DK Travel : Miami : Key West

Key West

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First recorded by Spanish explorers in 1513, this tiny island (key), just two miles by four (3.2 x 6.4 km), has changed in status from a pirates’ den to the most prosperous city per capita in the US. Always attracting free-thinkers, eccentrics, and misfits, Key West has a uniquely oddball character that is still apparent despite the upscale tourism that has developed since the 1990s. The self-named Conch (“conk”) inhabitants include many gays, writers, artists, and New-Agers.
For more on Key West’s local architectural style See Key West Old Town For a day’s itinerary, shops, restaurants, and regular events in Key West See The Keys

Top 10 Sights

1. Duval Street

1. Duval Street

Running from the Gulf of Mexico at the north end to the Atlantic Ocean in the south, the main street of Old Town is the place to do the “Duval Crawl.” This is the arduous task of strolling the street and stopping in at all of the 100 or so bars, pubs, and clubs that line Duval and its neighboring roads.
2. Mallory Square

2. Mallory Square

Every evening at sunset, the funloving citizens of the self-styled “Conch Republic” throw a party in this large, seaside square, complete with entertainers of all sorts.
3. Bahama Village

3. Bahama Village

An archway across Petronia Street at Duval announces that you are entering this largely African-American neighborhood, which offers a tiny slice of Island culture. A block in is the Bahama Market, featuring handicrafts; farther along is Rick’s Blue Heaven (see Key West).
4. Mel Fisher’s Maritime Heritage Society Museum

Dedicated to the lure and lore of sunken treasure and the equipment that has been used to retrieve it. Most impressive are the gold artifacts from 17th-century Spanish galleons.
5. Hemingway House

“Papa” Ernest Hemingway lived in this Spanish colonialstyle house built of coral rock from 1931-40, and wrote many of his works here. Remnants of his stay include boxing gloves and supposed descendants of his six-toed cats.
6. Audubon House and Tropical Gardens

A glimpse into mid-19thcentury life on the island. The audio tour is excellent, as “ghosts” of the family who lived here take you through the rooms.
7. Key West Cemetery

The tombs are raised to avoid flooding and because the soil is mostly hard coral rock. Famously droll epitaphs include “I told you I was sick” on the tomb of a notorious hypochondriac.
8. Key West Art and History Museum

Housed in the imposing old Customs House are paintings of some of the island’s eccentrics and notables, along with accounts of life here in various epochs.
9. Lighthouse Museum

Built in 1848, Key West’s lighthouse was capable of beaming light 25 miles (40 km) out to sea. Climb the 88 steps to enjoy panoramic seascapes and views of the town.
10. Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Site

The 1866 brick fort is now a military museum with a fine collection of Civil War artifacts. The island’s best beach is nearby.

Practical Information

You can travel by road from the mainland all the way through the Keys, crossing various bridges, to Key West. The Conch Tour Train, boarding at Mallory Square, provides an overview of Old Town. Rick’s Blue Heaven, at 729 Thomas St, is the quintessence of old Key West: a Caribbean menu and a garden with trademark Key West chickens and cats wandering around. (Also see for the best of Conch Dining.) Key West Information Center, 1601 N. Roosevelt Blvd 1-888- 222-5148 www.Keywestinfo.com Museums 9am–5pm (approx.) daily adm Cemetery sunrise–6pm daily free Fort Zachary, Taylor 8am–sunset daily; adm