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Hotel and Visitor Information for Greater Key West

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Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Complete guide for things to do & see in key west. plan to enjoy island life..

• Where is Key West?
• Getting to Key West
• Key West Hotel Map
• Parking in Key West
• Taxis & Ride Sharing
• LGBTQ Travel
• Marinas, Boat Yards, & Mooring Field
• What to Pack
• Attractions and Tours

Dolphin Encounters

• Dry Tortugas
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Flats Fishing Charters
• Light Tackle Fishing

Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Kayak tours.

• Parasailing
• Snorkel Trips
• Sunset Sails
• Sunset at Mallory Square
• Watersports Package

Waverunner Jet Ski Tours

• Historic Sites
• History of Key West
• Parks – State & Local
• Photos of Key West
• Points of Interest
• Restaurants in Key West
• Key West Restaurant Map
• Casual Dining
• Coffee Shops
• Cuban Restaurants
• Fine Dining
• Our Favorites
• Waterfront Dining
• Art Galleries
• Key West Calendar of Events
• Fantasy Fest
• July 4th Fireworks
• New Year’s Eve
• Churches, Temples, & Religious Houses
• Group Planning
• Real Estate
• FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
• Key West Tourism Statistics

Key West Travel Guide

Key west, florida.

Since its earliest days, people have come to the end of the Florida Keys island chain to fish, write, carouse, and rejuvenate. From the famous, including Ernest Hemingway, John J Audubon, and Tennessee Williams – to infamous, Key West has always been a place where you can be yourself, find yourself, or re-invent yourself.

Key West Travel Guide is an extensive, up-to-date guide packed with local information and concierge advice.

Learn from the local experts about restaurants, hotels, nightlife, boat cruises, attractions, and other fun things to do in Key West.

Best Wishes from Key West, -Gordon & Dave

Quick facts about Key West

• Date first explored:  1521, Ponce de Leon visits Dry Tortugas
• Date as a U.S. territory:  1822
• Size:  2 x 4 miles
• Population:  24,909
• Average hi/lo temperature, winter (F):  76°/66°
• Average hi/lo temperature, summer (F):  89°/80°
• Sunny or partly-sunny days per year:  259
• Area code:  305
• Zip code:  33040
• Distance from Miami:  160 miles
• Distance from Cuba:  90 miles
• Geographic fact:  Southernmost point in the U.S.
• Official motto:  “All people are equal members of One Human Family”

Recommendations for Fun Things to Do in Key West

Ultimate watersports package.

  3.5-hour trip includes light snacks, beverages, sailing, parasailing, jetskis, and big water toys Want

  Have an absolute BLAST zooming across the water…all the way around the island of

Sunset Cruise – Glass Bottom Boat

  A great view – above and below deck. Air-conditioned comfort on this Key West

Sunset Sail – Wind & Wine

  An upscale sunset cruise aboard a traditional working schooner – serving premium wine, beer,

Sunset Sails – Schooners & Tall Ships

  Hoist the sails – if you’d like to lend a hand – aboard the

Sunset Sail – Booze Cruise

  Boat trip to see the Key West sunset  – with beverages and an island

Sunset Booze Cruise Concert

  Trop-rock into the sunset on a sailboat! Includes free-flowing beer, wine, margaritas, and snacks

  Like snorkeling, but you can breath underwater thanks to scuba air tanks floating on

Traditional Sailboat Snorkel

  Smaller group, impressive mono-hull sailboat, offering relaxed snorkel trips to the reef This elegant

Private Snorkeling Charters

  Have the boat and Captain to yourself, allowing for custom trips to suit your

Catamaran Snorkeling Trips

  Large and stable sailboats provide comfortable and affordable reef snorkeling trips in Key West

Backcountry Snorkel, Kayak, Sail

  This trip visits the Gulf of Mexico side of Key West where you’ll snorkel

Parasailing in Key West

  Tethered by parachute to a boat, it’s an exciting way to get a bird’s-eye

  Explore the coral reefs, located six miles offshore of Key West, aboard an air-conditioned,

  Easy and rewarding kayaking trips that explore offshore mangrove islands and seagrass habitat There

Dry Tortugas Camping

  Information for camping in Dry Tortugas National Park, including campsite map, regulations, and advice.

Seaplane to Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas

Fly from Key West to the Dry Tortugas islands, land on the water, and hop

  See local Key West dolphins in the wild & up close. Swim and snorkel

Key West News & Stories

Ban sunscreens that harm coral reefs.

Key West should ban sunscreens that harm the coral reef. We support reef-safe sunscreen legislation.

5 Tourist Traps to Avoid on Your Key West Vacation

Avoid these 5 tourist traps to keep your Key West vacation relaxing and enjoyable Key

We Just LOVE These Tiny Key West Houses by Artist Ronny Bailey

Local fine folk artist skillfully builds tiny replicas of old Key West buildings from found

Key West Album Art

Albums and records from recording artists using the name Key West While searching the history

Dry Tortugas National Park Fee to Increase. Again.

Just three years since the last increase, entrance fees are again rising, from $10 to

19 Florida Keys Environmental Regulations You Should Know

The beautiful ecosystem of the Florida Key is fragile and protected by state and federal

Key West Race Week Organizer Discusses Event Cancellation

Contributing factors include declining participation, a changing sport, sponsors and costs For thirty years, sailboat

What You Get in 2016 Key West – $799,000

Price comparison of houses currently for sale in the Key West area What will $799,000

MTV’s The Real World – Key West, 10 Years Later

MTV reality show had cast members living outside of Key West in pricey house Ten

Some Basics: Florida Keys Geography & Early History

Learn about the Florida Keys vast history and unique geography The “keys” are a chain

Dry Tortugas Entrance Fee Doubles, Camping Fees Changed

First fee increase in 18 years affects daily visitors and overnight campers. Visiting one of

Track of Hurricane Irma: Center Narrowly Misses Key West

Despite news reports, Key West was not wrecked; the storm’s eyewall passed just 20 miles

Pictures of Key West Five Months After Hurricane Irma

Five months after a major hurricane narrowly missed Key West, the island has no major

Key West’s For-Profit Hospital & Reported Price Gouging by its Owner, Community Health Systems

Study shows Florida’s for-profit hospitals are charging the highest markups for services. The numbers are

Pigeons “Smuggled” Cigars from Cuba to Key West

Artist Duke Riley, in a 2013 statement about Cuba-US relations, used homing pigeons to fly

Pac-Man on the Streets of Key West

For a limited time, Google Maps lets you play the retro game in Key West

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

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Key West, the southernmost point in the United States, is famous for watersports, lively nightlife, beaches, historic sites and its pastel, conch-style architecture.

Duval Street , one of the most energetic strips of shops, bars and cafes anywhere, offers Sloppy Joe’s bar, a favorite Key West hangout of novelist Ernest Hemingway. And, for the more sober-minded, there’s Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum . (Look for the celebrated six-toed cats).

Walking tours of Key Wes t are the best way to see the island’s intriguing homes, courtyards, and gardens. Start in the center of town at the Key West City Cemetery , which offers a glimpse of Key West’s past and its offbeat sense of humor, as exhibited by gravestones that read, “I told you I was sick,” and “At least I know where he’s sleeping tonight.”

Plan your trip at The Florida Keys & Key West .  

Swim, snorkel, and sunbathe at Key West’s beaches.

• Smathers Beach
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
• South Beach
• Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park
• Simonton Street Beach

Key West has much to offer families of all ages. 

• Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
• Key West Aquarium
• More family-friendly attractions

MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Experience film, museums, galleries and visual arts, and literature.

• Arts, culture and history
• Fantasy Fest

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Explore the great outdoors, island-style.

• Diving and snorkeling
• Boating & on the water
• Sightseeing

PET-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES

Dogs love Key West, from the beach to boats to bars.

• Pet-friendly travel and businesses

ACCESSIBILITY

Key West is full of accessible attractions for travelers with disabilities, from museums to state parks to beaches.

• Accessible travel

Florida Keys cuisine melds diverse, local, and delicious influences.

• Sloppy Joe’s Bar
• Seaside Cafe at Southernmost Mansion
• More restaurants and bars

Key West is a walkable town with plenty of shops and retail areas, including famed Mallory Square .

• Places to shop

INCLUSIVITY

With a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, Key West’s official philosophy is “One Human Family.”

• Accommodations
• Business Guild
• LGBTQ+ destination guide

PLACES TO STAY

There are plenty of ways to stay in Florida's southernmost subtropical paradise.

• Hotels, motels, resorts
• Guesthouses, inns, and bed and breakfasts
• Vacation rentals
• RV parks and campgrounds

The Florida Keys in 60 seconds

Quick facts.

Island style, southernmost point

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• Key West International Airport
• Florida Keys Marathon Airport

Key West Events

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Things to do Key West

30+ Best Things to Do in Key West, Florida

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Welcome to Key West — one of my favorite places on the planet! There are so many fun things to do in Key West, Florida, the southernmost city in the contiguous United States. This town is a lively place with something for everyone.

Whether you’re here for Key West’s legendary festivals or nightlife, snorkeling and kayaking adventures, historic sites and museums, or all of the key lime pie (raises hand), you are going to love Key West as much as I do!

Planning your trip to Key West last minute?

Key West is super-popular year round. Be sure to book ahead!

🐚 Top Experiences and Tours in Key West:

• Sunset Cruise with Open Bar (I LOVED this cruise!)
• Bicycle Tour of Old Key West (Most popular tour in town!)
• Key West Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (Easy way to get around)

🛌  Top-Rated Hotels in Key West:

• Parrot Key Hotel & Villas (So luxurious!)
• Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages (Cute, modern, super central)
• Blue Marlin Motel (Great budget option)

🚗 Renting a car on your Florida Keys trip? Find deals on car rental rates here.

I adore Key West and I find something new to do every time I visit.

From following in Hemingway’s footsteps to celebrating the sunset every night, let me show you my favorite things to do in this little slice of heaven in South Florida. 

This post was published in January 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Key West, Florida

Catch the sunset celebration at mallory square.

