What is Key West known for? You may know Key West for its year-round sunshine and warm temperatures. The climate in Key West Florida makes it a perfect spot for a honeymoon, destination wedding, fun getaway, or family vacation.
However, people who make the journey down to the Florida Keys to soak in the sunshine also become fascinated with Key West history. Don’t start planning your trip to Key West until you’ve read these 11 fascinating facts that will influence how you plan your itinerary!
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1) The Sea Comes Alive At Night
There’s no doubt you’re going to fit in plenty of sunbathing and splashing at Key West beaches during the day. However, there’s an after-dark Key West activity you need to know about!
Key West is one of the prime spots for night kayaking. Sitting just a few miles off the Florida Keys, the Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef within the continental United States.
Key West Paddle is the premier provider of guided night kayaking in Key West. Our experienced guides bring you through calm waters to explore the mangrove tunnels of the Keys in clear-bottom kayaks with bright LED lights.
The water around you illuminates from the glow of your kayak to showcase the abundant marine life busily swimming on all sides! Here’s what you need to know when booking your unforgettable night kayaking tour in Key West:
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We’ve been the #1 night kayaking company in Key West since 2012.
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At Key West Paddle, every tour is guided by a trained professional to offer the safest, most satisfying experience possible.
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Our guides won’t hesitate to jump in the water to provide impromptu lessons on the various critters you encounter along the way.
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Kids aged 4 and up are welcome with a parent.
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Tour guests can cancel at least 24 hours in advance to receive full refunds. If we need to cancel a tour for your safety due to weather, you will be automatically refunded.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the open waters of Key West by the glow of an LED kayak. Our guided nighttime kayak tours offer magical adventures under a moonlit sky! Book your spot today!
2) You Can Visit Ernest Hemingway’s Key West Home
Literary lovers have a special place in their hearts for Key West because it was the chosen home of one of America’s most famous writers during one of the most prolific periods of his career. Situated across from the Key West Lighthouse at 907 Whitehead Street, the Hemingway residence now operates as a museum with daily walk-in hours.
One of the highlights of a visit is seeing the famed Hemingway cats that descend from the author’s own polydactyl pets.
Ernest Hemingway lived in his Key West estate from 1931 to 1939. It was here that he wrote a long list of acclaimed novels that included “Green Hills of Africa.” While Hemingway moved to Cuba in 1940, his Key West estate eventually became a National Historic Landmark in 1968.
3) Key West Is Home To The Southernmost Point In The Continental United States
Did you know that Key West is America’s southernmost city? In fact, you’re just 90 miles from Cuba as you enjoy the island. The concrete anchored buoy located at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets marks the official southernmost point in the continental United States.
Anyone who has visited Key West will tell you not to skip the opportunity to snap a photo at the buoy that serves as the marker.
4) Key West Has A Fascinating History As The Conch Republic
There was big controversy in Key West in 1982 when it briefly seceded from the United States. Key West’s mayor at the time formed the Conch Republic to protest U.S. Border Patrol use of checkpoints along the Overseas Highway to crack down on drug smuggling and illegal immigration.
Fed up with the traffic and disturbances caused by the checkpoints, the mayor and a group of locals actually raised a Conch Republic flag over city hall. While the rogue Key West residents peacefully surrendered within one minute, the Conch Republic still exists as a “micronation” within Key West.
Key West’s brief moment of independence is celebrated every April during the Conch Republic Independence Celebration. In fact the “Sovereign State Of Mind” posters and shirts that you see around Key West are actually referring to this event.
5) Dessert Is Taken Seriously Here
What is Key West famous for when it comes to cuisine? Local signature dishes include Key West pink shrimp and conch soup. However, the big thing to know is that Key West is home to the best Key Lime Pie on the planet.
The difference comes from special Key limes that have a tart flavor compared to ordinary limes. It’s a unique mix of tart Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and rich crust that makes this Key Lime Pie simply melt in your mouth!
6) Key West Played An Important Role In The Civil War
While mainland Florida was part of the Confederacy during the Civil War, Key West remained under Union control. In fact, Key West became the headquarters for the blockage of the Confederacy in the Gulf of Mexico.
