Guest Post By: Margie Miklas
The Florida Keys are a beautiful and unique part of Florida and Key West is definitely its own experience. I have been to Key West a number of times and one of the best ways to see it especially for the first time is to take the Key West Conch Train Tour. So it's touristy but it's a great way to see the highlights and learn something at the same time.
Stations and Stops
Since 1958 15 million passengers have taken this tour which does a loop through the Old Town, passing by the major landmarks and historic places in Key West. It is a 90 minute tour with three stops, the main one being the Station Depot at Front Street. I would suggest boarding the train here to be sure to get a seat. The train stops here for a ten minute refreshment, restroom, ice cream, and souvenir break. The second stop is at Truval Village, at the corner of Duval Street and Truman Avenue. This is the stop closest to the Hemingway Home, the Key West Lighthouse and the famous southernmost point. You can get off here and get back on after sightseeing if you like. The final stop is at Flagler Station where the tour ends at Mallory Square.
The tour was not always a Hop On Hop Off Tour, where passengers could ride it as much as they wished. Currently the train ride is a Hop On Hop Off tour, and according to the latest information with the tour desk, this may be or may not be a permanent change. They may be trying this to compete with the Key West Trolley which is a bus size vehicle that tours Key West, and it is a Hop On Hop Off tour. Prices are the same but there are more stops on the trolley and you can use the service for free if you ride it the second consecutive day.
Prices, tickets and hours
The Key West Conch Train tour is a good deal especially for families since kids 12 and under are free. An adult ticket costs $30.45, and an online ticket costs $24.57. Discounts for seniors 62 and older as well as military personnel are available also. The train operates daily from 9-4:30 but it is always closed the last Saturday in October due to the huge street celebration of Fantasy Fest. Tours leave every 30 minutes or more often if there is higher demand.
Highlights
Key West is also an easily walkable town and be sure to see the highlights and experience the atmosphere here. Sloppy Joe's Bar has been a Key West tradition and opens as early as 9am and closes late. If you want to have lunch and a Margarita at the Hog's Breath Saloon you can pose for the webcam and wave to all your friends back home.
The Key West Lighthouse Museum is open and if you are into climbing, there are 88 iron steps to get to the top for a great view. Built in 1825, this lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mallory Square is the best thing in the Key West in my opinion, and every night they celebrate the sunset there as crowds gather and enjoy the ambience. Street performers and food vendors seem to come out of the woodwork and it is a true Key West experience. Make sure to stay to be a part of this tradition.
Guest Post By: Margie Miklas
Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com
