Updated May 2024.
The Conch Republic
The southernmost city in the contiguous United States, it has a vibrant history.
When the Spanish first colonized the island, they named it Cayo Hueso (“Bone Cay”), referring to a low island or reef covered in bones of prior native inhabitants who used it as a communal gravesite. However, they also discovered a well with a reliable supply of freshwater (located in the second oldest house on Key West and the Stop #1 of the Heritage trail).
From 1763 – 1821, smugglers, pirates, and privateers used the island as a hideout, Cubans fished here, and Bahamians also fished, caught turtles, cut timber, and salvaged wrecks. During the Civil War, while locals were sympathetic to the Confederacy, there was also a large free black population that grew immensely as enslaved African-Americans fled here for safety. Interestingly, this area was Union-controlled and played a large role in ensuring naval control of the Gulf of Mexico, due to the presence of Fort Zachary Taylor, where Union troops were located.
It continued to rise in prominence as the wealthiest city in Florida due to it serving as a Port of Entry for wreckage and salt manufacturing, using tidal pools rather than salt mines. During Prohibition, business boomed due to the illegal rum trade with Cuba. Throughout the 20th-century, due to conflicts in Cuba and the Bahamas, many immigrants have crossed over to seek refuge.
CONCH REPUBLIC HISTORY
The term native residents of the Florida Keys refer to themselves as is Conchs (pronounced “conk”), which first referred to immigrants from the Bahamas with European ancestry, stemming from the tradition that when a baby was born into that family, they would put a conch shell on a pole in front of their home.
But the term Conch Republic stems from Key West briefly asserting their independence in 1982 and seceding as a way to protest the continual U.S. Border Patrol blockade that was set up on US 1 where the highway met the mainland. Border Patrol stopped every car leaving the Keys, supposedly searching for drugs and illegal immigrants. This led to a 17-mile traffic jam and restricted tourism, a major industry.
Even today, one can see flags, license plates, and souvenirs boasting about the Conch Republic, and on April 23, they celebrate the Conch Republic Independence Celebration. While not taken seriously, Mayor Wardlow did proclaim himself prime minister and declared war against the U.S., surrendered after a minute, and applied for one billion dollars of foreign aid.
When the Spanish first colonized the island, they named it Cayo Hueso (“Bone Cay”), referring to a low island or reef covered in bones of prior native inhabitants who used it as a communal gravesite. However, they also discovered a well with a reliable supply of freshwater (located in the second oldest house on Key West and the Stop #1 of the Heritage trail).
From 1763 – 1821, smugglers, pirates, and privateers used the island as a hideout, Cubans fished here, and Bahamians also fished, caught turtles, cut timber, and salvaged wrecks. During the Civil War, while locals were sympathetic to the Confederacy, there was also a large free black population that grew immensely as enslaved African-Americans fled here for safety. Interestingly, this area was Union-controlled and played a large role in ensuring naval control of the Gulf of Mexico, due to the presence of Fort Zachary Taylor, where Union troops were located.
It continued to rise in prominence as the wealthiest city in Florida due to it serving as a Port of Entry for wreckage and salt manufacturing, using tidal pools rather than salt mines. During Prohibition, business boomed due to the illegal rum trade with Cuba. Throughout the 20th-century, due to conflicts in Cuba and the Bahamas, many immigrants have crossed over to seek refuge.
CONCH REPUBLIC HISTORY
The term native residents of the Florida Keys refer to themselves as is Conchs (pronounced “conk”), which first referred to immigrants from the Bahamas with European ancestry, stemming from the tradition that when a baby was born into that family, they would put a conch shell on a pole in front of their home.
But the term Conch Republic stems from Key West briefly asserting their independence in 1982 and seceding as a way to protest the continual U.S. Border Patrol blockade that was set up on US 1 where the highway met the mainland. Border Patrol stopped every car leaving the Keys, supposedly searching for drugs and illegal immigrants. This led to a 17-mile traffic jam and restricted tourism, a major industry.
Even today, one can see flags, license plates, and souvenirs boasting about the Conch Republic, and on April 23, they celebrate the Conch Republic Independence Celebration. While not taken seriously, Mayor Wardlow did proclaim himself prime minister and declared war against the U.S., surrendered after a minute, and applied for one billion dollars of foreign aid.
