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Why Key West is The Ideal Vacation Destination for Choosy Travelers

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Key West Florida

If you’re ready for a new place to vacation, it’s time to consider Key West. This small island city that caps the end of the Florida Keys delivers a memorable experience that belies its tiny square mileage. Here are just a few of the many reasons why this is one of the top tourist spots in the U.S., and why you might enjoy it, too.

It’s Easily Accessible

Even though it may feel like a world away, one of the big draws of Key West is its location. For decades, travelers have reaped the benefits of how quickly a boat, plane or car can reach Key West; a weekend getaway is suddenly within reach. Practically every airport in the continental U.S. has connecting flights to Key West, so it’s never too far away by air. It’s also a great idea to work Key West into a longer trip. Drive up and down the Florida Keys or plan an extensive sailing trip from the Gulf of Mexico or Southeastern U.S. And there are plenty of marina slips that boaters can book in advance. You can even find high-end resorts with slips available so you can step off the boat and into a world of luxury while you stay in Key West.

There’s Something for Everyone

One of the best reasons that Key West makes an ideal vacation spot is that your enjoyment of it can change as your life changes. The varied attractions, landmarks, historical sites, restaurants, and activities appeal to solo travelers, couples, and families. Family reunions in Key West make it possible for even the youngest and oldest family members to enjoy themselves. Adventurous types can make their way to attractions like Dry Tortugas National Park while those who’d prefer to stay closer to “home base” can enjoy many of the same activities at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park without leaving the island.

An abundance of all-inclusive spa resorts, bars, and restaurants-many of which feature live music-make planning a bachelor or bachelorette weekend or friends’ getaway nearly effortless. All you need to do is book your reservations for days of swimming, sunshine, spa pampering, and exciting cuisine.

You Can Vacation Your Way

Whether you want to travel on a shoestring budget or insist on the best of everything, Key West can oblige your wishes. Pick a campground, pitch a tent, and laze away the days on the beach. Or check into a premium resort with spa amenities, on-site fine dining, and shop upscale boutiques along Duval Street and the surrounding areas. Key West has it all, so you can tailor your trip to your interests and your budget.

For budget-conscious travelers, there are plenty of accommodations with kitchenettes so you can save money preparing meals yourself. Alternatively, guests with greater resources may decide to book boat rentals, custom snorkeling excursions, and guided tours to picturesque and off-the-beaten-path parts of Key West.

Key West - Florida

It’s a Foodie’s Paradise

Because of where Key West is located compared with the American South, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Mexico and the rich history each of these regions has, there are a lot of culinary crossovers that happen here. You can find an amazing Dominican restaurant one night, and then eat authentic Peruvian dishes the next. Savor Vietnamese, Spanish, Italian, Greek, and Jamaican dishes, too, just for starters.

For many chefs in Key West, the bounty of the sea pushes them towards creativity and innovation that deliver memorable meals that showcase unique flavor combinations. Among the most notable restaurants to make sure you visit are Little Pearl, Eaton Street Seafood Market & Restaurant, Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe, Duetto’s Pizza & Gelato, and Blue Heaven.

So Near, Yet So Far Away

Because Key West is part of Florida, you may suspect that it doesn’t have anything truly out of the ordinary to show you. The unique geography and ecosystems of Key West, combined with the long-standing crossroads of culture and cuisines, and its exciting role in military, scientific, political, and social history deliver a dizzying array of new sights, smells, views, and experiences.

Of particular note is the Key West Botanical Garden, the only naturally occurring ecosystem of its kind in the continental U.S., and its specimen trees are some you’ll never see anywhere else without leaving the country. Other stand-out reasons to visit Key West include the coral reefs at Dry Tortugas National Park, wreck fishing with All In Fishing Charters, and of course, the distinctive key lime pie, locally produced rum and cigars, and local art exhibits such as the kind you’ll see at Fort East Martello Museum.

What Are You Waiting For?

It’s time to plan your trip now so that you’re ready when vacation season is in full swing. Key West offers so much to see and do, whether you like to go into your vacation with big plans or just wait and see where the day takes you. Use these ideas to build an itinerary that appeals to you, and see for yourself why Key West has such one-of-a-kind appeal.

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