Destination: Key West, Florida
History, landmarks, National parks, and beaches make Key West, Florida a prime port of call for Caribbean Cruises. There is so much to explore in the Southernmost tip of the United States. Experience the Cuban influence and the U.S. history that make Florida Keys so unique and popular. The small island of Key West is only 90-miles away from Cuba, and it's a prime location for beautiful beaches and snorkeling within Florida. The iconic Overseas Highway, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum, and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory are just a few of the incredible attractions this small island has to offer. Immerse yourself into "Cayo Hueso," and discover why tourists love this island so much.
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Key West, Florida is a Port of Call for the following Caribbean Cruises:Currently, there are no Cruise Lines sailing to Key West. Please contact us at the number or email below, and we will keep you posted with updates on Key West Cruises itineraries. For reservations and more Information please call our
Travel Specialist Toll Free at 1-888-756-9008 Email: [email protected] |
Things to do in Key West
BEACHES
We understand that as a Caribbean cruiser, visiting the beaches is a priority. Here's a concise list of only the very best in Key West, Florida. Smathers Beach is one of the top-rated beaches in town and it is perfect for all ages. This one features several outdoor activities that will keep everyone entertained. Another option is Higgs Beach, a smaller beach with a pier that features historic monuments. Higgs Beach is a popular dog beach for locals, so get ready to see the woofers in action. Last but not least is Rest Beach, which features beautiful white sand, picnic tables, and mature palm trees for a calm and peaceful vibe evening.
HISTORY & MUSEUMS
When in Key West, visit Florida's only presidential museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House. This house was former President Truman's winter home, so it holds lots of memorabilia from the life of a U.S. president. Another key spot to check off your list is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The American writer and novelist wrote roughly 70% of his works while he lived here. Just a short 3-minute walk from Hemingway's home is the Tennessee Williams House. This Key West exhibit features the American playwright's works, an interesting collection of photographs and articles, as well as some artifacts such as the typewriter the author used to write some of his award-winning plays. Stepping away from the literature world is the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum in Key West. This World War II ship is a National Historic Landmark. The ship served the U.S. from 1936 to 1988 and was the last American warship afloat to sink a German U-Boat in WWII. Today it is one of the best spots to watch a sunset in Key West; its decorated atmosphere, historic relevance, and wine & beer service make this museum a top-notch experience.
NATURE & PARKS
The Dry Tortugas National Park is the most popular attraction in Key West. Tourists take a day tour just to explore the whole sanctuary. This national park is home to fabulous history and magnificent migratory birds. Not to mention, it is a prime spot for snorkeling. The variety of activities in this site together with the pleasant boat ride make this a bucket-list experience while in Key West. Another must is the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, which of course is magical. Tourists love to have butterflies flying all over, and to explore the other species around like the flamingos and turtles. Another great site to immerse in Key West's nature is the Fort Sachary Taylor State Park Beach, a Historic site of a Civil War era fort which is beautiful for taking a dip and snorkeling.
SIGHTS & LANDMARKS
Take a stroll by Duval Street for some local shopping, restaurants, and bars. The iconic 110-mile Overseas Highway has a charming view across the length of the Florida Keys. Experiencing that drive is a must, and also a very convenient drive for travelers interested in visiting Miami and the Everglades. Visit Key West Express (Fort Myers Beach) for a fun getaway trip in high-speed ferries, featuring sundecks, snacks, and cocktails. Watch a sunset at Key West's iconic Mallory Square, which features shops, restaurants, and the most popular attractions in the island. There is always something to do in Mallory Square.
We understand that as a Caribbean cruiser, visiting the beaches is a priority. Here's a concise list of only the very best in Key West, Florida. Smathers Beach is one of the top-rated beaches in town and it is perfect for all ages. This one features several outdoor activities that will keep everyone entertained. Another option is Higgs Beach, a smaller beach with a pier that features historic monuments. Higgs Beach is a popular dog beach for locals, so get ready to see the woofers in action. Last but not least is Rest Beach, which features beautiful white sand, picnic tables, and mature palm trees for a calm and peaceful vibe evening.
HISTORY & MUSEUMS
When in Key West, visit Florida's only presidential museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House. This house was former President Truman's winter home, so it holds lots of memorabilia from the life of a U.S. president. Another key spot to check off your list is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The American writer and novelist wrote roughly 70% of his works while he lived here. Just a short 3-minute walk from Hemingway's home is the Tennessee Williams House. This Key West exhibit features the American playwright's works, an interesting collection of photographs and articles, as well as some artifacts such as the typewriter the author used to write some of his award-winning plays. Stepping away from the literature world is the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum in Key West. This World War II ship is a National Historic Landmark. The ship served the U.S. from 1936 to 1988 and was the last American warship afloat to sink a German U-Boat in WWII. Today it is one of the best spots to watch a sunset in Key West; its decorated atmosphere, historic relevance, and wine & beer service make this museum a top-notch experience.
NATURE & PARKS
The Dry Tortugas National Park is the most popular attraction in Key West. Tourists take a day tour just to explore the whole sanctuary. This national park is home to fabulous history and magnificent migratory birds. Not to mention, it is a prime spot for snorkeling. The variety of activities in this site together with the pleasant boat ride make this a bucket-list experience while in Key West. Another must is the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, which of course is magical. Tourists love to have butterflies flying all over, and to explore the other species around like the flamingos and turtles. Another great site to immerse in Key West's nature is the Fort Sachary Taylor State Park Beach, a Historic site of a Civil War era fort which is beautiful for taking a dip and snorkeling.
