Located in the southernmost part of Florida, the island city of Key West is known for its rich history, conch-style houses and laid-back attitude. It was once home to famed author, Ernest Hemingway. The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is a popular Key West tourist destination. Key West is also a great destination for having fun in the sun with white sandy beaches, and pristine coral reefs.
The island is about 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, so you can easily walk or bike your way around the city. Key West is a popular port of call for cruise ships which is how I found my way there last December, aboard Carnival Ecstasy. My family spent a wonderful day discovering Key West and exploring its rich history.
Key West Conch-Style Houses
Audubon House is one of the memorable historic homes we came across. Located at 205 Whitehead Street, the house is home to a lush 1-acre tropical garden. The house was built in 1830 by Captain John Geiger whose heirs lived in the home for 120 years, until the Wolfson foundation bought and restored the house and opened it as a museum in 1960.
Audubon House
A stark contrast to the winter weather back home, it felt like a mid-summer day as my family walked around historic Key West with the warm sun shining down on us. We headed down Key West’s famous main street, Duval Street, which was studded with a mix of homes, shops, bars and restaurants.
Also on Duvall Street, the beautiful St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was a sight to be seen.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
The San Carlos Institute is a Cuban heritage center founded in 1871 by Cuban exiles who came to Key West to plan the campaign for Cuba’s independence from Spain. Did you know that Key West island is only about 90 miles from Cuba?
San Carlos Institute
Centrally located at the center of Duval Street, Duval House is one of many picturesque bed and breakfasts where you can stay and enjoy the historic island.
Duval House
When you make it to the end of Duval Street, you’ll find yourself at the Southernmost Beach Cafe where you can grab a bite or a refreshing drink. I highly recommend the Key Lime Colada.
Southernmost Beach Cafe
I took the pic below from the South Beach Pier, located by the cafe. The historic Eduardo H. Gato House was built as a private residence around 1894 by Eduardo H. Gato, a Cuban immigrant who made a fortune in the cigar business. The house later served as a hospital and is now a guest house.
Eduardo H. Gato House
While in Key West, one must get their picture taken by the Southernmost Point Buoy, marking the Southernmost point in the continental United States.
Southernmost Point Buoy
Discovering Key West was one of the highlights of my family’s Carnival cruise. It is an island full of rich history and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. I hope to make it back there again, sometime soon.
This post was created for Away We Go with Carnival, the destination for getting in the getaway state of mind. Head on over.
This is on my travel bucket list. I have always wanted to go there
I would absolutely LOVE to stay in Key West for a week or two. I love the scenery, the lifestyle, and the architecture so much!
This is beautiful. You have me dreaming of incredible weather and and relaxing on a lovely, big porch with my family!
Beautiful pictures! I’d love to go some day. It’s so cool that you got to explore Key West through Carnival cruise.
I have visited Florida numerous times but never ventured to Key West. The architecture is absolutely stunning!
You took some beautiful pictures.
This looks like it is a relaxing get away.
I love Key West, went on our Honeymoon. We had a blast. It has to be the most most laid back fun town I’ve ever visited.
This is so beautiful. Here I sit in cold NH and these photos make me want to run away to Key West!
It’s my dream to go to Key West and see Hemingway house. I have family close to The Keys so one of these days I need to make that happen.
Key West is one of my favorite places to visit in the whole world. So fun and eclectic and those buildings!
I haven’t been to Key West for years but went to many of the places you listed. I loved that they declared they had succeeded from the Union! It’s such a bohemian place.
I have lived close for a long time and never gone. I plan to go soon.
I’ve always wanted to visit key west, we have never done a cruise before but are thinking of trying one soon.
I was there a long time ago as a kid. I’d love to go back now!
It looks like they have such a laid back vibe there! I’d love to vacation there some day!
I’ve lived in Florida my whole life, and I’ve never been to Key West! Looks lovely!
Wow, those photos are amazing. I am putting Key West on my must see destinations!
What a lovely place to visit. The keylime colada looks so refreshing.
Key West sounds like a great place. Their houses looks great! Many people would love to stay here.
I’d love to head down to Key West at some point in my life. How wonderful. It looks just amazing, and it could be such a well needed trip!
Key West would be a great place to visit. I love the look of these houses.
The houses are my favorite! Those colors and the architecture make me so happy.
I have always loved Key West. It is so beautiful there and the people are so friendly. I would love to go there again.
Can you believe I was in Florida for many years and never once visited Key West? Such a shame. Lots of beautiful things to see there!
Wow! This looks like an amazing destination. I’ve been to most cities in Florida, but I’ve never been to Key West. I really need to remedy that and visit! 🙂
My goodness, that sounds like a beautiful Island to visit with my husband. The pictures are beautiful enough to tease you for a quick trip sometime sooner & I am sure you had a great time out there.
I’d love to spend time within the area – I think the place is truly wonderful and rejuvenating – perfect place to get a way from the usual routine.
Been to many areas of Florida but not Key West. Would love to go!!! Thanks for sharing all those great sites!
I’ve been to Key West as a child. I don’t remember too much. Gotta get back. It looks gorgeous!
What a beautiful place. I love all of the bright colors on the houses.
Wow I would really like to see Key West. Always seems so expensive though..
Traveling to the Keys is on my busket list. The historical houses are beautiful and I would love to walk around the area, taking in the history.
I haven’t been to Key West in years but it is beautiful. I want my fiance’ to get to see it.
I would love to visit Key West. The Audubon House looks so fun!