7 Key Reasons Why You Need to Visit Key West, Florida

Every year, more than 125 million people take a trip to Florida. The majority of them—about 72 million—visit Orlando. But there are also more than 2 million people who make their way down to the southernmost part of the state and visit Key West, Florida.

There is nothing wrong with traveling to any of the other cities located throughout The Sunshine State. But if you’ve never been to Key West before, you should definitely put it up near the top of your bucket list.

Here are 7 reasons why you need to visit Key West, Florida sooner than later.

1. Enjoy the Wonderful Weather

Do you love soaking up as much sun as you can possibly get? Key West is, hands down, one of the best places on the planet to do it.

If you visit Key West, Florida in January, it’ll be right around 75 degrees on most days. By May, it’ll climb up to 85 degrees. And once summer hits, it’s not uncommon for it to get all the way up into the 90s around mid-day.

It does rain a lot in Key West. But more often than not, you’ll see tropical rain showers that don’t last long and that feel great on a hot day. You’ll love everything about the weather in Key West throughout your visit.

When it’s not raining a boat ride is always a good idea and there are a range of options in Key West. One that stuck out is this Tiki Boat.

2. To See the Stunning Architecture

Many people don’t realize this, but Key West is actually closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. As a result, it has what some locals have dubbed a “Floribbean” feel.

If you get a chance to drive away in Key West, you’ll see a variety of brightly-colored homes surrounded by white picket fences. You’ll also come across quite a few conch houses with tin roofs on them that look like they were lifted straight off a Caribbean island and dropped in Key West.

You’ll really enjoy looking at the interesting architecture throughout Key West.

3. To Learn About the Rich History

Did you know that the waters off the coast of Key West used to be filled with pirates at the start of the 19th century? Thanks to the strong currents that run along the coast and the reefs that are located there, lots of ships sank in the area and kept the wrecking industry afloat.

Did you also know that, at one time, Key West was considered to be the richest city in the entire country? It once attracted the likes of President Harry Truman and legendary writer Ernest Hemingway.

You can learn all about the rich history of Key West when you spend a few days or even a few weeks there.

4. To Partake in the Local Culture

When you visit Key West, Florida, one of the things you’ll want to make sure you see is located in a cemetery. Yes, that’s right, a cemetery.

Key West Cemetery is home to a number of tombstones with interesting and sometimes wacky epitaphs. One, in particular, reads: “I Told You I Was Sick.”

If that doesn’t define the local Key West culture, we don’t know what does!

On any given night, you might see chickens going toe-to-toe in the streets, street performers dressed up as Marvel characters, and so much more. Key West is an eccentric place that has so much culture for you to partake in during a visit.

5. To Take Part in the Exciting Nightlife

Do you like to party? Key West is an incredible place to do it.

On the one hand, things don’t ever get too out of hand when you’re in Key West. It has a pretty laidback vibe to it that doesn’t invite too much debauchery.

But at the same time, there are dive bars located on Duval Street that can get pretty wild on the right night. The Green Parrot and Sloppy Joe’s are a couple of places that most locals would recommend if you’re looking for a good time.

6. To Sit on One of the Beautiful Beaches

You can’t visit Key West, Florida and not spend at least a few hours each day posted up on the beach. There are a bunch of different beaches that would be well worth your time when you’re in Key West.

Smathers Beach has turned into the one that most tourists flock to during their Key West trips. It’s the largest beach that you’ll find in the city and arguably the best public beach in the area.

But it’s far from the only beach that you should try. You can also adventure out and experience:

• Dog Beach
• South Beach
• Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
• Bahia Honda State Park
• Dry Tortugas Beach

To make the most of your trips to the beach, you might want to incorporate essential oils into the mix. You can put your mind at ease and calm your body down prior to visiting the beach with essential oils.

This essential oils guide contains some of the best suggestions for those looking to kick back and relax when they visit Key West, Florida.

7. To Try a Delicious Piece of Key Lime Pie

You may have eaten key lime pie many times in the past. But have you ever really had it if you haven’t tried a slice of it in its birthplace?

It won’t be too tough to find a delicious piece of key lime pie during your stay in Key West. There are places dedicated to serving it, and it’s also available in many of the local restaurants.

Don’t leave before you try at least one slice of it!

Visit Key West, Florida Today

You could visit Key West, Florida and spend every waking hour sitting on the beach. Or you could visit and spend all your time exploring the history of the city.

Either way, you’re guaranteed to have a great time in Key West. It’s one of the best places in Florida to visit and will leave you talking about it for weeks, months, and years to come.

Flying to Key West is one way to relax and recharge. Browse our online magazine to find other lifestyle tips that will make you a healthier person.