The southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West features a unique mixture of cultural influences. The colorful history of the four- by two-mile island is filled with tales of poverty and prosperity, death and rebirth. Key West's early economy relied heavily on sponge-fishing and the risky but lucrative "wrecking," where locals salvaged the goods of ships run aground in the shallow waters. The architecture is mainly Caribbean with many houses built out of coral-rock or salvaged ship-boards. Others came directly from the Bahamas, dismantled and shipped then re-assembled here in the Keys. The cuisine is Afro-Caribbean and Spanish and there is a certain tropical, laid-back feel to the town.
Key West is known for its sunsets, which draw tourists from all over the U.S. and beyond. Several famous writers have called the island home, including Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost, and Tennessee Williams. Key West continues to attract artists today with its Bohemian and tolerant atmosphere. Plan your time here with our list of the top attractions in Key West.
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