The Florida Keys are a unique chain of small and not-so-small islands and mangrove clusters stretching south westward from the bottom tip of the mainland of Florida over 100 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The City of Key West is the best-known and most populated of all the Keys and the Monroe County Seat of Government. The drive from the mainland of Florida through the Florida Keys is both panoramic and breathtaking. Don’t be in a hurry or you’ll miss the quaint villages, marinas and restaurants as you meander your way to the Southernmost City.State Park - view of 7 mile bridge
Mile Markers
The Florida Keys are linked to the mainland by the Overseas Highway also known as US1. Your travels take you over 43 bridges from Florida City to Key West. The mile marker (MM) system starts at MM 126 south of Miami at Florida City and ends with MM Zero at the corner Whitehead Street in Old Town Key West.
Distance from Miami:
Key Largo 58 miles
Islamorada 76 miles
Marathon 111 milesWhite Pier, Rest Beach, Key West
Key West 159 miles
Key West, FL Information:
Key West is the Southernmost City of the contiguous United States, is a four by two mile island, 159 miles southwest of Miami, 90 miles north of Cuba and 755 miles further south than Los Angles. Bordered by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Key West lends to wonderful, soothing tropical breezes. The estimated population of Key West is 24,000 (2010) residents, with a large number of guests visiting this laid back oasis every year.
Enjoy fabulous restaurants, bistros, museums, theater, clubs, shopping, touring, beaches and of course “Sunset at Mallory Square”. Stroll down world famous Duval Street and savor a cocktail at Sloppy Joe’s, a favorite Hemmingway haunt, or take a ride around the island on a bike or moped and view the local architecture. Walking Tours during the day will point out many interesting sites, monuments and homes. A Ghost Tour just after sunset will inform you about our some of our permanent eerie residents who refuse to leave their home even after death.
Wander through specialty shops and galleries featuring creative art from both budding and world famous artists. The Studios of Key West, was established in 2006 as a new model for an artist community. Local theater can be enjoyed at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, a performing arts center, the Red Barn Theater and the Waterfront Theater all featuring local, national and world famous performers.
A brightly painted concrete buoy overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and situated on the corner of South Street and Whitehead Streets marks the southernmost point of the continental United States. It is one of the most visited and photographed attractions in Key West.
While visiting the island don’t forget about our off shore attractions which include fishing, diving, sailing, eco-friendly water trips, or just sit on a sandbar with lunch and a beverage or dinner on a sunset cruise.
Our island, also known as The Conch Republic is the quintessential setting for literature, arts and culture. This lush island has been home to many “Characters” throughout the years. In 1982 the city of Key West declared its independence from the United States in protest over a blockade set up on US 1. The United States Border Patrol was supposedly searching for illegal immigrants and stopped every vehicle leaving the Florida Key creating a 17 mile traffic jam. Though the separation was of a brief duration, the name “Conch Republic” was adopted as the official name of the short lived nation and being the Florida Keys we have turned it into an annual holiday of celebration each April.
Annual Key West Events:
- Key West Race Week – international sailing event – January
- Key West Literary Seminar – January
- Conch Fest – March
- Saint Patrick’s Day bar stroll – March
- Conch Republic Independence Celebration – April
- Taste of Key West – April
- Red Ribbon Bed Race – April
- Survivors Party – May
- Pride Fest – June
- Cuban-American Heritage Festival – June
- Hemingway Days Festival – July
- Mini Lobster Season – August
- Bike Week – September
- Women Fest – September
- Goombay Celebration – October
- Fantasy Fest – October
- Parrot Heads in Paradise Convention – November
- Pirates in Paradise Festival – November
- Boat and Holiday Parade – December
Read our Blog for more information!