The Sunset Celebration was the first thing that I ever did in Key West — and it made me fall in love with the place immediately! Two hours before sunset, locals and visitors gather at Mallory Square for a big party. Enjoy live music and street performers, take in a comedy show, shop from local vendors, and grab a bite (or a frozen cocktail!) from the food trucks on site.

Be sure to check out my favorite — the cat man! He performs an acrobatics show with his cats!

As the sun starts to sink into the Gulf of Mexico, lighting up the sky in pinks and oranges, everyone gathers to take in the view, just like frequent Key West visitors Mark Twain and Tennessee Williams once did. They don’t call Key West “Home of the Sunset” for nothing! 

Stroll Duval Street

Duval Street is Key West’s main drag, where you’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink and shop. Yes, this place is extremely touristy — but that’s the charm of it all. You’ll see plenty of Key West locals and visitors hanging out in the bars, no matter what time of day it is!

Many of Key West’s festivals and parades go down Duval Street, including Fantasy Fest in October and Hemingway Days in July. This street is also where you’ll find the Hemingway House, Mallory Square and the Conch Tour Train, all some of the best things to do in Key West. 

Grab a drink at famous bars like Sloppy Joe’s or Captain Tony’s Saloon, buy a souvenir from one of the many gift shops, enjoy a drag show, browse a local art gallery, and snap a photo of the 1920’s Strand Theater. And you can walk all the way down to Pocket Park and its small beach, a block from the Southernmost Point. Speaking of that…

Visit the Southernmost Point

The southernmost point of the continental United States is found in Key West, where Duval Street meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s marked by a large red and yellow concrete buoy and you can’t leave Key West without taking a photo next to it. The buoy even has its own live webcam ! 

While the Southernmost Point Buoy claims to be the southernmost point of the continental US, that might not technically be the truth. Points on Fort Zachary Taylor, Truman Annex US Navy property, and Ballast Key all appear to be a bit farther south — but none of them have a large buoy for a photo op! 

Try all the key lime pie

Every time I’m in the Florida Keys, I eat my way through the key lime pies , all the way from Key Largo to Key West. You might think that might get boring, but there is so much variation to them!

While the exact origin of key lime pie is up for debate, what’s not up for debate is how delicious this dessert is and how well it showcases the tiny key limes indigenous to the Florida Keys.

Some of the most beloved key lime pies in Key West come from Key Lime Pie Bakery , Kermit’s Key Lime Shop , Blue Heaven , and The Cafe . Go ahead and try them all!

And at the Key West Key Lime Pie Company , you can try their delicious pies, or even make a tiny key lime pie of your own! They offer classes on Thursday and Friday mornings (though it’s most of an assemble-your-own-pie class than a bake-everything-from-scratch class).

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (and say hi to the cats!)

Ernest Hemingway, one of the greatest 20th Century writers, was once a Key West resident. He first visited the island in 1928 and finished his WWI novel, A Farewell To Arms , while in Key West. 

Hemingway and his then-wife, Pauline, fell in love with Key West and decided to settle down in what is now a National Historic Landmark: the Hemingway Home and Museum . 

The Hemingway House is full of personal touches from the Hemingway family, such as antiques collected during their time in Europe and the studio where Ernest Hemingway did some of his best writing — when he wasn’t out fishing off Key West, a favorite pastime of his. 

It’s also home to the famous six-toed polydactyl cats. Hemingway was given a six-toed cat by a sea captain during his time in Key West and descendants of that cat — many of whom also have six toes — still roam around the house today. If you’re a cat person like me, you must come here!

The home and museum are open daily from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Tickets cost $18 per adult or $7 per child ages 6-12 (kids under five are free). Tickets include a guided tour. 

Want a deeper dive into Hemingway? There’s a Hemingway-themed food and history tour you can join! (And if you come visit for Hemingway Days in July, BOY is that a fun festival! The Hemingway lookalike contest is one of my favorite festivals I’ve ever attended while traveling!)

Visit the Harry S. Truman Little White House 

I expected the Hemingway house to be my favorite historic site in Key West — but it was actually the Little White House ! I loved my visit to this little time capsule from the mid-20th century. After serving as a naval base in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, this house was used as a winter residence for President Truman, who loved Key West.

Many other presidents and distinguished guests have stayed in the house over the years, such as Thomas Edison during WWI, President John F. Kennedy during the Bay of Pigs incident, and President Eisenhower while recovering from a heart attack. More recently, in 2001 Colin Powell held talks between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan .

I loved the mid-century designs, and how the furnishings were surprisingly modest for a president. And I especially loved the poker table — Truman loved playing poker with his cabinet, but it had to be kept secret because it would be a scandal if the public knew the president was gambling!

Today, the house is still used for presidential functions, but otherwise operates as a museum for the public. Guided tours leave every 20 minutes and the guides do an incredible job bringing the history of the building to life. 

The Little White House is open daily from 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. Tickets cost $24.67/adult, $10.75/child aged 4-12, and children under four are free.  You can buy tickets here.

Take a walking tour of Key West

Going on a walking tour is an excellent way to get to know a new place, and Key West has all kinds of themed tours you can take. In fact, I’d say a walking tour is one of the best things to do in Key West, as there’s truly one for every interest.

A few noteworthy walking tours include the top-rated Hemingway Food and Walking Tour , where you can follow in Ernest Hemingway’s footsteps as you learn about Key West history and sample chicken street tacos, conch fritters and key lime pie. 

If you’re into architecture or just enjoy looking at cool homes like I do, you will LOVE Key West — and this Key West Historic Homes and Island History walking tour is a lot of fun!

And of course, I can’t not mention the Jimmy Buffet tour of Key West ! For die-hard Parrotheads and anyone who has “Margaritaville” stuck on a loop in their head, discover all of the places that inspired Jimmy Buffett’s songs in Key West, including the site of his first gig, his favorite bars, and even his recording studio. 

Key West also has a pretty spooky history, and a collection of ghost tours to match. Join a guided walking tour to learn about the city’s spooky history , get to know famous ghosts and graveyards when you ride the Trolley of the Doomed , and if you like your boos with a side of booze — or your spirits with a side of, well, spirits? — there’s a ghost tour pub crawl . 

Tour Key West by train or trolley 

Another great way to get to know Key West is by train or trolley. This is an especially good choice if someone you’re traveling with has limited mobility or doesn’t want to spend the whole day on their feet.

The Key West Conch Tour Train has run through Key West since 1958 and has transported more than 15 million people in that time. It’s not a train on tracks; it’s more of a long line of seats pulled by a train-shaped engine. On this 75-minute train tour through the Conch Republic, you can learn about Key West’s history and famous residents. 

Another good option for getting around Key West without having to walk too far is the Key West Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour. A one- or two-day pass takes you around more than 100 Key West attractions — with interesting narration along the way.

And if you’d rather tour Key West with private guide, check out the private pedi-cab tour , which can be customized to your preferences.

Explore Key West by Bike

Key West is an excellent destination to explore by bike, even if you’re not ordinarily a bike tour kind of person. The island is extremely flat, and most of the areas have limited traffic rather than a constant terrifying stream of cars.

You can discover the highlights of Old Town Key West on this three-hour guided bike tour , which takes in sights like Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, Mile Marker Zero, and the White Street Pier. Helmets and water are provided.

Go on a sunset boat tour 

I do think you should spend one sunset at Mallory Square — and another sunset out on a boat! On my first trip to Key West, I did a sunset sailing cruise with an open bar , and BOY was that a fun night!

(Amusingly, that boat happened to be full of Boston sports fans decked out in Red Sox and Patriots gear. I’m from Boston, Gronk was apparently on a boat nearby, and it led to a LOT of bonding and we finished the night at Kevin’s Irish Pub! I’m still Facebook friends with some of those people!)

There is a huge variety of sunset cruises in Key West. Some are booze cruises, while others are more relaxed. It’s important to find the right cruise for you.

If you’re interested in an open bar sunset catamaran cruise like mine, take a look at this one . It includes live music and appetizers as well.

A similar option is the Key West Sunset Sail , which is also a catamaran with an open bar, but also has live music by local musicians, and hearty appetizers like peel-and-eat shrimp.

The tiki bar boat cruise is BYOB — any booze you want, you must bring, and it’s a small boat with a maximum of six people. A fun choice if your group wants the boat to yourselves (but book early for that).

The sunset sail and dolphin watching cruise is a more relaxed option, and it includes wine and tapas.

And if you’d like to combine snorkeling and sunset, check out the Rum n’ Reggae snorkel and sail . 

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Visit Judy Blume’s Bookstore

Did you know that beloved children’s author Judy Blume lives in Key West — AND co-founded a bookstore here? Books & Books is an independent, nonprofit bookstore located on the corner of Eaton and Simonton Streets, right in the heart of Key West.

At Books & Books you’ll find a wide selection of books across all kinds of genres, as well as a full schedule of events, literary and otherwise. I often enjoy picking up a book by a local author as a souvenir, and this couldn’t be a better place to do it!

And of course — if you do happen to run into the fabulous Ms. Blume herself, please be respectful.

Explore Key West by water

Your water adventures in Key West don’t have to stop with boat tours and cruises. There are lots of water sports and aquatic activities you can enjoy.

How about snorkeling? So much underwater wildlife lurks just off shore! You can try a half-day snorkeling excursion on a reef just off Key West. There’s also a snorkeling tour with breakfast and unlimited mimosas .

Anything else? You can explore the Florida coast on a 90 minute guided jet ski tour or spend the day on a water sports catamaran and try kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing.

You can also learn to SNUBA — a cross between scuba diving and snorkeling with no prior experience required — which is definitely one of the cooler things to do in Key West.

Go kayaking or paddling

If you’re interested in doing a bit of paddling, Key West offers lots of opportunities to kayak through the mangroves, along sandy beaches or in the clear waters at night. 

Head out on a two-hour guided Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour , paddle further on a three-hour mangrove maze guided tour , or spend a half-day sipping drinks on the sandbar, snorkeling with sea turtles and kayaking through the mangroves during Key West’s Ultimate Sandbar Adventure .

And if you’d rather do your own thing without a guide, you can always book a half-day kayak rental — ideal for people who would rather explore independently.

