🌴 WHERE AMERICA MEETS THE CARIBBEAN

KEY WEST awaits you for a unique experience, a tropical gem where extravagance blends with history.
It is not only the southernmost city in the continental United States, but a true “Sovereign State of Mind,” as its humorous “Conch Republic” (The Republic of Conch Shells) states.

This nickname stems from a symbolic act of secession in 1982, in protest against a roadblock set up by the U.S. Border Patrol on U.S. 1 (the highway connecting the Keys to the mainland).
Key West residents protested the negative impact the blockade had on tourism. In response, they jokingly declared the independence of the Conch Republic.

Stroll along lively Duval Street, the beating heart of eccentric bars and shops. Watch the spectacular sunset at Mallory Square, an evening celebration that attracts artists and crowds from all over the world.
Explore literary history by visiting the home and museum of ERNEST HEMINGWAY and his polydactyl cats.

Here, life flows at the slow pace of the Caribbean, under the official motto of “One Human Family,” which welcomes everyone with warmth. Come and enjoy the perfect climate, crystal clear waters, and free spirit of this island paradise!

10 THINGS YOU CAN'T MISS IN KEY WEST

Watch the sunset at a daily party in Mallory Square with street performers and breathtaking ocean views.

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the writer lived and wrote, and meet his famous polydactyl cats: Hemingway was known for his love of polydactyl cats, or cats with six toes. His passion began with a white cat named Snow White, which was given to him in the 1930s. His Key West home, now a museum, is still home to many of Snow White's descendants, who are one of the city's main tourist attractions.

Take a selfie at Southernmost Point Buoy, the southernmost point of the continental United States.

Stroll along Duval Street, the vibrant heart of the city, lined with historic bars (many of which are LGBT-friendly), restaurants, and nightlife.

Explore the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory for a colorful immersion among hundreds of butterflies and exotic birds.
Take a boat trip or go snorkeling to see the crystal clear waters and surrounding coral reef.

Visit the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters for a panoramic view of the island.

Relax and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere at Smathers Beach or one of the hidden coves.

Key West offers many fantastic and completely free activities and attractions, perfect for travelers on a budget.
Here are 10 things you won't want to miss that won't cost you a thing:

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
Every evening, about an hour before sunset, enjoy free performances by street performers, jugglers, and musicians, culminating in the legendary sunset over the ocean.

Stroll Down Duval Street
Walk down the famous main street. It's a free open-air attraction where you can admire the architecture, people-watch, and soak up the city's eccentric energy.

Selfie at the Southernmost Point Buoy
Get in line (yes, there almost always is one!) to take a photo at the iconic buoy marking the southernmost point of the continental United States.

Explore the Key West Cemetery
This historic cemetery is famous for its unique and often humorous gravestones. It's a fascinating place for a quiet stroll and to learn about local history.

Visit the Eco-Discovery Center
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center offers free exhibits on marine wildlife, coral reefs, and the Florida Keys ecosystem.

Go to the beach
Relax on public beaches such as Smathers Beach or Higgs Beach (where you can also visit the African Cemetery Memorial for free).

Walk along the Key West Historic Seaport
Stroll along the historic harbor, admire the sailboats and fishing boats, and watch the fishermen clean their catch (sometimes attracting large fish such as tarpon).

Mile Zero (Mile Marker)
Take a photo of the famous sign marking the beginning (or end) of U.S. Route 1, the highway that stretches to the Canadian border.

Self-guided walking tour
Use a map or app to follow routes such as the Pelican Path or the Historic Marker Tour, discovering Old Town's historic homes and landmarks for free.

Key West Garden Club
Visit the tropical gardens housed within Fort West Martello, an ancient Civil War fortress in ruins, free of charge.

KEY WEST boasts a rich LGBTQ+ history that is fundamental to the island's identity.

LGBTQ+ history in Key West is rooted in its tolerant mindset and geographic isolation, which made it a safe haven since the mid-20th century. Playwright Tennessee Williams (who was openly gay) settled there in 1941, kicking off a long tradition of queer artists and writers on the island.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Key West became a mecca for gay tourism, with the opening of the first guesthouses and businesses catering to this audience. In 1978, the Key West Business Guild was founded, one of the first Chambers of Commerce dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ tourism in the United States.

Key West was a pioneer in the institutional field: in 1983, it elected Richard A. Heyman, one of the first openly gay mayors in America.
The community was hit hard by the AIDS epidemic; the Key West AIDS Memorial was erected in 1997 in memory of the victims.

In 2000, the city adopted the official philosophy of “One Human Family,” promoting acceptance for all.
The 1.25-mile-long “Sea-to-Sea” Rainbow Flag, created in 2003, has become a global icon of inclusion.
The election of Teri Johnston in 2018 (the first openly lesbian mayor of a major Florida city) attests to the continued political role of the LGBTQI+ community.

Today, inclusivity is celebrated with events such as Key West Pride and permanent rainbow crosswalks on Duval Street.

Key West offers an irresistible mix of Caribbean and Cuban flavors and, of course, the freshest seafood.
Here are the local specialties you absolutely must try:

KEY LIME PIE
This is the most famous culinary specialty. A sweet and sour pie made with local lime juice (more sour than common lime), condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust, often topped with whipped cream or, in some versions, a tall meringue.

CONCH FRITTERS
These are a typical appetizer, small fried balls made with conch meat (a large marine mollusk), mixed with batter, onions, peppers, and spices. Perfect for dipping in a lime-based sauce.

HOGFISH
A local fish highly prized for its sweet and delicate meat. It is often served grilled, fried, or in a sandwich (Hogfish Sandwich).

KEY WEST PINK SHRIMPS
Local shrimp, known for their sweet flavor and pink color. They are served very fresh, often steamed, fried, or added to soups and pasta dishes.

STONE CRAB CLAWS
A seasonal specialty (available from October to May). The claws are cooked and served cold, accompanied by a mustard-based sauce. Fishing is sustainable, as only one claw is removed and the crab is released.

CUBAN CUISINE (especially the Cuban Sandwich)
Given its proximity to Cuba, the Cuban influence is very strong. Don't miss an authentic Cuban Sandwich (roast ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, pressed and grilled) or a Cuban coffee (Cafecito).

FISH TACOS
Tacos filled with fresh fish of the day (such as grouper or mahi-mahi), often seasoned Caribbean-style with tropical or spicy sauces.

CONCH CHOWDER
A soup made with conch and vegetables, which can be either red (more like chili) or white (creamier).

Key West is widely considered one of the safest and most welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ people not only in Florida, but in the entire United States.

Key West has a long history as a safe haven and refuge for the LGBTQ+ community, dating back decades. Its reputation as an “eccentric” and inclusive place is deeply rooted.
The city has officially adopted the philosophy of “One Human Family,” which emphasizes its commitment to equality and acceptance of all people.

The community is also extremely visible, with four permanent rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Duval and Petronia Streets (the heart of gay nightlife), as well as numerous bars, guesthouses, and businesses clearly oriented toward and run by LGBTQ+ people.

The city boasts a strong track record of supporting LGBTQ+ people, having elected its first openly gay mayor in 1983 and its first openly lesbian mayor in 2018.
Although the state of Florida has been the subject of travel warnings from LGBTQ+ rights groups due to its state laws (e.g., Don't Say Gay), Key West is seen as a local exception to this trend, an oasis of acceptance that often opposes or criticizes state policies.