Key West vacation planning starts here

Key West is the last Florida Key linked by the Overseas Highway. This small island paradise has been host to spongers and wreckers, drug runners, fisherman, and even the United States Navy. Over the years, Key West has evolved into a wealthy little tourist town. The island spans only two by four miles and has a population of approximately 27,000 full time residents.

Key West is home to many tropical island resorts, hotels and bed and breakfasts to accommodate our winter visitors. During the season from January through June, these Key West hotels and accommodations are mostly filled with vacationers. In addition to Key West hotels ; vacation rentals and campgrounds also house tourists who are seeking a warm, island getaway.

Interactive Map of Key West

Virtual Tours of Key West

The Key West calendar of events is filled with festivals, fishing tournaments, and yearly arts and entertainment. Other group events dot the calendar for conventions for Parrotheads, Power Boat Races, a nautical regatta, Pride Week, and of course one of the biggest festival events, Fantasy Fest. You'll have plenty to do on your Key West vacation.

The azure blue waters that surround Key West and the Lower Florida Keys have much to offer for SCUBA divers, snorkelers and fishermen. There is no other place in the country where you can see so many species of marine life in one place. Wrecks and reefs, both artificial and natural coral, are home to hundreds of species of tropical and game fish. Whether you choose to go snorkeling on a catamaran or take a night dive on a wreck, you will be amazed at the sea life in Key West.

Key West fishing holds many angling opportunities. The waters just north of the Lower Keys are shallow and hold tarpon, bonefish, permit, shark and barracuda. Fly fishermen from all over the world come to the Florida Keys to saltwater fly fish. Wreck and reef fishing is very productive in the waters around Key West. Snapper, grouper, cobia and kingfish make for a great catch for dinner. Some Key West restaurants will even cook your catch for you. Nothing better than the freshest seafood.

Key West has many great attractions for visitors of all ages, from the Ernest Hemingway Museum to the Key West Aquarium. Key West even has a ghost tour that takes visitors on a walking tour through Old Town and highlights all the haunted homes.

Key West real estate has traditionally been a great investment. The land value in the Florida Keys has been stable and rising for decades. The influx of investors who are buying real estate in Key West has grown a great deal. Many older, historic homes in need of restoration are being purchased, renovated and often restored to reveal their original splendor.

Key West is also commonly known as the Conch Republic. Conch (pronounced konk) is a snail-like animal that lives in a beautiful shell. They are no longer harvested here in the Keys, but you can certainly find some of the best Conch Fritters you've ever tasted here in Key West. Each April, Key West celebrates Conch Republic Days to commemorate our succession from the Union in 1982.

We invite you to use the resources at FloridaKeys.com to plan your next Key West vacation.