Port Guide: Key West

Hello! It's Gabe here, this time I have a port guide to wonderful Key West, Florida.

LEFT: Disney Wonder docked in Key West
TOP RIGHT: Mallory Square as seen from the Disney Wonder
BOTTOM RIGHT: Typewriter on display in the Hemingway house

Overview

Key West is located on an island, so it is very walkable, and you cannot get all that lost if you wish to wander around on your own. Key West is home to many famous and interesting sights, shopping, and dining. One of the most famous local delicacies is conch, after all Key West is referred to as the "Conch Republic". Key West is also near to the famous Dry Tortugas National Park - only accessible by boat of floatplane, and is home to the largest brick masonry structure in the Western hemisphere. All in all, there is a wide variety of diversions you may find yourself enjoying if your ship visits Key West.

The Most Famous Sights

Some of the most famous sights in Key West include the Hemingway House, the Truman Little White House, Mallory Square, the Southernmost point, and Duval Street. All of these sights are within walking distance from where your cruise ship will be docked. Cruise ships either dock right at Mallory square, or at the nearby Naval pier, which provides a shuttle service that will take passengers from the pier to a more convenient location for walking around town. the Hemingway house is where Ernest Hemingway lived during his time in Key West; today the famous six-toed cats roam the grounds, and the inside of the house serves as a museum for visitors. the Truman Little White House is where President Truman would stay when he spent time in Key West, this is located very near to Mallory square, so it is very easy to pay a visit to. The Southernmost point is the quintessential Key West point of interest, and is great for snapping a picture to show your friends and family that you visited Key West, it is also fairly accessible, being just a short walk from both the Hemingway House and the famous US Highway 1 mile marker 0 sign. Duval street is also a point of interest in Key West, which is famous for its various bars and restaurants. Duval street is also very centrally located, and easy to get to.

The Most Famous Eats

In Key West, there are various unique treats and foods that are really must-trys for any Key West visit. Firstly, the Cuban coffee, a staple in South Florida, which is an espresso made from roasted Cuban coffee beans, and sugar. Then there is Key Lime pie, or just key lime flavored anything - but pie is more traditional Floridian, the Key Lime is a native fruit to the area, so it is really a great local treat. There is also a great deal of seafood in Key West, as with all of the Caribbean and South Florida. One of the most prominent in Key West is conch, also popular in Key West is Grouper and Mahi Mahi, both are also local foods. 

Key West is a great port of call to spend the day at, with many notable sights and activities close to the cruise ship pier, and a great deal of local cuisine. As always, comment below if you've been to Key West, or if you now are planning to!