Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
If you are looking for a tropical paradise to visit, Key West may just fit the bill. Though it may be best known for its party nightlife, the island abounds in other activities to keep visitors on the go.
Key West is a city rich in history. It was at one time the richest city in the United States (due to the many shipwrecks in the area) and has thrived on many different industries such as producing cigars and cultivating sponges. To learn about the history of this fascinating island, a good place to begin is by taking a tour on the Conch Tour Train. Tour guides provide an entertaining and lively history of the area that includes information about Ernest Hemingway (one of the most famous residents), marine history (pirates once freely roamed the seas), and the earliest inhabitants of the area (who gave Key West its name). If the supernatural interests you, another tour, The Ghosts and Legends of Key West Tour, might also catch your fancy. This 90-minute tour relates the stories of haunted houses in the area and spins legends of pirates and voodoo from the area.
Those with an interest in history should also visit several museums in the area. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, located on Whitehead Street, allows visitors a glimpse into Hemingways life on Key West and introduces many of the real-life characters who influenced his work. In the Shipwreck Historeum visitors can experience the world of a wrecking crew, who would wait for a ship to sink in the seas surrounding the island then retrieve the lost cargo.
One Key West tradition not to be missed is sunset at Mallory Square. Every evening people gather at Mallory Square to watch both the breathtaking sunset and the many street performers, from musicians to magicians to fire-eaters. Street vendors line the square selling everything from seashells to artwork to t-shirts.
Other destinations to see include perhaps the most famous street in Key West is Duval Street, the home to many shops, restaurants and bars. Be sure to visit Sloppy Joes, the bar where Hemingway was known to hang out. Today, Hemingway memorabilia decorates the walls. Then continue your stroll down Duval Street, where you will find shops selling anything you could want to buy, from souvenirs and t-shirts to artwork to designer clothing. If the nightlife on Duval Street fascinates you, take the Key West Pub Crawl, a guided walking tour of many of the eating and drinking establishments of Key West. At the end of the tour, enjoy complimentary drinks from several of the watering holes.
Also, since Key West is the southernmost city in the United States, visitors should be sure to snap a picture at the Southernmost point in the U.S., marked by a large buoy. This point is only 90 miles from Cuba.
If the great outdoors is more your forte, Key West will not disappoint. Kayak the waters surrounding Key West on a guided tour. Jet ski in the Gulf of Mexico. Or view dolphins swimming in the wild from a charter boat. Snorkel in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, enjoying the marine life or exploring shipwrecks. If you want to see the abundant sea life but dont want to get wet, take a glass bottom boat tour of the waters surrounding the island.
The fishing in Key West is world famous. Charters are available for both deep-sea or backcountry fishing, or bring your own boat. The deep-sea fisherman might angle for barracuda, sailfish, or black fin tuna. The backcountry fisherman might hope to catch bonefish or tarpon.
If you want to relax in the sun, Key West is home to several beaches. Visitors to Smathers Beach can rent lounge chairs, play volleyball, or go windsurfing and parasailing. Another nice beach is Higgs Beach where visitors can fish off a long pier.
Finally, the nature lover can visit the Dry Tortugas National Park, a cluster of seven islands 70 miles west of Key West. Charter a boat or seaplane to reach this remote park and spend the day bird watching or snorkeling. Also located within the park is Fort Jefferson, which was built in the mid1800s to protect trade in the Gulf of Mexico.
Key West really does have something for everyone. Though it is only 2 miles by 4 miles big, the city will cast its spell over visitors.
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