If you are considering vacation destinations in the United States, then you have probably heard about Key West. Situated in South Florida, Key West is at the southernmost tip of continental United States. It is located 160 miles south of Miami. But is Key West worth visiting? Yes, it is. As far as fun vacation destinations go, there are plenty of reasons to visit Key West.
Here’s a quick rundown of all the reasons you should consider vacationing in Key West and how you can find a great vacation home in Key West.
5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Key West
Key West is a paradise that regularly attracts tourists looking to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. With beautiful sunsets and yummy food, planning a vacation in Key West is a great way to blow off some steam. If you end up visiting Key West, here’s what you can expect to find:
1. It Has the Most Beautiful Beaches
The beaches in Key West are nothing short of stunning. If you love soaking up the sun, being one with the waves, and relaxing while your partner rubs sunscreen on you, then book a vacation home in Key West today.
Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson, for instance, is a hidden gem that is home to the most beautiful beach in Florida. It is pristine and offers a great view of Fort Jefferson, the ancient Civil War fortress. You can also enjoy snorkeling and explore a beautiful reef teeming with various kinds of fish.
2. It Is Home to a Beautiful Conservatory and Eco-Discovery Centre
If you love nature but also need a break from the beach, then you can always head over to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. The conservatory houses over 50 to 60 species of butterfly and 20 species of exotic birds. They are placed in a climate-controlled habitat enclosed in glass.
The conservatory is a tropical paradise. You can even take a walk surrounded by butterflies and be immediately transported to a different world!
The conservatory also has a Learning Centre where you can learn more about the birds and butterflies that live there and get some brain food.
Besides the conservatory, you can pay a visit to the Florida Key Eco-Discovery Centre. A natural history museum, the Centre has numerous interactive exhibits spread across 6,000 square feet! If you and your kids love learning about marine life, then the Centre is one of the best places to visit when you are in Key West. There are also exhibits of various native plants and animals found in Key West.
3. It Has a Lot of Rich History
If you love history, then Key West has a lot to offer on this front too. Folks who are planning to visit Key West can book a trip to the infamous Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park.
The state park is spread across 54 acres and is a national historic landmark. You can take a detour of Fort Zachary Taylor here and see canons and other Civil War artifacts. The Fort was completed in 1866. It rises more than 50 feet above the shoreline and helped deter Confederacy ships. It was also used as a stronghold against Spanish forces in the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Besides the fort, the State Park also has ample space to arrange a barbecue. It is also close to Smathers Beach.
History lovers can also pay a visit to Martello Tower. This tower was also built during the Civil War. It was never actually used during battle but is still an interesting historical site. You can also head over to Higgs Beach when you are done since it’s nearby.
4. Ernest Hemingway Lived There
If you are a book nerd, then a trip to Key West will be right up your alley. The city was home to Ernest Hemingway, one of the most prolific American writers in recent times. His Spanish colonial house is a major tourist attraction for those visiting the city. He lived there for more than ten years.
The house and the garden are open to visitors. You can take a house and museum tour and see Hemingway’s personal artifacts up close. Booklovers and writers can also check out Hemingway’s writing studio. They can sign up for the Hemingway Home Evening Writing experience to create their own masterpieces in the same place that Hemingway did.
5. There Is Plenty of Great Food
Food lovers will love Key West for the wide selection of cuisines available to them. The city is home to some of the best restaurants. These include the infamous Ingrid’s Key West Kitchen, Kaya Island Eats, Blue Heaven, and more. From Italian and Mexican to Jamaican, Korean, and Middle Eastern food, Key West has plenty to offer.
You can take your pick between fresh pasta, black Angus beef, tacos, or shrimp and tantalize your tastebuds while you enjoy a beautiful view of the sea. The best part? You will never run out of options. No matter where you are, there is always a great restaurant around the corner.
Find The Best Vacation Home in Key West Today
From parks, museums, and conservatories to Civil War monuments and beautiful beaches, Key West has something for everyone. It is easily one of the best places to visit while on vacation.
Are you ready to make Key West your next vacation destination? Then you’ll need a great place to stay. Finding the best accommodations can be hard though and you never know what you’ll get once you land there.