We first visited Florida 2 years ago, but never made it all the way down to the southern end and Key West. On this trip we vowed to get all the bucket list items accomplished. It was exciting to head toward this popular tourist destination known for its amazing weather, beautiful ocean views, and laid-back “Jimmy Buffet” island atmosphere. Our campsite at Sigsbee Navy Campground gave us a beautiful view each morning out our front window.
Driving to Key West is an adventure in itself. From the end of the Florida peninsula it is 113 miles across the long chain of coral and limestone islands that make up the Florida Keys. The drive along US 1 travels over 42 bridges – the biggest one is 7 miles long. The beautiful ocean all around you is a sight to behold as you make it down to the end of the road…and literally the end of the country!
Landmark Photo Ops:
Some of our first stops were at the two iconic landmarks that celebrate the island’s southernmost location. Once you get into Old Town Key West you reach Mile Marker 0 which is a popular photo spot. Of course, you can view it as the end of the road…or (if you cross the street) as the beginning.
The other famous photo op is at the Southernmost Point Buoy, which marks the lowest latitude spot in the continental US. The concrete buoy is 12 feet tall and 7 feet wide with colorful red, yellow, and black stripes. The day we were trying to get our photo the ocean waves were crashing wildly over the sea wall, so it was a challenge to get a quick picture before the next wave! Prepare to stand in line to see this landmark where you are only 90 miles from Cuba.
Unique Maritime History:
One way we like to learn about a new town is to take a trolley tour. We enjoy getting the narrated tour of the top sights and hearing interesting historical facts and colorful anecdotes. I never knew that the word key comes from the Spanish word cayo, which means small island. At only 4 miles long by 2 miles wide, it may be small but Key West was once the largest city in Florida and the wealthiest per capita in the whole US. Much of that wealth initially came from the shipwreck salvage business.
The 2-story Shipwreck Museum allows you to experience what shipwreck salvage operations were like using live actors, video footage, and rescued artifacts. “Wreck ashore, wreck ashore” was the rallying cry in 19th century Key West when vessels would crash into the jagged coral reef almost weekly. Recovery boat pilots called wreckers swept in to claim the spoils and bring them to the city. It was cool to hear the story of shipwrecks, sunken treasure, and fortunes and also to climb the 65-foot lookout tower.
We also climbed the 88 steps to the top of the Key West Lighthouse to take in the spectacular view of the island and surrounding water. It was built in 1847 to help the ships arrive safely as they navigated the shallow waters and coral reef off the Florida Keys. You can see various lighthouse artifacts and read about Key West maritime history in the adjacent museum that was once the Light Keepers Quarters. Interestingly, the first keeper was a woman which was nearly unheard of in the 19th century.
Beautiful Historic Homes:
Many famous literary and political figures were drawn to Key West. One of our favortie attractions is the Hemingway House, where Ernest Hemingway lived while completing famous works like A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls. The beautiful historic home with its wrap-around porches is filled with family furnishings and photographs.
Not to be missed are the 60 cats that live on the property and are descended from the 6-toed cat Snow White, a gift to Hemingway from a ship’s captain. The museum even has its own veterinarian to care for the cats, many of whom are also 6-toed.
Six presidents also spent time in Key West. One of the most historic places on the island is the Harry S. Truman Little White House, which served as a functioning White House and presidential retreat. In addition to Harry Truman, William Taft, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton have all enjoyed this restful place. The guided tour of the wooden two-story house was very interesting and detailed stories of top-level scientific experiments, presidential summits, and even peace talks that occurred there (sorry–no photos allowed inside).
Island Food and Fun:
We had to check out Duvall Street which is the famous main drag in Key West. Bars, outdoor cafes, shops, restaurants, galleries, and other attractions line the mile-long road. At night, visitors flock here to experience the legendary party atmosphere of the city. Mallory Square was another entertainment spot each evening with performers like fire dancers, balancing acts, and magicians.
Mike loved trying all of the fresh seafood dishes while we were here. I, however, made it my mission to sample all things key lime. The most well-known is key lime pie, the creamy and tart dessert that is found on almost every menu in town. I also enjoyed tasting strawberry key lime pie, chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick, key lime pie ice cream, key lime truffles and fudge, and frozen key limaritas. We even had key lime sauce on French toast at breakfast! All of it was very yummy.
Interesting Animals:
One unique thing that we noticed very quickly was the abundance of colorful chickens and roosters roaming about in Key West. They were originally brought over from the Caribbean and raised for food or cockfighting. Eventually people did not need to raise their own food and cockfighting was outlawed. The animals were let loose, and today’s descendants are a protected species who have free rein in the town.
We really enjoyed visiting the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory in Old Town. Over 50 species of butterflies fly about as you walk through the glass-enclosed habitat. The whole place is filled with beautiful plants, soothing waterfalls, and many colorful tropical birds. The center’s two bright pink flamingos, Rhett and Scarlett, are crowd favorites.
Water Fun:
Interestingly, the beaches are very small in Key West due to the 170-mile-long coral reef that acts as a natural breaker and blocks surf and sand deposition. There are many water-related opportunities to enjoy from fishing charters to sunset cruises to snorkeling and diving excursions.
We were very excited that my sister and brother-in-law were able to join us for a few days in Key West. We all went on a cool 2-hour Key West Kayak Eco-tour through the backwaters of the island and learned about mangroves and marine life. Our knowledgeable guide showed us horseshoe crabs, jellyfish, and a variety of cool and slimy creatures. We also had a fantastic visit to Dry Tortugas National Park via seaplane (read post here).
We loved our time in Key West. With its average temperatures in the 70s and 80s all year, it is truly a tropical paradise. Delicious food, a wide variety of entertainment and activities, and lots of history and attractions kept us busy having fun. This is a place we would definitely go back to!
Did you miss the first 4 Florida Bucket List posts? No problem, you can read them by clicking on the links below!
Robin – I’m with you in trying everything Key Lime. How many days did you allow for the keys?
We spent 9 days in Key West. I felt like that was a good length of time to see and do most of the things, including the trip to Dry Tortugas. Sigsbee Campground now lets you make reservations 6 months out for retired military, so book early to get a full hookup spot. They have many more dry camping spots than full hookups. We didn’t call early enough to get full hookups, but using our generator worked fine for us.
Another great write from the folks who define Full Time Traveling. Thanks!
Thanks Stu! Hope we will meet up again sometime:)