| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Key West Photo of the Day: Cuban Tree Frog & Orchid

David Dlugitch — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 22:00:11 +0000

A vanda orchid bloom provides a dramatic hammock for one of Key West’s curious creatures, the Cuban Tree Frog.

Lush and tropical Key West yields many surprises, especially if you give a close look. Here, a resident Cuban Tree Frog makes a bed in a vanda orchid. Cuban Tree Frogs are nocturnal, and during a rainstorm in Key West, their croaking can be heard but they are infrequently seen.

Key West Photo of the Day: Sunset Pier’s Selfiemost Point

David Dlugitch — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:57:30 +0000

Sunset’s glow provided a picture-perfect view of Key West harbor and Ocean Key House’s signpost

With music playing on the pier, boats of all shapes and sizes cruising by, and a spectacular sunset, the Sunset Pier at the Ocean Key House has grown into one of Key West’s best places to toast another perfect day on the island. Pictured here is their signpost detailing just how far you’ve made it from home. And, it is their self-described “selfiemost point,” which we concur is packed with cellphones capturing a favorite vacation moment. In the background is Sunset Key, the small island across from Key West, and home to private residences, rental cottages, and a gourmet restaurant.

Key West Photo of the Day: View from Fort Jefferson, Moat Wall & Turquoise Sea

David Dlugitch — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:55:23 +0000

A deteriorating brick wall at Fort Jefferson provides an alluring view of the sea

Completed in 1875 after thirty years of construction, Fort Jefferson saw little actual use while acting as a necessary defense of the early United States. Years of humid salt air, hurricanes, and intense sun have resulted in decay to the brickwork, but restoration efforts have managed to stabilize much of the structure. Today, Fort Jefferson is regarded as one of the most scenic and unusual National Parks in the country.

Key West Photo of the Day: Southernmost Point Marker

David Dlugitch — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:53:04 +0000

The Southernmost Point marker in Key West is the most popular selfie spot on the island.

A visit to Key West is not complete without a photo in front of the Southernmost Point marker. Located at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street, this “buoy” designates Key West as the southernmost point in the continental United States. Interesting note: the true southernmost point on the island is a couple blocks away, but the marker was located here to better manage the photo-seeking crowds.

Key West Photo of the Day: Perfect Beach Day at Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park

David Dlugitch — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:51:18 +0000

The beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park showing off its many hues of blue and green.

Key West may be a coral island, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have excellent beaches. For example, this view of the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is picture perfect – with its warm & clear ocean for snorkeling, chaise lounge chairs and umbrellas, and a completely relaxing Keys atmosphere.
Pro tip: this beach is a mixture of coral rock and sand – so bring a pair of flip flops or water shoes to protect your tender feet.

Key West Photo of the Day: Chicken Goes to the Beach

David Dlugitch — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:49:43 +0000

A photo that is SOOOO Key West: beaches & chickens!

Everyone loves a day at the beach, and Key West chickens are no exception. A bantam rooster, pictured here, was spotted at Higgs Beach next to the Casa Marina. Free-roaming chickens are common in Key West and are an often humorous part of island life.

Key West Photo of the Day: Sunset Key Beach Cottages

David Dlugitch — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:47:42 +0000

From Navy dredging to luxury development, Sunset Key has today become a tantalizing vista seen in travel magazines.

A short boat ride across the Key West harbor lies Sunset Key, a tiny island originally created by the US Navy while dredging the harbor. For decades the island was known as Tank Island, for the large water storage tanks the Navy erected upon it. Decades later the land was sold to a developer and it was transformed into Sunset Key, with luxury homes, rental cottages, and a beachfront restaurant. Little known fact: the last scene of the movie Office Space, when Milton is on the beach, was filmed at this location.

Key West Photo of the Day: Palm Tree Silhouette at Sunset

David Dlugitch — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:41:36 +0000

A mango sunset and shadowed palm trees reveal a timeless view of Old Town Key West.

Coconut palm trees are seen in graphic silhouette above a historic roof and against the setting sun in Old Town.

Key West Photo of the Day: Stealthy Cat Artist Strikes in Old Town

David Dlugitch — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:40:07 +0000

Cats and art: two of Key West’s favorite characteristics combine in this surreal piece of street art that has mysteriously appeared in Old Town.

Key West has long been a cat town. We used to say, if you want a cat, put out a bowl of food and you’ll have two! Cats have been companion to Key West’s numerous resident artists and writers, most famously Ernest Hemingway and his six-toed “polydactyls.” The cat pictured here has mysteriously appeared adjacent to the cemetery, and displays Key West’s creative quirkiness while giving a nod to a favorite island companion.

Key West Photo of the Day: Remote Island Beach

David Dlugitch — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:38:34 +0000

This pristine backcountry beach, a locals favorite, is reached only by boat and is located 12 miles west of Key West.

When local Key West residents get on their boats and head out to their favorite places, this “backcountry” beach is at the top of their list. Located 12 miles west of Key West on the island of Boca Grande, this remote beach is one of the finest sand beaches in the Key West area. With deep and calm water adjacent to shore, boats are able to beach themselves on the sand, allowing their passengers to hop out onto the picturesque beach. This photo shows a somewhat rare moment with no boats around.