1. Treading on Americas Conch Republic Visiting Key West
2. US Navy helicopters in formation above Key West Key West is
one of the most popular destinations in Florida, despite being
quite far off the coast. It is the southernmost city in continental
United States.
3. Fun Facts Key West is 132 miles away from Miami, Florida.
and106 miles away from Havana, Cuba. It is a strategic location for
the US military in the Carribbean. It was once owned by the
Spanish. It was first called Thompsons Island by Commander Matthew
Perry, who claimed it for the USA in 1822. Key West was once the
wealthiest and largest city in Florida. President Truman stayed and
governed the country for 175 days in Key West. Numerous presidents
have visited Key West, like JFK and Jimmy Carter.
4. Key West: A Premiere Tourist Destination The city is known
for its Caribbean vibe, historical significance and its numerous
must-visit places.
5. Traveling to the Conch Republic Since it can take numerous
hours to travel from the mainland to Key West via the Overseas
Highway, it is recommended to take seaplane charter flight to get
there.
6. Key Wests Tourist Destinations (aside from the beaches)
7. Harry S. Truman Little White House Originally built as
officers quarters, the house became a temporary home for Harry S.
Truman for 175 days. Nowadays, it is both a museum and a place for
former and current presidents to reside and relax in.
8. South Street and Whitehead Street Buoy One of the main
attractions of the city is a replica of a buoy a monument marking
the southernmost tip of the United States. Its not exactly accurate
as there are other more southern places. Regardless, it is one of
the citys most visited attractions. Photo credit: Stefan
Kokemller
9. Old Town Key West More prominently called as the Key West
Historic District, this area contains structures dated from the
late 19th century to the early 20th. It encompasses key areas like
the Mallory Square, Duval Street, Key West Museum of Art and
History and Fort Zachary Taylor. Photo by Matt Wade.
10. Audubon House and Tropical Gardens Located at Whitehead
street, this antique house contains the works of renowned
ornithologist John James Audubon, who sighted 18 new species of
birds in the area. People believe that most of his drawings and
paintings were drawn in the lush gardens surrounding the area. It
contains antique furniture and numerous orchids and herbs.
11. Ernest Hemingway House Designated as a US Historic
Landmark, this house once served as the residence of renowned
Nobel-prize author Ernest Hemingway from 1931-39. He wrote some of
his best short stories in the house, including The Snows of
Kilimajaro and The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber. The place
features his writing desk and the descendants of his polydactyl
cat, Snowball.
12. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Located at Duval
Street, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory hosts 50-60
different butterfly species in a controlled environment. If you
want to get close and personal with these beautiful insects, this
is the best place to be in. Photo by Joe Parks