The Southernmost Point Buoy of the Continental United States, Key Lime Pie, breathtaking sunsets, the End of US 1, and Hemingway's 6-toed cats may all be found in Key West. We traveled there via US 1 and the Overseas Highway and stayed for three days. Today, we're giving our suggestions for things to do in Key West.
In our previous essay, I talked about taking US 1 to get to Key West and mentioned how this particular trip served as the impetus for all we do at 48 No Interstate. We loaded up the car in 2009 for our first road trip together, which took us from Columbia, South Carolina, to the end of US 1. We had a terrific time driving through the farmlands of Georgia and along the Atlantic coastline of Florida to the Overseas Highway, which brought us to Key West. Read more about that journey here.
No matter how you get to Key West, there are a few things you should do while you're here to appreciate the tropical paradise:
1 – Photo Opportunities
There are many fantastic settings in Key West to take beautiful pictures, but there are two in particular that you shouldn't miss. You can leave your car at home because they are close to one another.
Mile 0
For photographic proof that you made it to the end when traveling to Key West via US 1 and the Overseas Highway, proceed all the way to the Mile 0 sign! (If you travel to Key West, the significance of this specific photo opportunity is minimal.)
The Southernmost Point
The second opportunity for pictures is at the southernmost point of the American continent, which is roughly 3/4 of a mile from the Mile 0 sign. There should be someone accessible to snap your picture since there is probably not much of a wait here.
2 – Eat
Try something new! At El Meson de Pepe near Mallory Square, we tasted Cuban food for the first time, and we both really liked it. I was startled by how many dishes on the menu sounded good because I usually keep to a small selection of foods while dining out. I finally decided on ropa vieja, which translates to “old clothing” in Spanish but is actually rather wonderful.
Since we traveled in late August, when the school had already begun in the South, we rarely ran into crowds. We discovered that Key West's busiest time is in the winter, and we were fortunate that many bars and restaurants were throwing out vouchers for free drinks or appetizers to get customers in.
3- Wander.
View the architecture while you stroll or ride a bike around. Key West has an intriguing blend of architectural styles, similar to many other historic coastal communities. Historical markers explain the significance of numerous structures, such as the Old City Hall, which was erected in 1890 following the destruction of the previous one (which was made of wood).
In Key West, you can also find fascinating tropical plants and flowers. Not every day do you see trees like this one!
4- Go to a Museum (or two!)
Shipwreck Museum
The exhibits in this museum, which is close to Mallory Square, were found in an 1856 shipwreck off the coast of Key West. It also boasts air conditioning, which is a pleasant break after a long day of riding or walking around the island.
For a birds-eye perspective of the island, you can also ascend to the top of the 65-foot-tall lookout tower located above the museum. For your convenience, the rails feature painted labels that identify the body of water you are facing.
Hemingway House
On Key West, Ernest Hemingway lived in a mansion that is open to tourists. You can take a tour of the mansion, stunning gardens, enormous pool, and collection of Hemingway's well-known 6-toed cats.
5 – Watch the sunset
On the island's northwest edge, Mallory Square offers a fantastic vantage point for watching the sunset. The sunsets were still quite beautiful as the last rays of light vanished over the horizon on both nights, even though we arrived a little late to the celebration after making the most of our beach time and getting cleaned up.
The square is home to a trolley stop, as well as stores, restaurants, and street entertainers.
6- Visit a Beach
The beaches in the Keys are not as expansive as those in other areas of Florida since they are coral islands. Although there is little sand present, the ground is rocky; water shoes or other foot protection is advised! Information on the beaches in Key West can be found here and here.
We rode our bikes to Fort Zach Taylor in the afternoons because it was the beach that was suggested to us. The mid-1800s military fortification at Fort Zach is also open to visitors as part of the park admission price.
Its location on the island's western side would also allow you to see a beautiful sunset (but since it closes at sunset, be ready to scoot when the park rangers come around).
Recommendation for accommodations
We enjoyed our stay at the Curry Mansion Inn, which is in Old Town and close to everything tourists to Key West could want to do. The mansion is a magnificent turn-of-the-century white Georgian Revival with a lovely front porch with a blue ceiling and an equally magnificent interior. We thoroughly enjoyed our first bed & breakfast experience, which we had here. I resisted wanting to go. The central pool, where a casual make-your-own cocktail hour with live music (piano, I believe) was held each evening, and the guest wing, where our room was located, are both visible from our window, which faces the pool.
The property's modest pool was constructed where a cistern once stood, although it was never busy when we were there.
