Key West Florida Weekly

Getting around Key West


 

 

1. Southernmost Point

The corner of South and

Whitehead streets www.southernmostpointwebcam.com

The city of Key West erected this concrete buoy in 1983 to denote the southernmost point in the continential United States.

2. Conch Tour Train

303 Front St.

305-294-5161 or 888-916-8687 www.conchtourtrain.com

The iconic train has been winding its way through the streets of Key West since 1958.

3. Sloppy Joe’s

201 Duval St.

305-294-5717 www.sloppyjoes.com

A Key West tradition since 1933, this bar’s famous patrons include Ernest Hemmingway and rum runner Habana Joe.

4. Mallory Square Sunset

Celebration

1 Whitehead St.

786-565-7448 www.sunsetcelebration.org

This nightly festival begins at water’s edge an hour or two before sunset and includes street performers, local artisans, food carts, palmists and psychics.

5. Truman Little White House

111 Front St. www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com

The Little White House adds a presidential luster to the Conch Republic. Originally built for Naval officers in 1890 and used as a command headquarters in three wars, the Little White House later served as lodging for President Harry S. Truman’s winter retreats from 1946 to 1952.

6. The Ernest Hemingway

Home & Museum

907 Whitehead St.

305-294-1136 www.hemingwayhome.com

Take the tour and say hello to one of the 40-50 six-toed cats, all descendants of Hemingway’s cat, Snowball.

7. The Key West Butterfly

& Nature Conservatory

1316 Duval St.

305-296-2988 or 800-839-4647 www.keywestbutterfly.com

More than 50 butterfly species from around the world and 20 exotic bird species coexist in this climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat that includes waterfalls, flowering plants and trees.

8. Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

200 Greene St.

305-294-2633 www.melfisher.org

Exhibits include treasures from the Spanish galleons of 1622 discovered by Mel Fisher and his crew.

9. Mile Marker 0 Sign

490 Whitehead St. (corner of Fleming Street)

U.S. 1 begins here in Key West and continues 2,369 miles north up the East Coast before ending in Fort Kent, Me. Stop here to commemorate your visit to Key West with a photo next to the iconic Mile Marker 0 sign.

10. Key West Express Ferry

Terminal

100 Grinnell St.

239-463-5733 www.Keywestexpress.net

Traveling via the Express is truly the best way to get between Key West, Fort Myers Beach or Marco Island. You’ll enjoy air-conditioned interiors, exterior sun decks, couches, tables and even reclining airline-style seating. There’s a full-service galley, full-service bar and flat-screen TVs with satellite television.

11. Audubon House and Garden

205 Whitehead St.

305-294-2116 www.Audubonhouse.com

Original lithographs by John James Audubon are on display in this former home of shipwreck salvager Capt. John Geiger.

12. Key West City Cemetery

Bordered by Angela, Frances and

Olivia streets and Windsor Lane

305-292-6718 www.historicfloridakeys.org

Stop by the sexton’s office near the entrance at Passover and Windsor lanes and pick up a map that includes a free walking tour.

13. Fort Zachary Taylor

State Park and Beach

At the ocean end of Southard Street and bordering the Naval Reservation.

305-295-0037 www.Fortzacharytaylor.com

“Fort Zach” is known to locals and tourists alike as one of Key West’s best beaches. In addition to the expansive beach, the 54-acre park has nature trails, bike paths, picnic tables and grills and Historic Fort Zachary Taylor. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Key West Shipping Channel. ¦

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