There really was gold in the waters off Key West—and finding it became one of the most famous treasure-hunting stories in history.
For 16 years, Mel Fisher and his crew searched the waters of the Florida Keys for the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Fisher kept the team motivated with his now-famous declaration: “Today’s the day!” On July 20, 1985, those words finally came true when the crew discovered the ship’s long-lost main cargo hold.
The tart and tangy key lime are important in the culinary world internationally, but in Florida there are actually festivals where enthusiasts join in celebrating this exotic citrus.
Located on Key West’s famous Duval Street, Irish Kevin’s is one of the most popular bars in all of Key West.
Host to some of the most hilarious entertainment on the island. This might be the highlight of your Key West island getaway! Irish Kevin’s love to involve their visitors in their performances. Don’t be surprised if you're invited up on stage to participate. If you enjoy comedy you won’t be disappointed!
Choosing a Key West hotel is often less about the room and more about the kind of trip you want once you step outside it. Opal Key Resort & Marina sits on the harbor at the edge of Old Town, placing guests close to sunsets, sightseeing, dining, boating and the lively streets that make Key West memorable.
That location gives the resort a distinct personality. It is not a secluded beach retreat, and it is not removed from the action. It is a waterfront home base for travelers who want to walk out the door and start exploring. Here is what that means in practical terms—and what to consider before booking.
Few establishments are as closely tied to Key West as Sloppy Joe’s Bar. Its bright corner entrance, live music and connection to Ernest Hemingway have made it one of the most recognizable stops on Duval Street.
Yet Sloppy Joe’s is more than a famous place to order a drink. Its history reaches back to the end of Prohibition, when Key West’s waterfront culture brought together fishermen, writers, rum runners and independent personalities. Today, the bar remains a lively gathering place where visitors can experience a piece of that history while enjoying food, music and the energy of Old Town.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to Key West, here is what to know about the story and experience of Sloppy Joe’s.
There are plenty of places to watch a ball drop. Key West, naturally, has a few more colorful ideas. On Thursday, December 31, 2026, you can ease into the evening with a famous sunset, then ring in the new year with a giant red shoe, a glowing conch shell or a pirate wench descending from a schooner mast—all within a short Old Town walk of one another.
That wonderfully odd mix is exactly why New Year's Eve here is so much fun. The air is warm, the streets are lively and a simple midnight countdown turns into a story you will be telling long after you have traded flip-flops for winter boots. The island's current New Year's Eve event guide confirms the big three celebrations, but individual venue details can change, so check the official pages before you head out.
