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One of the more popular watering holes you can find in Key West is the Hogs Breath Saloon. It caters to both locals and visitors and offers great food, cold drinks, and band lineups everyone will enjoy. With its thriving marine life and diverse ecosystems, it’s important to be mindful of the impact we have on this beautiful island. Visitors have several options for transportation around Key West, including renting motor scooters, bicycles, golf carts, or exploring on foot. Additionally, the FREE Duval Loop bus offers convenient transportation adjacent to Key West’s main street. Cruise ship passengers have a bounty of Key West tours to choose from — starting with a single tour lasting 90 minutes, and ranging up to 4 hours on our water sports combo package.
Unveiling Paradise: The Ultimate 4 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives. In conclusion, cruise tourism has a significant economic impact on Key West, generating jobs and revenue for the local economy. However, the city must balance the economic benefits with the environmental impacts and the desires of its residents. The economic impact of cruise tourism extends beyond the passengers themselves. Crew members also spend money in the local economy, mostly on food and beverages.
Can I Book Key West Tours and Shore Excursions?
Hold sea stars, hermit crabs, and conches in the palm of your hands in the “touch tank” of the Key West Aquarium, plus enjoy free guided tours and maybe even a shark feeding session. Open 9am to 6pm, the Key West Aquarium is a delight for the entire family. The Port of Key West is a major economic engine for the city and local businesses, resulting in an economic impact annually of $85 million (pre-pandemic). The port provides 1,250 direct and indirect jobs to the 25,000 citizens of Key West, while contributing 6 percent of the city’s total general tax revenue. Key West is one of the most popular ports in the Caribbean and passengers are introduced to the unique charm of Key West without contributing vehicular traffic to the overburdened US-1 corridor.
Hemingway Home and Museum
The island is small and easy to navigate, and many of the top attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Visitors can stroll through the colorful streets of Old Town, check out the historic homes and museums, and enjoy the waterfront views at Mallory Square. Old Town Key West is the heart of our quirky tropical island, Duval Street, with museums, amazing restaurants, bars, galleries, and boutique shopping. In Old Town Key West you will also find the three cruise ship docks, Pier B, Mallory Square, and the Outer Mole where larger ships dock.
Key West Doesn't Want Your Big Cruise Ships - Outside
Key West Doesn't Want Your Big Cruise Ships.
Posted: Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In protest of this action, then-mayor Dennis Wardlow declared war on the United States and immediately surrendered, requesting $1 million in foreign aid. The event is now celebrated with parades, parties, and other fun activities, showcasing Key West’s unique and rebellious spirit. It is a reminder of the island’s independent and free-spirited nature, and a celebration of its colorful past. Yes, for those looking to explore beyond walking distance, renting motor scooters, bicycles, golf carts, or jeeps is an option.
You can’t miss the Key West Museum at the Custom House overlooking Mallory Square. This historic building is a great place to stop and learn about Key West, Ernest Hemingway, and enjoy the art displays. You can end by visiting the gift shop or having a drink on the deck overlooking the Key West Marina.
It is generally advised to come earlier, as the place tends to get crowded later in the day due to its popularity. The street comes alive with the aromas of local eateries and cafes, inviting you to indulge in the island’s culinary delights. From seafood shacks serving up fresh catches to cozy bistros offering a taste of Key West’s diverse flavors, Duval Street is a foodie adventure waiting to be explored. Aside from the sunset celebrations, Mallory Square is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it an ideal place to explore and unwind. So while you’re here, grab a refreshing drink, try some local cuisine, or browse through the unique boutiques that line the square.
A 10-minute drive from the Key West port brings you to the iconic Southernmost Point, a buoy-shaped concrete marker indicating the southernmost tip of the continental United States. This vibrant buoy, adorned with colorful bands, stands as both an Instagram-worthy destination and a reminder of Key West’s historical significance. This guide covers everything from the best times to visit to booking your cruise and preparing for your journey. Over the years, the port has evolved to accommodate the growing cruise industry, transforming into a modern facility that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Key West has a rich maritime history, dating back to the early 19th century when it was a bustling hub for shipping and naval activities. Cruise ships dock in St Thomas at two places; the Havensight Cruise Pier (West Indian Company Dock) as well as the Cruise Port of Charlotte Amalie (also known as Crown Bay).
What's to do and see in the Old Town
This is a small island located a few miles offshore and only accessible by boat or airplane. If mystery is your thrill, visit Key West Cemetery to learn the interesting part of the town’s former times. The gravestones of fallen soldiers and townsfolk go into depth about the life and death of the individual.
Riding the Conch Tour Train or Old Town Trolley makes navigating Key West easy and fun. You can sit back, relax, and take in the island’s charm without having to worry about driving or parking. They are a hassle-free way to hit all the highlights at your own leisure.
This popular plaza is located on the waterfront in Key West’s historic Old Town, near the cruise ship port. It is located just west of the northern end of Duval Street and faces the Gulf of Mexico. Mallory Square is a fairly large area as it runs the entire length of Wall Street and also offers beautiful water views.
Every corner seems to come alive with entertainment, from jugglers and magicians to musicians and painters. Key West, the southernmost city in the continental U.S., is the last in a chain of tiny tropical islands -- the Florida Keys -- scattered off the mainland. Dubbed the "Conch Republic," Key West is a very popular destination on Western Caribbean itineraries -- and is easily one of the funkiest and fascinating ports of call in all of cruising.
So, expect to queue, if you want to snap a photo, or go very early in the morning for a picture-perfect piece. Book your ticket today and feel confident with our 100% Secure Online Bookings and receive your Instant Confirmation Email guaranteeing your seat today. New Town is where you will find larger grocery and retail stores, local housing, The Key West airport, and some of the larger hotel chains.
Snorkeling enthusiasts can explore the stunning coral reefs at Dry Tortugas National Park or venture to the colorful marine life at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Come along on a marine adventure at the Key West Aquarium, located right on Mallory Square! Immerse yourself in the wonders of the sea as you discover a wide range of marine life indigenous to the surrounding waters of Key West. The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a tranquil refuge about a 25-minute walk/8 minutes drive from Key West cruise port. This charming conservatory allows you to enter the fascinating world of butterflies, exotic birds and tropical flora. Pose for a memorable photo with the buoy against the backdrop of the azure sea, and enjoy the fact that you’re standing at the country’s southernmost point at just 90 miles (145 km) north of Cuba.
If your cruise ship is the only one in port - which happens quite frequently - this will be most probably where she will dock. This is a perfect location just, literally, a couple of minutes walk away from the Old Town - one of the top attractions of Key West where many highlights are located. The third docking facility, Navy’s Outer Mole Pier, is located a 5-minute drive from Key West downtown and is used when three ships are in port. In this case, cruise lines provide shuttle transfers to the city center.
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