Visitors to this island paradise don’t need to feel
that they are leaving the world behind, unless they really want to.
There is plenty to see and experience in Key West and, because the
island is small, nothing is very far away from where you are staying.
Of
course, there are beaches, most of them on the
south side of the island. From the very busy Smathers
Beach with its volleyball games and watersport
concessions to the much quieter beach at Fort Zachary
Taylor, you’ll want to sample them all.
There are also several parks on the island and,
again, your choice will depend on what you want
to do. From the 19th century Fort Zachary Taylor
park to the gardens at West Martello Towers,
to the ball fields and tennis courts at Bayview
Park, and all the others in between, you are
sure to find something to suit your chosen activity.
Key West
has lots of history and many museums to show for
it. A good place to start would be a ride on one
of the tour trains or trolleys; the conductor will
relate stories with local color and you will get
an idea of places you will want to revisit to learn
more.
A
cruise out to the reef from Key West Harbor will
show you the island’s beauty from a different
perspective and will introduce you to the beauty
hidden beneath the waves. Key West’s waters
also provide great diving and snorkeling experiences
for the more adventurous. The less adventurous
may want to hitch a ride on one of the glass bottom
boats that can show you the reef without your getting
wet. Kayaking and ecotours are becoming very popular
for the nature lover, and some even feature dolphin
encounters.
The Florida
Keys is a fishing Mecca and there are several private
and party boats that can give you a great deep
sea fishing experience. Flats Fishing is extremely
popular and backcountry guides abound.
For
the visitor that enjoys the cultural experience,
there are movie theaters as well as theaters
that feature live performances. Key West has always
attracted artists and its many art galleries
display local talent as well as national and international
artists.
And, for
the golf enthusiast, Key West has a public 18-hole,
200-acre golf course that wends its way through
beautiful tropical scenery. Facilities include
a driving range, clubhouse and restaurant, and
a pro shop.