So you’ve heard about the Florida Keys and Key West and finally decided to take a trip to this Paradise, but you only have a limited amount of time, and you want to get as much in as you can on your first visit. But where to start??? I’ve visited Key West on many occasions and every time I go, I discover something new.
For your first visit to this southernmost town, I have some suggestions that will get you acquainted with Key West, and make you want to come back time and time again. There are only three ways to arrive in Key West: Airlines that connect in Tampa, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale offer small, (what we call puddle jumpers), aircrafts that hold about twenty passengers that can bring you into Key West.
Many visitors choose to fly into a southern Florida airport, rent a car, and enjoy the drive down through all of the keys until they reach the Southern most key of Key West. This drive, which can take anywhere from three and a half hours on up, depending on traffic and stops you may want to make, is one I think everyone should take at some time. There is only one road in and one road out of Key West. If you are in a hurry, don’t bother driving. If you have the time to relax, take in the many shades of blues in the water, and stop at one of many interesting eating, drinking, or shopping establishments, then driving is the way to go. I’ve driven this road many times, and never get bored or aggravated by it. My only advise is to relax and enjoy the Islands and all they have to offer.
If you are lucky enough to own, or know someone who owns a boat, you can also arrive at one of the many marina’s Key West has to offer. This is an awesome way to arrive, because you have the opportunity to see the tropical waters on your way in.
If you arrive in Key West by boat or plane, your next decision is whether or not to rent transportation while here. If you are healthy enough to walk a mile, my advice is to use your feet for transportation. The main commercial area of Key West is Duval Street, which runs approximately one mile from one end to the other. Unless I’ve rented a car and drive into town from Southern Florida, I always opt to walk the town because you can explore the area without fighting traffic, wasting time and money looking for parking, and paying a surcharge at many accommodations for a parking space.
There are many accommodations and the prices can vary. Key West is a resort area, and the prices reflect this. I highly suggest that you stay within walking distance of Duval Street and the heart of the City. You can stay at a hotel, or at one of many Bed & Breakfast. The prices range from $100.00-$400.00/night in the off-season, to $200.00-$1000.00/night during the peak season.
Once you arrive, and unpack, I highly recommend you taking the “Conch Train”, which is a tour of the historic town. This hour-long tour takes you around town and points out the highlights of the City. Everyone’s taste is different, so this will give you an idea of what you want and don’t want to see while you are visiting. This train also offers a day pass where you can get on and off at your leisure, which allows you the freedom to walk and ride to the locations you want to see.
Now that you have an idea of what the town is about, and where you want to go, you can start on your amazing visit of this fun filled town. As the Conch Train explained, you don’t want to miss Mallory Square, known for its circus like antics and fabulous sunsets, and also all of the sights and sounds of Duval Street. With a relaxing attitude, you will have one of the best trips you’ve ever experienced and want to come back again and again.