SIGHTS & LANDMARKS
Take a stroll by Duval Street for some local shopping, restaurants, and bars. The iconic 110-mile Overseas Highway has a charming view across the length of the Florida Keys. Experiencing that drive is a must, and also a very convenient drive for travelers interested in visiting Miami and the Everglades. Visit Key West Express (Fort Myers Beach) for a fun getaway trip in high-speed ferries, featuring sundecks, snacks, and cocktails. Watch a sunset at Key West's iconic Mallory Square, which features shops, restaurants, and the most popular attractions in the island. There is always something to do in Mallory Square.
Get to Know Key West
LOCATION AND ETYMOLOGY
Key West is the Southernmost point in the U.S. and the closest to Cuba. The US-1 highway extension, also called "The Overseas Highway," makes Key West the Easternmost city connected to the U.S. inland. Also called "Cayo Hueso," the city of Key West is part of Florida Keys and together with the Everglades form what's Monroe County. The city is well-known for its Cuban presence, its Naval Air Station, and its privileged location port for commercial and tourism ships.
Key West gained its Spanish name "Cayo Hueso" (Cay Bone) during pre-colonial times: its been said that the islands within Florida Keys were littered with bones by prior habitants who used the place as a communal graveyard. The islands remained inhabited during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The only visitors were Cubans and Bahamians who came to fish and cut hardwood timber.
OWNERSHIP HISTORY
Officer of the Royal Spanish Navy Artillery, Juan Pablo Salas, was deeded the island in 1815 by the Spanish Governor of Cuba from the time, Don Juan de Estrada. Salas then sold it to John W. Simonton and John Strong simultaneously in 1822. John Strong transferred the ownership claim to John Geddes, a former governor of South Carolina. After resolving the Key West ownership claims occasioned by Sala's double sell, Simonton took official ownership of the city.
John Simonton divided the territory in 4 parts. He sold one fourth to John Warner and John Mountain who promptly resold their part to Mr. Pardon C. Greene. Another fourth was sold to John Whitehead, a close friend of Simonton who originally advised him to purchase the promising island. One more fourth was sold to John Fleeming, another friend of his and businessman from Mobile, Alabama. These ownership transactions made John Simonton, Pardon C. Greene, John Whitehead, and John Fleeming the 4 "founding fathers" of Key West.
The island had so much potential: a strategic wide shipping location between the Straits of Florida, the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico. Simonton strived to bring a naval base to the island in an attempt to bring law and order to the place. Key West's Naval Air Station and the Overseas Railway extension caused an exponential population growth and consequently an economic boom.
THE CONCH REPUBLIC
Key West declared themselves independent from the U.S. as the Conch Republic in 1982. This was a result of the U.S. Border Patrol blockade at the time, who stopped every car incoming from the Florida Keys to the Florida mainland in search for illegal immigrants. This generated a 17-mile-long traffic jam which strongly affected Key West's mobility and subsequently its tourism industry, which they heavily depended on. The Conch Republic didn't last for long, but its legacy still remains as an iconic feature of the city. The CR is annually celebrated on April 23 and tourists love purchasing Conch Republic merchandise as souvenirs from Key West.
Key West is the Southernmost point in the U.S. and the closest to Cuba. The US-1 highway extension, also called "The Overseas Highway," makes Key West the Easternmost city connected to the U.S. inland. Also called "Cayo Hueso," the city of Key West is part of Florida Keys and together with the Everglades form what's Monroe County. The city is well-known for its Cuban presence, its Naval Air Station, and its privileged location port for commercial and tourism ships.
Key West gained its Spanish name "Cayo Hueso" (Cay Bone) during pre-colonial times: its been said that the islands within Florida Keys were littered with bones by prior habitants who used the place as a communal graveyard. The islands remained inhabited during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The only visitors were Cubans and Bahamians who came to fish and cut hardwood timber.
OWNERSHIP HISTORY
Officer of the Royal Spanish Navy Artillery, Juan Pablo Salas, was deeded the island in 1815 by the Spanish Governor of Cuba from the time, Don Juan de Estrada. Salas then sold it to John W. Simonton and John Strong simultaneously in 1822. John Strong transferred the ownership claim to John Geddes, a former governor of South Carolina. After resolving the Key West ownership claims occasioned by Sala's double sell, Simonton took official ownership of the city.
John Simonton divided the territory in 4 parts. He sold one fourth to John Warner and John Mountain who promptly resold their part to Mr. Pardon C. Greene. Another fourth was sold to John Whitehead, a close friend of Simonton who originally advised him to purchase the promising island. One more fourth was sold to John Fleeming, another friend of his and businessman from Mobile, Alabama. These ownership transactions made John Simonton, Pardon C. Greene, John Whitehead, and John Fleeming the 4 "founding fathers" of Key West.
The island had so much potential: a strategic wide shipping location between the Straits of Florida, the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico. Simonton strived to bring a naval base to the island in an attempt to bring law and order to the place. Key West's Naval Air Station and the Overseas Railway extension caused an exponential population growth and consequently an economic boom.
THE CONCH REPUBLIC
Key West declared themselves independent from the U.S. as the Conch Republic in 1982. This was a result of the U.S. Border Patrol blockade at the time, who stopped every car incoming from the Florida Keys to the Florida mainland in search for illegal immigrants. This generated a 17-mile-long traffic jam which strongly affected Key West's mobility and subsequently its tourism industry, which they heavily depended on. The Conch Republic didn't last for long, but its legacy still remains as an iconic feature of the city. The CR is annually celebrated on April 23 and tourists love purchasing Conch Republic merchandise as souvenirs from Key West.