Key West – there’s no other place quite like it. We’re an anything-goes, come-as-you-are, one-human-family kind of place; and that means we embrace the oddities and eccentricities that other towns might shun. A ride aboard the Conch Tour Train offers plenty of insight into that “only in Key West” culture. To give you an idea, we’ve compiled this roundup detailing the quirky – and, oh, so delightful – culture of Key West.
Fantasy Fest
Held the last week of October every year
Fantasy Fest is the culmination of Key West’s quirky culture. Revelers take to the streets for a week filled with parties dressed in little more than body paint, beads, glitter, tutus and crazy costumes. The grand finale is the parade through town on Saturday night.
Locals are Called Conchs
And that’s pronounced “KONK”
In Key West, you’ll see conch shells in gift shops, conch fritters on menus and even conchs on the seafloor at the reef. Anyone born in Key West is also called a conch. If you weren’t born here, but you’ve lived here long enough, you might be granted the title “freshwater conch.”
Key West Chickens
Was that a rooster’s crow that woke you up at sunrise?
Yes, indeed it was! Key West has a population of free-range chickens that roam wild throughout town. After a few days, you’ll grow accustomed to hearing their crows and seeing them cross the streets. Some find the animals amusing, others a nuisance, but one thing’s for sure, they’re all over Key West!
Sunset Celebration
The sun sinking into the western horizon is celebrated every night in Key West
Whether you watch the street performers in Mallory Square or embark on a sunset sail, be sure to catch it every night you’re here. Another great viewing point is atop the La Concha Hotel, which at six stories high is the tallest building in Key West.
Hemingway’s Cats
While a visit to the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author’s home is on the list for bibliophiles, it’s also a fascinating look into the author’s life and his affinity for cats, especially the six-toed variety. These special felines were once believed to have been good luck for sailors. Today, the home is crawling with descendants of Hemingway’s beloved Snowball; there’s even a small pet cemetery onsite. The cats are named after movie stars like Charlie Chaplin and Johnny Depp.
Forget About a Rental Car
The most practical way to get around in Key West is on bicycle
Do as the locals do and rent one during your stay on the island. It’s the best way to get off the beaten path and explore the lovely side streets, complete with pastel conch cottages and tropical flora. As long as you’re staying in Old Town, which you should!, this is the only means of transportation you’ll need.
Key West Cemetery
“I Told You I Was Sick”
Wander through the Key West Cemetery in the center of Old Town for a peek into Key West’s past. You’ll see that entertaining, salty characters have made this island home for years, especially when you spot the epitaph for one deceased islander that reads: I told you I was sick.
The Garden of Eden
The name says it all
For a real eyeful, wander to the rooftop bar above the Bull & Whistle; the name says it all. The Garden of Eden is a clothing-optional bar overlooking Duval Street. We’re not saying you need to stay all night (hey, unless that’s your thing!); but it’s worth a peek. A favorite trick amongst locals is to take visitors there without warning to see their unsuspecting reaction.
The Green Parrot
The Green Parrot is a Key West institution and easily the most beloved bar on the island. Part island grit, part oasis, this laid-back bar’s mantra is “no sniveling.” Covered with psychedelic art and knick-knacks, weekends draw great live musical acts and crowds that spill into the sidewalk. Order a root beer barrel shot with a Bud Light chaser and dish up a plate of popcorn. There’s a dartboard, plenty of pool tables, and an island-famous jukebox.
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Conch Tour Train Tickets
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Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has treated guests to a close-up view of the Southernmost City’s most popular places including Mallory Square, The Harry S. Truman Little White House, Overseas Railroad Museum, the Key West Aquarium and more. While on the tour, your engineer offers an interesting and amusing narrative filled with historical facts, trivia and humor, and recounts fascinating stories of the colorful people that make Key West so unique.
- 60-minute tour of the Conch Republic
- One full loop through Old Town Key West
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- FREE Two Guided Walking Tours included
- FREE admission to the Sails to Rails Museum included with ticket
- FREE coupons worth up to $50 in discounts
- FREE Full color map
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TOUR KEY WEST AND TWO TOP ATTRACTIONS
Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has treated guests to a close-up view of the Southernmost City’s most popular places. While on the tour, your engineer offers an interesting and amusing narrative filled with historical facts, trivia and humor, and recounts fascinating stories of the colorful people that make Key West so unique.
Discover the undersea world at the Key West Aquarium. A Window of Wonder comes alive as expert guides explain the mysteries of the water surrounding the Florida Keys.
Journey back to the mid-19th century in the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Highlights include displays and video presentations on the history of wreck salvage in the Florida Keys and the sinking of the legendary Isaac Allerton.
- Conch Tour Train:
- 60-minute tour of the Conch Republic
- One full loop through Old Town Key West
- FREE Two Guided Walking Tours included
- FREE admission to the Sails to Rails Museum included with ticket
- FREE coupons worth up to $50 in discounts
- Key West Aquarium:
- Daily turtle feedings
- Touch Tank offers guests hands on experience
- A wide variety of fish including grouper, moray eels, barracuda, tropical fish and more
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum:
- Discover the world of Shipwrecking
- Hear the story of the Isaac Allerton which wrecked off Key West
- Climb a 65' Captain's Observatory
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
Save up
to 9%
to 9%
TOUR KEY WEST AND TWO MUSEUMS
Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has treated guests to a close-up view of the Southernmost City’s most popular places. While on the tour, your engineer offers an interesting and amusing narrative filled with historical facts, trivia and humor, and recounts fascinating stories of the colorful people that make Key West so unique.
Visit Florida’s only presidential museum at the Harry S. Truman Little White House built on the waterfront of the harbor of Key West.
Journey back to the mid-19th century in the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Highlights include displays and video presentations on the history of wreck salvage in the Florida Keys and the sinking of the legendary Isaac Allerton.
- Conch Tour Train:
- 60-minute tour of the Conch Republic
- One full loop through Old Town Key West
- FREE Two Guided Walking Tours included
- FREE admission to the Sails to Rails Museum included with ticket
- FREE coupons worth up to $50 in discounts
- Harry S. Truman Little White House:
- See the home Harry S. Truman came to relax and rest
- Visit where Eisenhower recuperated from his heart attack in 1956
- Thomas Edison resided here during World War I
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum:
- Discover the world of Shipwrecking
- Hear the story of the Isaac Allerton which wrecked off Key West
- Climb a 65' Captain's Observatory
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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