Overview
- 8:00 - 8:30 AM: Southernmost Point of the Continental USA - photo spot with buoy
- 9:00 - 9:50 AM: Hemingway Home and Museum - home of famous American writer
- 10:00 - 10:30 AM: Key West Lighthouse - small lighthouse with viewpoint
- 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Fort Zachary Taylor - state park with naval fort
- 1:00 - 2:00 PM: Lunch
- 2:15 - 2:30 PM: US 1 Mile Marker 0 - sign where the south part of US 1 ends
- 2:30 - 3:30 PM: Truman's Little White House - historic building where President Truman worked
- 3:45 - 3:50 PM: Curry Mansion Inn - historic building where key lime pie was popularized
- 4:00 - 4:45 PM: Key West First Legal Rum Distillery - distillery with free rum tastings
- 5:00 - 5:30 PM: Kermit's Pie Shop - famous key lime pie shop
- Sunset: Mallory Square - designated sunset spot
- Nightlife: Duval Street - street filled with bars and restaurants.
Click the star to add the map to your Google Maps! To view it, simply open Google Maps, navigate to the Menu, choose “Your Places,” click "Maps", and voila, the map should be added.
Tips
Getting To/From the City
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Getting to Key West is a fun-journey along the Overseas Highway (the southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1), which was the former East Coast Railroad line. When the Labor Day hurricane of 1935 struck and damaged the railroad, the highway was constructed.
From Miami, one travels down 113 miles of roads and cross 42 bridges before arriving in Key West. For some activities to do on the way south, check out the "Trail to Key West" section. PROTIP: Police officers frequently enforce speed limits and hide around many bends, so make sure to know the speed limits and drive accordingly. |
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Getting Around the City
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Key West is a very walkable city. It is only 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, and for the most part, all the activities are located in Key West's Historic District, or Old Town.
There are plenty of bike rental shops and occasional bike lanes, which is another feasible option. One can also drive around, but finding parking can be difficult and at times, the streets can get quite congested. There is also the option to ride on the Old Trolley tour or the Key West Conch Train.
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Rental bikes have drink holders!
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Key West Conch Train
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Parking
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Street parking is free throughout Key West for up to 72 hours, as long as one parks in a spot that doesn't say "Residential". Otherwise, there are easily accessible parking garages as well. It's good to check in with the accommodation beforehand to see if they have any recommendations for where to park. |
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1-Day Plan
8:00 - 8:30 AM: Southernmost Point of the Continental USA
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As the name suggests, this is the southernmost point in Key West, marked by a concrete buoy. Tourists line up to take pictures with it all day long, so the earlier one gets here, the less likely there'll be a line. |
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM: Hemingway Home and Museum ($18)
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At the former home of the famous Nobel prize-winning American author, Ernest Hemingway, tourists can visit both the house and gardens, where one can view the descendants of Hemingway’s polydactyl (six-toed) cats. There are over 60 of them roaming the grounds and named after famous people just as Ernest Hemingway did with his cats. They offer 20-30 minute long tours every 15 minutes starting at 9:30 AM |
Hemingway Home and Museum Entrance
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10:00 - 10:30 PM: Key West Lighthouse ($17 or $15.50 online)
Key West Lighthouse
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In 1848, the lighthouse opened with a female Keeper (unheard of during this time). It underwent a few modifications such as the use of a Third Order Fresnel Lens, a tower extension, the addition of the Keeper’s Quarters, and then electrifying the light. It was decommissioned in 1969 as the U.S. Coast Guard no longer needed a Keeper at the light house; however, it has remained in Key West to provide insight into the history with 88 steps to the top. |
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Fort Taylor
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The state park shows the historic Fort Zachary Taylor, the beautiful beach where one can swim and picnic, as well as a few nature trails around both. The Fort is a major focus point as its position at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico made it a strategic location for the Union to control during the Civil War. It also posed a threat during the Spanish-American War and was where many ships were launched during WWI. One can view the cannons that shoot up to 3 miles away.
It was named after the 12th president, Zachary Taylor, who died from "consuming copious amounts of cherries and iced milk" that led to acute gastroenteritis. |
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1:00 - 2:00 PM: Lunch
2:15 - 2:30 PM: US 1 Zero Mile Marker
US 1 Zero Mile Marker
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At the corner of Fleming Street and Whitehead street, one can see the mile marker indicating the end (or start) of US 1 that runs north-south along the East Coast. Here, one can take a picture of the sign, visit the Zero Mile Art store, and the End of the Road gift shop.
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2:30 - 3:30 PM: Truman's Little White House ($22.95)
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This is the former home of President Harry S. Truman who would “work-cation”. He spent a total of 11 vacations during his presidency from 1945-1953, spending a total of 175 days in the house. In the house, Truman discussed the Marshall Plan, the Truman Doctrine, and the recognition of the State of Israel.
