Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Divine KeyWest Trip in this Summer

Key West ranks as one of the country's best-known destinations for beach vacations. The island's reputation has long been based on its sunny shores and vibrant nightlife, a combination which attracts millions of tourists throughout the year. Planning the best beach vacation in Key West depends on individual travelers' preferences, but visitors have plenty of choice in waterfront relaxation, cultural attractions and after-hours entertainment.




The Best Beaches

 Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is the best in Key West. Visitors here have to pay a small entrance fee, but it's worth it to see the historic fort and Civil War museum that lie within the grounds. Fort Zachary Taylor's beach also features a large picnic area complete with public bathrooms and showers.











Smathers Beach is the largest and most crowded on the island, attracting mostly partying teenagers and college students. Higgs Beach serves as a hip spot for the sizable alternative-lifestyle crowd in Key West.






Recreation

Dive Key West is one of the largest scuba schools on the island, and its boats take clients to dive sites around local reefs.









The best place for beginners to snorkel is the no-motor "swim only" area at the Key West Marine Park. It is recommended that Lost Reef Adventures as the premier outfit for specialty dives to nearby shipwrecks, as well as for night dives.





Fishing is another popular activity here. According to Frommer's, the best places to hire a charter-fishing boat are at Mallory Square or the Oceanside Marina. Fishing enthusiasts will find everything from cobia and grouper to sailfish and tuna in local waters.





Attractions







Nature fanatics may want to visit the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens as well as the Key West Butterfly.






History buffs can explore the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and the Key West Lighthouse Museum along with the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Don't forget to stop by the Southernmost Point, which is marked by a large red buoy.


Nightlife

Locals and visitors alike head to the docks at Mallory Square each night to watch the sun set over Key West. Once it's dark, the partying begins. Flocks of merrymakers descend on Duval Street, the Bourbon Street of Florida. Duval Street overflows with bars, dance clubs and souvenir shops, offering an array of nocturnal entertainment. Lonely Planet suggests Island Dogs Bar as one of the best spots for the young crowd, along with Cowboy Bill's and Irish Kevin's. The older crowd may prefer the live steel-drum and jazz concerts at The Pier House or the Ernest Hemingway memorabilia at Sloppy Joe's.






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