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Discover a city where real estate titles date back to the Kings of Spain. Stroll the palm-lined streets and discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway's home. Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Harry Truman, and Tennessee Williams.
Gaze at the fabled treasure of the galleon Atocha. Discover tomorrow's fine art treasures by Key West's well-known and unknown artists.
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Watch this video to learn more about the enchanting history of the southernmost city of the United States.
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With its balmy weather and crystal blue skies, the island is famous among the outdoors set for its
diving,
fishing,
watersports and
golfing at the nearby Key West Golf Club, a course designed by Rees Jones.
But only in Key West would the sun shine the brightest when it sets. Everyone gathers for the never planned, always varied Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock.
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Once the sun is safely tucked away by jugglers, mimes, musicians and street artists, the city moves to a different beat. A night beat. The streets, filled with sidewalk cafes, open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants come
alive. Gourmets and gourmands alike treat their palates to island specialties. Drama, musicals and comedy flourish
on our stages.
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As you enjoy these sights, you'll discover that modern Key West is a warm-hearted
place where all are welcome. The city's vibrant Gay
and Lesbian Community helped
spearhead the island's economic and social revival in the 1980's.
ONE HUMAN FAMILY is
the official philosophy of the island community of Key West and Monroe
County; a simple motto which serves not only as a shining example of
daily life here, but as one that is openly shared with global neighbors
throughout the world. |
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However you choose to see the town, you'll discover that old town Key West is one of America's true architectural and botanical treasures. On even the tiniest lanes, the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and adorned them with lush tropical trees and flowers.
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Key West's African cultural heritage is represented by the vibrant Bahama Village neighborhood, founded in the early 1800s by Africans migrating from the Bahamas, and in historic churches, indigenous food and annual festivals.
Among Key West's most significant African cultural sites is the 1860 African Burial Ground, located on the island's Atlantic Ocean shore beside a Civil War-era fort. It is believed by experts to be America's only African refugee cemetery.
A memorial honoring the buried Africans is being constructed at the site.
New restaurants and stores are popping up in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, which was settled in the 19th Century by Bahamian immigrants. Hemingway loved coming here to mix with the hard-working locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests.
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The island's seafaring tradition lives on at the renovated Historic Seaport district, known locally as the Key West Bight. Dozens of shrimp boats once called this harbor home.
These days, "the Bight" is a popular place to arrange a day on the water, whether you are a diver, snorkeler, fisherman or eco-tourist. Others come just to stroll along the harbor walk or dine at one of the many restaurants.
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In this city of fascinating contrasts, you could easily find yourself wanting to let go of mainland hassles permanently.
Come visit Key West. Like all the Keys, you'll find it's rich in history.
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