Key West is one of my favourite places in North America. The stunning sunsets and turquoise water make it a gorgeous and unforgettable vacation destination. Have you been to Key West? If not, here are 13 fun facts about Key West that will make you want to go visit this year.
13 Fun Facts About Key West
1 – The sunset is celebrated every night in a ceremony at Mallory Square. Tons of people go to Mallory Square to witness the glowing pink and red sunset into the Gulf of Mexico horizon. The nightly party starts 2 hours before sunset and includes a variety of performers, vendors, and artists.
2 – Key West is a very small island. It is 4 miles long and 2 miles wide (at its widest).
3 – While Key West is famous for Key Lime pies, key limes are no longer harvested in Key West. They are imported from Mexico and other areas.
4 – Key West is home to the 3rd largest barrier coral reef in the world and the only living coral reef barrier in the continental USA.
5 – There are 42 bridges connecting Key West to the mainland of Florida.
6 – Key West is closer to Cuba (90 miles) then it is to Miami (160 miles).
7 – The term “conch” refers to people who were born in Key West. Saltwater conch is the term for people who were born there. Freshwater conch is the term for people who have lived there for more than 7 years.
8 – More than 60 cats live at Hemingway Home. Many of the cats are descendants of Hemmingway’s cat Snowball, a 6 toed cat.
9 – A large number of chickens roam loose around Key West. They are free to walk around the island and you never know when you will come across one.
10 – The buoy at Southernmost Point was erected in 1983 and is a major tourist spot. The buoy represents the most southernmost point of the contiguous United States.
11 – Key West was originally called Cayo Hueso which means Island of Bones.
12 – Key West is one of the few places in the USA to never get frost. The lowest temperature ever recorded was 41F (5C) in 1981. Key West has a tropical climate which means a dry season and a wet season. The dry season is from November to April and the wet season is from May to October.
13 – The island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The two bodies of water meet between Cuba and Key West. This area is called the Florida Straits.
Have you ever been to Key West? I highly recommend it!
Other posts I have written about Key West:
Sunset Ceremony at Mallory Square in Key West
Stunning Drive Through the Florida Keys
Ann
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robin rue says
Oh how I love Key West. My husband and I are dying to go back because it was one of the best vacations we ever had.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
These are interesting facts. I actually didn’t know most of them. I had NO idea that it took so many bridges to get from the mainland to the keys.
Jeanette says
I have never been to Key West that I have heard so many awesome things about that place that I want to go really badly. It looks like I have 13 more reasons to want to.
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Lisa Favre says
Aww man, I totally thought key limes were from Key West. Makes sense that they are imported though. Still love a good slice of key lime pie though!
Lisa Favre recently posted…5 Delicious Salads for Your New Year’s Resolution
Melissa Chapman says
I really enjoyed all of those facts. I have never been and this post really makes me want to go. I learned so much from those fun facts and really feel like I know the island better.
Cat says
We have never been to the Key West and it is definitely on our travel bucket list! So much to do and see there!
Dawn Lopez says
I had no idea Key West had the only living coral reef barrier in the continental USA. What a cool fact to know! I would love to see that in person someday.
Dawn Lopez recently posted…Traveling Water Circus? Get Cirque Italia Tickets!
Amy says
I wish I could visit Key West. It really seems like the perfect vacation destination.
Vanessa Delia says
Definitely quite a few things here you wouldn’t want to miss when visiting Key West. I can’t wait to experience some of these things in person!
Sarah says
Key West looks so pretty! I sure hope that hubby and I can make it down there one day. It would be the perfect vacation.
Sarah recently posted…Big Game Football Party Ideas + EASY Football Party Appetizers!
Lisa Bristol says
I woukd love to go see Key West someday. It looks so beautiful there. These are great facts to know about the area.
Paula schuck says
Several facts I did not know here. I heard about the saltwater conch when we were in port last month on our cruise. I did t see the sunset because we left port at 4:30. I’d love to return one day. Hemingway house was a treat for me. Didn’t realize there were 60 cats there!! I just spied several but 60? Wow! Key West is beautiful and unique too. Must return!