Key West

Watching a splendid sunset while dining al fresco on delectable seafood at one of 250 or so restaurants is but one of the pleasures in store for visitors on holiday in the USA's most southernmost city, Key West, at the tip of the Florida Keys and at the end of US Highway 1. Packed with sights and attractions this historic island city supports a vibrant community, including a large gay population, and boasts a long seafaring and naval tradition, situated as it is at the gateway to the Caribbean, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and in close proximity to Cuba.Key West, also known as the 'Conch Republic', has a distinct Caribbean flavour, the streets of its old quarter lined with palms, tropical flowering plants and pastel-painted wooden colonial 'gingerbread' houses. It is a city that has been the favoured holiday haunt of greats like Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Harry Truman, because of its relaxed atmosphere, colourful neighbourhoods, legendary bars and restaurants, offshore fishing opportunities and lively nightlife. The city also hosts innumerable pageants, parades and festivals, has a busy theatre culture and several heritage museums.The streets of Key West are alive with life, buskers providing impromptu entertainment for those lingering at sidewalk cafés or browsing the many stores. Visitors on holiday here flock to 'The Bight', the old harbour, to arrange sea trips for fishing, snorkelling or diving. As the sun sets on Key West it is traditionally celebrated with drinks and good cheer on the Mallory Dock, before the nightlife awakens among the dozens of establishments in areas like Bahama Village, and along Duval Street.