Life in the Southernmost City

One visit is all it takes to realize that Key West is unlike any other place on Earth. The city’s official motto is “One Human Family” and indeed, you’ll find an eclectic mix of people and cultures residing peacefully on this 7 square mile island. Geographically closer to Cuba than Miami, Key West is the southernmost city in the Continental United States. The island’s natural beauty and tropical weather attract all types of visitors, many who decide to become residents after experiencing the abundance of maritime activities and the lively local culture.

For centuries, Key West was only accessible by boat and remained relatively isolated, allowing the local “Conch Culture” to flourish. This all changed in the early 20th century when Henry Flagler completed his ambitious Overseas Railroad Project and the first passenger train steamed into Key West on January 22, 1912. Thousands of people made the remarkable train journey through the Florida Keys until the extension of U.S. Highway 1 was completed in 1938. Since then, visitors have been driving from the Florida mainland along the Overseas Highway straight to “the end of the road” at Mile Marker Zero in Key West. Nowadays, the island is also a favorite destination for cruise ships, and the Key West International Airport provides a hub for passengers arriving from all over the world.

This tiny slice of paradise truly has something for everyone. History buffs will enjoy visiting President Truman’s Little White House and other historic buildings nestled among the lush landscaping of the Truman Annex. Hemingway fans can follow in Papa’s footsteps by touring the Hemingway House and visiting his favorite watering hole, Sloppy Joe’s. “Parrot Heads” can’t pass up a trip to the original Margaritaville or Captain Tony’s Saloon, where Jimmy Buffett got his start in Key West. The world famous Duval Street offers shopping, dining, and a variety of bars where local musicians play live music throughout the day and into the early hours of the morning.

Key West offers plenty of fun on land, but to really experience all it has to offer, it’s necessary to get out on the water. There are plenty of marinas or canal side homes if you have your own boat, or you can join one of the many chartered fishing tours for an unforgettable day of angling. For those who would rather be in the water, Key West boasts North America’s only living coral reef, where snorkelers and SCUBA divers will be greeted by an abundance of tropical fish, and may even encounter a porpoise or sea turtle.

Key West has an endless variety of festivals and celebrations. From the week long Conch Republic Independence Day Celebration in April to Hemingway Days in July, locals and visitors join together to celebrate the unique culture of the island. June's annual Pride Fest celebrates the diversity and acceptance of our LGBT community, and Fantasy Fest provides a lively escape from reality for a week each October. Just a few blocks away from the street fairs and festivals, you can escape back into the tranquil island lifestyle to find peace and rejuvenation. Whatever your heart desires, you are likely to find it in the Southernmost City. 

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