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The Florida KeysNeed a vacation? Explore a live coral reef, walk along white beaches lined with palms and catch the fish of a lifetime without even leaving the continental U.S. There is no place quite like the Florida Keys. The term "Keys" originated from the Spanish word "Cayo" meaning a low, flat island. As you drive south from Miami through this string of islands (Keys), life's hectic pace seems to slow a little. Gone are the freeways with their rush hour traffic. Ahead lies a vacationer's paradise offering all kinds of water recreation activities. If you prefer land based activities, explore the fascinating history of these islands or visit some of the many shops and restaurants and sample the unique selection of fresh, delicious seafood along with a tropical refreshment. |
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Of course, you may wish to simply pass the time sunbathing on a beach or relaxing in a hammock while the palms rustle in the gentle breeze. The Florida Keys can fulfill your vacation desires. Coral and Limestone The Florida Keys are comprised of an archipelago of 1,700 islands. Unlike the volcanic islands found in the Caribbean and Hawaii, the Keys were built by plants and animals. These islands, composed mainly of coral and limestone, are largely the exposed portions of an ancient coral reef. The Florida Keys are bounded by the Gulf of Mexico to the north and Atlantic Ocean to the south.
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Florida Keys Weather The Keys are located between 24 degrees and 25 degrees north latitude. This subtropical zone is noted for its breezy, balmy weather. Temperatures in the Keys range from an average of 70 degrees in January to an average of 84 degrees in July and August making it an attractive year-round vacation destination. Fishing in the Keys The Florida Keys attract fishing enthusiasts from all over the world. Hundreds of charter boats operators and expert fishing guides help to provide visitors the ultimate fishing experience. Offshore catches include sailfish, dolphin (mahi-mahi), tuna, wahoo, marlin, kingfish, amberjack, snapper, grouper, tarpon and shark. |
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A Garden in the Tropics One of the first things people notice when visiting the Keys is the abundance of subtropical vegetation. Trees and plants in the Florida Keys are not subjected to the winter freezes that occur in higher latitudes. Consequently, the plants and animals of the Keys are more similar to those native to the Caribbean islands than to those found in most of the United States. Some plants and animals are found only in the Keys. The following is a list of just a few of the many trees and plants found in the Keys: Avocado, Bougainvillea, Manila Tamarind, Red Tip Coco Plum, Coconut Palm, Croton, Fiji Fan Palm, Fishtail Fern, Gumbo Limbo, Mahogany, Mango, Madagascar Palm, Portia Tree, Royal Poinciana, Sapodilla, Split Leaf Philodendron, Spanish Lime, Thatch Palm, Tropical Almond, Washington Palm, Yellow Satinwood and Silver Palm. |
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Birding in the Keys The Florida Keys are an excellent place to observe and photograph a wide variety of birds, especially waterfowl. The Keys are home to gulls, cormorants, skimmers, terns, pelicans, herons and roseate spoonbills just to name a few. Some of the more unique birds found in the Keys include great white herons, antillean nighthawk, gray kingbird, black-whiskered vireo, white-crowned pigeon and the elusive mangrove cuckoo. The best times for birding are during the spring and fall migration. Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge and the Key West National Wildlife Refuge provide critical nesting, feeding and resting areas for more than 250 species of birds. National
Park Contact Information: |
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Key Largo is the largest and the northernmost island of the Florida Keys. Alabama
Jacks
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Caribbean
Club Scenes from the 1948 film "Key Largo" starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were shot here. The walls are adorned with photos of scenes from the movie and a wax figure of Bogie is on display. There is outdoor seating and a pier in back. It's a relaxing place to sip a cool rum punch. |
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Sundowners
on the Bay You will enjoy great service, delicious seafood, and a terrific water view at Sundowners.
