Key
West Information - Things to Do, Places to Stay
Fishing isn’t the only thing
to do in Key West!
Many visitors come not to fish the
reef but to scuba dive or snorkel the coral that is part of North
America’s only barrier reef. Locals and tourists alike are
delighted by the many ways to enjoy the warm water that surrounds
the island – parasailing, jetskis, sailing cruises and windsurfing
– and one of the most popular water tours and attractions
is dolphin watches – boat tours to see dolphins
swimming in the wild.
 Tourists
are also drawn to Key West’s picturesque Bahamian architecture,
lush tropical gardens - such as Nancy
Forrester's Secret Garden or the grounds of Hemingay House
or the Audubon
House and Gardens - its lively arts and music scene and other
attractions. The Key
West Information Center has local experts to help you decide
what to do while you are here and where to stay and they can find
you great deals on hotels and other accommodations
– from a cozy bed and breakfast to a swank oceanfront
resort. Key West also has a wide variety of condos and homes
if you prefer to make a
vacation rental house your home away from home.
Key West has also become a popular destination
for weddings. Ceremonies on a Key West beach, aboard a private
charter or in a romantic tropical garden settings make Key
West a perfect
location to get married.
Popular Local Attractions
 One
of the best ways to get an overview of Key West is on one of the
conch train or trolley tours. Both give the visitor a great orientation
to the southernmost town of the US and the guides are knowledgeable
and friendly. The conch train has been showing Key West to visitors
since the early 1950s, and it’s open air ride makes you
feel part of the town. And while the trolley ride is a little
shorter – you miss some of the newer areas of Key West,
you can get off at any stop – to shop or have a bite to
eat – and get on again to continue your tour later.
Key West to the Dry Tortugas
 One
of the most popular day trips from Key West is aboard the Yankee
Freedom Ferry
to Fort Jefferson, the National Park in the Dry Tortugas.
The sub tropical island is 70 miles from Key West, is called "Dry"
because there is no fresh water on the island and Tortugas for
the trtles that can still be found when snorkeling
and diving the waters and coral
reefs surrounding the fort.
The fort and the national
monument are very popular with history
buffs for the colorful military role itplayed in the Civil War
as well as in the days of pirates and skullduggery. It is very
popular area for fishing, camping
and for birding.
Not to Miss Shopping
Duval is the main attraction for Key West shopping – and
while some may note there are a few too many t-shirt shops, along
with a fair selection of national chains, there is at least one
very special gem:
Fast
Buck Freddies – This self styled tropical island department
store, founded in the late 70s to offer locals a place to buy
clothing, furniture and furnishings that reflect their funky,
colorful lifestyles, has lots of interesting furniture and home
accessories in addition to upscale casual clothes. Fast Buck’s
might be a little spendy for some – but at least check out
the window displays - so original Fast Buck's has been dubbed
the "Southernmost Bloomingdales." Now, head to
Half Buck Freddie’s where they send merchandise
that hasn’t sold on Duval. At the corner of Caroline and
William streets, you'll find your bargain!
More MUST SHOP stores you won’t find anywhere but Key
West:
 Baby’s
Gourmet Coffee – They roast Baby's Coffee the old-fashioned
way: 7 days a week, so there’s no doubt your coffee is fresh.
The Southernmost Coffee Roaster in America, grinds and ships true
Key West flavor anywhere in the continental US. And soon, just
like the locals, you'll be saying "I can't live without my
Baby's Coffee," too!
 If
you think the weather’s hot down here, check out the sauces
at Peppers
(602 Greene Street - just up the street from Sloppy Joe’)
Truly the hottest spot in Key West.
A little too much sun at a Key West beach? Cool off your sunburn
with Key
West Aloe. This local manufacturer has been making skin care,
cosmetics and body treatments with the tropical miracle plant
for more than 35 years. Two locations: 540 Greene Street (between
Sloppy’s and Peppers) & 431 Front Street. Another long
time southernmost shop is Key
West Hand Print Fabrics at 201 Simonton Street at the corner
of Front and Simonton. Coloful hand made fabrics styled into clothes
for men, women and children.
Vacation Rentals & Accommodations
Travel arrangements usually start with booking
your flights and reserving a hotel room or rental home. If your
destination is the Florida
Keys, we can help you figure out where to stay. Short
term rental homes are always a popular choice - they provide more
space, comfort and convenience, and usually at a cost far lower
than a budget hotel and eating all your meals out. Our recommendations
for vacation rentals and accommodations in the keys:
Florida's Everglades
 Wildlife
lovers and anglers alike often include a side trip to the Everglades
on their Keys vacation. See alligators, roseate spoonbills and
other wildlife on the exciting Everglades
Airboat Rides & Safaris
with
Airboat USA Tours.
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