Key West is well-known for its frost-free climate, warm breezes, abundant sunshine, low precipitation during winter months and summer temps that rarely surpass the low 90s. But if summer days feel too hot, it’s easy to head for the island’s picturesque beaches, retail stores, restaurants/bars, museums or galleries that keep their A.C. cranking.
Key West offers a delicious variety of restaurants, a supremely pet-friendly atmosphere, plenty of opportunities for on-the-water adventures, and a beach nicknamed to honor Elizabeth Taylor. Plus the island is famed for its subtropical year-round weather, enthusiastic diversity, and laid-back vibe that's light-years away from the hectic pace of the "real world."
Legions of television viewers are obsessed with the adventurous reality show “The Amazing Race.” But most of them don’t realize that, in 1913, Key West was the site of one of the most amazing races in history — a competition between two aviators to make the first flight from Key West to Havana, Cuba.
Islamorada artist Jessica Ann Cecil has a unique flair for painting marine life — and she’s passionate about using her art to connect patrons, clients and students with Florida Keys marine ecosystem conservation efforts. She often earmarks a percentage of art sales for Keys nonprofits including the Coral Restoration Foundation, Dolphins Plus and Save-A-Turtle.
The buccaneering spirit of adventure and individuality is one of the most intriguing — and enduring — attributes that help define the Florida Keys island chain. The Keys’ renegade seafaring heritage is alive in museums and attractions, colorful shipwreck and treasure tales, dive and snorkel trips to wrecksites, and sailing cruises aboard historic tall ships.
Bob Dylan loves Key West. In fact, the legendary singer-songwriter immortalizes it as “the enchanted land” and “land of light” in “Key West (Philosopher Pirate),” a ballad on his new album “Rough and Rowdy Ways.” And a bar stool with his name on it can still be found at Capt. Tony’s Saloon.
Key West is often described as “close to perfect, but far from normal,” and it certainly lives up to that designation. Renowned for its enthusiastic diversity, the island boasts a freewheeling spirit and an all-welcome attitude. And while people elsewhere celebrate Pride in June, in Key West they live it all year long.
Kristie Killam’s love of nature is an underlying theme in her life and career. As park ranger for the Florida Keys’ four national wildlife refuges, Kristie oversees the refuges’ Nature Center, opened last fall, and the nonprofit Florida Keys Wildlife Society “friends” group of volunteers and partners. She’s also a skilled nature photographer.
There is no other acrobatic fish on the inshore fishing scene that’s more coveted by anglers than the tarpon. Known for their high-leaping ability, these “silver kings” are powerful and tenacious. It’s sometimes easy to get them to bite a bait, but often they have lockjaw and can frustrate anglers and captains alike.
Recently Key West city workers installed four permanent rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Duval and Petronia streets, the heart of the island’s LGBTQ entertainment district (affectionately nicknamed the Pink Triangle). The crosswalks replaced those installed in 2015, and Key West’s Mayor Teri Johnston explains why they symbolize the community’s all-inclusive spirit.