There are many accommodations Florida has to offer, especially down in Key West. People seem to see Key West as a resort vacation, enjoying the relaxed pace, the storybook architecture, the often carnival-like street life and the fact that it is the last in a chain of islands (or "keys" as they are called) 150 miles from the mainland of Florida. Many people consider Key West as their Caribbean vacations, relaxing and taking in the warm climate.  The heart of Key West is the historic Old Town area, which runs from White Street west to the waterfront.

 The town started as shipping yards in the early 19th century with wharves, warehouses, chandleries, ship-repair facilities, and the U.S. Customs House springing up around the deep harbor to accommodate large vessels -- both commercial ships and those of the U.S. navy. Now, it is known mostly for the luxury resort options up and down the beaches. The lavish Victorian houses the town's wealthy merchants and sea captains built, along with the dwellings of famous writers, artists, and politicians who've come to Key West over the past 175 years, are among the area's approximately 3,000 historic structures.  This beach paradise also has the finest friendly restaurants and hotels, lively street life, and popular nightspots. It's easy to get around by renting a bicycle or moped, taking a shuttle or taxi and getting a travel guide to see the hottest spots.  The wise tourist will leave his car behind, parked at the guest house or resort hotel.

There are many charter boats to take people off the island for snorkeling, diving or fishing.  The coral reefs of Key West are popular for any visitor on a resort vacation. There are sunset sails for the timid or romantic young couples or many travel guides will have ideas for a day of adventure. Some people would rather relax and soak up the mix of flavors, including hints of Cuba and Old Florida. But no matter how someone spends their time, they can expect to be part of a crowd because Key West draws tons of people.

            One of the popular event attractions of Key West is the APBA (American Power Boat Association) Offshore World Championships in late November. The deafening roar of 750-horsepower engines will propel beautiful, sleek and super fast powerboats across Key West's aquamarine waters at this event. Thousands of viewers line the shores to watch this breathtaking extreme sport in action, which is in two parts. Friendly restaurants or a friendly bar will often have it on TV for people to watch while enjoying a refreshing drink. Vendors will be selling racing gear, souvenirs and lots of great Key West food. Live entertainment, music and dancing add to the week-long extravaganza and boats will be on display before the races in on the streets and several beaches resort parking lots.   Many that partake in these events will enjoy Key West's infamously rowdy nightlife! Most of the action is, for the most part, centered on the many bars and nightclubs that line Duval Street, the city's main drag in Old Town.

For those with more cultured tastes, there's the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center, Waterfront Theater and the Red Barn Theater, all of which offer a variety of music concerts, plays and other performing arts events. The San Carlos Institute, now restored, is another spectacular venue frequently used for showing art films or other "cultured" events.  What better way to spend a resort vacation?