People come in all different shapes and sizes, as do travelers. Some are lazy, some are stressed out, and some are as lively and spirited as possible. I fit into the last category. When I go on a trip, I want to see everything and do everything imaginable… just sitting on the beach is for losers.
If your like me, here are 9 reasons why Key West should be your next destination..
1. The Scubadiving
If your a diver, then you know that Key West is one of the best diving destinations in the US. Not to mention, the NSNS Vandenberg was recently sunk for the purpose of diving on it. The wreck is now the second largest ship in the world ever purposely sunk to become an artificial reef. You can dive this wreck 100 times and still not see the entire ship.
2. The Snorkeling
Don’t have your diving license? The 3rd largest living coral reef in the world is located just off the Florida Keys. The reef is filled with tropical fish, coral, reef sharks, dolphins, turtles and much more. This is the brightest and most colorful reef I have ever snorkeled on.
3. Deep Sea Fishing
You’ll notice while your strolling past the Key West Marina, that these people take their fishing seriously. Even if your not an experienced fisherman, deep sea fishing can be a lot of fun. The best part is you get to eat what you catch in the end! Plenty of restaurants in Key West will cook up the fish for you at the end of the day for very reasonable prices.
4. Smathers Beach
I know I said laying on the beach is for losers, but we won’t be doing any laying. Most people complain that Smathers beach is packed with too much seaweed to enjoy. However, once you make it past that, the beach is un groomed and you can see lobsters, coral, blowfish and some other small marine life just by stepping off of the beach.
5. El Siboney Cuban Food
Forget the tourist trap restaurants on Duval Street, eat like the locals at El Siboney. Most recognized by it’s hole in the wall appearance and the large crowd of people outside, El Siboney offers authentic cuban food at outstanding prices. You cannot miss out on this place if you are visiting Key West.
6. Duval Street
A strip of bars, stores and restaurants that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Duval Street as a Bourbon Street sort of feel, you can easily spend your whole night (or your whole wallet) here.
7. Sunset Celebration
The Sunset Celebration is a nightly arts festival at Mallory Square Dock, consisting of art, street performers, food cars, psychics, and thousands of tourists from around the world. Every night, two hours before sunset, tons of people flock to the water’s edge to experience a multicultural happening and to watch the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico.
8. Getting There
Reaching Key West requires you to take the Overseas Highway, a series of bridges connecting the Florida Keys surrounded by pure blue water. This is a drive you would like to stay up for. (Read about our 3 Favorite Highways to stay awake for here).
What destinations would you recommend for the vivacious traveler?
You make me so homesick with this post. I can just taste the home cooking at El Siboney on Caroline street, I knew the owners. Sandys cafe always had amazing Cubans as well a Boochi.
Smathers is stinky, they do groom it once a day with a tractor at sunrise for the tourists. The best beach in key west is Fort Zach. My friend marks (circus ridiculous) brother is captured in your street performer video. Mark was the one on the ladder with the knives. I have had dinner with Dominic (think about a guy with lots of cats) and I miss Duval st, but not to much
You make me shed a tear for the things from my island home. I long to go back someday, I know the palm trees and sunsets will be waiting! After all we all have one “las Flight Out” If you do not know the reference look it up, its a local thing from Cayo Houso (Key West!)
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jay, thanks for commenting! I also get homesick reading this post (although I never even lived there?) Key West is an amazing place. What a coincidence that I have a video of someone you actually know, small world! I’ve been to Key West a couple times, and am always discovering new things to do there. Last time I dived the Vandenberg wreck which was one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced. Apparently you can dive on it 50 times and still not see everything, so I need to plan another trip!
PS. just thinking of El Siboney is making me drool