Many historians actually credit Key West’s strategic positioning with the capture of nearly 200 boats that potentially shortened the war by several years. You can visit Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National today!
7) This Is The Place Jimmy Buffett Was Singing About
Key West’s laid-back lifestyle inspired some of Jimmy Buffett’s biggest hits. You can squawk along with your fellow “parrotheads” when you pop into Margaritaville right in the middle of the party scene on Duval Street for a drink.
The restaurant’s signature margaritas feature fresh fruit puree with liquor on the rocks. The lively atmosphere, complete with colorful decor and island-inspired vibes, makes it an ideal place to unwind and soak in the spirit of Key West.
8) Key West’s Real Name Is Bone Island
Few people know this about the history of Key West! When Spanish settlers arrived, they initially called Key West Cayo Hueso. This translates to “bone island.” The name came from the discovery of bones belonging to the Calusa Native Americans who inhabited the area covering the Everglades down to the Keys.
Fun Fact: Cayo Hueso was renamed Key West after English speakers misheard the pronunciation.
9) Key West Is An Important Place In Aviation History
Due to its strategic setting as the meeting point of the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, Key West holds an important place in aviation history. Here’s a look:
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Naval Air Station Key West – Located in Boca Chica Key just a few miles from Key West’s business district, this world-class facility benefits from year-round perfect flying weather and unmatched aerial ranges for training.
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Pan American Airways – Key West is the birthplace of Pan Am. The iconic airline was founded in 1927 by pilots scheduling mail and passenger services between Key West and Havana. While the headquarters has since closed, you can visit First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery for dinner and drinks in the historic building where Pan Am was born!
Pro Tip: If you’re a history buff or aviation enthusiast, consider visiting the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House. It often features exhibits related to the area’s aviation history. Pair your visit with a stroll along the waterfront for a full day of exploration and learning!
10) The Highway Connecting Key West To The Rest Of The United States Was Once A Railroad
Anyone who has visited Key West by driving from the mainland has passed over the famed Overseas Highway. This 113-mile stretch ending in Monroe County carries U.S. Route 1 all the way down to Key West Florida.
Much of the highway is built over the former Overseas Railroad. At the final stretch of the ride, visitors enjoy a portion of the highway called the Seven Mile Bridge that offers some of the most stunning ocean views!
Destinations other than Key West than can be accessed via the Overseas Highway include:
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
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Long Key State Park
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Bahia Honda Key
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National Key Deer Wildlife Refuge
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Marathon
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Key Largo
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the chance to see Key West history pass by through the windshield. If you’re driving into Key West, the views will simply be part of your ride into town. If you’re flying to Key West, consider renting a car for a scenic coastal joy ride one afternoon!
11) Old Town Key West Is Bursting With Historic Landmarks
Old Town is the best place to learn about Key West history. From iconic residences to museums, it offers so much to see, do, and learn. Here are some of the attractions you don’t want to miss while in the neighborhood:
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Ride the Conch Tour Train – Traveling from Front Street Depot to Mallory Square, these narrated tours take you through Key West’s streets.
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Walk through American History at the Harry Truman Little White House – Harry Truman spent a large chunk of his presidency at the Truman Little White House on Front Street. The residence is now open to the public as a museum.
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Stroll along Duval Street – Considered by many to be Key West’s most famous street, Duval Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries housed in colorful historic buildings.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Key West was the richest city per capita in the United States during the 1800s? Wealth poured in via shipping and salvaging operations. All of that wealth contributed to the amazing estates and architecture you can still see around Key West today when you take a walking tour or hop on a trolley.
Plan A Key West Vacation For The Record Books
There’s no doubt that Key West is full of treasures from history. It’s now time to put a page in your book that’s all about fun and adventure.
Key West Paddle offers the best guided nighttime kayaking tours in the Florida Keys. We keep our group sizes small to ensure that every tour has a personal touch.
That’s why you’ll want to hurry to book your spot with us now if you’re coming to Key West!