Largo Cargo is an interesting shop with lots of character. The store stocks a great selection of tropical apparel, souvenir tee shirts, gifts, key lime treats, pirate booty and more! A sign near the entrance warns, "We play Jimmy Buffett music!" |
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The African Queen, built in Lytham, England in 1912, is the boat used in the filming of the 1951 motion picture of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. It is now docked in Key Largo and takes passengers out on short excursions daily. The African Queen (also known as S/L Livingstone) was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on February 18, 1992. |
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Harriette's
Restaurant Harriette's serves an awesome breakfast with delicious thick bacon and big fluffy buttermilk biscuits. The mural on the left is part of the exterior decor. |
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John
Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park One of the world's best dive spots is just off the Atlantic shore of Key Largo in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Visitors to the park can explore a living coral reef and an underwater statue of Jesus, known as Christ of the Deep. Activities include snorkel tours, SCUBA diving tours and glass bottom boat tours. |
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Iguanas The Florida Keys are home to a growing number of Iguanas. These reptiles, which grow as much as four feet in length, are not native to the region. Rather, it is suspected that they were released from captivity by people who had acquired them as pets. |
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Tavernier Key The
National Audubon Society The National Audubon Society maintains a facility on Tavernier Key. Audubon provides a booklet describing self-guided bird tours with maps. |
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Islamorada is known for its sports fishing. There are numerous charter boats with captains and guides available here for fishing in the offshore waters. Theater
of the Sea on Islamorada Theatre of the Sea operates a 17-acre marine mammal facility that includes aquariums, wildlife areas and theaters. Various exhibits and shows include dolphins, sea lions, rays and other marine life as well as tropical birds. Visitors can swim with dolphins, sea lions or stingrays. |
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Marathon Marathon is a city on Knight's Key, Boot Key, Key Vaca, Fat Deer Key, Long Point Key, Crawl Key and Grassy Key islands in the middle Florida Keys. Florida Keys Marathon Airport The Marathon Airport has its own passenger terminal and car rental agencies. There are scheduled flights to South Florida cities. Several charter services also serve Marathon Airport. It is popular with corporate aircraft operators and general aviation. |
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Colony Beach Golf Course This is a 9 hole course of over 962 yards with a par of 27. It is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to dusk. |
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Spring
Billfish Tournament on Duck Key the third week in April. The
above dates are approximate. Additional information relating to these
tournaments can be obtained from the |
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Bahia Honda Key Bahia
Honda State Park Bahia Honda State Park, 30 miles north of Key West, consists of 524 acres of nature trails and white sandy beaches. Swim, snorkel, kayak, enjoy walking on one of the many nature trails or just relax on the pristine white sandy beaches. |
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The Transoceanic Railway (Overseas Railway) In the early 1900's, the "Overseas Railway" was constructed from the mainland through the Keys to the town of Key West. In 1935, after some 23 years of service, a powerful hurricane damaged the tracks and the railway was never rebuilt. Today, the Bahia Honda Bridge serves as a lasting reminder of Henry Flagler's lagacy, the Overseas Railway. The Overseas Highway (U.S. Highway 1) replaced the railway as the main transportation route from Miami to Key West. The Bahia Honda Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. |
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Bridges in the Keys There are more than 40 bridges in the Keys connecting more than 100 islands over a 126-mile distance. The longest of the bridges in the Florida Keys is known as the Seven Mile Bridge. Fifteen percent of the total travel time to Key West is spent on bridges. Big Pine Key National
Key Deer Refuge The Key Deer is an endangered species found only in the Florida Keys. They live on Big Pine Key and the surrounding Keys in Florida. The Key Deer are the smallest of all the white-tailed deer with a shoulder height of only 24 to 32 inches. |
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Little Torch Key Parrotdise
Waterfront Bar & Grille You will love Parrotdise Bar & Grille's fried shrimp with a glass of Big Pecker Chardonnay. Information available at www.bigpeckerwines.com. |
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The Conch Republic The Conch Republic was established by symbolic secession of the Florida Keys from the United States of America on April 23rd, 1982. The conch has become the symbol of the Florida Keys. Key West Mile Marker 0 in Key West marks the end, or rather the beginning, of U.S. Hwy 1. Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States. The distance from Key West to Miami, Florida via Hwy. 1 is approximately 155 miles. Havana Cuba, just across the Florida Straits, is only about 90 miles from Key West. |
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Key West Transportation Getting around in Key West is relatively easy. Key West measures approximately 4 miles long by 2 miles wide. The following are some of the various modes of transportation commonly used to get around town. |
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The Conch Tour Train
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The Old Town Trolley Tour at your own pace. The Old Town Trolleys make convenient stops where riders can disembark to explore and enjoy Key West attractions then catch the next trolley to continue the narrated tour. |
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Rental Cars Most of the major car rental companies have locations in Key West. |
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Electric Rental Cars These vehicles are a delightful way to see Key West.
