About Key West

Last Island in the Florida Keys

Key West is an island located in the Florida Keys, a 100 mile string of islets which extend south west from the southern part of the state of Florida in the United States.

Overseas Highway

The islands are connected by a scenic road and around 50 bridges. This is called the Overseas Highway. Key West is the last island on the Overseas Highway and has the distinction of being the southernmost point of the continental United States. The size of the island is 1.3 wide by 3.5 miles long.

7 Mile Bridge
7 Mile Bridge

Historical Key West

Key West is steeped in history. Due to its strategic location it has played a strong military role with its Civil War era forts (Fort Zachary Taylor and the Martello Towers) and natural deep water port. The old fort is now Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. It’s beach is enjoyed by tourists and visitors alike.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

The Living Reef

Key West is flanked on the south by a living reef which proved beneficial the residents of the 1800’s. A thriving wrecking industry grew from the many sailing ships grounded on the reef. This enabled Key West to become the wealthiest city in the state of Florida during its hey day. Today the reef is a world class diving destination.

Key West Reef
Key West Reef

Tourist Town

Key west is now a major tourist attraction drawing millions of tourists a year. Tourists flock to Key West in automobiles, cruise ships, and airplanes to experience its quaint charm with its unique style of island architecture and its eccentric artistic lifestyle. The island is buzzing with activity with its proliferation of bicycles, scooters, tourist trams and wandering tourists

Conch Trolley

Water Sports

Water sports are a big draw for Key West which is in an excellent location for diving, fishing and boating.

Florida Keys Fishing

Party Central

Key West is known as a Mecca for partiers who seek the raucous night life. The main street of Old Town is Duval St. which is the party center of the Universe with its numerous and diverse bars and clubs.

Duval St. at Night

Sunset Celebration

Key West is home to the world famous Sunset Celebration, a nightly event where tourists and locals meet to watch street performers, buy local arts and crafts, eat street food delicacies and of course have a yummy drink while the sun sinks into the Gulf of Mexico.

Sunset Celebration