Now if you want to do something REALLY cool, sign up for a Night Glow Kayak Paddle Session ! I did this in Key West and it was so cool! You float on the water in a glass-bottomed kayak lit up with LED lights, so you can see the underwater wildlife that you never get to see by day! It’s one of the most unique things to do in Key West. 

Visit Key West beaches

How have we come this far in the post and not talked about Key West’s beaches? There are, as you’d expect, some really nice beaches in town. Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach especially deserve a visit.

Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West and perfect for swimming or relaxing under a palm tree. There are lots of facilities, food vendors and water activities to enjoy. Being such a beautiful and accessible beach, Smathers can get crowded, especially during spring break.

Higgs Beach, on the other hand, is much less popular, despite being closer to Old Town Key West. In addition to a sandy beach and palm trees, Higgs Beach is also home to picturesque piers, a civil war era fort, and the African Refugee Memorial and burial site.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, located in the westernmost part of the island, also has a lovely beach to explore, with some snorkeling just off shore. There are also walking paths, bicycle trails, and a cafe.

Climb the Key West Lighthouse

The Key West Lighthouse was first opened in 1848 to guide military and commercial vessels through the coral reefs. Fun fact: the first lighthouse keeper was a woman named Barbara Mabrity! This was extremely rare in the 19th Century.

Today, the lighthouse operates as a museum showcasing the area’s maritime history and offering a beautiful view off the coast. The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. 

Entrance costs $17 for adults, $13 for seniors, locals, college students with ID and retired military service members, $9 for youth ages 7-18, and free for children under seven or active military service members. Discounts are available if you book your tickets online. 

Visit more cultural sights in Key West

There is lots more culture, history and natural beauty to explore in Key West. Here are a few more places to add to your Key West itinerary: 

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is home to over 50 butterfly species plus exotic birds and more, while the Audubon House and Gardens features a 1840s home filled antiques and the lush gardens that surround it.

The Key West Aquarium is a great place to learn about marine life, with a Touch Tank, lots of aquatic wildlife, and regular conservation talks. The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is another great place to learn about tropical plants and animals.

For something a bit different, head to the Key West Cemetery. I’m a big fan of the quirky headstones! You can also tour the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery and enjoy rum tastings and a mojito making class.  

And if you’re into shipwrecks, you’re in luck. You can visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and see what they’ve recovered from 17th Century shipwrecks and then head over to the Key West Shipwreck Museum to discover 400 years of shipwrecks off the coast of the Florida Keys. 

Go on a Key West food tour

Key West cuisine is about more than just key lime pie! It’s also well known for its fresh seafood, Bahamian food, and Cuban food. Food tours are one of my favorite activities to do anywhere, and Key West is no exception.

Explore the mom and pop eateries of Old Town Key West on a three-hour food and culture tour , sample tasty seafood and get a history lesson on this three-hour food tour through the Key West Historic Seaport , or figure out where the locals eat on this 2.5-hour secret food tour .  

Take part in one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite Key West pastimes and head out on a fishing expedition. Whether you’re fishing for fun or for your dinner, this is a Florida Keys must-do activity. 

Set sail on a 64′ catamaran for a half day fishing tour through the Florida Keys, perfect for the whole family, or try your hand at deep-sea fishing on this six hour Gulfstream Fishing Tour . 

For experienced anglers, join a sportfishing charter for you and five friends to see who can reel in the biggest catch of the day. 

Enjoy Key West’s legendary nightlife

Just because Key West is the “Home of the Sunset ,” that doesn’t mean the party stops when the sun goes down. In fact, for many Key West visitors, it’s just getting started! 

Duval Street is the main drag for nightlife, and you might find yourself singing along with Parrotheads at Margaritaville or dancing at Sloppy Joe’s. Or, if you meet a rollicking group of Bostonians on your sunset cruise, you might end up at Irish Kevin’s, just in time for the Guinness chugging contest.

Want to meet new friends on your nightlife journey? Check out a Key West craft cocktail crawl .

You can even get on the other side of the bar in a tiki cocktail class , where you’ll learn to make four different drinks and enjoy a rum tasting!  

Take a SUP Yoga Class

On one of my trips to Key West, one of the surprising highlights was a SUP yoga class, done on a paddleboard out on the water, surrounded by mangroves. Lazy Dog Yoga offers both yoga classes and eco tours, on Stock Island, just east of Key West.

You don’t have to be a hardcore yogi to enjoy this class — it’s for all levels. Even if you’re new to yoga, you’ll appreciate how much holding poses on a paddle board helps your core strength!

This is a great option for a morning class, before it gets too hot for the day — but you might not want to plan it for the morning after your booze cruise.

Take a Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park 

Dry Tortugas National Park is a collection of small islands just west of Key West, accessible only by boat or air. These islands make up a unique national park in the US, thanks to their remote location, and access is limited.

Once at Dry Tortugas, you can spend your time exploring Fort Jefferson, snorkeling off the keys, swimming and enjoying the beautiful scenery. The white sand beaches at Dry Tortugas are gorgeous — some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys .

There is only one public ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park and one seaplane company that flies there, so you’ll want to book as soon as you have your trip dates. (Trust me — I’ve wanted to go to Dry Tortugas every time I’ve been in Key West, and they’ve always been sold out.) You can find the ferry information here.

Attend one of Key West’s legendary festivals

Key West is one of the most festival-driven cities in the United States, and it’s so worth coming to celebrate! Just keep in mind that festival times bring sky-high prices and limited availability. Book early, because a lot of regulars book their accommodation a full year out.

So what festivals should you know about? Here are a few:

Key West Songwriters’ Festival (May) — Did you know that Key West is home to the largest songwriters’ festival in the world? Expect performances from all kinds of genres here!

Key West Pride (June) — Key West is one of the most fabulously queer destinations in the United States, and Pride is off the hook! There’s a huge parade here, along with plenty of drag shows, performances, and even a vibrator race (don’t ask).

Hemingway Days (July) — I attended Hemingway Days, a tribute to Ernest Hemingway, including the Hemingway Lookalike Contest, which is one of the funniest events I have ever witnessed. There’s also a bull run!

Fantasy Fest (October) — The 10 days leading up to Halloween are filled with parades, balls, and all kinds of costumed events — most of them VERY much adults-only. Expect elaborate costumes, more than a bit of nudity, and sharing the island with 75,000 of your new best friends.

The Bight Before Christmas (late November through December) — The month leading up to Christmas is filled with all kinds of events from people who know that you don’t need it to be a White Christmas to enjoy it! The Lighted Boat Parade is the major event of the season.

How Much Time to Spend in Key West

I recommend giving yourself a minimum of three days in Key West to enjoy all of the sights. There are so many cool things to do in Key West, as you by now surely know, but this isn’t a destination where you want to run yourself ragged checking every attraction off your list. Part of the fun here is the chilling out.

That said, if you want to spend longer than three days here, you absolutely can. (And enough people spend the whole winter season here!)

I would happily visit Key West for a week or so, and that gives you time to do more day trips — not just Dry Tortugas, but perhaps up the Overseas Highway toward Marathon and back.

Personally, I think the best Florida Keys trip would split a few days in Key West with a few days in the Upper Keys — both Key Largo and Islamorada are great options.

How to Get to Key West

The easiest way to get to Key West is to fly into Key West International Airport, which has direct flights from many cities in the Eastern US. If you don’t have a direct flight, there are plenty of connections.

Otherwise, you can fly into Miami International Airport, which has extensive connections both nationally and internationally. From Miami it’s a 3.5-hour drive to Key West, and if you have a rental car , I definitely recommend spending time in Keys along the way.

If you don’t have a rental car and want transportation from Miami to Key West, this private shuttle from Miami to Key West comes highly rated.

Where to Stay in Key West

Key West has no shortage of hotels, motels, inns and resorts for your stay. Accommodation here can get quite expensive, thanks to Key West being a small geographic area with a lot of tourism.

Here are the top-rated places to stay in Key West:

Top-Rated Luxury Hotel in Key West — Parrot Key Hotel & Villas is a gorgeous resort on Florida Bay featuring four pools, on-site dining, and activities like kayaking and massages. They also offer a complimentary shuttle to Old Town Key West. 

Top-Rated Mid-range Hotel in Key West — Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages is an adults-only inn with tons of character, just minutes from Key West’s top attractions. There are four on-site pools and all rooms have a balcony or patio.  

Top-Rated Budget Hotel in Key West — Blue Marlin Motel is a simple motel with clean rooms a short walk from the action on Duval Street, and offers a continental breakfast and heated outdoor pool for guests. 

Find deals on places to stay in Key West here.

Best Time to Visit Key West

In my opinion, the best time to visit Key West is the spring: think March, April and May. At this time you have warm, summery days without the overbearing humidity of the summer months, and the weather is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Key West can be very busy in the winter months, and it can get chilly at night — don’t forget a light jacket! Summer can be incredibly hot and humid, and if I hadn’t been visiting for Hemingway Days in July, I would not have wanted to go at that time of year at all. But it depends on your personal tolerance for heat and humidity.

I strongly recommend being very careful about fall trips to Key West, as this coincides with hurricane season. While hurricane season technically runs from June to November, most hurricanes tend to hit Key West in September and early October. If you are in Key West during a severe storm, listen to the authorities and do what they say .

No matter what time of year you decide to visit Key West, book everything on the early side. This is not a destination where you want to rock up last minute with nowhere to stay.

You may also want to visit Key West during one of its famed festivals or special events. You can check out Key West Pride (June), Hemingway Days (July), ​​Fantasy Fest (October), or The Bight Before Christmas (December). Note that prices and crowds surge during any big festivals in Key West, so plan accordingly.

Read More: The Best Time to Visit Key West

Is Key West Worth It?

I mean, do you think Key West is worth it after reading all these words about how madly in love I am with this destination? Key West is the best! It’s so fun and so friendly and everyone seems to be in the best mood!

Whether you’re visiting on a Florida Keys road trip or just a quick getaway, I think you’ll really love your time in Key West.

I hope you have the best trip ever! Then come back and tell me all about it!

