A visitor to this island paradise doesn’t need to feel that they are leaving the world behind, unless they really want to.

There is plenty to see and experience in Key West and, because the island is small, nothing is very far away from where you are staying. Of course, there are beaches, most of them on the south side of the island.

From the very busy Smathers Beach with its volleyball games and watersport concessions to the much quieter beach at Fort Zachary Taylor, you’ll want to sample them all.

There are also several parks on the island and, again, your choice will depend on what you want to do. From the 19th century Fort Zachary Taylor park to the gardens at West Martello Towers, to the ball fields and tennis courts at Bayview Park, and all the others in between, you are sure to find something to suit your chosen activity.

Key West has lots of history and many museums to show for it. A good place to start would be a ride on one of the tour trains or trolleys; the conductor will relate stories with local color and you will get an idea of places you will want to revisit to learn more.