Short Trip to Key West – So Worth It
While being in Miami, I couldn’t pass the opportunity to make a short day trip four hours south to Key West. I read beforehand that the drive all the way down along several little islands was supposed to be beautiful. With a plan in my head and full of excitement, I woke up early on the third day of my Miami trip, ready to hit the road before rush hour.
The drive definitely did not disappoint, and I can only recommend this tour to anyone planning to visit South Florida. Visitors have the option to either travel down with organized bus tours or to go on their own. I didn’t want to be reliable on anybody else and also have the option to leave the island anytime I feel like it. Therefore, the better option for me was to travel down myself.
The drive was gorgeous. Each of the small islands on the way down possessed its own charm, and I stopped on several for a short break to take pictures. The only thing that was missing was the turquoise blue water. I held the belief that, due to the proximity to the Caribbean Islands, the water was supposed to be way lighter than it actually was. Other than that, the views and scenery were amazing.
After about four hours, I arrived on Key West. I didn’t get to drive around the whole island. Instead, I made my way directly to the downtown area. Parking was at first a little difficult. I intended to park in the surrounding neighborhoods for free, but didn’t find a spot. I ended up parking at a parking garage of a hotel right by the water. The price was not bad and nothing close to horrendous parking prices in South Beach Miami.
I first thought about renting a bike to explore the island. The streets were small and there was a lot of car and bike traffic, so I decided to rather walk. I instantly felt the relaxing island vibe and Caribbean flair, which is displayed in the food, architecture, and layout of Key West. I had a fantastic time on the island and will let some images speak for itself rather than writing a novel.
Images: © Anne-Kathrin Schulte
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Anne-Kathrin Schulte, is a contributor for CaliforniaGermans.com. She writes on her personal experience of the American Dream as well as on working as an au pair in CA. She was born and grew up in Düsseldorf, Germany, where she completed her degree as a state-approved Kindergarten teacher. After her au pair engagement in the US and a quick return to Germany she decided to attend university in California and moved back to the United States. She has been living in Southern California since 2011.
If you would like to contact Anne-Kathrin, please send an email to californiagermans(at)gmail.com and place her name in the subject line.
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