Dreaming of tropical beaches, colorful coral reefs, and champagne-soaked sailing adventures? There is no better place to live out this fantasy getaway than the Florida Keys! From breathtaking sunsets to decadent Key Lime pie, the "Old Florida" lifestyle is alive and well in Key West.

Derived from Cayo in Spanish, Keys means small island, and that's exactly the kind of atmosphere you'll find in Key West. Spend your days lounging ocean-side or immersing yourself in the bohemian culture, and evenings soaking up the South Florida dining and nightlife. More of a thrill-seeker? Experience endless adventure with watersports, sport fishing, and one-of-a-kind sightseeing at the southernmost point in the continental USA. Whatever your desire,[Key West](https://www.tripshock.com/attractions/Key-West/ "Key West") is the perfect place to rest, relax, and re-energize while living your best life.

Geography

Key West is the westernmost island connected to the rest of the Keys by a highway. Key West and the surrounding Keys lie on the dividing line between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. While Key West is in the Straits of Florida, it’s actually closer to Havana than it is to Miami. Key West is 3.5 hours from Miami, 4.5 hours from West Palm Beach, and 6.5 hours from Orlando.

Neighborhoods

Old Town is one of the earliest neighborhoods in Key West. Dating back to the 1800s, the features that distinguish the local architecture are the wood frame construction of the structures set on foundation piers. The most popular building in Old Town includes the Ernest Hemingway House and the Harry S. Truman Little White House.
Downtown Key West is where the action is. It's home to delicious restaurants, vibrant bars, and plenty of shopping.
Midtown Key West is a neighborhood that offers visitors large yards in which to relax and enjoy the sun, not to mention beautiful mid-century homes that are in close proximity to the beach. Many of these homes are rented out for a month or more at a time.

Top Places to Visit

Southernmost Point

[Southernmost Point](https://www.tripshock.com/Land-s-End-Sunset-Sail-with-Hors-d-Oeuvres-by-Sebago-Watersports/details/2445/ "Southernmost Point") is one of the most popular attractions in Key West. Located at the intersection of Whitehead and South streets, it’s an anchored colorful concrete buoy that marks the spot of the southernmost point in the United States.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas National Park is comprised mostly of open water with 7 small islands. Here, you will find a wide variety of bird life, marine life, and coral reefs. This is a great place for[boating](https://www.tripshock.com/attractions/Key-West/Boat-Tours/ "boating"), snorkeling, and diving.

Mallory Square

Located on the northwest tip of Key West, Mallory Square offers nightly sunset celebrations where you can catch the most beautiful sunsets. Here, Mallory Square has plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment—making it the ideal place for you to spend your evenings.

Climate

In Key West, the summers are hot, rainy, and long, while the winters are comfortable, short, and mostly clear. The best time of the year to visit for warm-weather activities is from March to May and from October to November.