Spring has sprung in Florida’s playground where fishing, diving, exploring and relaxing take centre stage.

In Key West, the drinks are always cold, the seafood is always fresh and the lifestyle is always on island time.

Water Sports Abound

Head down to the renovated Historic Seaport district, known locally as the Key West Bight, to arrange a day on the water. Plenty of professional dive, snorkel and fishing charter services make for a hassle-free adventure. The district is also flush with restaurants, serving up fresh catches from their own backyards.

Snorkellers and divers delight over Sand Key and its 16 kilometres of pristine coral reefs. Divers also love discovering the wonders under the sea surrounding the General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, the second-largest ship made into an artificial reef. The ship rests at the end of the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail, which begins in Key Largo.

Shipwrecks make for ideal fishing spots as well. Ship out with an offshore captain for the day and bring home snapper and grouper for dinner. Or reel in some amberjack, cobia, shark, barracuda or permit.

A Confluence of History and Culture

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of this southernmost subtropical paradise as did the likes of Harry Truman, Lou Gehrig and Thomas Edison. Don’t miss Mel Fisher’s Treasures to learn the legend of the booty salvaged from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, which was lost in a 1622 hurricane.

Discover the Bahamian and Cuban heritage throughout the island. The Bahama Village neighbourhood was founded in the early 1800s by Africans migrating from the Bahamas. Shop the boutiques and indulge in its unique eateries. Pay homage at the 1860 African Burial Ground, believed to be America’s only African refugee cemetery.

Join a neighbourhood gallery stroll featuring Key West artists, such as Walk on White held on the third Thursday of the month. Cool off inside southernmost Florida’s only independent film multiplex, Tropic Cinema. Writers and readers are inspired touring the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the master wrote the majority of his classics.

Catch the Key West Players, the oldest continually operating theatre troupe in Florida, at the 150-seat Waterfront Playhouse adjacent to the infamous Mallory Square, home to the renowned improv entertainment at sunset. Visit the Tennessee Williams Theatre, opened in 1980 by the playwright himself, who lived here from 1949 until he died in 1983.

Throughout Key West, you will find welcoming waters, unique culture, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants. Take a stroll and discover your Key West.

Travel Planner

Plan your Key West escape at fla-keys.com/keywest or call 1-800-527-8539.