Surrounded by the gentle waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Key West is a common vacation destination thanks to both its amazingly warm climate and its active nightlife scene. The clear blue gulf waters are ideal for snorkeling and glass-bottomed boat tours, as well as parasailing and fishing. At night, lively Duval Street is perfect for people watching and features a wide variety of restaurants and bars catering to every taste. Because of the wide range of outdoor activities, summer is the most active time of year for the tourism industry in Key West, though visiting during the winter months will likely mean a less crowded city experience and cooler temperatures.