Key West, Florida Travelogue
Key West, a U.S. island city, is part of the Florida Keys archipelago. It’s also Florida’s southernmost point, lying roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. Famed for its pastel-hued, conch-style houses, it’s a cruise-ship stop also accessible from the mainland via the Overseas Highway. It’s known more for its coral reefs – destinations for diving and snorkeling – than for its beaches.
We flew from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale and then drove to Key West via Overseas Highway U.S. Route 1. It was one of the most scenic 4 hr drive.
There are multiple beautiful beaches on the route. You can stop for a quick dip
Key West Food Tour
Step off Duval Street and into local restaurants on this 3 hour culinary adventure through the historic district of Key West.
It is guided 3-hour Southernmost Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour visits 6 locally-run “mom and pop” establishments in historic old town. Delicious and mouth watering food tastings, enough for a hearty lunch, are served from ethnic eateries and specialty shops that are unique to the Florida Keys. Stops include authentic Cuban roast pork, rum-runner cocktails from an old speakeasy, and world famous key lime pie from Key West’s most iconic restaurant.
Between tastings, you’ll experience what life is like for a Conch (a native to Key West). Today’s Key West local population is an evolution of native Indians, Cubans, Bahamians, Greeks, explorers, adventurers, pirates, wreckers, scavengers, fisherman, hippies, writers, and artists. Their passionate, local guides share their knowledge and recommendations of architectural gems, tropical flora, and exciting local attractions and restaurants.
The tour group size maxes out at 10 people to ensure that there is a personalized and memorable experience for all. Their local guides are experts on Key West and are eager to show an authentic side of the island. There is so much more to Key West than Duval Street! After the guided tour, explore Key West’s neighborhoods with confidence and take advantage of recommendations from your local guide on the restaurants, attractions, entertainment and cultural offerings.
Below mentioned were our food stops..
El Siboney
Traditional Cuban home cooking & in a casual, family-friendly setting
Camille’s
Family owned and operated for over 20 years. This funky restaurant continues to be a local’s favorite, serving comfort food from scratch.
The Rum Bar
Historical speakeasy on Duval Street, with an impressive 250+ list menu of rum.
Bad Boy Burrito
Tiny grab-&-go canteen specializing in massive build-your-own burritos, tacos & custom juices
Blue Heaven
The iconic restaurant is famous for their Caribbean style dishes, island atmosphere and the roosters running amok. Most notably, however, for their Key Lime Pie
Key West Distilling
Small craft distillery making delicious Rum, Vodka & Whiskey right here in Key West!
Duval Street
After the 3 hour hogging in the Key West Food Tours, we decided to explore the famous Duval Street.
It is a famous downtown commercial zoned street in Key West, Florida, running north and south from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. From shore to shore, the street is just over 1.25 miles in length. It is named for William Pope Duval, the first territorial governor of Florida.
It is a famous downtown commercial zoned street in Key West, Florida, running north and south from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. From shore to shore, the street is just over 1.25 miles in length. It is named for William Pope Duval, the first territorial governor of Florida.
Duval Street was designated a “Great Street” in 2012 by the American Planning Association.The beautiful Bahamian and Spanish influenced Victorian Mansions of Duval Street have been well preserved through local preservation efforts starting in the 1960s. On the Atlantic Ocean end of Duval Street there is a mix of early Key West Victorian mansions and bungalows’ dotting the neighborhood. Art galleries, boutiques, inns and Bodega’s line the wide sidewalks. Although this end of Duval is more residential and less filled with tourists, the sidewalks still bustle with activity.
Duval Street well represents the cultural influence of Key West’s proximity and cultural ties to Cuba. Many Cubans immigrated to the area beginning in the late 1860s. At one time, the many cigar stores on Duval gave the city the moniker “Cigar City USA.” There are many pleasant outdoor cafes to enjoy another Cubano influenced product, “Cuban Coffee”, which is espresso made from roasted Cuban Coffee beans with a heavy dose of sugar.
Mallory Square
Near the northern end of the duval street is Mallory Square. Historic Mallory Square is the center of Key West’s waterfront. The City of Key West and Duval Street share their beginning along this deep harbor waterfront. You can’t miss the sunset at the Mallory Square
Key West Nightlife
The gulf shores of Duval Street often vibrate with a carnival like atmosphere that lasts until dawn and beyond. In fact, the ritual has a name known to tourists and residents as the “Duval Pub Crawl.” Duval is the location of many famous restaurants and bars, including Sloppy Joe’s, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, which is the original, Fogarty’s Restaurant, Bar and Bakery, “The Flying Monkeys Bar”, The Bull and Whistle, Rick’s Cafe and Irish Kevin’s bar. Tour outlets book the “Duval Pub Crawl” activity and provide knowledgeable guidance for the tourist wishing to visit and imbibe at the famous drinking establishments, for a fee.
Key West Sunrise
You can’t leave Key West without seeing the picturesque sunrise..
You can all pics from this trip on below link
Hi Anita,
What is the name of the Key West Food Tour ?
how many days is the touring the key-west ?
we are planning to visit in end of april , what is the ideal time to visit key west florida?
Here is the link to food tour website https://www.keywestfoodtours.com/
2 days are more than enough and April-may is the good time to visit.
Your travelogue is well written and detailed. I knew this was going to be my go-to webpage to plan about Key West. The pictures are outstanding as usual.
Thank you 🙂