Originally, it was built in 1890 for the base commandant and paymaster, before being converted into a single-family home in 1911. Then, President Taft visited in 1912, Thomas Edison lived here for 6 months during WWI while inventing 41 new weapons, and even President Franklin Roosevelt visited a few times. Later, President Eisenhower used the house for meetings in 1955 while recovering from a heart attack. President JFK held a meeting with British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan in 1961, 23 days before the Bay of Pigs crisis. |
Truman's Little White House
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Over time, the Naval Base and the area called the Truman Annex was closed, until a private developer, Pritam Singh purchased the land and turned them into rental homes for vacationers, but Truman’s Little White House was sold to the State of Florida and now a historical site that one can visit.
3:45 - 3:50 PM: Curry Mansion Inn
Curry Mansion (B&B)
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A historic B&B in Key West, Florida that was once the mansion of William Curry, the first millionaire in Key West. He became the “Wrecking King” as he grew successful in the salvaging/wrecking industry. He lived here from 1871 - 1896, until his death. Supposedly, this is the house where the Key Lime Pie was popularized, as “Aunt Sally”, William Curry’s cook made it and Curry showcased it off at his dinner parties—although no one is certain how factual this retelling is. |
4:00 - 4:45 PM: Key West First Legal Rum Distillery
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The distillery is the first one operating after the end of the Prohibition era and can claim the title of oldest legal rum distillery. It produces many types of rum: light, dark, spiced, and flavored. One of the best options is to visit and receive a tasting from their assortment of drinks, then walk out with a cocktail made with the rum. |
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5:00 - 5:30 PM: Kermit's Pie Shop
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Founded by Kermit Carpenter, a local legend for his expertise in Key Lime pies, this shop is considered a must visit for authentic key lime flavors. There are multiple locations, but the original is on Front Street. They have multiple flavors besides the original such as strawberry and coconut, but they are also renowned for their chocolate pie on a stick. The original location also has a beautiful garden with a koi pond where one can enjoy their snack.
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Sunset: Sunset at Mallory Square
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Mallory Square is considered the best place in Key West to watch the sunset. Unfortunately, the sun doesn't set into the water as every space here is blocked by Sunset Key...so perhaps heading to Sunset Key or on the Fort Zachary Cruise Pier would be a good place to watch if one wants a view of the sun setting into the Gulf of Mexico.
However, 90 minutes before the susnet everyday, there is a "Sunset Celebration" where there are performers and vendors selling art and food. |
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Night Time: Duval Street
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The most famous street in Key West, it stretches 1.25 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It is named after William Pope Duval, the first territorial governor of Florida. There are bars, pubs, and clubs one can visit with live music, karaoke, dancing, and specialty cocktails (see cocktail section below).
One of the coolest places we enjoyed was “The Smallest Bar”, which is just a small hole in the wall--more counter than bar. |
Other Attractions
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Trail to Key West
Key Largo
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park ($3/person): Established in 1963, it is the first underwater park in the United States, named after a newspaper editor and conversationist who helped to establish the park. It is also the only living coral reef in the continental United States. One can scuba dive and snorkel through the waters at different dive sites or embark on some of the other activities.
- Visitor Center and Aquarium: Features exhibits about the marine life and cultural history of the Florida Keys.
- Glass Bottom Boat Tours ($50): 65-foot long boats with glass bottoms provide 2.5 hour long tours of the area. These boats can hold up to 130 passengers to see the shallow reefs teeming with wildlife.
- Mrs. Mac's Kitchen: A popular restaurant stop on the way to Key West. It has diner vibes with a variety of both seafood and meats. Definitely try their delicious key lime pies.
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Tavernier (Plantation Key)
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Islamorada (Windley Key & Upper Matecumbe Key)
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Layton (Long Key)
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Vaca Key
- Keys Cable Park: Water park consisting of activities like kiteboarding, e-foiling, cable water skiing, among other fun activities.
- Dolphin Research Center (9 AM - 4:30 PM): Narrated behavior sessions every half an hour at each of the different dolphin group teaches visitors about their abilities and their are also scheduled dolphin playtimes. One can walk around the dolphin lagoons or visit the museum.
- General Admission: $35
- Memory Maker Meet: $105 - meet and pet a dolphin; make a painting with a dolphin.
- Dolphin Encounter: $225 - spend 20-25 minutes in the water with the dolphins, which includes a dorsal pull.
Little Crawl Key
- Curry Hammock State Park: A large state park consisting of mangrove forests, seagrass beds, tidal flats, and hardwood hammocks. There is a designated swimming area and a beach, kayak launch points, and a trail. It is known for birdwatching in the winter when migratory birds flock here.
