It’s Time to Plan Your Key West Vacation This 2020
Rebecca Bloomfield
When you’re thinking of island paradises, there’s a lot that immediately comes to mind: Boracay and Siargao in the Philippines, Maldives, Bora Bora, Bali in Indonesia, and many more. However, you should know that you don’t need to travel halfway across the globe to enjoy a gorgeous sunset and enliven yourself with an ecstatic nightlife. You’ll find one just at the tip of Florida, and it’s called Key West!
Key West is an island paradise in its own right. Located just about 165 miles from Miami, Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States, makes ambitious promises to vacationers, tourists, and locals. The island is home to one of the most beautiful sunsets in the country, a treasure trove full of historical and cultural influences, and a laid-back vibe that no one can ever resist.
The explosive nightlife on the island is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s more to it than the exciting beach parties and raves. The island is overflowing with historical and cultural flavor — from famous people like Ernest Hemingway calling it his home to Afro-Caribbean and Spanish cuisines — Key West is truly an island of adventure, wisdom, and most importantly, fun!
Whatever your interest may be, there is always something that you can do in Key West. If you are planning a trip to this island after this whole pandemic is over, we have come up with a simple guide to help you plan an awesome, bohemian-themed vacation in Key West.
How to Get to Key West
Key West is a marvelous place to visit when you want to relax. It caters to a wide range of interests; whatever your vibe is, there’s an adventure waiting for you. The good thing is that unlike other islands in South East Asia, getting to the island is very easy.
Depending on your schedule, there are different transportation options you can choose from. If you have enough time to drive around, a road trip is a good idea when visiting this place. You’ll see a lot of scenic places and activities on your way to the island, and it’s always worth it. However, if you don’t have much time on your hands, you can always opt to fly in. You can also take a bus from Miami to Key West, which takes about four hours and costs around $40.
Must-Dos in Key West
There’s a long list of must-dos in Key West, but there are some that you definitely should not miss. Here are five of the things you MUST do when you visit the island. You can thank us later!
Visit the Historical Sites in Key West on Foot
There is no experience that is more immersive than the ones you do on foot. Exploring the entire area while walking will give you the chance to see the beautiful Caribbean architecture that decorates the island’s landscape. Some unique houses and buildings are made of coral rocks or salvaged ship boards — all of which are ideal for a great travel IG post!
The island is also home to a number of historical sites that will reconnect you to the past. By taking a simple stroll around Old Town, you can visit the Harry S. Truman Little White House, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Key West Lighthouse. Visiting these historical sites will expose you to the colorful tapestry that blankets the island’s cultural heritage, which is always a great idea.
For those of you who are not comfortable with walking, renting a bike to cruise around the island is an excellent alternative.
Cruise the Open Water at Sunset
This place is beautiful during the day. However, the peak of the island’s beauty happens during the sunset. It’s never a bad idea to charter a small boat and cruise around the open water while witnessing one of the most picturesque sunsets in America. The spectacle that is a Key West sunset is priceless, and you should never pass on this one. It’s a MUST!
Explore the Heart of the City: Duval Street
Did we mention that the nightlife is ecstatic in Key West? Well, we’re not done yet. Like many other tourist cities around the world, the place has its famous road filled with art galleries, outdoor cafes, inviting bars, and a large number of curious travelers. Traversing the entire street which stretches out from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point can be a little crazy — especially at night when everyone is up and party-ready.
Taste Fresh Lobster at Key West LobsterFest
You cannot leave this place without having a lobster meal. You just can’t. So if you are planning to go to the island, it is probably better if you schedule your trip in and around the dates of the annual Key West LobsterFest. Every August, the streets of Key West come to life with great seafood, free concerts, and some of the biggest summer parties.
Enjoy the Beach and Dive Deep Into the Sea
No Key West adventure is complete without enjoying what the water has to offer. The beaches on the island are stunning and enjoyable. Smathers Beach is the most famous one, and it’s a place where you can relax under the sun, eat delicious meals, or enjoy several water activities.
Snorkeling is also very popular on the island. A trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park will let you know what the Key West snorkeling experience is really about. Dry Tortugas National Park stretches up to 100-square miles and consists of seven islands. It is blessed with pristine water that is so clear you can snorkel through the live coral reef and old underwater ruins.
Other water activities you can try in Key West include parasailing, yacht cruises, SCUBA diving, and many more!
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for places to visit, there is nothing in Key West that you should avoid. The laid-back ambiance of the island is nothing but inviting, and the enraptured cultural immersion that you can experience will surely mark in your memories forever. Now you have a MUST-DO list; it’s time to book that flight and head over to Florida for this one-of-a-kind destination.
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