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Scooters
Pirate Scooter Rentals Bicycles Bicycling is a popular way to see Key West. Guided bicycle tours are available. |
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Walk In Key West most places are within walking distance. If you plan to explore Old Town by foot, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Pedicabs I've even hired a pedicab (a bicycle rickshaw) on occasion to slip through the streets of Key West. Perfect
Pedicab The Key West Chickens Some of the more controversial residents of Key West are the small, colorful chickens that roam freely on the island. Many consider these self-sufficient birds an integral part of Key West's history and character. It is believed that the Key West chickens have been in Key West for over 175 years. |
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Old Town Key West Old Town Key West is rich in architectural and botanical treasures. Old Town Key West has the largest collection of unique 19th-century architecture in the world. Most of the buildings were designed with the subtropical climate in mind. The metal roofs and high ceilings help to dissipate heat. Louvered shutters allow circulation of sea breezes and can be closed to provide protection from storms. The porches and verandas provide a shade covered retreat from the sun. In Old Town Key West the beautiful old buildings are set against a background of palms and colorful tropical plants and trees. Red poincianas, bouganvillas and a myriad of tropical plants add vibrant colors and character to life in Key West. The Banyan tree with its proliferous aerial root system is one of the most unique trees found in the Keys. |
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Activities In Key West There are seemingly endless possibilities for water recreation in the Keys. Sun bathing, swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, jet ski rentals, parasailing, sailboating, glass bottom boat tours and deep sea fishing are all popular pastimes in the Keys. There are even facilities that offer the opportunity to swim and interact with dolphins. |
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Ernest
Hemingway Home and Museum The Hemingway Home built in 1851 is one of the most popular attractions in Key West. Nobel Prize winning author Ernest Hemingway lived here with his second of four wives, Pauline Pfeiffer. Pauline and Ernest were married May 10, 1927. They moved to Key West in 1928 and purchased the house in 1931. Visitors can tour the house, the beautiful tropical gardens and get a glimpse of Hemingway's writing studio on the second floor of the pool house. Hemingway wrote several novels in Key West including A Farewell to Arms, To Have and Have Not, Green Hills of Africa and Death in the Afternoon. |
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Hemingway loved life in Key West and he spent his time writing, carousing with friends at local bars and fishing in the offshore waters. Hemingway remains one of Key West's most celebrated figures. Each year Sloppy Joe's Bar hosts the Annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest in his honor. The next contest is scheduled to take place on July 21-24, 2011. |
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Today, the Hemingway House is home to a few dozen very pampered cats. They are descendants of "Snowball," a polydactyl cat given to Hemingway by a ship's captain. A polydactyl cat is born with more than the usual number of toes on one or more of its paws.
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The
Key West Lighthouse Built in 1847, the lighthouse served as a ship navigation aid until it was deactivated in 1969. The tower and nearby Keeper's Quarters are open to the public. Inside the 86-foot high tower visitors climb a spiral iron staircase of 88 steps to the observation deck to enjoy spectacular views of Key West and the adjacent waters. The museum's collection of artifacts relating to the lighthouse and the maritime history of the Keys is on display in the Light Keeper's Quarters. |
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Ripley's
Believe It or Not! Dubbed "The strangest place in Key West," you will see more than 500 exhibits presenting amazing and bizarre oddities.
Key
West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Here you can walk through the climate-controlled habitat among hundreds of free-flying butterflies and exotic, colorful birds. |
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Key West Shipwreck Historeum Museum Employing a combination of actors, films and laser technology, the Key West Shipwreck Historeum takes visitors back to the Key West's shipwrecking days. Artifacts from the recently rediscovered wrecked vessel Issac Allerton which sank in 1856 are on display.
In 1985, Mel Fisher discovered the wreck of the Atocha, a 17th Century Spanish Galleon, approximately 35 miles southwest of Key West in 55-feet deep waters. Approximately $400 million of treasure has been recovered from the wreck. The Atocha Dive Adventure, created by the Fisher family and Mel Fisher's Treasures of Key West, gives recreational divers the opportunity to be part of the continuing exploration of the Atocha. |
Download a complete collection of shipwreck and scuba diving eBooks by Capt. Daniel Berg. Click Here!