More on the Florida Keys:

• Ultimate Florida Keys Packing List
• Solo Female Travel in Key West and the Florida Keys: The Ultimate Guide
• 24 Fabulous Things to Do in Key Largo, Florida
• 22 Fun Things to Do in Islamorada, Florida Keys
• Best Time to Visit Key West and the Florida Keys
• 25 Best Florida Keys Beaches
• 11+ Best Beaches in Key Largo
• 13 Best Key Lime Pies in Key West
• A Sizzling Summer Trip to the Florida Keys
• Key West, You Are My New Favorite
• Welcome to the Florida Keys

More on Florida:

• 17 Tips For Your First Trip to Disney World as an Adult
• Seaside, Florida: The Town from The Truman Show is a Real Place
• Miami is Nice, so I’ll Say It Twice

Have you been to Key West? What do you love to do there? Share away!

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Key West, FL

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Lana Law Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley visited Key West in 2023 while on assignment for PlanetWare.

The southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West features a unique mixture of cultural influences, some of which can be seen in the island's attractions.

The colorful architecture is mainly Caribbean, with many of the older homes built out of coral rock or salvaged shipboards. Others came directly from the Bahamas, dismantled and shipped then re-assembled here in the Keys. The cuisine is Afro-Caribbean and Spanish, and there is a certain tropical feel to the town.

Key West is known for its sunsets, and watching the sunset from Mallory Square is one of the top things to do on any visit. Several famous writers have called the island home, including Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost, and Tennessee Williams. Key West continues to attract artists today with its Bohemian and tolerant atmosphere.

Find the island's hidden treasures with our list of the best places to visit and things to do in Key West.

See also: Where to Stay in Key West

1. Walk along Duval Street

2. visit the ernest hemingway home and museum, 3. explore key west butterfly and nature conservatory, 4. catch a sunset at mallory square, 5. take a selfie at america's southernmost point, 6. take a day trip to dry tortugas national park, 7. see the treasures at mel fisher maritime museum, 8. tour harry s. truman little white house, 9. martello towers: key west's defences, 10. audubon house and gallery, 11. step back in time at fort zachary taylor state park, 12. the oldest house museum, 13. see the sharks at key west aquarium, 14. shipwreck treasure museum, 15. key west cemetery, 16. key west lighthouse and keepers quarters, 17. laze on a key west beach, 18. key west museum of art & history at the custom house, where to stay in key west for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to key west, key west, fl - climate chart.

Highlights : Vibrant entertainment and shopping street with attractions and restaurants

Duval Street is Key West's main tourist strip, with restaurants and shops designed to entertain tourists and cruise ship passengers. This is the place to begin, or perhaps end, a busy day of sightseeing.

Historic homes and some of the city's most popular tourist attractions and places to visit can be found along Duval Street, which stretches from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point marker.

This area is also host to several events and festivals throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Hemingway Days Festival , held each summer. Other highlights in the area include the mecca of everything key lime, Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shop.

An ideal way to get a good overview of the area and its history is on the Key West Conch Tour Train , which visits Duval Street, as well as Old Town , Hemingway's House , and the waterfront area. This 90-minute narrated tour offers perspective on the railroad days, the depression, and WWII, as they relate to Key West.

Highlights : Historic Hemingway home with lush gardens, artifacts, and famous six-toed cats

The legendary author Ernest Hemingway bought this 1851 Spanish Colonial house in 1931 and lived in it until 1940. It features a lush tropical garden and the salt-water pool that he claimed nearly wiped him out financially, and contains his "last penny" pressed into the concrete.

Inside the Ernest Hemingway House & Museum , you can see the restored interior as well, which displays the writer's own collection of 17th- and 18th-century Spanish furniture. More than 60 descendants of Hemingway's original brood of house cats still roam the property. He wrote a number of novels here including A Farewell to Arms , Death in the Afternoon , and For Whom the Bell Tolls .

Please note: This unique must-visit attraction only accepts cash (no debit or credit cards), so come prepared. And it can get busy, so arrive early.

Address: 907 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Family-friendly attraction with live butterflies and free-flying birds

One of the top things to do in Key West for families is visit to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Children of all ages will be captivated by the opportunity to walk among more than 50 species of butterflies in the natural garden habitat of a glass conservatory.

In addition to the colorful butterflies, more than 20 species of exotic birds reside here, making a visit to the conservatory a truly special experience.

The Learning Center also offers an educational film about the life cycle of butterflies, with exhibits that explain the stages in detail. A live caterpillar viewing area is worth checking out, where you can see real butterflies going through their transformations.

Address: 1316 Duval Street, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Fun sunset celebration with performers, buskers, shopping, and food vendors

Mallory Square, a former warehouse area, is now the location of a nightly sunset-watching ritual with live entertainment. This is one of the most popular free things to do in Key West and is a must-do activity when in town.

Make your way to the dock areas at the base of Duval Street and marvel at the stunning pinks and reds as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. Jugglers, vendors, musicians, and other street performers create a carnival-like atmosphere, including some truly unique performances like dog unicycling, cats on a tightrope, and straightjacket escapes.

The area has become one of the top highlights of a visit to Key West, particularly in the late afternoon, when browsing the shops and other attractions located on and around Mallory Square is the thing to do. Great places to visit include the Shops at Mallory Square, home to a variety of local art, souvenirs, and refreshments (Cuban Coffee Queen does an amazing breakfast burrito).

Searching for the perfect souvenir? Check out the historical Key West Sponge Market . This treasure-hunting store is located in the nearby Mallory Square Market along with other interesting shops.

Address: 400 Wall Street, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Famous selfie spot and the most southerly point of continental USA

Key West's claim to fame as the southernmost point in the continental U.S. is marked by a red, black, and yellow concrete marker at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets.

It's a lively spot, as street vendors and performers congregate around the site to sell souvenirs and showcase their talents. The marker itself, dedicated by the Key West Public Works Department in 1983, is less than inspiring but nonetheless, it still works well as the perfect selfie background (be prepared, though, to line up for a few minutes for your turn).

A similar landmark and equally popular place for Key West photo-ops is the US1 mile-marker "0" sign which marks the beginning of the route which runs up almost the entirety of the east coast. Stretching for nearly 2,400 miles, the interstate ends in Maine, passing through several major cities.

Address: Whitehead Street & South Street, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Excellent day trip from Key West to remote islands with a fort, beaches, and diving

History coupled with soft-sand beaches and wonderful opportunities for snorkeling are the main allure of this isolated park. Catamaran Boat Excursions to the Dry Tortugas , which include snorkeling and snorkeling equipment, as well as lunch, leave from Key West and are the best way to access this site.

Dry Tortugas National Park is an archipelago of seven reef islands located around 65 miles southwest of Key West. They were so named by explorer Ponce de Leon due to the number of turtles ( tortuga meaning turtle in Spanish) found on the islands. The "dry" part was added later, referring to the lack of fresh water on the islands.

One of them, Garden Key, is home to the 19th-century Fort Jefferson , which was built by the U.S. government to protect and control the Gulf of Mexico shipping channel. The fort operated as a prison for Union deserters during the Civil War and also housed Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was arrested as a co-conspirator in Abraham Lincoln's assassination.

In 1992, George Bush changed the status of the site from the Fort Jefferson National Monument to the current park run by the National Park Service.

Address: 40001 SR-9336, Homestead, Florida

Highlights : Diving and shipwreck exhibits including treasures and rare recovered artifacts

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum tells the story of diver Mel Fisher, who discovered several shipwrecks, including one that carried exceedingly valuable artifacts and another that holds a wealth of historical value.

First discovered in 1972, an English ship was found about 35 miles west of Key West. Later identified as the Henrietta Marie , this was a slave ship that had disappeared in 1700 shortly after selling 190 African Captives in Jamaica. Although the ship did not carry a wealth of gold and jewels, its remains hold invaluable artifacts, which provide a look at the history and conditions of the maritime slave trade, and is the oldest slave shipwreck to be discovered.

In 1980, Fisher's dive teams discovered the wreck of the Santa Margarita , a 17th-century Spanish ship. This wreck held an astounding assortment of valuable objects, from gold and silver bars and coins to elaborate jewelry.

The museum displays numerous artifacts from these wrecks and others, including a 77.76-carat emerald and several other rare items such as navigational instruments, tools, and other everyday items. The museum also has exhibits on underwater archaeology and diving, as well as films and hands-on demonstrations.

Address: 200 Greene Street, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Elegant historic winter quarters of US President Harry Truman, with tours

The restored Harry S. Truman Little White House was built in 1890 and served as the headquarters for the naval command through World War II. Truman first visited the house in 1946, and during his presidency used it several times as a vacation retreat.

The original furnishings and decor have remained intact from the Truman era, and it has been used by subsequent presidents and officials as it still is today. Items like Truman's piano and the desk he used during his "working vacations," are perfectly preserved for posterity. Helpful guides add insight into the building's history and the political significance it held during the Cold War.

Be sure to enjoy a self-guided tour of the home's spectacular botanical gardens after you are finished inside.

Address: 111 Front Street, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Historic red-brick fortresses with lovely gardens and art collections

The Martello Towers are two brick fortifications, built in 1858 to protect Fort Zachary Taylor from the east. The fort was never completed and never saw hostile action, although the eight-foot-thick granite walls would certainly have withstood artillery attacks. The central tower provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Atlantic coast of Key West.

The West Martello Tower and Garden Center was constructed in the 1860s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Key West Garden Club took possession of the fort in 1955 and began a cleanup and planting to beautify the dilapidated fort.

Today, you can stroll the grounds, through lovely courtyards and gardens. Romantic pathways, arches, a waterfall, and water lily pond are some of the highlights.

The East Martello Tower was originally built as a complement to Fort Zachary Taylor to protect the region. It now houses the Martello Gallery -Key West Art and Historical Museum , with a diverse collection of local art and sculpture and other exhibits related to the development of Key West.

Address: 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Historic heritage home featuring beautiful interiors and gardens with guided tours

This 1840s home was built by ship carpenters for Captain John Greiger, a noted harbor pilot and wrecker. Colonel Mitchell Wolfson restored it in the 1960s, initiating the subsequent preservation movement in the rest of Key West.

