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Travel guide: Key West

Virtually synonymous with tropical paradise, Key West is one of the most popular destinations in Florida. Its crystal-clear waters, picturesque beaches and unique combination of Caribbean charm and modern convenience have been attracting holidaymakers, travellers and nature lovers for generations. The island’s enviable position between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean ensures that visitors enjoy wall-to-wall sunshine almost all year round.

For decades, Key West was a sleepy, little-visited island mainly used by fishermen from surrounding areas. However, in 1912, it was connected to the Florida mainland by the Overseas Railway extension, bringing thousands of visitors to the area. In 1938, the railway was replaced with a highway, cementing the island’s place as a prominent US holiday destination.

Today, visitors are drawn to Key West by its benevolent climate, sun-soaked beaches and laid-back atmosphere. The island offers a fantastic choice of activities, some fascinating historic attractions and breathtaking sunsets. Whether you want to chill out on soft white sands, go swimming in warm turquoise waters or make friends with the locals at one of the island’s many quirky watering holes, Key West’s got you – and your holiday needs – covered.

Where to stay in Key West

Key West is just 6 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide, so no matter which Key West hotel you choose, you’ll never be too far from the action. The majority of the hotels in Key West are located at the western end of the island. This is where you’ll find Duval Street, the city’s shopping, dining and entertainment district. If you want to be close to the island’s best shops, bars, restaurants and attractions, this is the place to be. As Key West can become very busy during peak times, it’s a good idea to avoid hotels on the main road if you’re planning on early nights and busy days.

The eastern end of Key West, where the highway that links the region to mainland Florida is found, is another popular spot for holidaymakers. Easy transportation links open up the possibility of exploring further afield, while guests hoping for a relaxing break will enjoy the quieter pace of life here.

If you want a hotel in Key West close to the island’s beaches, there are plenty of waterfront properties dotted around the area, with the northern and southern tips boasting the largest concentrations.

Hotels in Key West

Key West’s longstanding reputation as a holiday haven ensures a wide selection of well-appointed hotels, so it’s easy to tailor your trip to your needs. When it comes to group-friendly hotels in Key West, it’s hard to beat Casa 325, with its spacious rooms and affordable rates. Most group-friendly hotels are located at the western end of the island, close to Duval Street, although there are some at the eastern end of Key West.

Many of the larger hotels on the island are set in purpose-built developments. However, if you like your hotels bursting with local character, Key West doesn’t disappoint. A number of boutique establishments and high-end hotels are located within stylishly converted homes, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the island’s distinctive architecture.

Almost all of the hotels in Key West come complete with swimming pools, giving you the perfect place to cool off at the end of a busy day. Some hotels, such as the Pier House Resort & Spa also come with on-site bars and restaurants, along with an assortment of leisure facilities. As well as hotels, Key West is also home to a number of rental cottages, self-catering apartments and guesthouses.

What to do during your stay in Key West

Despite its diminutive size, there’s a surprising variety of things to do in Key West. If you want to learn more about the island’s ecology, a visit to the Key West Nature Preserve or the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Centre should be on your agenda. Alternatively, you could head to the Dry Tortugas National Park, around 115 kilometres away. Here you can explore pristine tropical islands, snorkel in crystalline waters and get a glimpse of what life was like in Key West hundreds of years ago.

If history and heritage are more your speed, there are plenty of tours and excursions in Key West to keep you busy. The Conch Tour Train is a nifty way to see the island’s historic sites, while ghost walks through the city’s old town, visits to the Ernest Hemingway House, where the author wrote many of his most famous works, and the 19^th-century Fort Zachary Taylor fill out the itinerary.

If you want to get out and get active during your stay, you can have a go at diving, snorkelling, kayaking and parasailing. Or, if you’d rather embrace fully embrace the laid-back life of the Sunshine State, you can simply find a nice cool spot under a nearby palm tree and spend your days soaking up the tropical sun.

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