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Marathon
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Bahia Honda Key
- Bahia Honda State Park ($8/vehicle + $0.50/person)
- Sandspur Beach: Soft white sand and blue waters make it an excellent place to swim and sunbathe. Many people also snorkel here.
- Calusa Beach & Loggerhead Beach: These two beaches are on the west side of the park. Calusa Beach in the north offers calm waters and scenic views of the old Bahia Honda Bridge, otherwise known as the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, originally constructed as part of the Overseas railroad but now offers beautiful views for people can walk or bike across the bridge. Loggerhead Beach in the south has shallow waters that is perfect for families.
Big Pine Key
- National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center (FREE): The center itself provides information about the key deer, a subspecies of white-tailed deer that can be found on the Florida Keys. The refuge itself covers a large area of the island and one of the best places to see them is at the Blue Hole, which people at the center will help provide directions towards.
Restaurants
Copenhagen is known for sustainability with the following restaurants are known for their passion for the eco-sourced food and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Blue Heaven: American restaurant known for their meringue key lime pie as well as their massive breakfast.
- Kaya Island Eats: Tacos and pork sliders are the food to get at this fusion Carribean restaurant.
- Pepe's Cafe: An American restaurant serving surf n'turf since 1909. They are known for their delicious breakfast and oysters.
- El Meson De Pepe's: Not to be confused with Pepe's Cafe, this Cuban restaurant serves delicious vieja ropa and plantains. Prices are a little steep but one can't beat the location.
- Cuban Coffee Queen: Located in Key Lime Square, head here for some of the best Cuban coffee as well as some of the best. ItRanked best restaurant in the world in 2022 and run by the 2011 world's best chef, Rasmus. Kofoed. Reserve it months in advance.
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Conch fritters are a beloved appetizer in Key West, reflecting the island's Caribbean heritage. These savory bites are made by combining minced conch meat with a seasoned batter of cornmeal, chopped vegetables (like onions, bell peppers, and celery), and spices. The mixture is then deep-fried until golden brown and typically served with tangy dipping sauces such as key lime aioli or spicy remoulade.
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Alcoholic Drinks
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Key Limes & Key Lime Pies
Key limes are also known as Mexican or West Indian limes. Although originally native to Southeast Asia, Arab and European traders brought key limes to the western Mediterranean before explorers then brought the key limes to the Caribbean and Florida, where they flourished, since these trees only grow in tropical/subtropical climates and are extremely sensitive to the cold.
They’re smaller than the commonly found Persian limes and are more acidic, which makes them perfect as a cooking ingredient, especially since it contains vitamin A and vitamin C. It gained the name Key lime because they grew so well in the Florida Keys and farmers began to grow key limes rather than pineapples. These plants produce fruit year-round.
Unfortunately, hurricanes impacting lime groves led to less limes growing in the Florida Keys and instead, most key limes are now grown in Mexico.
The Key Lime Pie story is much more interesting.
Before the railroad was built to connect the keys to the mainland in 1912, the scarcity of fresh milk led to the use of sweetened condensed milk as the main dairy staple.
Legend has it that a sponge fisherman combined limes, milk, eggs, and soda crackers, inventing a food that didn’t require cooking or refrigeration. The limes’ acidity only curdled the eggs and milk. He shared his recipe with a cook, Aunt Sally, who worked for the island’s first millionaire, William Curry.
Curry shared the dessert at his dinner parties and it became famous.
Over time, graham crackers replaced soda crackers, while the leftover egg whites were whipped into a meringue to place on top and some places now use whipped cream instead.
They’re smaller than the commonly found Persian limes and are more acidic, which makes them perfect as a cooking ingredient, especially since it contains vitamin A and vitamin C. It gained the name Key lime because they grew so well in the Florida Keys and farmers began to grow key limes rather than pineapples. These plants produce fruit year-round.
Unfortunately, hurricanes impacting lime groves led to less limes growing in the Florida Keys and instead, most key limes are now grown in Mexico.
The Key Lime Pie story is much more interesting.
Before the railroad was built to connect the keys to the mainland in 1912, the scarcity of fresh milk led to the use of sweetened condensed milk as the main dairy staple.
Legend has it that a sponge fisherman combined limes, milk, eggs, and soda crackers, inventing a food that didn’t require cooking or refrigeration. The limes’ acidity only curdled the eggs and milk. He shared his recipe with a cook, Aunt Sally, who worked for the island’s first millionaire, William Curry.
Curry shared the dessert at his dinner parties and it became famous.
Over time, graham crackers replaced soda crackers, while the leftover egg whites were whipped into a meringue to place on top and some places now use whipped cream instead.
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I tried 8 different types of key lime pies throughout Key West and the Florida Keys. Here is my ranking:
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