Today, Audobon House and Gallery is noteworthy both for the historic home and the beautiful gardens and grounds it preserves. The home contains many 18th- and 19th-century period furnishings, much of it from Europe, and a substantial collection of engravings by John James Audubon, who stayed here in 1832.

The gardens in the back contain a variety of tropical plants, including birds of paradise, hibiscus, and different palms. Guided tours showcase the highlights of the Audubon House, and following the tour, you are welcome to explore on the lush grounds around the home.

Address: 205 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Civil War fortifications, festivals and events, nature trails, swimming beach

Built between 1845 and 1866, Fort Zachary Taylor protected this part of Florida's coast during the Civil War. Today, it is a State Park and National Historic Landmark, renowned for its historical attractions, especially the extensive collection of Civil War-era armaments, which are still being excavated.

The park also hosts a variety of annual events, including concerts, boat races, sculpture contests, and even a pirate festival. In addition to all of these fun things to do, tourists will enjoy the park's beautiful swimming beach; dedicated snorkeling areas; and nature trails, which are open to both foot and bike traffic.

This is also one of the best places to see Key West's famous sunsets, and the beach is a perfect spot for a romantic picnic.

Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Charming historic home with original furniture and ship models, plus a nice garden

The Oldest House in South Florida, built in 1829, was the former home of Francis B. Watlington. It was originally built by Richard Cussans in a different location and later moved to Duval Street.

Today, The Oldest House Museum offers a chance to see and learn a little about the history of Key West. It is not as extravagant or as lovely as some of the city's other historical houses that are open to the public, but it has its own unique charm.

Within the house are some original furnishings, family portraits, and displays on the history of Key West. Ship models and information on the history of the industry in the area are on display. At the rear of the house is a garden and a cookhouse, which was typical of the period. There is also an exhibit pavilion containing additional documents of interest.

Address: 322 Duval Street, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Fun aquarium with trophy fish, interactive "touch" tanks...and real sharks!

The Key West Aquarium first opened its doors in 1934, making it one of the first open-air aquariums in the U.S. For practical purposes of algae control, a roof was later added, and the facility was upgraded.

Exhibits include the "Atlantic Shores" and the large outdoor holding pens. A number of tanks house local marine life, including puffer fish, snappers, and angelfish. There are also tanks with barracuda and sharks, and a "touch tank," always a favorite with kids, as they can get up close and personal with conch, starfish, and other invertebrates.

The sharks are fed at regular intervals throughout the day, and if you are brave enough, attendants will let you touch a juvenile nurse shark.

Address: 1 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Family-friendly museum with treasure and shipwreck exhibits, costumed guides

The Shipwreck Treasure Museum is housed in the replica of a 19th-century wrecker's warehouse with exhibits exploring the fascinating history of the salvage industry in the area.

Wrecking, the practice of salvaging cargo from the various ships that perished along the Florida reefs, was once a major part of Key West's economy and an extremely lucrative — but dangerous — industry. From atop observation towers like the 65-foot example here at the museum, wreckers would watch day and night for ships in trouble and race to the site. The first to arrive could claim the rights to the largest share of the salvage profits, a process overseen by special "wrecking courts."

Here, at the museum, actors in period costume recount the story of the Isaac Allerton , which sank in 1856, as well as show what life was like for the daring wreckers who risked their lives to not only recover treasure but also save the lives of the reefs' victims.

Artifacts from the shipwreck are displayed, and films and videos on the subject run on a continuous basis. The observation tower provides excellent views and photo opportunities of the surrounding land and seascape.

Highlights : Historic burial grounds with ornate tombs and grave stones

Founded in 1847 after the island's original cemetery was destroyed by a hurricane, the headstones in Key West's cemetery mark the graves of more than 35,000 people.

This historic cemetery has several religious and memorial sections, including dedicated Jewish and Roman Catholic areas, the Los Martires de Cuba memorial commemorating the Cuban martyrs who were killed during the 1870s independence movement, and a plot dedicated to the sailors who died when the USS Maine sank in 1898.

Highlights to watch for are the intricate ironwork and carved monuments that adorn family plots and tombs.

Address: 701 Passover Lane, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Well-preserved lighthouse and buildings with superb views over Key West

The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1847 and opened in 1848 with a female keeper, a rarity in that time. Over the years, its keeper's quarters and lenses were upgraded until technology rendered both obsolete, and it was decommissioned in 1969.

The Key West Art and Historical Society adopted the property, initially turning it into a military museum and then later restoring the lighthouse and quarters to reflect life here at the beginning of the 20th century.

Today, the Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters houses original furniture, household items, and photos of the many keepers who kept the light burning through even the worst of storms.

The lighthouse stands at 86 feet high, so be sure to climb up its 88 steps for great views from the observation deck near the top. A short video presentation also provides an interesting look at the history of the Key West Lighthouse.

Address: 938 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

Highlights : Beautiful beaches with shallow water perfect for kids, swimmers, and snorkelers

Many first-time visitors are blown away to find out that Key West is actually home to a number of great little beaches (plus one or two larger ones). Which one you gravitate to will depend largely on your travel habits.

For example, those traveling with kids will want to include a visit to Higgs Beach on their list of Key West beaches to visit. One of a string of great little beaches tucked away on Key West's southern Atlantic coast that includes Rest Beach, South Beach, and County Beach — all within an easy walk of one another — Higgs Beach was built (yes, it's manmade) with families very much in mind.

Amenities include water sport rental shops, a restaurant, restrooms with changing and shower facilities, bike racks, as well as beach chairs. A children's playground is located here, along with volleyball nets. Ample free parking is available. Be sure to check out the neighboring West Martello Tower and Gardens.

Other beaches to check out include Smathers Beach (for sunbathing and swimming); Simonton Beach (for sunsets); Fort Zachary Taylor Beach (for history and wildlife); Dry Tortugas Beach (for romance and day trips, as it's on an island); and Dog Beach (for, you guessed it: dogs!).

Highlights : Historic customs house with art exhibits, sculpture garden, and historic artifacts

Handily located between Mallory Square and the Harry S. Truman Little White House attractions stands the Key West Museum of Art & History . Set in the city's historic Custom House building, a large and handsome red brick structure built in 1891, it's well worth a visit.

Highlights include informative exhibits and displays, including a sizable Hemingway collection, relating to famous personalities who at one time or another called Key West home or visited here. There are also exhibits relating to local social and maritime history. The museum also houses a sizable collection dedicated to artworks and sculptures from local, national, and international artists.

Be sure to also explore the rear of the museum for a chance to pose with some of the fascinating garden sculptures, which show scenes that look as if they're straight out of a painting.

Address: 281 Front Street, Naval Air Station Key West, Florida

Key West is compact and easily walkable, but the best place to stay is near Duval Street, in the heart of downtown. Budget-minded travelers will have to search farther afield to find reasonable prices.

Luxury Hotels:

• At the end of Duval Street near Mallory Square, the Ocean Key Resort & Spa features waterfront rooms with balconies and an oceanside pool.
• Nearby is the lovely Pier House Resort & Spa with a private white-sand beach and a pool overlooking the water.
• Located just a block off Duval Street, The Gardens Hotel is a beautifully appointed property, with lush gardens surrounding a pool.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Hotels in this price range tend to be a little farther back from the action but still on the island of Key West. Kimpton Winslow's Bungalows is a charming boutique hotel housed in two buildings from 1905 and 1891 respectively.
• The Best Western Hibiscus Motel is in the quieter southern section of Key West. It features a very large pool, by Key West's standards, and is just a short walk to the southernmost point in the United States.
• A bit farther out, but with a shuttle bus that runs every 20 minutes to Duval Street, is the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key – Key West. This hotel is set on large, lush grounds and features renowned tropical gardens.

Budget Hotels:

• The budget options tend to be a bit older and farther out from downtown. The Ibis Bay Beach Resort has a shuttle to downtown and is close to restaurants and grocery stores.
• Another option, three miles from downtown and featuring beautiful views out over the water, is The Laureate Key West . You'll need a car to stay here as there is no shuttle, and no restaurants are nearby.

Crystal clear waters and coral reefs surround Key West, and a boat tour is a great way to explore these habitats and the abundant marine life. Taking an organized tour also means you don't have to worry about renting a boat and navigating your way through unfamiliar waters. Below are some fun tours that guarantee the lowest price and offer a great option for getting around town hassle-free:

• Sightseeing Trolley: A convenient way to get to and from the top tourist attractions in Key West is the Key West Hop-on/Hop-off Trolley, which makes stops at all of the island's most popular spots, like Mallory Square and Duval Street museums and shops, as well as several museums and landmarks. In addition to making your Key West vacation itinerary a breeze, an expert guide narrates the ride, providing interesting facts and telling fascinating stories about the island's history and lore.
• Dolphins and Snorkeling Boat Tour: The three-hour Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Cruise whisks you away from the coast on a catamaran to see wild dolphins swimming and playing in the water a few feet from the boat. After watching these gentle mammals, you have a chance to snorkel over a shallow coral reef, which is home to more than 600 different species of marine life. The tour includes snorkel equipment, unlimited sodas, and a professional guide.
• Islands Boat Tour: If you'd like to explore the islands off the coast of Key West, the Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran is an excellent option. This full-day adventure on a luxury high-speed catamaran visits Dry Tortugas National Park, where you can explore the military fort, relax on the beautiful beaches, and snorkel along some of Key West's best coral reefs. Included in the tour is an expert naturalist, entrance fees and national park service fees, a narrated tour of Fort Jefferson, breakfast and lunch, and snorkeling equipment.
• Snorkeling and Kayak Tour: A fantastic way to see the Gulf of Mexico and get up-close to its unique natural habitats is the Key West Full-Day Island T'ing Eco-Tour: Sail, Kayak, and Snorkel , a six-hour excursion that is sure to please everyone in your group. The tour embarks in the morning on a spacious catamaran, and tourists are provided with breakfast as the boat makes its way to a mangrove island, where you can hop in one of the provided kayaks and explore the truly unique surroundings. The next stop is at a coral reef, where passengers can don snorkeling equipment and be led on a guided tour of the living underwater landscape. Those who prefer to stay dry are welcome to remain in the catamaran and enjoy the sun and beautiful views, and a buffet lunch with beverages is served as well.
• Sailing & Watersport Adventures: The vast expanses of water around Key West were just made to be explored. One of the best ways to do it is to book the Key West Full-Day Power Adventure: Sailing & Watersports Package . The highlights of these well-organized tour packages include a cruise aboard a modern catamaran sailing vessel into the Gulf of Mexico for some sightseeing, as well as your choice of activities, including kayaking, reef snorkeling, Jet Skiing, or even parasailing. A hearty breakfast and lunch are included, as is all equipment needed to indulge in your adventure of choice.

