Key West Florida Weekly

Getting around Key West


 

 

1. Southernmost Point The corner of South Street and Whitehead Street www.southernmostpointwebcam.com The city of Key West erected this now-famous concrete buoy in 1983 to denote the southernmost point in the continental United States.

2. Conch Tour Train 303 Front St., Key West 305-294-5161 or 888-916-8687 www.conchtourtrain.com The Conch 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 The historic bar has been a Key West tradition since it opened in 1933. Its most famous patrons were Ernest Hemmingway and the rum runner Habana Joe.

4. Mallory Square Sunset Celebration 1 Whitehead St., Key West 786-565-7448 www.sunsetcelebration.org This nightly festival begins at the water’s edge about and 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., Key West 305-294-1136 www.hemingwayhome.com Take the tour and say hello to one of the 40 to 50 six-toed cats, all descendants of Hemingway’s cat, Snowball.

7. The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory 1316 Duval St., Key West 305-296-2988 or 800-839-4647 www.keywestbutterfly.com More than 50 different butterfly species from around the world and 20 different 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., Key West 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, continues 2,369 miles north up the East Coast, and ends in Fort Kent, Maine. 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 Street 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 Street

305-294-2116 www.Audubonhouse.com

Original lithographs by John James Audubon are on display the former home of shipwreck salvager Captain John Geiger.

12. Key West City Cemetery Bordered by Angela, Frances, Olivia Streets and Windsor Lane 305-292-6718 www.Friendsofthekeywestcemetary.com Stop by the sexton’s office near the entrance at Passover Lane and Windsor Lane for a map containing a free walking tour.

13. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach Located 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, there are nature trails, bike paths, and Historic Fort Zachary Taylor all within a 54-acre park with picnic tables and grills. Experience the beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Key West Shipping Channel. ¦

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *