I have lived in Key West for over 30 years and I've done just about everything there is to do on this island. I will often get asked by people in town looking at Key West homes for sale is "What do the locals do for fun?". We do a lot of the things the tourists do but we also have non touristy things we like too. Here are some of the things I like. Maybe we can do them together when you buy that house in the Florida Keys.
I love kayaking in the back country. Spot Florida wildlife in their natural habitat, learn more about why the mangroves are essential for the local ecosystem, and discuss how to become more sustainable in today’s world with your tour guide — all on an exciting kayak tour through the Key West mangroves! With warm waters year-round, there’s never a bad time to give it a try.
Key West is a huge Military town. I love our men and women serving to make our Country a little safer. I like to tour the Military bases whenever I can. Unfortunately, not everyone can get on base but you can tour some of the ships. The Coast Guard Cutter Ingham is a lot of fun to visit. Serving in active duty from 1936 to 1988, the Cutter Ingham is a quintessential portrait of U.S. coast guard history, a must-visit site for every history buff.
So why not explore the Coast Guard Cutter Ingham museum and learn about one of the country’s most decorated ships?
Key West is a very bike friendly town and you can see so much more on a bicycle than in a car or on one of the thousands of rental scooters that are an accident waiting to happen.
With barely any traffic and a go-slow atmosphere blanketing the area, there’s no better way to explore Key West’s historic Old Town than on two wheels! Pedal past famous landmarks on dedicated bike paths, stop into a staple eaterie or three, and let the local guide share all of the region’s most fascinating tidbits the whole way through.
A bike tour is a perfect introduction for first-time visitors.
Most locals will tell you we avoid Duval Street at all costs. I do my best to never go there and I outright refuse to go after 5:00 PM. I can proudly say that in 30 years living in Key West I have never stepped foot in Sloppy Joe's or Margaritaville. I love walking and eating my way through the Historic Seaport.
Ready to fall in love with the city’s flavors? Then make a beeline for Key West’s charming Seaport neighborhood, where the sights, sounds, and, of course, indulgent flavors regularly take visitors on unforgettable culinary journeys!
Besides the seafood, Cuban cuisine, and the decadent key lime pie, the seaport also sports a riveting history.
Catching a movie at the Tropic Cinema is a lot of fun. Most of the movies are replays of past blockbusters or B Rated movies that were great shows. There is far less of a crowd than traditional movie theaters and it is about half the price.
One for the Hollywood film buffs, the Tropic Cinema arthouse promises to provide the ultimate movie fix, with rotating films of every genre, old and new.
Screenings are usually limited, so check the calendar in advance to guarantee your seat at the latest independent blockbuster.
Those are just a few of the things I like. There are a lot more fun non tourist things to do but you'll have to become a local to hear about those. Come on down to Key West and let's start looking for at some homes for sale.
Gary