The best time to visit Key West is during the winter months of December, January, and February. With daytime temperatures averaging in the low 70s, as well as the fact there'll be plenty of sunshine, it'll be warm enough for you to enjoy a wide array of outdoor and water-based activities or simply hang out at your resort.

While the autumn months of September and October can still be hot and humid, by November temperatures will have cooled enough to make a fall visit to Key West quite pleasant. And, by the end of fall, you'll also be clear of the rainy hurricane season.

Early spring can be a great time to visit Key West. Temperatures in March and April will gradually increase from the low to high 70s, reaching into the 80s by the end of May. Things are usually pretty dry during this spring month, too.

Summer is the least appealing time to visit Key West. Also known as hurricane season, summer here stretches through June, July, and August; it also includes the late spring month of May, as well as September and even October. These months are also the hottest, most humid, and wettest months in Key West.

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The Florida Keys: The Florida Keys are by far one of the top places to visit in Florida , best known for their fascinating history and amazing sunsets. Learn about historic forts and tales of pirates, and experience limitless opportunities to encounter wildlife and watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico.

Sun and Sand: The keys are also naturally home to some of the best beaches in Florida , making the region a very popular resort destination. Key West is home to several excellent resorts, and the popular diving town of Key Largo has a wide variety of resorts as well, ranging from luxury accommodations to private cottages.

Mainland Excitement: Approximately 3.5 hours' drive from Key West, the vibrant city of Miami is one of Florida's most exciting tourist destinations, full of attractions and things to do . Tourists can easily add a night or two in the city to their Florida vacation itinerary on the way to or from Key West, or may want to stay a little longer at one of Miami's popular resorts.

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Tickets & Travel Office

• Description

The Community Recreation Tickets & Travel Office, located on Sigsbee Park, is your one-stop location for discounted tickets on land, water, fishing and diving attractions as well as discounted tickets to local movie theaters, theme parks, cruises, hotels, and flights. Key West is a destination location and offers unlimited activities on land and in the water. Let the educated staff at our ticketing office assist you with making your visit memorable. For a list of discounted tickets for land, water, fishing and diving attractions click on the downloads to the right. 

Price Sheet for Fishing Charters & Boat Rentals 

Price Sheet for Land / Sky Attractions & Golf Cart / Bicycle Rentals 

Price Sheet for Snuba & Diving Excursions 

Price Sheet for Water Attractions & Dry Tortugas 

Price Sheet for Florida Attractions & Universal Studios

Price Sheet for Walt Disney World & Special Events 

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• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 2.1 By plane
• 3 Get around
• 5.2 Watersports
• 5.4 Festivals
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.1 Camping

Key West , in the Florida Keys , is a city and an island of the same name. It is the county seat of Monroe County and is considered the southernmost city in the continental United States.

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

In Pre-Columbian times Key West was inhabited by the Tequesta and Calusa peoples. The first European to visit was Juan Ponce de León in 1521. As Florida became a Spanish colony, a fishing and salvage village with a small garrison was established here.

The island was used by fishermen from Cuba and from the British Bahamas, who were later joined by others from the United States after the latter nation's independence. While claimed by Spain, no nation exercised de facto control over the community there for some time. The island was considered the "Gibraltar of the West" because of its strategic location on the 90-mile (140 km)–wide deep shipping lane, the Straits of Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. On March 25, 1822, Matthew C. Perry sailed the schooner Shark to Key West and planted the U.S. flag, physically claiming the Keys as United States property.

Key West was relatively isolated until 1912, when it was connected to the Florida mainland via the Overseas Railway extension of Henry M. Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway (FEC). The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 destroyed much of the railroad and killed hundreds of residents. The FEC could not afford to restore the railroad. The U.S. government then rebuilt the rail route as an automobile highway, completed in 1938, which became an extension of United States Highway 1. The portion of U.S. 1 through the Keys is called the Overseas Highway.

Modern Key West and the Florida Keys has a Tourist Development Council which collects a surtax on hotel bills to promote more and more tourism in the Keys in an uncontrolled positive feedback loop. Spending a million dollars a month on international travel promotion schemes, the island chain is crowded and expensive. Traffic is slow but the pace is frenetic.

Climate [ edit ]

Key West claims to be the only city in the lower 48 states to have never had a frost or a snowfall. Because of the proximity of the Gulf Stream in the Straits of Florida, about 12 miles (19 km) south and southeast, and the tempering effects of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and north, Key West has a notably mild, tropical climate.

Precipitation is characterized by dry and wet seasons. The period of November through April receives abundant sunshine and slightly less than 25 percent of the annual rainfall. This rainfall usually occurs in advance of cold fronts in a few heavy or light showers. May through October is normally the wet season, receiving approximately 53 percent of the yearly total in numerous showers and thunderstorms. Rain falls on most days of the wet season. Early morning is the favored time for these showers, which is different from mainland Florida, where showers and thunderstorms usually occur in the afternoon. Easterly (tropical) waves during this season occasionally bring excessive rainfall, while infrequent hurricanes may be accompanied by unusually heavy amounts. At any rate, Key West is the driest city in Florida. Summer is generally a few degrees cooler than the interior due to the moderating effects of the water, and with tropical breezes is a welcome relief from the interior's scorching temperatures.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

24.55355 -81.75518 1 Key West International Airport ( EYW  IATA ) is the major airport on 3491 S Roosevelt Blvd (FL-A1A) serving Key West and the lower keys located 3.9 mi (6.3 km) southeast of downtown. The airport terminal is accessed from S Roosevelt Blvd along Faraldo Circle (its own access road). Major airlines serving the Key West are:

• Allegiant (Asheville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Orlando-Sanford, St Petersburg FL; Pittsburgh )
• American Airlines and Envoy Airlines dba American Eagle : (Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Philadelphia; and American Eagle from Charlotte, Chicago–O'Hare, Miami, NY LaGuardia, Washington–National)
• Delta Airlines & ExpressJet dba Delta Connection : (Atlanta, NY LaGuardia)
• Silver Airways (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa)
• United & United Express operated by Republic Airlines : (Chicago–O'Hare, Houston–Intercontinental, Newark, Washington–Dulles. Additional United Flights to Tampa and Orlando are operated by Silver Airways as a codeshare partner with United).

Fares tend to be higher than to and from the large metropolitan airports. A popular alternative is to fly into Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale International Airport , rent a vehicle and drive down the Overseas Highway (US Hwy 1) to Key West (See "By car" in the below). Likewise you may also catch a ride with Keys Shuttle from Miami International and Ft Lauderdale International Airports to your hotel or to any address in Key West and anywhere in the Keys. Call them to schedule pick-up for the return trip back to Miami or Ft Lauderdale (see "By bus" in the below).

Car rental, although unnecessary in small Key West, is available from Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, and Thrifty. Alamo, Enterprise, and National have offices off site, with a free shuttle from the Airport. Parking on Key West can be a challenge in terms of the number of available spaces, and the size of spaces, so smaller cars are popular selections.

By bus [ edit ]

• Public buses : the Lower Keys Shuttle [dead link] operated by Key West Transit provides 9 daily trips between MM 0 in Key West and MM 53.5 (Sadowski & US Hwy 1) in Marathon Key. Cost is $4 for the Lower Keys Shuttle. At MM50 (at Sombrero Beach Rd), you transfer to Miami-Dade bus route 301 Dade/Monroe Express for onwarad service to Florida City (via MM 74 in Islamorada; MM 87 in Tavernier; and MM 98 in Key Largo). The Dade/Monroe bus operates 10 times daily between 7:30am and 11:00pm from Marathon and more frequent from Islamorada. In Florida City transfer to the #38 bus (Busway/Max) to the Dadeland South Metrorail Station where you catch the Metrorail train into Miami. The Dade/Monroe express costs $2.65 each way. Official Key West page on cross keys transit options [1]
• 24.55258 -81.75693 2 Greyhound , (bus station) 3439 S Roosevelt Blvd ( In front of airport ), ☏ +1 305-296-9072 , toll-free: 1 800 231-2222 . Daily 7:30AM-9AM and 4:30PM-6PM . Buses serve Key West with two departures per day from Miami, stopping in Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo in the Keys en route. Journey time is around four and a half hours. Passengers transfer in Miami to continue to other destinations. OW fares to Miami starting from $30 . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Miami Info Tours , (Company Office) 2401 Collins Ave Suite #C3; Miami Beach , ☏ +1 305-894-6409 . Travel from Miami or Miami Beach to Key West. Hotel pick-up is available from select Miami Beach Hotels and Downtown Miami. Bus Service is available 365 days a year, and rates start from $69.00 for round-trip. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Miami to Key West Bus , (bus stop) 908 Caroline St ( Across the street from Flagler Street Museum ), ☏ +1 305-423-9045 . Daily boarding 5PM to 5:15PM. Approx arrival at stop 11:45AM. Check schedules. . Motorcoach transportation services and escorted tours to Key West from Miami. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Keys Shuttle , ☏ +1 305-289-9997 , toll-free: +1-888-765-9997 . The company provides door-to-door service between to the Keys from the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airports (and vice versa). ( updated Sep 2017 )

By sea [ edit ]

• 24.5625 -81.7989 3 Key West Express , (Terminal) 100 Grinnell St ( Grinnell St & Mustin ), ☏ +1 239 463-5733 . Daily high-speed passenger ferries from Ft. Myers Beach and Marco Island . The ferries dock at the Key West Bight Ferry Terminal. The ferry ride takes approximately 3.5 hours and the Ft. Myers Beach vessels have a capacity exceeding 300 passengers and amenities aboard include; out-door sundecks, flat-screen TVs, galley service and a full bar. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Private Boaters Experienced boaters can navigate to Key West along the Atlantic side of the Keys or by traveling on the Gulf of Mexico side. The first part of the trip takes you through the specially-marked Intracoastal Waterway. After Long Key, however, international markers apply. Consult the appropriate Coast Pilot and Light List manuals. Numerous marinas are waiting to entertain you, but you should make reservations ahead. If sailing in from foreign ports in the Caribbean be sure to contact 24.559 -81.8029 4 US Customs & Border Protection to determine where to sail into prior to travel. Their Key West office is at 301 Simonton St, Simonton & Caroline St in downtown.
• Cruise Ships In 1969 the Port of Key West received its first regularly scheduled cruise ship. The three docking facilities -- Mallory Square Dock, Pier B (privately owned by Westin), and the Navy Mole -- service over half a million passengers a year. A schedule indicating when a particular cruise ship will be calling on Key West is available at the Port Office and online. See the online docking calendar [dead link] or the respective website of a particular cruise line.

