, memorial, and historical... It’s simply dizzying. And we must not forget about the beaches and fishing. Time seems to slow down here, and you don’t want to rush anywhere. I must say that the locals are very leisurely, and don’t be surprised if they take a long time to serve you in a restaurant - it’s simply not customary to rush here.

So, if you are limited in time and do not want to run from one museum to another, then I would advise limiting yourself to just a few.

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.

It may, of course, not be the largest in America, but it attracts thousands of tourists with its unusual show of feeding sharks and huge sea turtles. And here you can 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 it’s easy to figure out how to see the Aquarium and watch a shark or turtle lunch.

And after the Aquarium, you can 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 a fee, but it will be quite expensive, and it is unknown how such a souvenir will be treated at customs...

Next, our path lies to the 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.

And then you can go up to the observation deck, where from a 20-meter height you can see a fantastic view of the ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. And who knows, maybe you will be lucky and you will see some sunken ship at the bottom of the sea?

Visiting Hemingway

It's impossible to come to Key West without visiting Hemingway. Perhaps he was and still remains the most famous resident of this island. He first came here on the advice of his friend John Dos Passos in 1920, and the place charmed him so much that in 1931 Hemingway bought a house here with a large garden.

“For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” and “A Farewell to Arms!” were written in this house. and much more.

It was interesting to know exactly how Hemingway wrote. The fact is that he was a rather idle person, he was very fond of fishing, after which he was not averse to spending several hours in a bar with friends, and did not really like sitting at a desk. To discipline himself, he set a certain standard - to write 600 words a day, after which he could do whatever his heart desired.

Hemingway also came up with the following idea: in the courtyard of the house he built an unusual structure - a kind of “birdhouse” in which he set up his office. You can only get there via a very narrow ladder...

This architectural solution can be explained simply: only a completely sober person could walk along it, but a drunk person simply could not climb here! Now, of course, this ladder no longer exists...

And in the house itself there are a lot of things that belonged to “Papa,” as everyone calls him here.

The guides will take you through all the rooms, show you many photographs of the writer himself, his wives, friends, relatives, be sure to take you to a figurine of a cat - a gift from the great Picasso, and tell you how, with the help of iron gates, the Hemingway couple made themselves a huge “multiple” bed (the gates were used instead backs!).

And then you will be taken to a local attraction - the swimming pool.
This is Key West's first outdoor pool. It was built by Hemingway's wife Paulina. They say that when the writer found out that this construction cost him 20 thousand dollars (huge money at that time!), he allegedly took a one-cent coin out of his pocket and threw it into the not yet hardened cement with the words: “On this pool I've spent every last cent of my money!" I don’t know if this is true or fiction, but there really is a coin there.

Another attraction of the museum is cats. Yes, yes, a lot of cats! Well, where else in the world will you find a museum in which cats are almost the main owners?

About 50 cats now live in Hemingway's house - descendants of those who lived here under "Papa."

Hemingway was a passionate fisherman and an equally passionate “cat person,” and at his home he kept an unusual breed of so-called six-toed cats, which he brought from Europe.

It was believed that these cats bring good luck to fishermen, and problems with “using” the catch disappear - to feed 80 cats, you will need more than one kilogram of fish!

These cats are unusual. They have six and sometimes seven toes on their front and hind paws! And they come in a variety of colors, from black to snow-white, from spotted to Siamese.

And they also have very interesting names - not some banal American Murka or Vaska, but, for example, Marilyn Monroe or Winston Churchill... This tradition was started by Hemingway, and now museum employees rack their brains every time, coming up with a name for newborn kitten...

Cats can be found everywhere here: in the house, in the garden, on all the benches and tables, near the drinking fountain that Hemingway made especially for them. In several places there are huge bowls of dry food, near which you will probably see some Greta Garbo who has just had lunch... And not far from the exit there is a cat cemetery, where cats have been buried since the 30s, and on each gravestone there is an engraved name and dates of life of the deceased...

After the museum, I advise you to go to the bar "Sloppy Joe"s. This is "Papa's" favorite bar, and this place is what I would call 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”.

