"Native Perspective" a Key West Travel Page by jem126

Just before I went away to college, my parents moved to Key West. I dont live there year-round, but I visit them 3-4 times a year and I am very familiar with the ins and outs of the Conch Republic. There are two things about Key West and the Keys in general that I think most people miss. The first one is to get off the damn island and into the water. You can rent boats, go on charter fishing, snorkeling, or dolphin-watching expeditions, go sailing, or take a cruise on an authentic schooner, all for relatively cheap. This is the Key West I know-- the island itself is small and saturated with tourist traps. Get on the water and you'll understand what Key West is all about.

Second, I highly reccommend you get off of Duval street as quickly as possible. Granted the nightlife downtown is fun, but during the day, the main drag is baking in the sun, overcrowded and overpriced with in fact, very few unique stores or items available. There's a starbucks, a wendy's , a holiday inn and a banana republic-- its not very Key West anymore. Get off Duval and explore Bahama Village, Simonton or the Waterfront and you will have a much more authentic and meaningful experience.