Florida's Island City Offers An Old-School Tropical Vacation That Feels Stuck In The 1970s

Wandering through the narrow, sun-drenched streets and tropical vibe of one of Florida's most popular tourist destinations, you may find yourself sensing a bit of nostalgia. Well, that is if you've been around long enough to remember the 1970s. That's because Key West as we know it today was reinvented in that swinging decade and the vibe of that time period still has a firm grip on this city.

It's not a time slip or a glitch in the matrix. Prior to its reputation as a tropical, party paradise, Key West was a quiet town with little traffic and few visitors. While a lot has changed in the last century, Key West often feels like it's stuck in the tie-dye decade. Of course, there are plenty of old-school American towns that feel stuck in the past. But that doesn't mean they're boring or outdated. In fact, their old-school cool seems to keep the party going.

Take the Bull and Whistle Bar, for example. This long-time Key West Bar has welcomed visitors for decades. Inside, guests are transported to a distant, simpler time. The building itself dates back to the 1800s, but inside, artwork reflects a mid-century vibe depicting 1970s style and values. Keeping with the theme of the decade's sexual liberation, in the establishment's rooftop bar, Garden of Eden, clothing is optional. It's just one location on the island that has remained a steadfast reminder of the "Me Decade."

There is no denying that Key West is an out-of-the-way coastal getaway with a ton of panoramic views. It's a picture-perfect vacation destination that queues steel drums in our ears and margaritas in our hands. And that image we carry with us today is thanks to the decade that was the 1970s. 

The late, great Jimmy Buffett had a massive influence on Key West when he arrived on the island in the early 1970s. And the island had a huge impact on him. The stories he heard from locals while frequenting Captain Tony's Saloon set the stage for a musical journey that to this day lovingly captures an image of Key West in the 1970s. The bar still operates today and regularly celebrates its place in American music history.

Tradition is heavy in Key West, from the drinks and the music to the nightly sunset celebrations. Every night since the late 1960s, locals and tourists have gathered at Mallory Square to witness the magnificent views of the sun sinking below the horizon. Street performers, artists, and food vendors are on hand every single night to enhance the experience, which brings tropical-loving crowds to celebrate another glorious Key West day. It also just so happens to be a key location for incredible shops and restaurants, ready to welcome visitors and locals in to keep the island party going.

Key West feels like nowhere else, and maybe that's because it's so separated from the rest of the U.S. Accessing the island requires a long drive on the famous Seven Mile Bridge connecting it to the Florida mainland. Boats and cruise ships sit peacefully along its shores while visitors explore its historic streets and wade into its blue, Gulf waters. It's easy to forget your worries here or, for that matter, the date on the calendar.

The bustling center of Key West is Duval Street, an area full of bars, shops, and performers. It's a street where it seems something is always happening. For those looking for some history during their visit, there's the Hemingway Home and Museum, dedicated to the literary giant who famously lived and worked on the island. The nearby distillery called Papa's Pilar, named after Hemingway's beloved boat, honors the famous writer and his love of rum.

Key West's international airport offers a surprising number of flights for visitors to access the island. However, many visitors who choose to fly to this paradise catch a plane to Miami, sometimes considered the rudest city in the U.S. But don't let the city's reputation dissuade you from using Miami International Airport. From there, car rentals and shuttles make getting to Key West possible, as long as you give yourself plenty of time for the three-hour-long drive and scenic views across the state's longest bridge. Key West is affected by seasonal hurricanes, and the best time of year to visit this tropical paradise is in winter or spring.