Tips for Renting a Beach House in Key West, Florida

Because Key West is the last Florida key located in a string of islands known as the Florida Keys, it is often referred to as "The Last Resort", because of its location in the southernmost point of the continental U.S.

Key West is rich in history and culture. It is stated that Juan Ponce de Leon was the first European to visit Key West while on his quest to find the Fountain of Youth. During the time Florida was a Spanish colony, Key West became an established fishing and salvage village. Today it is a wealthy little tourist town.

Key West's original Spanish name was Cayo Hueso (ki-yo-way-so), meaning "bone key" and according to history books, it is claimed that when the Spanish arrived at Key West, it was littered with bones. Researchers assume these bones are from an Indian battlefield or burial ground; making it a sacred location which is honored by both locals and tourists.

The Florida Keys "seceded" from the United States in 1982 and became the "Conch Republic". This secession began as an act in response to a U.S. Border Patrol Blockade, which basically cut off Florida Keys residents from the mainland. You can learn all about it by typing in "Conch Republic" at your favorite search engine. It's quite an interesting tale.

People who live in the Florida Keys consider themselves both Americans and Conchs. Both flags are displayed and every April, a week-long celebration takes place to celebrate their independence. Conch's are passionate about being a Conch, so if you're planning a visit to Key West, be certain to do your homework on this topic.

Key West is one of the most exotic and beautiful places on Earth and approximately 27,000 people are full time residents in which the majority are laid-back and friendly people, who enjoy the coastal lifestyle and sharing it with tourists.

One of the first things you'll want to do is to obtain literature about Key West and numerous resources are available via the Internet. Type in "Key West" or "Conch Republic" and you'll be well on your way to learning about this tropical paradise.

You should search for visitor guides as well. Most companies will mail you printed material and some include informative CDs you can view from your computer. Often, these printed materials include special offers and additional resources for beach house rentals, along with discount coupons for restaurants and events.

It's a good idea to subscribe to newsletters and local guides, or read the Key West newspaper online and you can locate great deals on rental beach houses in the classified sections of these publications.

Since Key West is an island, the majority of homes are considered beach houses. This makes it pretty easy to locate a beach house in nearly any area you wish to visit. Most are beautifully decorated in the bright and spicy colors of the Caribbean. Selections include historic homes, cozy cottages, tropical estates, and even private island homes!

Visit the official websites for Key West to locate reputable individuals and rental companies. Also check Craig's List or work with a local travel agent.

Key West offers an abundance of restaurants, unique boutiques, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. It is also a fabulous location to simply RELAX!