WHAT TO DO
Although watersports are Key West ’ s calling card , it ’ s best to start on land . Walking tours of the city ’ s historic homes , courtyards and City Cemetery are great ways to get an overview of Key West architecture and culture — largely inspired by the nearby islands of Bahamas and Cuba . If you prefer to go at your own pace , this small , four-mile-long island is a breeze to traverse . There are regular public buses , trolleys , pedi-cabs , tour trains and hotel shuttles to hop and walking and biking is also easy .
Start with the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum , with its famous six-toed cats and then make your way to the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory to be surrounded by 60 species of butterflies and colorful birds . Visit the Harry S . Truman Little White House for a glimpse of how Truman and other presidents vacationed .
Board a boat tour for snorkeling , sailing , fishing , or dolphin watching and then stop by Zachary Taylor Historic State Park for sunbathing , more snorkeling and a tour of the 19th-century fort .
A stroll down Duval Street is a Key West necessity . This is where most bars , art galleries , restaurants and souvenir shops are located . Soak up live music at Sloppy Joe ’ s Bar ( a Hemingway favorite ) and people-watch along this rowdy mile-long strip . Although it ’ s located on Simonton Street and not Duval , don ’ t miss a tour and free tastings of the first legal rum produced on the island at Key West First Legal Rum Distillery . Annual festivals include the Key Lime Festival in June , Hemingway Days in July , Lobsterfest in August and the Goombay Fest honoring Bahamian culture in October .
WHERE TO EAT
Famous for seafood and key limes , Key West cuisine is fresh and mostly locally grown . Start with Kermit ’ s Key West Key Lime Shoppe and gorge yourself on key lime pies , bars , cookies and candy . Visit the Lobster Shack Key West for the most delectable lobster rolls , as well as creative takes like lobster “ BLT ’’ roll , and lobster grilled cheese . Going back in time to the First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery , housed in the building where Pan American World Airways was launched in 1927 , the island menu serves fish tacos , flatbreads , and entrees like Caribbean pork . Stop by Southernmost Beach Cafe for the ultimate Key West experience ; crystalline water views and the signature drunken scallops .
GETTING THERE
Reagan National Airport ( DCA ) offers nonstop flights on American Airlines into Key West International Airport ( EYW ). United Airlines also offers seasonal nonstop flights from Dulles International Airport ( IAD ) into EYW . A taxi is the quickest way into Key West from the airport although shared rides and airport shuttles are available .
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