Key West Pictures

When you're not taking in the sunset at Mallory Square, take a minute to watch some of the street performers. Bob Krist Florida Keys News Bureau

A typical morning in Key West includes sunshine and mostly clear skies. Crawford A. Wilson III Getty Images

Watch the sun set into the Gulf of Mexico from Mallory Square – a popular vantage point for both locals and tourists. John Hoey Flickr

Getting a photo snapped with this colorful buoy is almost obligatory for any visitor to Key West. frederic prochasson Getty Images

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory boasts about 50 to 60 species of butterflies. paleololigo Flickr

If you don't mind tight spaces and heights, the climb up to the top of the Key West Lighthouse affords excellent views. Larry Roberg Getty Images

Taking a snorkeling tour or sunset sail is one of the most popular to-dos in Key West. Danger Charters and Sebago Water Sports Day Tours are two reputable companies. Stig Nygaard Flickr

The residence earned its name as a result of President Harry Truman spending so much time here. It now functions as a museum. Mike Cherim Getty Images

Mallory Square is a popular gathering place to watch the sunsets in Key West. swiatekj Flickr

Even if you're not into the macabre, past visitors say you should check out the Key West Cemetery for the history and interesting above-ground burial sites. CedarBendDrive Flickr

The Key West Port is a popular departure point for Caribbean-bound cruise ships. VisionsbyAtlee Getty Images

No visit to Key West is complete without a slice of Key lime pie. Previous travelers rave about the desserts at Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe. Joe Fox Getty Images

You'll find this quirky distance mile marker on the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Cristian Lazzari Getty Images

About 40 to 50 of polydactyl (six-toed) cats live on the grounds of Ernest Hemingway's famous house, located in Old Town. Laurence Norah Florida Keys News Bureau

A famous haunt of Ernest Hemingway's, Sloppy Joe's Bar has been a fixture in Key West since the 1930s. Sam Howzit Flickr

If you get tired of hanging out beachside, stop by the fort located within the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. eyfoto Getty Images

This house was actually built by Captain John Huling Geiger, a harbor pilot and master wrecker, but it was named after naturalist John James Audubon. Courtesy Audubon House and Tropical Gardens

One of the many polydactyl (six-toed) cats that inhabit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Jeff Wright Flickr

Avoid the sunset crowds at Mallory Square and retreat to Smathers Beach instead. Recent travelers said the views are spectacular. ratulm Flickr

Spot birds like this one on a kayak tour of the Key West Florida National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge comprises more than 200,000 acres with only 2,000 acres of land. Gary Faber Getty Images

During the city's annual Pride celebration (which takes place every June), marchers stretched the "World's longest Rainbow Flag" from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic coast.  Getty Images

According to recent travelers, no Key West retreat is complete without getting out on the water during a boat tour. Take a sunset cruise to escape the crowds at Mallory Square or join a kayaking tour for a glimpse at the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. ventdusud Getty Images

Keep your eyes peeled for plenty of exotic birds at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. David Cobb Flickr

If you're headed to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, wear water shoes; recent visitors said the sand is rocky. Glowimages Getty Images

The resident flamingos at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory were another highlight for recent visitors. Jim Allen Flickr

To snap a crowd-free picture of the popular Southernmost Point, make this your first stop of the day. Rob O'Neal Florida Keys News Bureau

After you've taken in the views from the top of the lighthouse, don't forget to explore the keeper's quarters, which have been around since 1848. J.Castro Getty Images

Inside the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the rooms contain memorabilia about Hemingway's life and work. Rob O'Neal Florida Keys News Bureau

The Key West City Cemetery was established in 1847. MikeCherim Getty Images

Recent travelers highly recommend a visit to the Little White House, especially for self-identified history buffs. Andy Newman Florida Keys News Bureau

According to many travelers, the Key West Cemetery is similar to those in New Orleans because of above-ground graves. Stephen Weppler Flickr

Smathers Beach is a favorite among visitors thanks to the ample amenities, including equipment rental, food trucks and restrooms. LUNAMARINA Getty Images

Enjoy a relaxing day by the shore at Smathers Beach, one of Key West's most popular beaches. Medioimages/Photodisc Getty Images

Hundreds of dolphins seek refuge in the waters of the Florida Keys. Spot them on a boat tour. Jorge Moro Getty Images

Head to the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center to learn more about the native plants and animals of the Keys. Andy Newman Florida Keys News Bureau

According to past visitors, the exterior of the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is just as impressive as the interior. Courtesy Audubon House and Tropical Gardens

Dry Tortugas National Park comprises seven islands, along with protected coral reefs. sframephoto Getty Images

Head to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for snorkeling and scuba diving tours, as well as kayak and paddleboard rentals. Bob Care Florida Keys News Bureau

You'll find the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens just a 5-minute walk from Mallory Square. Courtesy Audubon House and Tropical Gardens