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The Southernmost House in Key West, Florida
Photo by Rob O'Neal |
Welcome to Key West Paradise
Key West is a very magical place. If you have visited here before, you are probably still talking about your vacation here and have some fond memories of a fabulous Key West sunset, walking down an Old Town lane and smelling the jasmine, or singing along downtown to a popular duo at one of the bars on Duval Street.
If you have never been here before, you are in for a real treat. There is a Key West attraction for every person. We have some of the finest saltwater fishing here. Whether you are an avid fly fisherman looking for the thrill of sight casting to tarpon as they cross a beautiful sandy flat in the Key West backcountry, or offshore doing some deep sea fishing and thinking about your fresh seafood dinner at one of our fine Key West restaurants. Enjoy a relaxing trip on a smaller charter to view dolphins in the wild or to kayak in the backcountry off Key West.
SCUBA diving and snorkeling in Key West
Diving and snorkeling the coral reefs and wrecks around Key West are spectaular. Tropical fish are abundant on the reefs and there is snorkeling available on a sailing catamaran or schooner out to the reef for a day of fun. Some of the dive boats here in Key West also offer night dives so the nightlife on the reef may be observed.
The Conch Republic - Key West
The Conch Republic was born on 23 April 1982, after the U.S. Border Patrol blockaded the Keys with a "border". Mayor Dennis Wardlow seceded from the Union, declared War, then surrendered demanding Foreign Aid; thusly creating "The People Who Seceded Where Others Failed". |
Calendar of Events & Festivals in Key West, FL
One of Key West's best attractions is that no matter what time of the year you come here, there is always something going on. The Key West calendar of events is filled from January to December with Florida Keys fishing tournaments, gathering to celebrate the Conch Republic Independence, we even have our own festival each October, Fantasy Fest. If you have never been to Fantasy Fest you really need to come down and give it a try. Go visit their website at www.fantasyfest.net for more information.
Key West accommodations - where to stay
Key West is a very fun place and can be as relaxing, romantic, or wild as you want it to be. There are accommodations in Key West for every type of traveler. We have some of the most extravogant guesthouses and inns with beautiful tropical landsaping and free form pools. Some of the places make you think you are in an oasis in a tropical rainforest. You may find it hard to believe you are really in Old Town Key West.
There are some fabulous full service resorts in Key West as well. They are spread out around the island. The resorts offer great vacation packages in some cases for famillies and for romantic getaways. Visit our Key West accommodations section to find the resort that suits your needs.
Key West has some budget accommodations for those who just want a place to crash. Again, check out the accommodations section for more information.
Key West Boating and Marinas
It is difficult to think that someone could watch the sun set on the beautiful, serene waters surrounding Key West without wanting to get closer. Whether for a ride to the tropical reefs offshore, a sports fishing charter into the Straits of Florida or the Gulf of Mexico, a daytime or sunset cruise aboard a catamaran or tall ship, a nature tour of the backcountry flats, or an excursion to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, this is the place to be. You can privately charter your craft, join a small group, or sign on with a large group ... whatever you choose. The waters around Key West are beautiful. The romance and adventure of the seas are here for the taking and sunsets are free for the viewing.
Places to Eat & Drink in Key West
No doubt about it, for a 2 by 4 mile island, Key West sure has a lot going on with food and drinks. Last count was over 240 eating and drinking establishments and that was a few years ago. One thing you can bank on while here in Key West, fresh local seafood. Outside dining seems to be the favorite because those restaurants come with a view. Some have a beautiful view of the sunet, others have a view of Duval Street and downtown Key West, which can get interesting the further into the eveing you stay. There are many restaurants off the beaten path. Ask a local where to eat, everyone has a favorite place here or a place they would love you to go try. Plenty of bars and drinking go on in Key West. Find one that suits you and enjoy the surroundings. Some bars have local bands and music almost all day and night, others have a calm and quiet atmosphere with a tranquil view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Buying Real Estate in Key West
Looking for a second home or a retirement property? The Florida Keys are easy to get to, and easy for the rest of your family to come visit. Property in the Florida Keys and Key West has yielded a tremendous return over past years. Realtors and property management services are available as well as a listing of their properties for sale. Key West architecture models many different places around the country. Whether you are searching for a tropical getaway in downtown Key West that is close to it all, a cottage on the beach or the convenience of a condo where your boat is tied to the dock, the Key West real estate agents and mortgage companies can help. Also visit our Florida Keys Real Estate website: www.fkren.com, the Florida Keys Real Estate Network - a place to find Mortgage Brokers, Agents, Pre-Construction property, Property Management, and any other Real Estate Need you may have.
