Things to do in Historic Key West Florida

... by Linda Y. Walters

​When it comes to having a great time, Key West, a city founded back in 1822, is an incredible mixture of excitement, sea faring exploration and most of all, one's own imagination. There's no shortage of local bars and legendary haunts to "drop in on" on any given day. Just don't try to do them all at once!

Duval Street, a hub of activity, has long been the center of  Key West  night life. You might want to visit The Bull, Sloppy Joe's Bar, or The Whistle Bar which has a clothing optional mantra. Captain Tony's (known for its bar stools which hang upside down from the ceiling) was also reportedly the favorite afternoon haunt of the Pulitzer and Nobel prize winning author, Ernest Hemingway.   Many world reknowned persons including Tennessee Williams, former President Harry Truman and the legendary ocean treasure hunter, Mel Fisher, have contributed to the undeniable lure and history of this tiny island just 90 miles off the coast of Cuba.

Fisher's haul of buried treasure, which reportedly took him 16 years to eventually find, tragically cost him the loss of his son and daughter in law. After finding the 1622 wreck of the Spanish ship Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon, Fisher cashed in on years of determined treasure hunting. 

Fort Zachary Taylor is a Florida State Park

​During the Civil War, Key West flew the Confederate flag and Fort Zachary Taylor played a significant role in helping protect the coastline. Munitions were moved by the railroad tracks located there.

Prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis, ferries and trade between Key West and Havana were a common daily occurrence. Visit Zachary Taylor Fort for an exciting look at Key West's historical past.

With local haunts like Blue Heaven, Smokin Tuna, and a liquor store named "The Lost Weekend," Key West's significant cultural allure remains in place. Even John F Kennedy is said to have visited Captain Tony's, still known for the distinction of offering its visitors the opportunity to flip coins into the mouths of groupers. Recently renovated, this undeniable landmark reopened in early November of 2016.

Yacht charters are an everyday occurence in Key West and Floridays Yacht Charters has earned high marks for its  appeal, convenience and expertise on the water. Whether its a champagne sunset cruise, a private charter for a wedding party, or an afternoon snorkeling expedition, this is a sailing experience to be remembered. Check the website at: floridays.org or call 888 773 5455

Visit Floridays website

Mallory Square, located just a short walk off Duval Street, offers a popular stretch of beach which comes alive daily with a celebration of entertaining street performers and crafts vendors. There's also the undeniable allure of the amazing daily sunset. Thousands gather nightly to witness the splendor of watching as the sun seems to meld with the vastness of the ocean. Cameras poised, its a nightly celebration aptly named "the Sunset Walk".

For general sightseeing around Key West, try Hydrothunder Rentals which has a large fleet of individual rental bikes and scooters for use.

They also have motorized cars, golf carts, jetskis and other "toys" and transportation.

Reach them at 305 295 7000.

Key West generally has something for everyone whether its the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Audubon House, the Conch Tour Train, watersports, the Key West Aquarium, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, or the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. 

General admission fees apply to most of the attractions so, please, do your homework. Visit KeyWestAttractions.org 
​or call 305 293 7249.

Stay at the Hyatt Centric

The new Hyatt Centric Resort & Spa  is right in the heart of the old town, with it's own beach and within walking distance of all the fun!

​For more information, check out Linda Walters review of this exiciting new resort right here.

#KeyWest #Hyatt #LindaWalters