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.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
February 17, 2016 at 11:53 AMThis is on my travel bucket list. I have always wanted to go there
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
February 17, 2016 at 11:54 AMI would absolutely LOVE to stay in Key West for a week or two. I love the scenery, the lifestyle, and the architecture so much!
Monica says
February 17, 2016 at 3:55 PMThis is beautiful. You have me dreaming of incredible weather and and relaxing on a lovely, big porch with my family!
Liz Mays says
February 17, 2016 at 4:49 PMBeautiful pictures! I’d love to go some day. It’s so cool that you got to explore Key West through Carnival cruise.
Marcie W. says
February 17, 2016 at 6:59 PMI have visited Florida numerous times but never ventured to Key West. The architecture is absolutely stunning!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
February 17, 2016 at 7:44 PMYou took some beautiful pictures.
This looks like it is a relaxing get away.
Cindy says
February 17, 2016 at 7:59 PMI 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.
Brandy says
February 18, 2016 at 9:08 AMThis is so beautiful. Here I sit in cold NH and these photos make me want to run away to Key West!
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane says
February 18, 2016 at 2:30 PMIt’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.
Christie says
February 18, 2016 at 3:08 PMKey West is one of my favorite places to visit in the whole world. So fun and eclectic and those buildings!
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
February 18, 2016 at 8:56 PMI 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.
Rosey says
February 18, 2016 at 9:03 PMI have lived close for a long time and never gone. I plan to go soon.
Cynthia R says
February 19, 2016 at 9:50 AMI’ve always wanted to visit key west, we have never done a cruise before but are thinking of trying one soon.
Heather D. (@GirlGoneMom) says
February 19, 2016 at 10:46 AMI was there a long time ago as a kid. I’d love to go back now!
Theresa says
February 19, 2016 at 2:15 PMIt looks like they have such a laid back vibe there! I’d love to vacation there some day!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
February 19, 2016 at 3:36 PMI’ve lived in Florida my whole life, and I’ve never been to Key West! Looks lovely!
Amber NElson says
February 19, 2016 at 7:33 PMWow, those photos are amazing. I am putting Key West on my must see destinations!
OurFamilyWorld says
February 20, 2016 at 3:39 AMWhat a lovely place to visit. The keylime colada looks so refreshing.
Miles L. says
February 20, 2016 at 9:05 AMKey West sounds like a great place. Their houses looks great! Many people would love to stay here.
Jeanine says
February 20, 2016 at 10:30 AMI’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!
Ann Bacciaglia says
February 20, 2016 at 12:47 PMKey West would be a great place to visit. I love the look of these houses.
Paula Schuck says
May 9, 2016 at 3:40 PMThe houses are my favorite! Those colors and the architecture make me so happy.
Paula Schuck says
February 20, 2016 at 12:48 PMI have always loved Key West. It is so beautiful there and the people are so friendly. I would love to go there again.
Marielle Altenor says
February 20, 2016 at 6:42 PMCan 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!
Lisa Joy Thompson says
February 20, 2016 at 7:36 PMWow! 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! 🙂
Lisa Rios says
February 21, 2016 at 9:07 AMMy 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.
Aisha Kristine Chong says
March 9, 2016 at 4:19 AMI’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.
Tabitha says
April 5, 2016 at 10:03 PMBeen to many areas of Florida but not Key West. Would love to go!!! Thanks for sharing all those great sites!
Emily Endrizzi says
May 20, 2016 at 4:38 AMI’ve been to Key West as a child. I don’t remember too much. Gotta get back. It looks gorgeous!
Laura says
June 4, 2016 at 4:08 PMWhat a beautiful place. I love all of the bright colors on the houses.
Holly says
February 25, 2017 at 11:01 AMWow I would really like to see Key West. Always seems so expensive though..
Anne Marie Carter says
August 11, 2017 at 8:38 PMTraveling 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.
Dana Rodriguez says
February 6, 2018 at 1:42 PMI haven’t been to Key West in years but it is beautiful. I want my fiance’ to get to see it.
Tracie Cooper says
October 6, 2018 at 8:33 PMI would love to visit Key West. The Audubon House looks so fun!
Rosie says
September 10, 2019 at 1:52 PMWe haven’t been to Key West in ages, it would be fun to go again. Last time we brought a small sailing dink, it was a pain to bring, this time we could just rent something!
Sarah L says
September 30, 2019 at 3:08 AMI visited there several years ago. Did not do the Southern most point buoy, but did have some great sea food.