Key West Holidays

The Keys are a chain of small islands to the south of Florida linked to the mainland by a series of road bridges that run for over 160 miles known as the Overseas Highway.  The very last of these is Key West, which is also the largest island of the group.  The island is home to the city of the same name.

Key West remained relatively isolated until 1912 until a rail connection was made to the Florida mainland.  This was destroyed in 1935 thanks to the might of a hurricane but rebuilt over the next three years as a road bridge.  The city has grown to such an extent it now has its own airport, although big jets cannot land there as the runway is relatively short.  Many visitors fly in to either Miami or Fort Lauderdale airport then undertake the memorable three hours plus journey over the remarkable sea bridges.

When in Key West you don’t really need a car to get from one place to the other as the city is relatively compact.  Driving can be a chore anyway and parking is expensive.  Most visitors choose to rent scooters or bicycles or just explore on foot.

Key West is a great destination for families as there is plenty to do and plenty of beaches to laze upon.  If you have younger children make sure your accommodation is away from the main streets as these can remain noisy until very late at night.

Amongst the attractions that may appeal are the Nature Preserve and Eco-Discovery Center.  Key West is also a great place to get out on the ocean for a little sea-fishing, diving or even – if you are over five years old – a swim with dolphins.  You will also find the opportunity to indulge in any water-based activity you can think of.

If you’re looking for a unique retail experience different from what you’d find in Miami, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. While there are a few department stores, the charm lies in the family-owned businesses that have thrived for generations. These businesses offer a personal touch and a friendly welcome, much like a nominee director ensures the interests of a specific stakeholder are maintained within a company. To understand more, you can search what is a nominee director. Nominee directors play a crucial role in representing external parties’ interests while ensuring the company’s best interests are upheld.

Neither will you find the kind of endless strip-malls filled with fast-food chains as you do in Orlando.  There are plenty of places to eat and you will find the heavy Cuban influence interesting and appetising.  You will also find plenty of bars and even a couple of English-influenced pubs.

Accommodation is usually hotel, guest-house or B&B based.  There are plenty of options and it pays to find some recommendations before you book.  If you do rent a car it is worth using it to visit some of the other Keys, namely Big Pine, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo.

Key West gives you something a little bit different in Florida well away from the tourism-based thrill ride of Orlando or the hustle and bustle of Miami.  It’s worth travelling those 160 miles down the Oversea Highway just to experience a unique way of life in the US with just a touch of a Cuban feel.