The southernmost point of America is in Florida, we are in Key West and today we are talking about how to get there, by car or plane, where to eat low cost and what to see. Don't miss the sunset.
Key West it's just adorable. Its houses colored in soft pastel shades, the trees that line the streets, the roosters that scamper undisturbed around the city as if they were stray cats, the blue sky and the extravagant shops selling souvenirs, pirate clothes and T-shirts with funny writings, artists' atelier and the exciting sunset in Mallory Square: one of those places where there seems to be no room for the worries and problems of everyday life.
Key West is the southernmost of the Keys islands, an archipelago of about 1700 islands south of Florida, connected to the mainland only by the so-called "Highway of the Seas", or the US Hway 1. Starting from the city of Miami it can be reached in about 3.30 / 4 hours, along the suggestive two-lane highway that allows you to admire the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.
A strip of land lying gently on the ocean and the freedom of being surrounded by water: this is the feeling you get as you walk through the Keys, which one after another reveal themselves to the traveler on his way to the southern end of the 'archipelago.
How to get to Key West
To reach Key West you can rent a car (convenient solution if you are in 2 people or more), take a flight from one of the main American cities to the airport of Key West or, more convenient, use the private bus service that can be booked in a travel agency in Miami or directly in the hotels. The buses have different prices depending on the companies, also varying according to the season. A ticket with round trip within the day however it can be purchased for a variable amount between 50 and 75 dollars. Usually we leave early in the morning and return in the evening around 21pm in Miami.
What to see in Key West
Key West is one small island, its dimensions are 6.4km (length) x 1.6km (width). Having one day available it is therefore possible to appreciate its main attractions or even just visit it "random" on foot, getting lost in its green streets and fantasizing about living in a blue house with the swimming pool in the garden and the white rocking chair on the terrace that looks towards the street.
The southernmost point in the United States
At the intersection of Whitehead and South Street there is a large cylindrical sign on which it says that you are in the southernmost point of the United States (Key West is considered the hottest city in the USA) and only 90 miles from Cuba. If it is not high season and not there are tourists queuing to photograph the signal, stop to take a souvenir photo.
Duval Street is the most famous street in Key West: a long promenade dotted with shops, more and less kitsch, pubs, bars, art exhibitions, shops and where meeting people who dress and behave extravagantly is not uncommon.
Mallory Square is the obligatory appointment for enjoy the sunset (around 17.30 pm, but varies according to the days and times of the year). A large square overlooking the pier where people of all kinds gather to enjoy the magical spectacle of the sunset. Street artists such as singers, acrobats and fire eaters contribute to making the atmosphere unique.
Where to eat in Key West
Key West isn't exactly cheap. It can happen that you spend more than $ 15 for a salad at the table or a sandwich, so I recommend preparing a hearty packed breakfast to eat during the trip or once you arrive on one of the beaches of Key West.
Another quick and dietary solution would be to take a fresh smoothie (fruit and ice smoothie, in different variations) in one of the many stalls for about 6 dollars. If, on the other hand, the wallet is not a problem, you will be spoiled for choice. The narrow streets of the center are a succession of delightful bars, pubs and restaurants.
