- Tom.Bricker / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
Florida is one of the most traveled-to states in the United States. Thousands of tourists flock to its beautiful beaches to enjoy the warm year-round weather that can be found in most parts of Florida, as well as to enjoy the beautiful views. Perhaps one of the most visited cities in the state of Florida is Key West. Located at the end of the chain of islands known as the Florida Keys, Key West is a beautiful last stop on the journey. While there is much to do on this laid back, low-key island, check out five of the most popular tourist destinations Key West has to offer.
Southernmost Point
A trip to Key West would not be complete without a visit to the Southernmost Point in the U.S. This large concrete buoy was built to mark the southernmost point in the continental United States, and is only 90 miles from Cuba. This is a really a cool site to see, and makes for a great photo shoot, as it sits directly by the ocean. The Southernmost Point is located at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street.
Conch Train Tour
The Key West Conch Tour Train is one of the most popular attractions in Key West. Visitors can climb aboard an open-air tram and be guided on a 90 minute tour throughout the entire island. The knowledgeable tour guides provide interesting information about the island’s history and cover every topic imaginable, from Presidents to pirates to local life on the island. The tour makes a few stops along the way for sightseeing, photos, and shopping opportunities, and also allows you to get on and off the tour at different times throughout the day. This tour is the best way to see the entire island in a day, as well as learn about its rich and uniquely entertaining history.
Mallory Square/Sunset Celebration
Mallory square is an open area at the end of the island, allowing for beautiful and the absolute perfect spot for sunsets. It is because of this incredible view of the sunset that Mallory Square offers the nightly Sunset Celebration. The Sunset Celebration fills the square with street performers and vendors, creating a fun and exciting environment while you catch the beautiful views of the sunset. This activity is a must for any visitor to Key West.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
This beautiful park was once a part of a chain of forts built in the 1800’s to protect the coast. For Zachary Taylor also played a major role in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. The fort is available for daily tours and is full of history. The park also offers one of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida Keys, and by far the most popular beach in Key West. Visitors to the park can fish, snorkel, swim, picnic, and bike throughout the park.
The Little White House
The Little White House has served many purposes throughout its history, but is most famous for being the retreat and winter home of President Harry S. Truman. The house was first used as the command headquarters for the U.S. navy during the Spanish-American war, World War I, and World War II before serving as President Truman’s home. It was later used as a site or the Cold War response by other presidents, and still serves our world leaders today. The house is a beautiful historic landmark. Tours are available daily.
Author: Relene Mac is a Floridian who makes several trips to Key West a year. One of her favorite attractions to visit is The Little White House, among many. Other topics that her writing covers include alternative energy, travel, home design, fashion, dentistry, career advancement, education and training.