Since the re-establishment of US-Cuban relations at the end of 2014 and the easing of travel sanctions between the two countries there have not been any establishment of, or plans for regular ferry services between Key West and Cuba. Private mariners will still need a license from the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) to be able to sail their own vessels to Cuba. Please check with U.S. Customs & Border Protection as to where to sail into from foreign ports and regarding the rules for travel by private vessel or aircraft between the Florida Keys and Cuba.

By car [ edit ]

The Overseas Highway terminates in Key West, and links all the towns in the Keys with mainland Florida and links into the US Interstate network. Driving to Key West is straightforward (3 1/2 hours from Miami) and scenic with ocean vistas but driving around town is difficult and parking is expensive.

From Miami International Airport : Take LeJeune Road south to 836 West. Follow the Florida Turnpike south toward Key West. The Turnpike ends at US 1 in Florida City. Follow U.S. 1 south as far as it goes and you will be in Key West.

From Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport: Exit the airport and follow the signs for 595 West. Take 595 to the Florida Turnpike and follow the signs for the Florida Keys and Key WEST.

From the north: take the Florida Turnpike south and follow the signs for Homestead and Key West. The Florida Turnpike ends at US 1 in Florida City.Follow U.S. 1 south into the Florida Keys.

From Florida's West Coast: take 1-75 Alligator Alley east to the Miami exit, and south to the Turnpike Extension.

Get around [ edit ]

With many narrow and one-way streets, driving Key West is difficult and parking is expensive. Many visitors choose to rent motor scooters, bicycles, golf carts, explore on foot or use public transportation. [2] When renting a golf cart keep in mind that you have to find parking for this vehicle as well. Scooters and bikes can normally be parked on the sidewalk right outside your destination.

The tourist area in Key West is Duval Street.

Key West Transit offers a fairly comprehensive bus system for local travel in and around Key West and up to MM 53 on Marathon Key in the Lower Keys. For taxi you may contact One Key West at +1 305-295-5555 to arrange for a pick-up or a ride share service such as Uber or Lyft.

Taxis and ride share services are plentiful and affordable.

If you plan to rent a car be aware that the Enterprise and Alamo desks are not located at the airport. You have to call the shuttle bus and wait for 12 minutes to catch a ride to the Truman Ave location. Budget is the only car rental agency in Key West that does not charge additional fees (usually $10/day from anyone else) for a second driver. Renting a car is more necessary if you plan to travel extensively or point to point in different parts of the Florida Keys then if you're staying exclusively on Key West where you won't need a car at all. If your lodgings are in Old Town you can more easily walk or bike to all the attractions.

See [ edit ]

• 24.5474 -81.7847 4 Key West AIDS Memorial , White Street and Atlantic Boulevard ( on the beach ). The City of Key West has lost more than a thousand of its citizens to the AIDS epidemic. Some of their names are inscribed on a memorial near the White Street Pier. The memorial is embedded in the sidewalk near the ocean, and made of flat smooth granite. The memorial was dedicated on World AIDS Day in 1997, and funded entirely through private sources. At the time of dedication, there were 730 names engraved on the memorial. There are spaces for 1,500 names, and each year more are added and dedicated in a ceremony, also on World AIDS Day in December. A group called Friends of the Key West AIDS Memorial takes care of the memorial. Free .  
• 24.552327 -81.754861 5 Key West Art and Historical Society Museum , 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd , ☏ +1 305-296-3913 . 9:30AM to 4:30PM . Visitors can explore the preserved battlement’s collection of relics from the Civil War, learn about the wrecking and cigar-manufacturing industries which shaped the Florida Keys, view the unique folk art of Mario Sanchez and the imaginative metal sculptures of Stanley Papio, as well as meet the Ghosts of East Martello, including the infamous Robert the Doll. The building, formerly the Fort East Martello, is on the National Register of Historic Places $9 . ( updated Feb 2015 )
• 24.5567 -81.7951 6 Key West City Cemetery . In Key West, burial customs reflect combinations of African, Hispanic, Anglo and other mixed heritages. Due to the water table of the Keys, most burials are in above ground tombs. Grave markers with unusual inscriptions such as I told you I was sick , Devoted Fan of Julio Iglesias and At Least I know where he's sleeping tonight are not unusual. Cemetery maps are available at the front gate.  
• 24.548548 -81.784844 8 McCoy Indigenous Park . Free . ( updated Feb 2015 )
• 24.5591 -81.8069 9 Shipwreck Museum , 1 Whitehead St , ☏ +1 305-292-8990 , fax : +1 305-292-1617 . Offers a panoramic view of the island from its observation tower.  

• 24.547927 -81.784959 11 Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys , Atlantic Boulevard and White Streets . This rescue operation has released more than 2,000 healed animals into the wild since 1993. They take care of any animal that needs attention, from sea birds to raccoons, and at any given time you might see up to 100 creatures healing at the center. They come from all over, from the Seven Mile bridge to the Dry Tortugas. You can visit the patients any day from 9AM to 5PM, and the park is open sunup to sundown. It's free, but they like donations and volunteers. ( updated Feb 2015 )
• Key West Aquarium , 1 Whitehead St , ☏ +1 305-296-2051 . 9:30AM-5:30PM . Aquarium featuring a touch tank for hands-on experiences with sea anemones, plus guided tours. ( updated May 2022 )

Do [ edit ]

Key West is not the greatest place to bring a family. There are beaches and a few small parks during the day... for those that are awake. Enjoy an early night and prepare for the next day's adventure. However, if you are traveling with young ones, stay in a hotel off the main streets. For those who stay out all night you may not get to do these things but you should try. Because many locals get around by scooters, bikes, and/or electric cars, you may want to consider renting them at one of the many rental shops throughout the island.

Nature [ edit ]

• Key West Nature Preserve . Two entrances on Atlantic Blvd. Ocean front property that has been turned into an accessible natural area. Enjoy seeing local Key West wildlife such as lizards, butterflies and maybe even a snake.  
• Dry Tortugas National Park , [3] . Details daily trips to Fort Jefferson. By ferry with Yankee Freedom II

Watersports [ edit ]

• Sebago Watersports ( Waterfront area ). WReef snorkeling, sunset sails, parasailing, all-day adventures from the tame Island Ting to the active Power Adventure . The parasailing tends to be a bit brief (13 minutes), but the crew is friendly.  
• Fury Water Adventures . It offers snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, rock climbing, water trampoline, sunset sails and cruises, reef eco tours, and glass bottom boat tours. Fury also offers combo packages such as the Ultimate Adventure, the Rum & Reggae, and the Commotion on the Ocean.  
• Diving in Key West . Offering daily dive trips to the reefs near Key West.  
• 24.56241 81.80503 2 Floridays , 601 Front Street ( Hyatt Centric Resort and Spa, corner of Front and Simonton, one block E of lower Duval ), ☏ +1 305-744-8335 , [email protected] . Luxury sailboat operating out of the Hyatt Centric Hotel offering daily snorkeling and evening Sunset Sailing adventures. A beautiful well maintained vessel taking much smaller groups that what you might find on some of the other commercial vessels in and around Key West. A very popular choice for weddings and private charters. $55 - $65 . ( updated Mar 2018 )

Other [ edit ]

• Astro City , Atlantic Blvd . A popular stop for families on their way to and from the beach. Located directly across the street from Higgs beach.  
• Swim With Dolphins , for ages 5 and older. [4] , [5] .
• Key West Fishing . Offers charters, guides, and fishing information for Key West. Includes private and group fishing charters.  
• Sunset Celebration , Mallory Square ( where Duval Street meets the Gulf of Mexico ). This event begins every evening a few hours before sunset and is much like a street carnival, with vendors, performers, food, and fun. Also a great photo op for some of the most beautiful sunsets.  
• Keywest Scavenger Hunt , ☏ +1 305-292-9994 , [email protected] . Since winning the prestigious "Venture Award" from the Key West Chamber of Commerce, The Southernmost Scavenger Hunt has expanded to offer a wider variety of custom designed features to their ever-popular scavenger hunts.  
• Restless Native Charters ( KeyWest bight marina at historic waterfront seaport ), ☏ +1 305-394-0600 . Luxury sailing catamaran for sail/dive, sunset sails, private partys, weddings/proposals. Upscale food and drink and a great adventure on the water.  
• Honest Works Island Pottery co , 929 Truman Ave ( mile marker 1 ), ☏ +1 419 308-9221 . 9 - 6 . Honest Works Island Pottery Co. is a vibrant art gallery and active studio space in Old town Key West. Stop on by and watch the pottery in the making or make it yourself. Honest Works offers pottery classes, as well as, paint your own pottery for locals and tourist alike. In this dynamic studio space artists, Adam Russell and Kelly Lever, create and display their own colorful island pottery. Come on in and fell the artist energy flowing!  

