Key West, Florida
The Keys To The Seas.
Lat. 24.555059 | Long. -81.779984
Monroe County
“The Conch Republic”
Key West (Spanish: Cayo Hueso) is an island in the Straits of Florida, within the U.S. state of Florida. Together with all or parts of the separate islands of Dredgers Key, Fleming Key, Sunset Key, and the northern part of Stock Island, it constitutes the City of Key West.
The Conch Republic.
Key Facts…
1. It momentarily seceded from the United States in 1982.
The so-called Conch Republic was established in response to the US Border Patrol setting up roadblocks that caused terrible traffic jams. Residents protested and the island’s “sovereign state of mind” became almost tangible. You’ll see the famous Conch Republic flag around the island, marked with a large conch. The motto? “We Seceded Where Others Failed.”
9 Other Things To Know About Key West…
2. It was Originally Called “Bone Island”
Spanish settlers referred to the island as “Cayo Hueso” – which roughly translates to Bone Island – and it wasn’t on accident [funny on a couple of levels]. Apparently the Spaniards were surprised by the sheer number of scattered bones around the island.
3. It Has the Most Bartenders Per Capita in the Nation
If you’re thirsty, you’re in good hands. In 2015, an analysis conducted by the website CareerBuilder found that the city had the highest concentration of bartenders in the US at 13.3 per 1,000 residents.
4. Temps Have Never Dipped Below 41 Degrees
What can we say? Our iguanas like it warm. Plus, paradise should have average winter temps in the 70s.
5. Pan American Airways Was Founded Here
That’s right - Pan American World Airways was founded on the humble southernmost island. Its first flight to Cuba was in 1927 and the company only took off from there.
6. Locals are called “Conchs”
Key West-born locals are “conchs,” and those who are locals but were born elsewhere are referred to as “fresh-water conchs.”
7. The Island’s Roosters and Hens Caused a “Chicken War”
Roosters and hens have roamed the islands since the 1800s, when Cubans and Bahamians brought over the fowl for food and cockfighting tournaments. When the sport was outlawed in the 1970s, roosters and hens had nothing to do except graze and multiply.
8. It’s Closer to Havana than it is to Miami
Cuba may be a world apart, but it’s roughly 90 miles from Key West. Miami is approximately 160.
9. The New Year is Marked with a Conch Shell Drop
The iconic Sloppy Joe’s Bar hosts a New Year staple by dropping a giant conch from its roof every year. Revelers join together on Duval Street at midnight to ring in the new year in perfect Key West fashion.
10. It’s home to the smallest parade in the universe
What’s more over-the-top than something so unnecessarily miniature? As part of Fantasy Fest, the whimsical smallest parade takes place in a theater. The mini procession of tiny floats make their way down a miniature Duval Street.
U.S. Route 1 Down To Zero.
Key West is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States and the westernmost island connected by highway in the Florida Keys.
Duval Street, its main street, is 1.1 miles (1.8 km) in length in its 14-block-long crossing from the Gulf of Mexico to the Straits of Florida and the Atlantic Ocean.
Key West is the southern terminus of U.S. Route 1, State Road A1A, the East Coast Greenway and, before 1935, the Florida East Coast Railway.
Key West is a port of call for many passenger cruise ships. The Key West International Airport provides airline service. Naval Air Station Key West is an important year-round training site for naval aviation due to the tropical weather, which is also the reason Key West was chosen as the site of President Harry S. Truman's Winter White House.
The central business district is located along Duval Street and includes much of the northwestern corner of the island.
Quintessential
Tucked in Historic Old Town on Key West’s serene Atlantic Coast lies an oasis in the middle of the party. Choose between two distinct options for your stay: The Southernmost Beach Resort or The Guest Houses at Southernmost Beach Resort. Both options are just a short walk from Duval Street’s eclectic shops, famed nightlife, and signature architecture
A stay at the newly renovated Southernmost Beach Resort combines modern luxury with tradition offering lush gardens, endless sea views, and sandy beaches. Or choose The Guest Houses for a perfect blend of history and contemporary coastal décor, with The Avalon built in 1885 and Duval Gardens dating back to 1920. Also available is La Mer and Dewey House, which offers elegant turn-of-the-century Victorian luxury blended with a charming bed and breakfast experience.
Winslow’s Bungalows
Downright Cool.
Casa Marina
Private Beach.
The Perry Hotel
And Marina.
Sunset Key Cottages
Private Island Off Key West.
MORE THAN A BOUTIQUE
A collection of sustainable and eco-conscious Key West boutiques, including a wellness café on upper Duval Street in Key West.
Flying Fish Charters is owned and operated by Capt. Jamie Connell. He grew up working as a mate on head boats and charters boats in the Northeast. Capt. Jamie moved to the Florida Keys in his early twenties to pursue a career as a guide. He spent a couple years running light tackle and offshore boats out of Key West, before accepting a job on St. John in the Virgin Islands. He guided there for 2 years, targeting Marlin, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and other species. Capt. Jamie moved back to the Keys to establish Flying Fish Charters so he can offer the best experience to anglers pursuing gamefish on fly or light tackle.