About Key West

It's a city and it's an island, both at the same time - an American Caribbean paradise! The southernmost city in the US, Key West is a beautiful and tropical island where the pace is slow, people are laid-back, and life is easy-going. Where better to spend Spring Break?  Located at the very western tip of Florida, Key West is an ideal Spring Break destination. Even the drive there is beautiful, especially once you get into the Florida Keys on the Overseas Highway just past Miami and have the fun (and spectacular views) of driving over all those bridges that go from Key to Key.

Key West is a "Live And Let Live" sort of place, where diversity is embraced and all lifestyles welcomed with open arms. It almost makes Jamaica seem uptight! So head on down for Spring Break, meet the natives, hang out in those chilled-out bars and soak up those good time vibes. You'll love it - thousands do, every year!

History

Key West was inhabited by the Tequesta and Calusa people in pre-Columbian times, and was first visited by a European when Juan Ponce de Leon showed up in 1521. A fishing village with a small garrison was established in Key West as Florida became a Spanish colony, and came to be used by fishermen from Cuba, the British Bahamas and eventually the USA.

For a long time, the island was considered the "Gibraltar of the West" - it was in a very strategic location on the the Straits of Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

The Florida Keys remained a Spanish colony until March 25, 1822, when Matthew C. Perry sailed to Key West on the schooner Shark and planted the U.S. flag there - physically claiming the Keys as United States property.

Daytime Activities

Smathers Beach is one of the most popular places to hang out during the day. Spring Break crowds tend to get a real community feel going: you can hear music filling the air, see games of volleyball going on up and down the beach, and join the crowds topping up their suntans on the sand. The sea water is perfect for swimming; it's warm and clear, and has no undertow, making it really safe and ideal for those who want to take a dip. The beaches are also lined with vendors who can provide you with just about anything you might want, from iced drinks to suncream to a surfboard or a boat! There are loads of watersports going on from the beaches, everything from kayaking to wave running. Also be aware that Key West has the only living coral reef in the US - so get snorkeling and explore that underwater life!

If chilling out in the sunshine is what floats your boat, then you'll also enjoy Fort Zachary Taylor - a State Park in the Old Town, which has a lovely beach and picnic grounds. It's only a couple of dollars to gain access, and you can then go in and out freely all day if you want. It's a beautiful place for a picnic, a swim, and a wander around in tropical natural scenery.

Those who want to see a bit more of the city will enjoy walking around the Old Town and exploring the hive of activity that is Duval Street, the main street in Key West, which is over a mile of boutiques, galleries, shops, cafes and bars. You could quite easily spend the whole day - and night - there!

The NightLife

There's an awesome party atmosphere in Key West that centers around Duval Street - dubbed "Spring Break Street"! - and everyone is welcome. Especially at Spring Break time, Duval Street is just jumping with life, full of young people out for a good time, and what a cool mix of people you're going to find there! Nearly every bar has live music or DJs, and quite a few are targeted specifically at the Spring Break crowd - check out Sloppy Joes, Fat Tuesdays, Rick's Bar and Rumrunners. Duval Street is a Spring Breaker's dream! A mile of bars, all open until 4am: Key West is the place to party.

The Weather

Key West is apparently the only city in the US never to have had a frost, which is a reflection of its mild, tropical climate. The weather is always comfortable, there's lots of sunshine, and the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico is a joy to bathe in.

Dress Code

Key West is one seriously laid-back place. People mostly wear whatever makes them comfortable, and shoes aren't commonly worn. Sandals or flip-flops are good enough, and even the finest restaurants are unlikely to turn you away if you're dressed in casual wear.

Entry Requirements

Key West is in the USA, and shares entry requirements with the rest of the United States.

Language

English is the main language on Key West.

Transportation

The main street in Key West is Duval street, and so much is there that you rarely need to go elsewhere! Plus you can walk the entire length of the town, from one end to the other, in just half an hour, so it's perfectly fine to expect to get around on foot all the time. A lot of visitors will also hire bikes or scooters.

There's also a decent enough bus system with color-coded lines, and you can take a single trip for just a dollar, and an unlimited use day ticket for three dollars.

Taxis, too, are readily available, and fares are cheap as the island is so small.

Changing Money

One of the benefits of choosing to stay within the US for your Spring Break vacation is that you're spared the hassle of changing money! Key West uses US dollars.

Electricity

The same as in the rest of the U.S.A. and Canada: 110 Volts, 60 cycles, A.C.

Tipping

Just like any other city in America, tipping is expected on all services. As is normal, you should tip 15% for lunch and 20% for dinner. A few dollars will suffice as a tip for a cab ride.

Time Zone

The time zone in Key West is EST (UTC-5) and DST during Daylight Savings Time (UTC-4).

Dining and Drinking

Key West prides itself on good food and drink, and there are some really delicious meals to be had while you're here. Look for all the interesting little places that tend to be slightly off the beaten track, or ask a local for a recommendation, and you're sure to discover a real treat. There's a great variety of cuisine in Key West restaurants, but the one thing you've got to sample is the fresh local seafood - guaranteed to be out of this world! And the restaurants themselves offer a complete dining experience, whether you eat outside at one of the many terraces with a gorgeous sunset view, or overlooking the activities on Duval Street, there's a lovely atmosphere to go with the tasty food.

And in terms of drinking, there's no shortage of bars in Key West! From quaint and quirky bars frequented by the natives, to contemporary establishments popular with tourists, the choice is plentiful. Some places have live music all day long, while others offer a much calmer, peaceful ambiance. Most bars have special prices during Happy Hours from 4pm-7pm - so get in there and sample those Margaritas!

It's legal to have a drink on the streets, but in plastic cups only.

About the Water

The tap water in Key West is technically OK to drink, but if you prefer to drink bottled water during your stay, you'll find it readily available.