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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. Don’t miss the six-toed cats living at Ernest Hemingway’s famed Spanish Colonial house-turned-museum. And, of course, a photo op awaits at the Southernmost Point of the United States, a concrete buoy memorializing Key West’s geography. Key West is the southernmost city and cruise port in the United States and gives cruise visitors the chance to enjoy the much sought-after Caribbean atmosphere. The island is popular for its laid-back vibe and marine life that is highly inviting to most cruise ship passengers.
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They all have a story to tell, and if you listen, you will learn about new and off-the-beaten-path experiences around Key West. The Shell Warehouse and Sponge Market are at the top of my list of places to shop. Shells and sponges are two of the most iconic souvenirs of all time when it comes to Key West. Shoppers can also find shirts, shot glasses, totes, sunglasses, and hats in numerous locations throughout Key West.
How To Spend A Memorable Day In Key West Cruise Port - TravelAwaits
How To Spend A Memorable Day In Key West Cruise Port.
Posted: Mon, 16 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Fort Zachary Taylor + Key West’s Best Beach
As well, it’s right around the corner from the Southernmost Point, giving you a chance to do to things in a short amount of time. What first-time visitors to the island might be surprised by is that despite being surrounded by water, there isn’t a lot of beach. Most of the shoreline in this area is rocky or there is no beach at all. We like the free bus route as a convenient way to get around the town in relative comfort. If you’re wanting something a bit more memorable, there are a couple of options for guided tours that will take you to the sites and give you the background.
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The Overseas Highway is an experience in itself and is the gateway to Key West by car. The island of Key West is 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, which makes it walkable and small enough to see a lot in a single day. Here are my recommendations for making the most of Key West when you’re short on time. Key West is one of those towns that I enjoy spending a full day exploring. Once your cruise ship arrives in port, your day of fun will begin. The arts, watersports, and historical sites are some of my favorite things to explore while in town.
Cruises to Key West are packed with coastal-town energy and layers of American history just waiting to be discovered. Enjoy a laidback Caribbean vibe with a dash of the high life on Carnival cruises to Key West. 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. You can catch all kinds of exotic fish in Key West’s tropical waters, so it’s no surprise that much of the local cuisine centers on fresh seafood.
The British claimed ownership of Florida in the 18th century, expelling Native Americans and the Spanish from the area. Start your day in Key West with a cortadito, cafe con leche, or Cuban coffee. Coffee is taken seriously in Key West, just like in neighboring Miami, heavily influenced by the Cuban coffee tradition. Cuban Coffee Queen also serves hearty breakfasts, refreshing smoothies, and Cuban sandwiches to keep you going as you continue on your way through town.
But the state park also has one of the largest stretches of beach in Key West. There are also rentals for snorkels, chairs and umbrellas if you need them. Love of Key West goes back a century and includes some of the most famous people you can imagine. President Truman has what was called “The Little White House” on the island and would visit on working vacations during his presidency. Beyond that, it was visited and used by other presidents including Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and Clinton.
Many people have hopped on the world-famous Conch Tour Train in Key West. You can purchase tickets online or at several well-marked locations around Key West. The train stops near the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Key West Lighthouse, the Southernmost Point, and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. And not just because a myriad of artists from Jimmy Buffet to Judy Blume will make art inspired by the island’s evening end. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 22nd, 2024. Also, the Key West Police Department reports are filled with lost-and-found property reports from visitors.
If you want things that are nicer quality, explore Whitehead Street where there are some more boutique shops with unique souvenirs. In a city that’s built on tourism, you better believe that there is souvenir shopping available. If you’re wanting just about anything with “Key West” written on it, then just venture off the ship a little bit and you’ll be in the heart of the souvenir shops. Hats, t-shirts, novelty signs, keychains, and tons more are available.
Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. Hop on the world-famous Conch Train to get a lesson in Key West history and hear local legends while touring Old Town and some of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Key West’s official currency is the U.S. dollar (USD), and ATMs are widely available.
You will only be 90 miles from Cuba as you pose for this photo. In my opinion, everyone needs this slice of American history in their family photos. Make this your first stop to kick off your day, as the line leading up to the buoy can become very long as the day goes on. Each time I have been here, there has always been someone else around, and they have gladly taken our photo. The buoy is located on Whitehead Street and it’s free to see.
Sloppy Joe’s is another Key West tradition that’s offered entertainment and nostalgia at the corner of Duval and Greene Street since 1937. This iconic restaurant is open 365 days a year and offers a traditional Key West dining experience. She is modeled after one of the most famous maritime icons of all time!
It’s a short walk to downtown or transportation is available. The Historic Seaport offers many options for dining, shopping, and sightseeing. Take a trolley or tour train for a quick overview of the island. The well-known bars and restaurants are a short walk from the docking area. Key West is famous for its party culture, and that includes a number of bars that are well-known. Spots like Sloppy Joe’s, Green Parrot, and Hog’s Breath Saloon are all within walking distance of the cruise ships.
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