Key West, Florida is located in the southernmost region of the United States, just off the coast of Florida and only ninety miles north of Cuba. What makes Key West unlike any other travel destination is its colorful blend of island culture, with a unique American twist. The island draws in millions of visitors every year and is the ideal destination for those wanting to enjoy a tropical paradise with the convenience of remaining in the continental United States.
1. Explore the island by bike
The easiest way to navigate the island of Key West is by bike. There are options to rent cars or take a trolly but if you really want to experience the island like the locals, and get the most for your money, biking is the way to go. Island Bicycles is a well known, full service bike shop serving the Florida Keys. They have a staff of experts that will help you decide which bike is best for you based on your age and height, and will even give you a few pointers before letting you hit the road. Every bike comes with a helmet and a lock and key for you to safely park your bike throughout the day. Bikes can be rented on a daily or weekly basis and range from 10 USD to 25 USD for a daily rental and 50 USD to 125 USD for weekly rentals depending on the size and style of your bike. Island Bicycles also offers 10% off if you book by phone, for those who want to go even easier on your budget.
2. See the Southernmost Tip
The Southernmost Tip is exactly as it sounds. It is the southernmost tip of the United States and is only 90 miles away from Cuba. The spot, which was originally just marked with a sign, is now recognized by a giant concrete buoy. A fun fact about the buoy is that it is not actually a buoy at all. It is actually an old sewer junction and upon digging it up it was found too heavy to be lifted. They painted it as a buoy and today it is one of the most frequented and photographed sites in the Florida Keys. The buoy also pays homage to those who have drowned in an attempt to swim the distance from Cuba. For more “southernmost” attractions, you can walk down Whitehead Street and stop by the southernmost hotels, restaurants, and houses in Key West.
3. Indulge in Key Lime Pie at Kermit's
As the name of the island suggests, Key West is very famous for its Key Lime Pie. According to locals, the best place on the island for the staple is at Kermit’s on Duval Street. Kermit’s is considered one of the original pie shops on the island and has made appearances on Food Network, National Geographic and has been endorsed by numerous esteemed chefs. While they are best-known for their pie, Kermit’s also specializes in a variety of other Key Lime oddities such as Key Lime cookies, chutney, salsa, taffy, tea and even key lime olive oil, to name a few. A slice of Key Lime pit at Kermit’s ranges from about 2 USD to 5 USD and pairs exquisitely with Kermit’s homemade Key Lime ice cream.
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4. Beautiful views at the AIDS Memorial Pier
The Key West AIDS Memorial Pier on White Street is one of the most serene and beautiful spots on the entire island. The memorial is dedicated to those who have died of AIDS and have made an impact or have felt an impact from the island. The pier is accessible by walking or biking and is the ideal photo opportunity with the crystal blue water in the background. The pier is also far enough into the ocean that you may even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two breaching the surface.
Rich culture and immense beauty
Whether you spend a day or a week, you will never be tired of absorbing the rich culture and beauty of the Florida Keys. From the scenic views, ideal beaches, shopping and dining, there is something for everyone in this quirky town. So ride bikes, enjoy the views and don’t forget to eat some of that world famous Key Lime Pie.
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