Enjoy a Relaxing Key West Vacation
Swim, sun, and sip margaritas on your Key West vacation.
A Key West vacation evokes thoughts of funky outdoor cafes, pretty beaches, quirky shops, a magnificent harbor, top-notch seafood, and strains of Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville." The ultimate Bohemian vacation destination, Key West, Florida is a town unlike any other; full of writers, artists, and other free spirits that travel all the way to the end of U.S. Route 1 to find themselves.
About Key West
Key West has long been a vacation favorite for the famous. Perhaps it's because of its relaxing island feel and artistic atmosphere. Ernest Hemingway loved it here and made it his home for many years. President Harry Truman also found it to be the perfect place to relax during his presidency.
Today, the island is home to the rich and famous as well as the not-too-rich and not-too-famous. It's become a seaport for cruise ships and the U.S. Navy is a major presence here as well.
Key West has quite a large gay and lesbian population and a Key West vacation is a popular choice for gay Americans. The town has become well known for its tolerance and acceptance of all individuals, adopting the motto "One Human Family," which can be found on many Key West souvenirs and on storefronts around town.
Cool Key West Activities
A good way to begin your Key West vacation is with a narrated trolley tour. This allows you to see the city and determine the locations to which you'd like to return and spend a bit more time. Guides are witty and informative and you can disembark at each stop.
Water is a huge part of life in Key West and vacationers will find that many activities here center on the water. Scuba diving is especially enticing, as you'll find both reefs and wrecks here. If you don't dive, try Snuba, where you're connected to a floating air supply, or go snorkeling with your friends and family.
If you're into boating, you'll love it here. Choose a glass-bottom boat for fabulous views of Florida Keys' marine life, a dinner cruise complete with dancing, a wild ride on a jet ski, or a kayaking excursion through the shallows of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge.
Fishermen will have lots of fun here, too, and fishing charters are abundant. Rent a boat for a private party or enjoy fishing with a group of new friends. Whichever you choose, you're sure to return to the dock with some fantastic catches.
If you prefer the wild blue yonder to the tranquil blue sea, try your hand at parasailing or even skydiving. A number of outfitters located here give you the opportunity to experience either of these exciting pursuits on your next Key West vacation.
Nightlife
Key West is quite well known for its happening nightlife. Many of these clubs and bars have called Key West home for decades (or over a century!) and tout the fact that they were favorite hangouts for Ernest Hemingway and his writer friends. Ask the locals which ones they like and stop in for a margarita or two.
Accommodations
In Key West, you'll find many varieties of lodging, from pristine guesthouses and B&Bs with a distinctly Southern feel to luxury oceanfront resorts that will pamper you during your stay. Visitors can also choose chain hotels and motels as well as vacation rentals, for a taste of home away from home.
When to Go
A Key West vacation is best scheduled from November through June, when the temperature is comfortable and the threat of hurricanes is long gone. Key West has its own international airport and many national airlines fly there directly.