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Although there is an open-container law in Key West prohibiting alcohol on public streets, it isn't largely enforced on visitors along the 100 and 200 blocks of Duval. While on cruises to Key West, Florida, you’ll find no shortage of souvenir shacks, roadside t-shirt vendors, and Florida-related memorabilia celebrating and embracing Key West’s quirkiness. Head to Duval Street for the majority of shops, independently-owned boutiques, and galleries in the city. Or shop at Mallory Square for interesting goods like sandal and surf shops or markets for seashells and sea sponges. Before the Overseas Highway was built in 1912 to connect the various Florida Keys, Key West itself was in isolation from the rest of the world.
Night Tropical CaribbeanDetails
Compact, cozy and adorable, the city's Old Town neighborhood is filled with cottages with gingerbread-topped porches, Victorian compounds, sidewalk cafes, cigar stands and T-shirt shops. Residential throughout, every sign, window and awning in Old Town must pass scrutiny of the city-appointed Historic Architectural Review Commission. Key West, the southernmost city in the continental U.S., is the last in a chain of tiny tropical islands -- the Florida Keys -- scattered off the mainland.
Welcome to Cool Key West
Carnival Cruise Ship Makes Major Itinerary Change Ahead of Idalia - Cruise Hive
Carnival Cruise Ship Makes Major Itinerary Change Ahead of Idalia.
Posted: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Pub crawls down Duval are famous here, giving travelers a true sense of how fun the Key West nightlife can be. Just the right amount of kitsch, Key West bursts with sunlight, boasts year-round tropical weather, and some of the clearest snorkeling and most preserved coral reef structures in the world. Cruises to Key West, Florida are one of the most popular ways to see this walkable, immersive city.
What to see and do on the island
The southernmost island of the Florida Keys, Key West is a sunny, fun-loving place with plenty of charm, and more than a little touristy goofiness. (But that’s optional.) Key West cruises deliver you to palm-shaded streets lined with gaily-painted bungalows, vintage saloons and blooming tropical flowers. Whether life’s a beach or you’re life of the party, cruises to Key West definitely over-deliver. If you're looking for the perfect Mexican getaway with incredible diving and snorkeling, look no further than Cozumel. Visit the island’s more remote and wild east side to find breathtaking and secluded beaches like Punta Morena and Chen Rio.
Miami to Key West Day Trip with Snorkeling
An expert guide is on hand to provide narration, explanation, and answers to any questions. The daring project had a short operating lifespan, closing permanently in 1935 when a Category 5 hurricane destroyed the central portion of the rail line. However, Flagler’s brave vision left a legacy in the form of one of the world’s most spectacularly scenic highways. As it crosses 43 bridges and 31 islands, the Overseas Highway offers many expansive views over open ocean. Emerald water, white sand, beautiful resorts, busy marinas, and lively small towns make the ride to Key West one of the most interesting trips you will ever take. Experience a scenic drive on the Overseas Highway then explore Key West’s coral reefs aboard a modern glass-bottom boat on this great Miami to Key West tour.
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Even in December, the forest and plants at this botanical garden in Key West retain their leaves and lush palms. The Garden describes themselves as “frost-free,” a benefit of the tropical climate. Bring the kids for an educational tour on the native plants, and don’t miss the butterfly garden. Damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017 affected the plant life, but passionate employees are working tirelessly to bring the garden back to peak fullness.
For a sightseeing tour you’ll never forget, take the Conch Tour Train, which has been showing tourists around town since 1958. No Caribbean cruise is quite complete without experiencing Key West’s day-and-night bustle. If you have enough time, book a catamaran 70 miles west for a day trip to the one-of-a-kind Dry Tortugas National Park, home to the historic Fort Jefferson. When your cruise ship docks, seek out a cafe con leche and a slice of key lime pie immediately. Then set out for attractions along Duval Street or Mallory Square, both hubs for shopping and nightlife.
Key West is only about four miles long and two miles wide, which means tackling the city on foot isn’t such a daunting idea. But there are also a variety of other methods to see Key West, like the Old Town Trolley. You can also rent bikes or scooters to catch the Key West breeze while you explore.
Carnival Conquest, Key West & Cozumel from Miami, March 25, 2024
Your Miami trip to Key West continues with a picturesque drive through the tiny charming islands of the Upper Keys and over the famous 7-Mile Bridge. After arriving in Key West, you'll have several hours to explore historical favorites like the Hemingway House or Mallory Square. Spend some time on the Key West Waterfront for some shopping at the open-air marketplace and live music before a relaxing ride back to your Miami hotel. The city famously appeals to all types of folks, and attracts artists, hipsters, foodies and beach bums along with cruise ships. Locals love to repeat the line about never knowing if the guy beside you at the bar in flip flops and a tank top is a millionaire or a former merchant marine -- or both.
As a matter of fact, you can easily get there by taking one of the cruises that depart out of Miami. Even with limited time in Key West, it’s tradition to cut into a huge slice of key lime pie while you’re there. The shop has been locally owned and operated for over twenty years.

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Key West’s official currency is the U.S. dollar (USD), and ATMs are widely available. Credit cards like VISA and MasterCard are accepted most places as well. Don’t forget to tip your barista for your morning cafe con leche, too. Cruises that stop in Key West help the world become familiar with the city’s culture and history. Key West became a Spanish territory, then called Cayo Hueso, in the 16th century.
Just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West features a huge influence of Cuban culture, particularly in its food and drink.Today, Key West’s economy is driven by tourism. It’s also known for an inclusive, close-knit LGBTQ-friendly community. Stop in after your visit to the Hemingway House; the museum is just around the corner. Key West comes alive along the main drag of Duval Street, akin to New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street. During the daytime, art galleries and outdoor cafes line the street. When the workday ends (or a little before), stop in for a drink at Rick’s Bar or Sloppy Joe’s and find live music along the way.