Key West Cemetery

Sitting 128 miles out to sea between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Key West, FL is a vacationer’s paradise.  While most this tiny tropical city for water sports and Duval Street, it’s worth exploring the lesser-known features that make this sub tropical island special.  For your Key West Florida vacation we recommend all the water sports, plus a day or two for the hidden gems of Key West.

After you’ve experienced world-clas salt water fishing, snorkeling, scuva diving or just lounging on the beach, here are a few ideas for getting to know the rest of Key West.  For starters, try a bicycle tour around the city.  Major points of view include the Key West Cemetery, Truman Annex, and other historical spots in Old Town that are best enjoyed by bicycle rather than tour trolley or car. 

Key West, FL actually has a fascinating history, much of which comes vis the healthy smuggling trade of days past.  Starting with rum in Colonial days, culminati with the  tawdry drug heyday of the 1970s and early 1980s, Key West has a colorful history of smuggling, pirating, and the break-off industry, wrecking.  Learn stories on your bicycle tour, or visit the Key West Shipwreck Historeum for starters.

Kids at Pier House's Private Beach

With history dating back to the 1800s, Key West has its share of historic architecture.  Staying in an historic inn is a great way to round out the complete Key West vacation.   What’s better after a day of water sports or trying the Duval Crawl, then to retreat to a resort that’s steeped in Key West history?  For the ultimate historic inn, try The Weather Station. 

This favorite amongst Key West resorts is located in Truman Annex, which was originally US Navy property.  Now, Truman Annex is a beautiful community of historic homes, white picket fences, and tree-lined streets.  As Key West resorts go, this is very traditional.  Location can’t be beat, but as far as a full service resort, it offers only rooms and concierge.  You won’t find attached services like a restaurant, spa, or other services.  You are steps from everything, though.

For full service Key West resorts, there are several on the waterfront in Old Town Key West.  Pier House is one of the best Key West resorts, with wedding services, spa, and other treats found within its walls.  Nearby and also on Front Street or near Mallory Square are Ocean House, The Westin, and The Hyatt.

One of the nicest Key West resorts is Casa Marina.  It’s located on the other side of the island, on the beach facing south.  Built to be the flagship hotel in Henry Flagler’s group of hotels down the Florida coast, this is the grand jewel in the railroad man’s grand tourism scheme for the Florida Keys.  Now owned by the Waldorf Astoria and fully renovated, it is once again a jewel.