Key West Live Cam
Enjoy the fabulous Sunset Bar, overlooking the Harbor
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Hosted by:
- The Galleon Resort
- 617 Front Street - Key West
- Florida 33040 - United States
- 800-544-3030
- [email protected]
- https://www.galleonresort.com/
An International Marina and Beach Resort in Key West
Never been to Key West? You're in for something special. No tropical island has a richer or more varied history. Only two miles by four, it was once the home of the Cuban cigar industry, the principle source of sponges and green turtle soup, the original headquarters of Pan Am Airways, a Union fortress town during the Civil War, the home port of the battleship Maine, before she sank in Havana Harbor which triggered the Spanish American War, the home of wreckers and smugglers, tycoons and drop-outs, writers and painters and now treasure hunters as well.
The Atocha, a fabled treasure ship, lies at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, almost within sight of Key West. You can see silver ingots, casks of coins and emeralds from her hold at the Mel Fisher Museum. Key West is full of marvelous adventures to explore including our "eyebrow" houses, found nowhere else in the world. Or our fabulous nightlife, our gourmet restaurants, our electric shops, our tropical gardens, our coral reefs, our state parks, the deserted "back country" or our theatres.
Key West History
Key West is a city located in the southernmost part of Florida, United States. The history of Key West dates back to the early 1800s when it was inhabited by the Calusa and Tequesta Native American tribes. Later, the area became a popular destination for pirates who used it as a base for their operations in the Caribbean.
In 1822, the United States established a naval base on Key West to combat piracy in the region. This led to the city's growth as a major shipping center and a strategic location for military operations. Key West also became an important port for cigar-making and sponge fishing, which contributed significantly to its economy.
During the 19th century, many Cubans migrated to Key West, seeking refuge from political turmoil in their home country. These immigrants brought with them their culture, cuisine, and traditions, which continue to be an important part of the city's identity to this day.
In 1898, Key West played a significant role in the Spanish-American War, as it was the main staging area for the U.S. military's invasion of Cuba. This event further solidified Key West's status as an important military and strategic location.
Throughout the 20th century, Key West continued to grow as a tourist destination, thanks to its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. It also gained a reputation as a hub for artists and writers, including Ernest Hemingway, who lived and worked in the city for several years. Today, Key West is a popular tourist destination known for its historic architecture, lively nightlife, and beautiful natural surroundings. It continues to be an important military and naval base, as well as a major center for fishing and boating.
Key West Top Tourist Attractions
- Duval Street: This lively street is the heart of Key West's nightlife and entertainment scene, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: This historic home was once owned by the famous writer, Ernest Hemingway, and is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
- Mallory Square: This waterfront plaza is famous for its nightly sunset celebration, where locals and tourists gather to watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico.
- Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: This indoor butterfly habitat is home to dozens of species of butterflies, as well as other tropical birds and plants.
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park: This state park is home to a historic fort and a beautiful beach, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking.
- Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum: This historic lighthouse and museum offer a glimpse into Key West's maritime history and provide stunning views of the city and surrounding waters.
- The Key West Aquarium: This small but fascinating aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, turtles, and tropical fish.
- Key West Art and Historical Society: This organization runs several museums and galleries dedicated to preserving Key West's history and promoting its cultural heritage.
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of shipwrecks and treasure hunting in the waters around Key West, including exhibits on the famous treasure hunter, Mel Fisher.
- Southernmost Point Buoy: This colorful buoy marks the southernmost point in the continental United States and is a popular photo spot for visitors to Key West.
Key West Climate
Key West has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. The city experiences two distinct seasons: a wet season from May through October and a dry season from November through April.
During the wet season, temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-30°C), and humidity is high. There is also a greater chance of rain and thunderstorms, with the most rain falling in September and October.
During the dry season, temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (18-24°C), and humidity is lower. The skies are generally clear and sunny, making it an ideal time to visit for those who prefer drier weather.
Overall, Key West enjoys warm temperatures and abundant sunshine year-round, with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico also make it an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling, and other water-based activities.
Key West Geography
Key West is an island city located in the southernmost part of the Florida Keys, a chain of islands that stretches from the southern tip of the Florida peninsula into the Gulf of Mexico. Key West is the southernmost island in the chain, located approximately 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Miami.
The island of Key West is approximately 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) long and 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) wide, with a total land area of 4.2 square miles (10.9 square kilometers). The island is surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
The topography of Key West is relatively flat, with the highest point on the island reaching only 18 feet (5.5 meters) above sea level. Much of the island is built on a foundation of porous limestone, which has been shaped over time by the action of water and wind to form a unique landscape of sinkholes, caves, and underground aquifers.
The climate and geography of Key West have made it a popular destination for tourism, with its warm waters, sandy beaches, and abundant sunshine attracting millions of visitors each year.