Exploring Key West: A Guide for Our Local Cruise Passengers

Key West, a city in Florida, is known for its unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. It's located 165 miles from Miami and is a common stop for Western Caribbean and Mexico cruises. The Port of Key West has three piers - Mallory Square, Pier B, and Outer Mole - that accommodate cruise ships. Mallory Square and Pier B are close to the city, while Outer Mole is further away, with shuttles available to the city center.

Key West is recognized for its relaxed atmosphere and clear blue waters. Unlike other Florida cruise ports, Key West is not a departure point, so most cruise stops are during the day. Despite this, the city offers live music and drinks throughout the day. Due to the city's small size, it's advisable to disembark early to avoid crowds.

Key West is not primarily a beach destination. It has a rich history and culture that can be discovered through tours. The Old Town Trolley tour and the Conch Train excursion are popular, providing an easy way to see the city's main attractions. These tours can be booked through the cruise line or independently.

One of the city's main attractions is the Hemingway House, where writer Ernest Hemingway lived from 1931-1939. This restored 1850s French Colonial home is where Hemingway wrote some of his most famous works. The house is also known for its many cats, some with six toes. Hemingway's legacy is also remembered at Sloppy Joe's, a bar he frequented, and Papa’s Pilar rum distillery, named after his boat.

Another notable resident was President Harry S. Truman, who spent winters in Key West. The Truman Little White House, originally a duplex for Navy officers, is open for tours. Other activities include a Jet Ski tour, a glass-bottom boat eco tour, and a morning reef snorkeling trip. For lunch, Pepe’s Cafe, the town's oldest restaurant, offers dishes made from local catch.

Key West has a strong Cuban influence due to Cuban immigrants who arrived nearly 200 years ago. Many were cigar rollers who opened shops, leading to the creation of 150 factories that produced hand-rolled cigars in the late 1800s. The history of this industry can be explored at the Rodriguez Cigar Factory on Fitzpatrick Street.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.