My first trip to Key West was so enlightening. I dreamed of traveling there for years, but did not expect it to be what I experienced. First of all, Key West is not known for its beaches.
I had no idea Banyan trees grew in the US 
My favorite bird in flight!
We stayed at Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel about four miles from the island’s famed Duval Street. They had a free shuttle that ran every hour which saved a lot of money! And their restaurant, Tavern N’ Town, was a little expensive, but renowned for its exquisite cuisine. Bonus? Every time we ate there we received a free pass to the breakfast buffet (a $21 per person savings) which made it quite affordable as a hotel guest.
View from our hotel pool 
Hemingway’s side porch 
View of Key West Lighthouse from Hemingway’s porch
Back to the beach: On our last day at the hotel I discovered the beach to the left of the pool area. It was mainly for launching kayaks and other water sports but small and out of the way.
As far as the rest of the places we visited, besides views of Higgs Beach, County Beach, Dog Beach and Rest Beach to and from the hotel which were north of the area’s Southernmost Buoy, I did not visit any significant beaches. I’m told the coral surrounding the island makes the sand rocky. One online source says that in calm waters you can swim at Fort Zachary Taylor.
The Southernmost Southernmost House 
My main takeaway from Key West was the amazing architecture, history ( especially literary history), food and art.
The Key West Art & Historical Society Museum housed in the country’s southernmost Custom House, was a delightful and inexpensive experience in a gorgeous facility. The volunteer society member was pleasant, informative and was truly proud of their museum. From Hemingway to paintings by Tennessee Williams (who knew he painted?), an exhibit on the devastating Hurricane of 1935, Flagler’s Overseas Railway to the Keys, the Sinking of The USS Maine exhibit and more, this was a fun hour or two for only $12.
Key West Custom House 
The “southernmost” point in the US 
Grave of Sir Peter Anderson, Sec General of The Conch Republic 
PELICANS! 
Fearless fowl 
Hemingway’s uniform 
Crazy fun shops 
I was really following the golden 
KW Lighthouse interior 
Hemingway cat 
Hemingway’s Key West Home
Next year we plan to return and I will have my chance to visit Truman’s Little White House, the Butterfly Conservatory, The Oldest House and The Key West Shipwreck Museum among other venues. Plus, I will definitely be renting and zipping around on a jet ski!