Festivals and holidays

In general, it must be said that people in Key West love and know how to have fun. Every month various competitions and festivals are held here, so the chance to get to some kind of celebration is very high - this is the Robert Frost Festival, and a theater festival, and all kinds of musical festivals... In a word, there would be a desire to celebrate, but you can always find a reason .

One such event is the Sunset Festival, which takes place in Mallory Square. Local residents, when talking about it, “accidentally” forget to mention that this festival is daily. And we were in a terrible hurry to the embankment, afraid of being late... And only then did we realize that sunset happens every day!

Every day hundreds of people come to the embankment to watch the sun set. Various street musicians, clowns, artists, souvenir sellers gather here, and you can try local exotic dishes and drinks. Well, after watching the sunset, go to some small restaurant or cafe, or just take a walk around the city.

By the way, don’t be surprised by the huge number of homosexual couples. The fact is that Key West is one of the centers of sexual minorities in America, so there are a lot of hotels, shops, clubs and bars over which the rainbow flag flies - the official flag of homosexuals and lesbians.

Our trip to Key West is coming to an end. But, having been here at least once, you want to come back again. The people in Key West are friendly and welcoming, the ocean is warm and gentle, the beaches are wonderful, the food is very tasty and varied... What else do you need to be happy? I just want to say: Key West is a heavenly delight!

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Key West Attractions - this is exactly what all vacationers should definitely pay attention to. Their diversity and uniqueness amazes every person. Also, due to the good climate, Key West sees an increase in the number of tourists every year.

Things to do in Key West

Always on the list of attractions you can see a unique street of its kind called Duval Street. It is distinguished by the fact that during the daytime you can arrange interesting shopping there, as well as taste incredible dishes from famous restaurants, while at night the entire territory turns into an unforgettable carnival party. The holiday here always lasts until dawn, as a result of which there is often simply not enough time for other attractions in Key West.

For those who love to soak up the sun and walk on soft-touch sand, Key West's longest beach, Smathers Beach, will appeal. The city authorities equipped it at the highest level. American Butler can organize any active type of recreation.

For all lovers of diving and snorkeling close to Key West There is an opportunity to dive to see the Great Barrier Reef. This unique natural site consists of a huge number of colorful corals, as well as many tropical fish that prefer to live in such conditions.

Fishing here brings unforgettable pleasure! The very realization that you can catch a fish in the same place where the famous Ernest Hemingway once did is simply incredible! These waters are home to some representatives of the mackerel family, golden perch and many other representatives of the underwater world.

Romantic Places and Culture in Key West

Key West Island in Florida it is considered a fairly old city, founded back in 1822. That is why many artifacts of the people living here have been preserved here.

  • The most popular place in the evening is the central Mallory Square. Sunsets captured at this location have appeared in various films several times.
  • The Museum of the famous Ernest Hemingway is considered no less stunning than all other places! In it you can see how this Nobel laureate, familiar to everyone with his unusual view of the world around him, lived in the old days and under what conditions he created his works. All the characteristic features of the interior in which he lived have remained untouched to this day.
  • For those who love cultural recreation, city ​​of Key West offers a variety of art galleries, several theaters and a symphony hall. In addition, a successful literary seminar is held here every year. All this allows you to gain a lot of mixed pleasant emotions, as well as feel a feeling of some sublimity.

The city of Key West, as tourists often incorrectly call it, is currently considered best place old Florida, where you can relax and really have a good rest in the most comfortable world class conditions.

American Butler invites you to visit this wonderful city by organizing a tour for you and your family and friends.

Conditions of the excursion
  • Tickets to museums and a hotel room for the guide are paid additionally;
  • The minimum cost of the excursion is for a group of up to 3 people, an additional payment for each additional passenger is $49;
  • for a comfortable trip we recommend a maximum of 5 people in the car;
  • The duration of the excursion is calculated taking into account the road and traffic jams along the given route, but not less than the specified time. Each additional hour costs $49;
  • Tips to the guide are always welcome, but are not required and can be left by you at will;
  • the cost of the excursion may vary depending on seasonality;
  • To get the most out of your visit to Key West, we recommend visiting for at least 2 days.

Travel to the southernmost city in the USA with us!

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.

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