Official Language:
English
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Currency:
US Dollar
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Population:
About 25,000 people call Key West home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Key West: The climate is warm and subtropical. During the summer months there is little humidity. The winter temperatures (highs in the 70s °F/21-26°C, lows in the mid 60s °F/18-19°C sound idyllic, but the wind-chill factor can make it feel a lot colder the island is way out in the ocean, after all. It can be extremely muggy and humid in the summer, with highs in the 90s °F/mid 30s °C and lows in the upper 70s F/mid 20s °C, even though steady tradewinds blow off the water.
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Key West has two embarkation piers, one within walking distance of the town center, the other a free trolley ride away. It is located 150 miles from Miami, and just 90 miles from Havana. It is a tropical city which was originally called Cayo Hueso (Bone Key) by the Spaniards found because of the Indian skeletons they found on its shores when they first landed here in the 16th century. The name was eventually changed to Key West. With all it has to offer (its wide array of 19th century architecture, its tropical weather, fine restaurants, galleries, shops, museums, theaters, nightclubs, and a host of historical sites) Key West is a very popular spot for people of all ages. The island is 2 miles wide by 4 miles long and is one of about a thousand coral islets that stretches southward from Miami. It's linked to the mainland by an Overseas Highway.
Famous artists, writers, and movie moguls visited and lived in Key West (Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, James Audubon and Gina Ert Frost). It was a vacation spot for President Truman. The Florida Keys are no known as the Conch Republic. The “republic” celebrates its independence each April in a ten-day, festival.
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Attractions |
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Cruise ships dock near Mallory Square, an area where you will find lots of shops, restaurants, artwork on display outdoor entertainment and artwork. Most of the attractions are within walking distance of the pier.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Hemingway wrote some of his greatest works in this Spanish colonial style home. This is still home to Hemingway's 50 six-toed cats.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Park : This was once a base for the Union blockade used on Confederate shipping during the Civil War. It now houses one of the largest collections of Civil War armaments in the U.S.
Conch Train/Trolley Tour: This fun ride allows a visitor to view as many as 60 points of interest in one day. These points of interest include, the Hemingway House, Audubon House, the Cemetery, Naval Base, the Southernmost Point Lighthouse, Truman's White House and a lot more.
Mallory Square: Mallory Square is the place where residents as well as visitors get together every afternoon around two hours prior to watch the sunset. A wide array of talent is encountered on this visit every day. You will find street jugglers, musicians, food vendors, clowns, and arts and crafts exhibitors at Mallory Square to watch the beautiful sunset.
Sloppy Joe's: Hemingway's favorite bar. Owned by, Joe Russell, Hemingway's boat pilot and fishing buddy. Russell was the inspiration for the character Freddy in the movie, "To Have and Have Not."
Key West Aquarium: Built in 1934, this open air aquarium houses many of the marine animals, including grouper, moray eels, barracuda, tropical fish, tarpon, sharks, and parrotfish.
Audubon House and Tropical Garden: On display here are the original bird drawings of John Audubon's. The home was built in the 1850's and includes a one-acre tropical garden.
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Center: If you would like to go on a treasure hunt, go on in. In 1622 two Spanish galleons sank off of the coast of Key West. There treasures are displayed here.
Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville:
Don't leave without a Jimmy Buffet souvenir from this song writer/singer's hangout.
Water Sports: There is a beach within a few blocks in any direction you walk in Key West. Please remember to be very careful as there are no lifeguards. Topless and nude sunbathing are prohibited. You may charter sail and motor yachts, catamarans - even schooners.
Snorkeling/SCUBA Diving: Feel free to enjoy the beauty of the water, coral, and fish. Just bring your equipment.
Swim with Dolphins: Visit Dolphin World to enjoy Dolphin adventures.
Bicycling: If you prefer seeing the town by bicycle then do so. It is one of the best ways to see the city.
Golf : For you golfing fans, play the Reese Jones-designed 18-hole, 6,500-yard course at the Mangrove Hole.
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More Information |
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Web: www.keywest.com
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