Key West – where America suddenly tastes like the Caribbean
- nadimagic
- 9 hours ago
- 7 min read
There are places that feel like paradise. And Key West is exactly one of those places that you absolutely have to see.
Even the journey there is an experience in itself. You travel along the famous Overseas Highway from island to island, with nothing but endless blue on either side. The sea sparkles in turquoise, aquamarine, and deep ocean blue – simply magnificent to behold.
I travelled there on one of the tourist buses. In my opinion, a day trip isn't enough, so it's best to plan one or two overnight stays to see everything. I also recommend renting a car, as this gives you more flexibility and allows you to stop at scenic spots along the way. You should allow about three and a half to four hours of driving time for the journey.
Those who wish to travel by bus will find a good offer here:
Cost: $39.00 USD
In this case, the early bird catches the worm & the bus - it starts right at 7 am and you're on the go all day.
Right through the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean
The bus is so heavily air-conditioned that you almost need a sweater – typical American, I think to myself, as I slowly get frostbite. We pass the skyscrapers of Miami, which rise impressively from the turquoise sea. From a distance, the skyline seems even more surreal than up close, amidst the towering buildings.
After the hectic big-city feel of Miami, the road becomes increasingly narrow, the ocean draws closer, and the atmosphere noticeably more relaxed. The route follows the famous Overseas Highway (US 1), which stretches for approximately 270 kilometers through the Florida Keys.
The panorama: To your right lies the Gulf of Mexico , to your left the Atlantic Ocean . In good weather, you can see miles of crystal-clear water on both sides.
The most enjoyable way to experience the drive is with stops along the way. Islamorada and Marathon are small towns located roughly halfway. In Islamorada, you'll experience the quintessential Florida Keys lifestyle. Marathon, with its beaches and spectacular Seven Mile Bridge, offers a first glimpse of the tropical flair that awaits you later in Key West.
Islamorada – the world capital of sport fishing
Islamorada consists of several small islands and already conveys the typical Keys feeling: turquoise water, palm trees and a relaxed atmosphere.
Worth seeing here are:
Robbie's of Islamorada – famous for its giant tarpon that can be fed directly from the jetties.
Anne's Beach – a flat beach with wooden boardwalks and a beautiful view over Florida Bay
History of Diving Museum – an exciting exhibition about the history of diving
Numerous fishing charters, kayaking and snorkeling trips
Fantastic sunsets over Florida Bay
Marathon – the heart of the Florida Keys
Marathon is considered the heart of the Florida Keys and is especially known for its beaches and nature experiences.
Highlights:
The Turtle Hospital – Rescue center for injured sea turtles with guided tours
Sombrero Beach – one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the Keys
Seven Mile Bridge – the iconic bridge often seen in films and commercials
Bahia Honda State Park – located south of Marathon, with some of Florida's most beautiful beaches
Boat tours for snorkeling and diving at coral reefs
Key West – where the road ends
Then, finally, after what felt like an eternity, you're there: Key West. The southernmost city in the continental US feels like you've already arrived in the Caribbean. It starts in the last few kilometers. Beyond Marathon, the islands become smaller, the boundaries between land and sea blur. The road stretches straight across the water, as if leading directly to the horizon.
And suddenly everything changes.
The hectic pace that one associates with Miami seems to have vanished here. Nobody is in a hurry. Cruise bikes glide through the streets, golf carts rumble past the colorful wooden houses, and music drifts from the restaurants. The air smells of the sea, sunscreen, and occasionally, grilled fish.
The old town feels like a blend of Caribbean, Southern charm, and tropical islands. Palm trees line the streets, and small, colorful wooden houses stand close together. There are small souvenir stalls and chickens roaming freely.
On many corners, you'll discover small cafes, galleries, or bars, some of which have been around for decades. The most famous of them all is Sloppy Joe's . A relaxed island vibe pervades everything. Time seems to move more slowly here. Strolling along the famous Duval Street, you'll experience the heart of the island. Restaurants, bars with live music, and small shops line the street.
The long piers are also worth a visit. Many restaurants are located right on the water. Some have jetties that extend far out into the sea. Here you can enjoy good food and live music while watching the sunset.
During the day, the atmosphere is relaxed. In the evening, the terraces fill up, and the sounds of guitars drift from the restaurants onto the streets. Anyone looking to cool off can simply jump into the crystal-clear water of one of the small coves.
But Key West is much more than just parties and sunsets. The island thrives on its unique atmosphere. You can sit on a bench at the harbor, watch pelicans swooping down, or see the boats slowly sailing out towards the Gulf of Mexico.
