Discover Gay Florida :: Key West - The Conch Republic

Key West is like no place else in the United States.

The Southernmost City in the continental US is also one of the most welcoming and open minded of any that I have ever been to. The motto of the city is "One Human Family," and gays and lesbians, along with pretty much everyone else society decided to toss away, have been welcomed with open arms long before we were accepted in other places.

Perhaps it's because it is the end of the road, or perhaps it's the draw of the sun and copious amounts of alcohol that have been a fixture here since it was smuggled in during prohibition, there is something magical about the Conch Republic and when you are there, you won't want to leave. From free range chickens to six-toed cats, Key West is bustling with activity, even during what is supposed to be the "low season."

Next week is Tropical Heat, one of the city's hottest weekends, and that has nothing to do with the fact that it takes place during August, so we present you with some of our "hot spots" to help you make the most of your getaway.

How to Get There

Should you decide to drive, get ready for one of the most magnificent road trips in the United States. Key West is about 130 miles southwest of Miami, so it will take you a little over three hours to get there, if there is no traffic on US 1, the only road in and out. Much of the highway is only two lanes, so things can get a little hairy, especially on the weekends, when millions of tourists take to all of the Keys. One of the highlights of the drive is the Seven Mile Bridge that seems to go on forever bringing you ever closer to your final destination.

Several airlines offer daily flights into Key West International Airport from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Silver Airlines operates out of Fort Lauderdale, while American Airlines offers flights from Miami. There are also a few private airlines that offer charter flights on small planes that can be an economical option if you are going with a group.

Where to Stay

The Island House (1129 Fleming St., 305-294-6284) is one of the most highly awarded gay resorts in the world and it is a local institution that lives up to its accolades in every way. It is all male, gay owned, and offers a wide array of entertainment along with a bar and restaurant on premises, so once you are there, you don't have to leave for anything. The entire property is clothing optional, they have a beautiful pool, plenty of sun deck space for working on your tan, and a full gym so you can keep up with your workout regimen.

They also feature a video and "play room" upstairs, where you can have some fun with your new friends. Book early here, they sell out most weekends and in the high season, almost every day. For more info, visit them online at IslandHouseKeyWest.com

Just down the block on Fleming Street is Equator Resort (822 Fleming St. (305) 294-7775), another all male guest house with 34 guest rooms spread out over a few different buildings. A few years ago, the small resort was able to purchase the property next door and more than double its occupancy. I stayed here on my most recent trip to Key West, and the service was second to none. This is gay Key West at it's very best. With two pools, two hot tubs, and a free daily happy hour from 5-6:30, they even serve free food to the guests. While not as cruisy as other places, there were still plenty of sights to be seen at this clothing optional resort.

In the heart of the gay block of Duval Street you will find New Orleans House (724 Duval St.) which is located in and operated by the Bourbon Street Pub, one of Key West's principle gay bars. The New Orleans House is the place for you if you love to party and have a good time. The resort is all-male and clothing optional (are you sensing a theme here?), but it is also open to the public and has a pool bar that is often happening, especially during happy hour. The resort pool and hot tub are open to the public as well, the bartender will be happy to give you a towel should you decide to get wet.

The public's access changes the atmosphere from the private feel of the places mentioned above, that are only available to guests or with a day pass. Hotel guest take advantage of free happy hour here too, and there are a couple restaurants in the complex. Get free cover to Bourbon Street Pub and other local places offer discounts for guests. What it lacks in refinery, it makes up in authenticity, so it's Key West, just go with it and have fun.

Where to Play

All day long you will hear tons of live music pouring from the bars that line Duval Street, take a chance on one and dance like no one is watching. Key West is really a day drinking town since many tourists come on the cruise ships and leave with the sun, so throw caution to the wind and get an early start. Equator and The Island House both offer guest passes for the day, so if you want to go and have some fun there, don't worry, they will welcome you with open arms.

Aqua Nightclub (711 Duval St.) is a fun, chic bar and nightclub combo, featuring drag shows, karaoke and live entertainment. Bourbon Street Pub (724 Duval St.) and 801 Bourbon (801 Duval St.) bring the feeling of New Orleans' French Quarter to Key West, with high-energy parties entertaining crowds until the very wee hours of the morning. Saloon One (801 Duval St.) is just behind 801 Bourbon and caters to the leather crowd. La Te Da (1125 Duval St.) is a complex that consists of three bars, a cabaret room and a restaurant. Bobby's Monkey Bar (900 Simonton St.) is one of the city's best-kept secrets; it's a bar very popular with the local gay community and it's a great place for tourists to meet new friends.

Where to Go

Key West would be nothing without the water that surrounds the city, so make it a point to spend some of your time there out on that water. There is no better way to do it than with BluQ, the city's largest gay owned and operated charter company. The BluQ is a sailing catamaran that will take you out for a snorkel trip or to a secluded place to go kayaking. They provide you with all the equipment you need and guess what, as soon as you are out of sight of other boats, the trip becomes clothing optional! Even the captain and the mate will drop trou along with the more daring guests. After a round of snorkeling, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and free wine and beer for the rest of the trip. They offer several different trips so visit them at BluQKeyWest.com and let them put their 20 years of experience to work to help you make memories you will never forget. And don't forget the sunblock, your backside will thank me later!

If this is your first trip to Key West, one of the city tours might be right up your ally. The Conch train is hard to miss as you see it going all around the island filled with tourists covered in sun block (you should be one of them) so take a ride on it if you would like a guided tour of the city. Catch the train at the Front Street and Duval. For more information, visit ConchTourTrain.com
Hemingway House (907 Whitehead St.) is one of the largest parcels of private property on the Island and was purchased for the city's most famous resident as a present from his second wife's rich uncle.

Incredibly, the entire property was purchased for $8,000. Hemingway lived there for nearly a decade and did the bulk of his most prolific writing there. His private writing studio had a wrought iron walkway form his bedroom to ensure he could write in peace, and he did so till around noon every day before he started fishing or drinking. Admission to the house is $13 (cash only) and includes a guided tour that starts about every 15 minutes or so.

Other fun places to visit are the Southernmost Point in the U.S., The Key West lighthouse, and the Little White House, where Harry Truman stayed when he used to visit. Also, don't miss the amazing dining opportunities while you are there. Amazing seafood abounds, so take a walk around the port area where there are tons of restaurants and boats coming and going.