Places To Stay in Key West
Key West Hotels,
Key West Motels,
Guesthouses,
Bed and Breakfasts,
Key West Resorts,
Vacation Properties,
Camping & RV Parks,
Gay Friendly Key West Accommodations,
Accommodation Booking Services,
Hotels in Key West Florida
Key West Attractions and Activities - things to do and see
Key West Attractions & Activities,
Sightseeing,
Eco-Tours/Kayaking,
Fishing in Key West,
Diving/Snorkeling Key West,
Watersports,
Theatre,
Art Galleries,
Shopping,
Parks,
Beaches,
Restaurants & Bars
Key West Services - Everything you need to plan your vacation
Key West Real Estate,
Key West Wedding Planning,
Places of Worship,
Associations,
Transportation to Key West,
Travel Services,
Cruise Ships that stop in Key West,
Key West Maps,
Florida Keys and Key West Webcams,
Key West Calendar of Events,
Local Key West Daily News
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Upcoming Major Events
Nov 29 to Dec 7
Pirates in Paradise 2008
Historic Key West and Fort Taylor transform into a pirates' stronghold with over 150 pirate entertainers. Tall ships, sea battles, arts and crafts, pirate sails, a living history encampment and nonstop entertainment!
Contact: (305) 296-9694
December 2
Key West Holiday Parade
Local leaders, civic clubs and churches share their holiday spirit by parading through historic Key West.
Contact: (305) 809-3700
Dec 5 to Dec 13
Historic Lighted Inn Tours Discover the history and holiday spirit of Key West by touring beautifully decorated historic inns on the evenings of December 5th & 6th & 12th & 13th. The tours include creative offerings by local chefs, artists, writers and performers.
Contact: (305) 295-1334
December 13
Key West Lighted Boat Parade
Decorated and lighted boats are to cruise through Key West Harbor and the waters of the Historic Seaport to local music and the saxophone playing of Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The event is sponsored by Schooner Wharf Bar and Captain Morgan.
Contact: (305) 292-3302
December 31
Key West New Year's Eve Celebrations
The Southernmost City celebrates with a "conch shell drop" at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St.; the descent of a 6-foot red high heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; and the descent of a pirate wench from the top of the 101-foot mast of the tall ship Liberty Clipper in the island city's Historic Seaport.
Contact: (305) 296-2388
Jan 16 to Jan 17
49th Annual Key West House & Garden Tour
Tour five elegant and unique private homes of Key West. Complimentary Conch Tour Train transportation is provided to whisk you from house to house. Proceeds help benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation. Admission $25 per person.
Contact: (305) 294-9501
Jan 19 to Jan 23
Acura Key West 2009
Nearly 300 racing yachts compete for class championships in this international midwinter sailboat regatta.
Contact: (781) 639-9545
Feb 21 to Feb 22
5th Annual Key West Antiques Show & Sale
The only antiques show south of Miami! Over 30 dealers from around the US with a huge variety of antiques and collectables. Located at Fort East Martello. Benefits Key West Art & Historical Society.
Contact: Gerri Sidoti 305-295-6616 ext 12
March 07
47th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest
Grab your conch shells and join in the puckering fun! Held at Ocean Key Resort Sunset Pier, beginning at 1 p.m.. Free admission, conch shells available for purchase.
Contact: 305 294-9501 |
