Key West, Florida

Key West is a city and an island of the same name at the westernmost tip of the Florida Keys in Monroe County, Florida, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 25,478. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 24,768 . This is an interesting comparison to the 1920 census that put the population at approximately 20,000. It is the county seat of Monroe County.{{GR|6}} Key West is known as the Southernmost City and also as the Conch Republic. It is also the southern terminus of U.S. 1. Key West is about 150 miles (240 km) southwest of Miami, Florida, and 90 miles (145 km) north of Havana, Cuba.

Attractions, events, recreation, and culture

Rent a bicycle and explore the history and architecture of Old Town Key West. Walking tours including a tour of the unusual Key West Cemetery are available. The Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square is a daily spectacle for visitors and residents. Boat excursions and tours provide a great way to view Key West from the water.

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The Duval Street bar and restaurant district include many different entertainment options all within walking distance of each other.

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The Tennessee Williams Theatre is a performing arts center, a civic center, and a community center.

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The Key West Botanical Forest and Garden is an excellent, frost-free arboretum and botanical garden containing a number of "champion tree" specimens.

Related Topics:
Key West Botanical Forest and Garden - Arboretum - Botanical garden

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Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden is a one acre (4,000 m²) garden resembling a lush, predominantly green, rainforest. It is an exhibit of wild nature’s artistry in a woodland garden.

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The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory features a 5,000 square foot (460 m²) glass-domed tropical butterfly habitat.

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The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum showcases gold, silver, and treasure recovered from shipwrecks around the world.

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Mingle with the locals, shop, and dine at the Key West Historic Seaport at the Key West Bight.

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The Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum preserves the history of the Key West Lighthouse built in 1847.

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Popular annual events include:

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• Conch Republic Independence Celebration – April 23
• Red Ribbon Bed Race – April
• Survivors Party – May
• Queen Mother Pageant – May
• PrideFest – June
• Cuban-American Heritage Festival – June
• Hemingway Days Festival – July
• WomenFest – September
• Fantasy Fest – October
• Goombay Celebration – October
• Parrot Heads in Paradise Convention – November
• Boat and Holiday Parade – December