Welcome to Key West!

Located closer to Cuba than to Miami, Key West is Florida’s irreverent southernmost subtropical paradise, a unique blend of history, climate, natural beauty, cultural diversity, architecture and unabashed romantic appeal.

Palm-lined streets with gingerbread mansions and tin-roofed conch houses were home to Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Frost and Jimmy Buffett, a few of the famous people who discovered solace and inspiration in the island city, whose heritage in large part was inspired by Bahamian wreckers, commercial fishermen, spongers and Cuban cigar makers.

In Key West, you can visit a host of historic attractions by biking, walking, convenient public transportation, pedi-cabs, tour trains, trolleys or taxis.

Gaze at centuries-old treasure of Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Discover modern art treasures by Key West's artists among dozens of galleries.

Residents and visitors to the island actively participate in sightseeing, diving, fishing, watersports, golf and shopping by day, and then become part of the sunset celebration held each evening at Mallory Square, when jugglers, musicians and acrobats perform before the fiery sun settling into the Gulf of Mexico.

At night, explore streets filled with sidewalk cafes, open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants with island specialties. Drama, musicals and comedy flourish on local stages.

ONE HUMAN FAMILY is the official philosophy of Key West and the Florida Keys; a simple warm-hearted motto that is a shining example of a vibrant gay and lesbian community, and is openly shared with global neighbors.

African cultural heritage is celebrated in the historic churches, indigenous food and annual festivals held in the Bahama Village neighborhood, founded in the early 1800s by Africans migrating from the Bahamas. Significant cultural sites include an 1860 African Burial Ground, believed by experts to be America's only African refugee cemetery, located on the island's Atlantic Ocean shore beside a Civil War-era fort.

The island's Historic Seaport district is a popular place to arrange a day on the water, whether you are a diver, snorkeler, fisherman or eco-tourist. Or just dine or stroll along the harbor beside excursion vessels, tall ships and charterboats.

In this city of fascinating contrasts, you could easily find yourself wanting to let go of mainland hassles permanently — and many have done so. Come visit Key West, and you'll see why.

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