For a remote body of land that is surrounded by next to nothing, Key West has a little bit of everything. Whether it’s the vibrant, splashy pastels of the conch house architecture, the wide array of water sports and boating, or the dynamic, bombastic nightlife of Duval Street, Key West packs more life per square inch than any city in America. Nicknamed “The Conch Republic,” Key West is located at the southernmost point in the continental U.S. where visitors flock to get their picture taken at the iconic buoy marking its distinction.
The tropical paradise is also home to Key West Golf Club, a Caribbean course designed by Rees Jones, with its infamous par 3 “Mangrove Hole” played completely over a field of thickly intertwined (what else) mangroves. Visit Mallory Square for homey waterfront dining and shopping. And watch as tourists partake in the “See you at sunset” celebration, a nightly party filled with art, music and poetry. The historic Hemingway House and Museum boasts some of the legendary author’s books and writing desks, lavish gardens and roughly 40-50 polydactyl cats! For lavish yet sensible dining, try Santiago’s Bodega or Latitudes, and for the best locally sourced seafood, the Thirsty Mermaid, conveniently located near the storied Green Parrot Bar. Key West has no shortage of luxurious digs like stunning waterfront resort, Casa Marina Key West, an offshoot of the Waldorf Astoria, and the quaint but elegant Casablanca Key West.