The Conch Connection

Beyond Key West’s colorful streets and lively waterfront lies a quieter world of mangrove islands, shallow turquoise water and wildlife moving through largely undisturbed habitat. Key West National Wildlife Refuge protects this remarkable backcountry landscape west of the island, offering nature lovers a chance to experience another side of the Florida Keys.

There are no roads leading into the refuge and no conventional visitor trails through it. Exploring means traveling by boat, kayak or permitted charter and respecting a landscape where wildlife—not sightseeing infrastructure—comes first.

Started in 2016, Captains for Clean Water is a grassroots nonprofit organization that fights to restore much needed Florida water resources. Committed to uniting the outdoor industry, environmental groups, business community and concerned citizens for the fight for clean water.

Key West is a tropical island located at the southernmost tip of Florida. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a casual laid-back atmosphere.  When we think tropical AND island.... our minds immediately wander to sunshine, sand between our toes and fresh air. 

There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in Key West.  Most restaurants offer some type of an outdoor spot, whether it be a patio, porch, pool or waterside dining. Outdoor concerts, countless festivals, swimming and sunbathing to fishing and biking. Here are just a few of the best outdoor activities in Key West.

Some Florida adventures begin where the pavement ends. Everglades City is one of them.

This small fishing town sits beside a seemingly endless puzzle of mangrove islands, twisting creeks and open bays. Step aboard a boat and the town quickly disappears behind you. Pelicans skim the water, dolphins may surface beside the wake and every narrow channel looks like it might lead somewhere completely new.

Everglades City and the Ten Thousand Islands are a natural addition to a Southwest Florida road trip—especially when the next chapter includes a Key West Express crossing from Fort Myers Beach. Give this wild corner of Florida its own day, and it may become one of the stories you tell most often after the trip.

Key West may have a reputation as a tropical paradise filled with world-class attractions, but you don't need a big vacation budget to experience everything that makes the island special. Some of the island's most memorable experiences are completely free—from watching the sun sink below the Gulf of Mexico to wandering colorful Old Town streets lined with historic homes, tropical gardens, and local art.

Whether you're visiting for a day or spending a week exploring, these free activities let you experience the authentic charm of Key West while saving your vacation budget for great food, watersports, or one of the island's many paid attractions.

Here we go aging ourselves reminiscing about those old canteen trucks from the 1950's that were on army bases, mobile luncheonettes providing affordable food to blue collar workers outside their place of employment, street food in small push carts offering casual fare, snacks and fast food items on city street corners...fast forward to 2009 and this ever growing, popular, swanky gourmet version of the canteen.  

No matter where you live or what you do, time seems to escape us.  How many times have we referred to "time flying".   Despite our best intentions, popular destinations and points of interest in our own backyard that are enjoyed by visitors are always on our "things to do and see list".  One of the most common phrases we hear, at Key West Express is...  " I've lived in Florida for XX number of years, but I've never been to Key West."  Yes, we get it but,  "Why NOT?   What are you waiting for?" A staycation to Key West is just what the "ho-hum" doctor ordered.

Sunrise through Sunset...before, after and in between...there is always something happening in Key West.  At dusk and after dark, here is a list of things to do in Key West at night.

Only ONCE A YEAR, an unusually exciting event happens in the warm waters of the Florida Keys. Which is home to the only living coral reef that exists in the Continental United States.  This teeming backbone of marine life, runs the length of the 125 mile Florida Keys island chain and lies but a short boat ride only 5 miles offshore.

Make your plans for the biggest party of the summer! The 27^th annual Key West LobsterFest is being held this year from August 8^th until the 11^th , 2024.