Key West is America's slice of the Caribbean. The island at the very end of the Florida Keys hardly feels like the typical USA any more: colorful wooden houses in the Conch style, palm trees, a laid-back island life and a flair you will not find elsewhere in the country. Scenically the island is no postcard and not spotless everywhere. What makes it special is exactly this Caribbean, slightly faded charm.
The drive across the bridges
Almost the best part is the approach itself: the Overseas Highway from the mainland across dozens of small and large bridges, past turquoise water, all the way out to Key West. This drive across the islands has a charm of its own.
The southernmost point
The photo at the colorful buoy at the southernmost point of the USA is one almost everyone takes. There is not much more to see there than the marker, though, and after ten minutes you are usually done.
Duval Street and Sloppy Joe's
Island life happens along Duval Street, full of bars, shops and music. Well known is Sloppy Joe's, once Ernest Hemingway's regular bar.
Sunset at Mallory Square
Every evening Key West celebrates the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square: street performers, jugglers, music and people who come together to celebrate the sunset. A lively ritual that continues to this day.
Hemingway House
Ernest Hemingway lived here, and his house is today the most visited attraction on the island, also known for the many six-toed cats that live there.