I explored Key West by bicycle back then – and I can highly recommend that to any visitor. The island is manageable enough to discover on two wheels, and at the same time, there's something new around every corner. Sometimes it's small coves and swimming spots right by the sea where you spontaneously stop to dip your toes in the water. Other times it's a charming café, a historic building, or one of the many verandas surrounded by tropical plants.
You can rent good bicycles here, for example:
One of the best-known rental companies on the island. Here you can get classic cruiser bikes with baskets, as well as tandems, e-bikes, and touring bikes. A particularly convenient feature: free delivery to your accommodation and pick-up on the island.
A popular local provider with excellent reviews. Offers cruiser bikes for relaxed island exploration and free delivery in Key West.
For many, the day ends at Mallory Square.
Street performers, musicians, and visitors gather there to experience the sunset together. As the sun slowly sinks into the sea and the sky glows orange, pink, and purple, it quickly becomes clear why this spot is considered one of Florida's most beautiful sunset locations. When I was there, a speedboat race was taking place. People sat by the water with camping chairs and cold beer, chatting about everything under the sun and enjoying the evening. Americans certainly know how to enjoy life.
Are there any hidden treasures around Key West?
Yes, definitely. Hardly any place in Florida is as closely associated with treasure stories as Key West. For centuries, Spanish galleons, merchant ships, and sailing vessels disappeared off the coast in storms and on the coral reefs. The most famous of them was the Atocha.
The treasure of the Spanish galleon Atocha
In 1622, the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha was caught in a hurricane and sank west of Key West. On board were gold, silver, emeralds, jewelry, and valuable trade goods from the New World. The ship was considered lost for centuries.
Treasure hunter Mel Fisher set out in the 1960s. For over 16 years, he searched for the wreck with almost no success. Many thought he was crazy. But on July 20, 1985, his team finally discovered the main part of the treasure. The recovered gold and silver were worth several hundred million dollars at the time. Today, the total value is estimated at well over 500 million dollars.
The story became legendary in the USA because Fisher persevered despite setbacks. Even his son and daughter-in-law lost their lives during the search.
Nevertheless, he never gave up. His famous saying was: "Today's the day."
The TOP 7 highlights of Key West
#1 Hemingway Home & Museum
Ernest Hemingway's former home is one of the island's most popular attractions. The descendants of his six-toed cats, who still live on the grounds, are particularly famous.
Admission: 19 USDUSD
#2 Mallory Square – the sunset show
Every evening, street performers, musicians, and visitors gather here to celebrate the sunset together. Many consider the Sunset Celebration one of the most beautiful experiences in all of Florida.
One of the island's most fascinating museums. Here you can learn how shipwrecks in the 19th century made Key West rich. Original artifacts recovered from wrecks, stories of treasure hunters, and a viewing platform overlooking the island make a visit particularly interesting.
#4 Snorkeling to coral reefs and wrecks
Florida Reef
Off the coast of Key West lies the world's third-largest coral reef. Numerous boat trips lead to coral formations, tropical fish, and historic shipwrecks. Half-day catamaran tours are especially popular. The sunken Vandenberg, for example, still resembles a ghost ship from another era, even after all these years.
Here you can find some providers of diving tours:
#5 Underwater Statue Christ of the Abyss
A truly special experience is a snorkeling trip to the famous underwater statue Christ of the Abyss near Key Largo. Many people combine several snorkeling stops on their trip through the Keys, visiting sunken works of art and shipwrecks.
Here are some providers where you can book the tour:
#6 Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Here, history and nature meet. The historic fort dates back to the 19th century. Right next to it is one of Key West's most beautiful beaches, offering excellent snorkeling opportunities from the shore.
#7 Dry Tortugas – the adventure off the coast
About 110 kilometers west of Key West lies one of the most spectacular national parks in the USA. Visitors can reach it by ferry or seaplane. There, the imposing Fort Jefferson, white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and excellent snorkeling spots await.
My point of view:
Key West possesses a rare blend of ease and adventure. The colorful wooden houses evoke the South, while the warm colors and palm trees bring to mind the Caribbean, with that touch of pirate haven, where sunken shipwrecks offer a truly unique experience. Tales of shipwrecks and treasure hunters from a time when the sea determined people's fates are recounted. But that's not all; the sunsets are spectacular, too. The sky turns orange, pink, and gold, and for a moment, everything seems almost surreal.
Anyone who has strolled through the shaded streets, experienced a sunset by the water, or simply soaked up the relaxed atmosphere of the island quickly understands why so many visitors return again and again. I hope to do the same one day.
PS: A photo at the famous Southernmost Point Buoy is a must. The large buoy marks the southernmost point of the American mainland – only about 90 miles separate Key West from Cuba here.
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