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Harry
S. Truman Little White House Museum This building served as the command headquarters of the naval station in Key West during the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II. Over the years it has served as a place of government business by our national leaders. It is best known as the White House for President Harry S. Truman, the most frequent presidential visitor to Key West. |
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U.S. Presidents in Key West A number of U.S. Presidents have visited Key West including Ulysses S. Grant, William Howard Taft, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter. Harry Truman visited for 175 days on 11 visits during his presidency and visited several times after he left office.
Some of the other notable names associated with Key West include Tennessee Williams, Thomas Edison, Robert Frost, Thornton Wilder, Gloria Swanson, Sally Rand and Jimmy Buffett. |
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Golf In Key West Key
West Golf Club Known as "The Southernmost Golf Course," the Key West Golf Club is a 6,500 yard, 18 hole course. The subtropical setting was incorporated into the design to create a beautiful and challenging course. |
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White
Street Pier On the South side of Key West, between Higgs and Smathers beaches White Street Pier extends approximately 900 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. The "unfinished road to Cuba," as many locals refer to it, is a popular fishing and recreation spot. |
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Key West Beaches Most of Key West's beaches are located on the south side of the island, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Smathers
Beach Smathers Beach stretches for nearly two miles along South Roosevelt Boulevard on the southern shore of the island. It is Key West's largest beach. Beach activity ranges from tanning, volleyball and watersport/beachsport rentals. There are picnic tables, snack vendors, restroom facilities and ample parking. |
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Rest
Beach Rest Beach is located along Atlantic Boulevard just east of the White Street Pier. It is only about 300 feet in length. Rest Beach tends to be a little less crowded and it is a great place to relax.
Higg's beach is situated along Atlantic Boulevard at the end of Reynold's street. There are playgrounds for the kids, picnic tables, chair rentals, outdoor showers and a restaurant. Also available are tennis courts, volleyball courts and water sports rentals. |
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Fort
Zachary Taylor State Park Beach The beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park may not have as much sand as some of the other beaches but the park is a perfect location to view the sensational Key West sunset. Walk among the palms and pines and be sure to explore historic Fort Zachary Taylor.
Due to its strategic location, Key West has historically been an important military post. The U.S. Naval Air Station - Key West on Boca Chica Key is operational and is an important year round training site for naval aviation. Access is restricted. However, many of the historic military facilities in Key West have been decommissioned and opened to the public. |
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Fort
Zachary Taylor Construction began on this fortress in 1845. It was built to protect Key West harbor and was named for President Taylor after his death. The Union army occupied this fort during the American Civil War. It was used again during the Spanish-American War. Fort Taylor was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Fort
East Martello Museum and Gallery Fort East Martello, built in 1862, was designed after the nearly impregnable coastal Martello watchtowers in Italy. Today, the East Martello Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and historical records. It is open daily for tours. |
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The
West Martello Tower The West Martello Tower was built in 1862. It was never in involved in an actual war. Today the Tower is operated by The Key West Garden Club, and hosts the Joe Allen Garden Center,offering self-guided tours to explore local flora and enjoy the tropical settings. U.S.
Coast Guard Cutter Ingham (WPG-35) The 327-foot, 2,700 ton U.S.Coast Guard Cutter Ingham (WHEC-35) was commissioned September 12, 1936. The Ingram is the centerpiece of the "USCGC Ingham Memorial Museum" located on the Truman Waterfront. |
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USS
Mohawk (WPG-78) CGC Memorial Museum The 165-foot, 1,005-ton, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USS Mohawk (WPG-78) was commissioned January 19, 1935. The USS Mohawk is docked on the East seawall of Truman Waterfront at the end of Southard Street and is available for tours. |
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Schooner
Wharf Bar/Captain Morgan
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Key West Restaurants and Bars Key West claims the distinction of having more bars per capita than anywhere in the U.S. The following list includes some of my favorite spots. Sloppy
Joe's Sloppy Joe's is one of the most famous bars in Key West. It's filled with historical memorabilia. The burgers and drinks are generous and the atmosphere is casual. They make a number of specialty drinks including the Key West Hurricane and the Key West Lemonade. Sloppy Joe's signature drink is the Sloppy Rita. |
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Turtle
Kraals Bar & Restaurant Enjoy a view of the bustling waterfront as you dine on excellent, fresh Key West seafood prepared in a smoker oven and on an open flame mesquite grill.
