“Watch out for the chickens”. That was one of the first things I heard when I told people I was heading to Key West. I was not sure what I was expecting when I arrived in the tropical paradise, but what I found was a relaxed, laid back culture, historic beauty and a vacation destination I won’t soon forget.
CHICKENS AND ROOSTERS IN KEY WEST
At first I was not sure what to think of the wild chickens and roosters that freely walk the streets of Key West. It did not take me long to smile when I saw them – after all, Key West is pretty laid back and the chickens just add to the atmosphere.
HISTORIC KEY WEST
I loved the charm of the The Chelsea House Hotel, one of 6 Historic Key West Inns situated right in Historic district of Key West.
Just look at this little private balcony off my junior suite.
More than just chickens greeted me during my stay.
AWARD WINNING FOOD
The Chelsea House is located just a walk away from delicious local restaurants, attractions and the waterfront. Camille’s is a must-try place for breakfast, I’d definitely go back for their delicious Eggs Benedict. The white chocolate waffles also looked pretty incredible.
CONCH TOUR TRAIN
Key West, the southernmost city in the continental USA is a small Island. The tour guide on the conch tour train said it was approximately 1 mile by 4 miles. Walking from place to place is pretty common in Key West. The conch tour train has been giving tours of historic Key West for over 50 years. If you are looking for an educational way to spend a relaxing afternoon, this World Famous tour is for you.
GETTING AROUND KEY WEST
The nice thing about walking around Key West besides the historic beauty is finding tiny local places that you fall in love with. I found some fun second hand stores, fresh juice bars, antique shops and some pretty fantastic Cuban eats.
If you are not one for walking, no worries. On many street corners you will find rental places where you can rent bicycles, mopeds and even little electric cars that look like golf carts. Friends and I rented the 4 seater electric car to do some sight-seeing, which I would do again in a heartbeat.
Some places that we stopped to see while sight seeing were the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Harry S. Truman Little White House, The Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, Smather’s Beach and the Fort Zachary Taylor Beach.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY HOME AND MUSEUM
Ernest Hemingway’s writing studio is seen below.
A neat story about the Ernest Hemingway Home is the one of the cats. If you visit the museum you will see cats, all of which are descendants of the six-toed cat, Snow White, who was given to Hemingway by a ship’s captain.
HARRY S. TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE
The Little White House is Floirda’s only presidential museum.
SUNSET CELEBRATION AT MALLORY SQUARE
The Sunset Celebration is a nightly street carnival held at Mallory Square. There are entertainers, food booths and everything you would expect at a tropical Island celebration. It’s no surprise that the star of the celebration is the breathtaking sunset over the Key West Harbor.
SMATHERS BEACH
Beautiful views are sure to be had while taking a stroll in on the sandy Smather’s Beach.
FORT ZACHARY TAYLOR BEACH
One of my favorite scenic places was the Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, I just had to share a live video from that beautiful spot.
If you are looking to plan a laid back tropical getaway with a friend or your special someone, add Key West to your destination list! You are sure to love the historic beauty, the many attractions and the relaxed culture that you will experience there.
Have you been to Key West? What were some of your highlights?
I was invited on a #seizethekeys Media trip to Key West and the Florida Keys, all opinions are my own.
Melanie Smith says
Looks like you had a great time there. That place should be awesome, I love it!
Amber Myers says
All the pictures look so relaxing. I’d love to go! I need to go to the beach.
Tara Pittman says
I would love to explore this place by bike. Last time I went to the beach I rented a bike and it was so fun.
chei says
This place looks so relaxing! So peaceful!
Dana Vento says
Sounds like a good place for staycation. such a relaxing view
Jay says
I love Key West! So relaxing and laid back for sure. Plus so much history down in that little tip of Florida! Hope you got to try conch fritters!
Jody @ Mommy Moment says
I did try the conch fritters and they were delicious. I love the history and heritage – I wanted to get to the library there too, but ran out of time.
Caryn/The Mid Life Guru says
You sure make Key West look like a fun destination!!
Jody @ Mommy Moment says
There really is so much more to do too, this is just a tiny glimpse.
Liz Mays says
There’s so much personality there! I can’t believe I’ve never been to Key West. I need to get there!
Jody @ Mommy Moment says
Liz, I am sure you would love it. It is already calling me back!
Anosa says
Oh wow the food looks absolutely delicious, I want to vacation here like asap.
Azlin Bloor says
I adore the buildings and the scenery! That looks like an amazing place to go!
amer says
Your pictures are so inviting. Nice shot! I want to go on vacation like that. I’m jealous.
Krystel @ Planning The Magic says
You know what, I own at OKW through DVC and it looks just like this! I would love to visit here so thanks for sharing.
ashley says
We spent a day there last year and I wish we would have spent longer! I loved visiting and had no idea there was so much to do there until we got there.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I would love to go back to Key West. It was such a beautiful place. I am hoping to get there in the next few years.
Maya says
Love Key West! Such a great place to vacation!
Liz Howard says
Wow, sounds like you had a great time, I have never been…but I would love to go!!!
Julie F says
It looks so beautiful there, hopefully one day I will get to visit myself!
Darren Scrubb says
Great looking place and I know some day it is a visit I will have to take.
Cheryl MacPhail says
I have never been to Key West it sure looks amazing!! Hoping to take the kids to Disney in the next few years would be nice to venture down there as well 🙂
Melissa F says
Would love to go to Key West!!
Krista M says
Now that’s a unique vacation! Love all the historical places & it all seems so quaint. Really a different experience.
shirley p says
What a fun place to visit
Linda Klages says
OK, I’m convinced – where do I sign up to go.
nicky says
What a beautiful and amazing place! I am adding Key West to my list of dream vacation destinations!
Nate says
Beautiful place
Corry L. says
I lived in Florida for 5 years and have been to Key West. Beautiful place! It was pretty funny yet a little disturbing seeing chickens and roosters roaming around the parking lot while we’re eating chicken at KFC though! lol
Jody @ Mommy Moment says
Haha! That would be funny to see while eating KFC. I hope to go back one day though, such a fun atmosphere!
Pat Weldon says
I could go for this!
Heather Thomson says
This looks amazing! I have been wanting to do a trip to the south forever. I didn’t realize Florida captured that southern charm!
Tiesha says
I have never been to key west – it sounds great! I found the chicken thing funny – I was just in Kauai and chickens are everywhere!