If you love oysters on the half shell or fried, this is the spot. At historic Key West Bight, the Half Shell Raw Bar is an authentic Key West fish house. Once a shrimp packing building, it has remained true to its harbor front heritage. |
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Located along the Historic Harbor Walk, Schooner Wharf Bar has a terrific view of Key West's Historic Seaport. Schooner Wharf Bar is the proud sponsor of the annual Lighted Boat Parade. The seafood is outstanding. Guy
Harvey's Island Grill You will enjoy the food and the décor at Guy Harvey's Island Grill. Guy Harvey is a marine scientist and a talented artist. The restaurant is decorated with a collection of his artwork. It has a full bar and a wide variety of scrumptious menu offerings. |
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Blue
Heaven Restaurant One of Ernest Hemingway's old haunts, this building is now home to one great restaurant. Enjoy the cozy inside seating or dine in the outdoor courtyard under the tropical almond tree. Try the "Rooster Special" Betty's Banana Bread melts in your mouth. |
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Hogs
Breath Saloon Hog's Breath Saloon is a popular Key West gathering spot featuring live entertainment, a raw bar and grill. Hog's Breath T-shirts are a favorite souvenir item.
Enjoy
spacious seating alongside historic Key West Bight while you savor delicious
caribbean entrees to the sound of live entertainment. Jimmy
Buffett's Margaritaville Café and Store Parrotheads make their pilgrimage to Margaritaville Café and Store in Key West for a Cheeseburger in Paradise and a Landshark Lager. |
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This hotel/café/pub was named in honor of a former guest, actor Humphrey Bogart, who starred with Ingrid Bergman in the 1942 movie "Casablanca." The pub is called Bogart's Irish Pub. It's in the middle of Old Town next to the Hemingway House. |
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Captain
Tony's Saloon This building was the original "Sloppy Joe's." The late Captain Tony Tarracino is a local legend and one-time mayor of Key West. Captain Tony is said to have helped Jimmy Buffett get his start as an entertainer in Key West. "Life Lessons of a Legend" is Capt. Tony's biography. |
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Caroline's This is a terrific spot to sit outside and relax while watching the hustle and bustle of busy Duval Street. Caroline's serves great Key Lime Pie.
Captain Morgan Fanstasy Fest Parade Key West's Swashbuckling Heritage comes to life each year with the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade, a Halloween celebration for adults. Tens of thousands of partygoers gather to watch the glittering parade of floats and their costumed Krewes navigate Duval Street. |
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The Dry Tortugas National Park The spacious Yankee Freedom II ferries passengers daily between Key West and the Dry Tortugas. The seven tiny islands of the Dry Tortugas are situated about 70 miles west of Key West. Here in these coral islands you can enjoy camping, snorkeling and one of the best beaches in the Keys. On Garden Key, the largest island in the Dry Tortugas, you will enjoy guided tours of 1846 vintage Fort Jefferson. The Dry Tortugas are an exceptional spot for bird watching during spring and fall migrations.
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Travel To Key West When you are ready for your Key West vacation, how will you get there? Bus You can take a bus through the Keys to Key West. Greyhound Bus Lines makes regularly scheduled runs from Miami to Key West. Automobile Drive from Miami to Key West on U.S. Highway 1. Key West Ferry From Fort Myers Regularly scheduled boat shuttles connect Key West to Fort Myers Beach, Florida and to Marco Island, Florida. |
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Cruise To Key West You can combine your cruise vacation with a shore excursion to Key West. Several of the major cruise lines schedule port calls to Key West. Click the cruise line banners on the right to find the ideal cruise for you.
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West Hotels-Click Here |
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Flights To Key West International Airport There
are daily airline flights to Key West Airport from several U.S. cities.
There are regularly scheduled shuttle flights from Miami to Key West. Accommodations in Key West run the gamut. While the major hotel chains have facilities in Key West, there are many smaller hotels as well. Many historic homes in Old Town have been converted to guesthouses. Some of them operate as Bed and Breakfast Hotels. Whether you are interested in inexpensive accommodations in Key West or the ultimate in Key West lodging and amenities, Key West has it. |
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Key West Sunset Celebration Sunset in Old Town Key West is treated as a special event when hundreds of people gather on the docks of historic Mallory Square and other places to watch the dazzling sunsets. I hope to see you at the sunset celebration. |
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Posted February 25, 2011 Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved www.onegreatdish.com |
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In "The Spotlight" I focus attention on some of my favorite travel and dining spots. I cover unique and interesting restaurants with a special emphasis on great food and terrific dining experiences.