Festivals [ edit ]

• Fantasy Fest . Annual event. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• Gay Spring Break . Annual event held in February, March, and April targeting college-age LGBT students.  
• Womenfest . Annual event. One of the largest lesbian-oriented parties on earth!  
• Tropical Heat . Adult-themed event for gay men held every year.  
• Lobsterfest . Held every year around the first week in August.  

Buy [ edit ]

Key West is not like Miami. There aren't many high end shops or big name brands. While there are a few, Key West is not the place for this type of shopping. Fly into or out of the Miami airport and spend a day in South Beach if this is what you are looking for. There are a lot of shops in Key West, especially along Duval Street, which goes from coast to coast. You can find something to wear at night which in Key West isn't much (price or material). Lose your sunglasses...they have them. Need suntan lotion..check. Want a tattoo? You could get probably get 20 or so if you went to every tattoo place in Key West. This is not a good idea if you have been drinking. You may regret it the next sober morning when you realize you have one or more.

• Blue , 718 Caroline St . A boutique specializing in women's clothing. Everything from fun tees, to comfy linen pants they have everything for a casual day of drinking.  
• [formerly dead link] Bare Bones Beach Shop, inc. , 2770 N. Roosevelt Blvd ( Overseas Market next to Winn-Dixie ), ☏ +1 305-296-5970 . M-Sa 9AM-6PM . Swimwear and beach products for men, women and children, in addition to stylish dog clothing and accessories. mid .  

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

• Conch Republic , 631 Greene St . Enjoy their spacious waterfront setting where the atmosphere is like a trip back in time to the way Key West used to be. Enjoy fresh fish and a raw bar. Feel like you are dining outside with the large windows that remain open during the day. A great place for a drink & some snacks specially during football season.  
• El Siboney , 900 Catherine St , ☏ +1 305-296-4184 . This Cuban restaurant, tucked into a quiet residential intersection, flies well below the tourist radar. Delicious food at very reasonable prices. To sum it up, this is where the locals go for Cuban.  
• 24.5557 -81.8028 1 Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville , 500 Duval St , ☏ +1 305-292-1435 . Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM . Key West is pretty close to paradise, so you might as well have a cheeseburger while you're there. ( updated May 2023 )
• Schooner Wharf , Caroline Street . A surprising choice for breakfast, this rough and ready landmark has a three-egg seafood omelette that, coupled with a bloody mary or two, will shock you back to life from a throw down night on Duval.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• A & B Lobster House , 700 Front St . The main dishes are mid-range in price, and paired with great tasting appetizers and salads it will be hard to forget your meal here. While Key West is warm and the porch may seem like a good idea make sure the ladies have jackets. It is right on the water and with the fans on high blast it can get a little chilly.  
• Mangia-Mangia Pasta , 900 Southard St , ☏ +1 305-294-2469 . Every day 5:30-10PM .  
• El Meson de Pepe , 410 Wallstreet ( Mallory Square ), ☏ +1 305-295-2620 . If you want authentic, delicious Cuban food look nor further. I have been visiting this place for about the last 5 years when I drive down to Key West. Be ready for a special treat on the days that Pepe himself takes over the kitchen and creates his delectable masterpieces. The prices are very reasonable and their Mojitos have a kick. Everynight at Sunset, they have a band playing and enough space for dancing and having a couple of drinks at the bar. The walls of both the restaurant and the hallway connecting it to the gift shop are covered in colorful murals depicting early, Cuban-influenced life in Key West. History and folk art aficionados can easily spend 30-45 minutes just "wallgazing.".  
• Roof Top Cafe . Exactly what the names suggest, this is a restaurant situated on the roof top of a building. Overlooking Mallory square this place is perfect for dining during sunset or under the stars. As well as dinner they also serve Breakfast and lunch. Nothing is too expensive and the food is of good quality.  
• The Half Shell Raw Bar , Margaret St , ☏ +1 305-294-7496 231 . A Taste of Old Key West! Traditional Key West Raw Bar & great Key West seafood restaurant! Oysters, clams, shrimp, more! A low key restaurant for casual lunch or dinner. Settle down to an informal atmosphere, local characters, great bar and waterfront dining. It's a little piece of Old Key West on the historic Key West Bight. Drop in! Enjoy a frosty drink and the freshest seafood this side of the reef!  
• Upper Crust restaurant . A local favorite right on Duval Street next door to Antonia's, they serve what is called "not your average pizza." Unlike other pizzerias, this place serves very thin crust pizza that can be made with or without tomato sauce. Also serves salads and even a few types of sea food as well.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• Nine One Five , 915 Duval St . Dinner served from 6PM-11PM. With weather so nice you want to spend as much time outside as possible. So why not take your dining outside.or as close as possible? Join others on the porch of this dignified Victorian home. Similar to tapas dining, everything is intended to be shared and mixed and matched.  
• Seven Fish , Truman Avenue at Packer Street , ☏ +1 305-296-2777 . This mod-style restaurant has good seafood and a large colorful aquarium. The staff is intelligent and polite. The fish dishes are usually fresh and innovative. Reservations a must. ( updated Oct 2017 )
• Square One , 1075 Duval St # C12 , ☏ +1 305-296-4300 . They serve breakfast lunch dinner and even Sunday brunch. The menu is very similar to many other restaurants. A lot of fish and seafood. A lot of "tropical' flavors and many fruits are included in the ingredients of their dishes.  
• Louie's Backyard , 700 Waddell Ave . This high-end establishment sells "dining with a view," and this is what you get because food is unremarkable.  

Drink [ edit ]

There are a large number of drinking establishments of various types. The main tourist strip on Duval Street has numerous watering holes.

• Bourbon Street Pub , 724 Duval St , ☏ +1 305-294-9354 . Part of the gay-oriented Bourbon St. Complex on the 700 block of Duval.  
• Captain Tony's Saloon , 428 Greene St . Ernest Hemingway's old stomping grounds. Pirate's Punch in a 22 oz cup.  
• Hog's Breath Saloon , 400 Front St , ☏ +1 305-292-2032 , [email protected] . Take a peek at the "hog cam" on their website.  
• Irish Kevin's Pub , 211-C Duval St , ☏ +1 305-292-1262 . Webcams here, too. Can be a lively place at times.  
• Rick's/Durty Harry's Entertainment , 202 Duval St , [email protected] . Club with 6 venues & 10 bars. Live entertainment, VIP bar overlooking the action, famous juice & premium spirits bar, dance club, adult entertainment, & live Rock & Roll!  
• Sloppy Joe's Bar , 201 Duval St , ☏ +1 305-294-8759 . Ernest Hemingway's "new" stomping grounds. Sloppy Joe's used to sit at the current location of Captain Tony's, but the landlord raised the rent on the owner back in 1937. Legend has it that upon hearing the news, the bar owner and his customers (including Hemingway) moved the bar, barstools, alcohol, etc. across Duval Street to a former restaurant - its current location.  

There are also plenty of places to wet your whistle that aren't necessarily right on Duval Street.

• Green Parrot Bar , 601 Whitehead St , ☏ +1 305-294-6133 . The last (or first, depending on your direction of travel) bar on US 1. Not your typical trop-rock bar, the Green Parrot leans more toward blues. Great bands, and an unbelievable selection of blues on the jukebox. Just remember, no snivelers.  
• Schooner Wharf Bar , 202 William St , ☏ +1 305-294-3302 . A last little piece of Old Key West, Schooner Wharf is an open air bar that sits on the Key West Bight. Grab a brew and watch the yachts.  
• Finnegans Wake , 320 Grinnell St . Celebrate life in true Irish style.  
• Bogarts Irish Pub , 900 - 904 Duval St , ☏ +1 305-296-0815 . An Irish pub and restaurant attached to a bed and breakfast located right on Duval Street. Daily happy hour specials offered as well as great Irish food. Come in and say hi and enjoy a nice cold pint.  

Sleep [ edit ]

• 24.5524 -81.8033 1 Angelina Guesthouse , 302 Angela St , ☏ +1 305-294-4480 . Check-out: 11AM . Clean rooms, shared and private baths, pool, complimentary breakfast, wi-fi. Friendly and helpful staff knowledgeable of the city. From $77 .  
• 24.5546 81.7944 2 At Home In Key West , 905 Truman Ave , ☏ +1 305-296-7975 , toll-free: +1-888-374-7975 . Villa and condo rentals in the historic Old Town. ( updated Feb 2016 )
• 24.5494 -81.7829 3 Atlantis House , 1401 Atlantic Blvd ( 1 block from the White Street Pier ), ☏ +1 305-292-1532 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . 40 yds from the Atlantic Ocean and Rest Beach. Beautiful landscaping with only 2 private Jacuzzi Suites. Complimentary Wi-Fi, off-street parking and bikes. $149-275 .  
• 24.5518 -81.8 4 Casablanca Bed and Breakfast ( Bogarts Irish Pub ), 900 - 904 Duval St , ☏ +1 305-296-0815 . Family run bed and breakfast near the Old Town. Swimming pool and restaurant/bar located on the premises. Each room has its own private porch and private bathroom. Family friendly.  
• Crowne Plaza La Concha , 430 Duval St , ☏ +1 305-296-2991 . Built in 1926 and home of Key West's highest sunset celebration.  
• Curry Mansion Inn , 511 Caroline St , toll-free: +1-800-253-3466 . A small hotel just steps from Duval on Caroline, plenty of free parking, open bar cocktail party with piano player every afternoon, breakfast buffet with cooked to order eggs.  
• Doubletree Grand Key Resort , 3990 South Roosevelt Blvd , toll-free: +1-888-844-0454 , [email protected] . A resort-style property with a good rooftop view of the water. Book early as the place is popular and there is limited space available.  
• Douglas House , 419 Amelia St , ☏ +1 305-294-5269 , [email protected] . This hotel offers a pool-side setting with swimming pool and heated jacuzzi, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.  
• Eden House , 1015 Fleming St ( In Old Town ), ☏ +1 305-296-6868 . Key West's original guest house. Fully renovated, lush grounds.  
• 24.559026 -81.801218 5 Garden House Inn , 329 Elizabeth St ( parking across st. at church for $10/day ), toll-free: +1-800-695-6453 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . A fun and relaxed B&B, with 10 rooms, all with private baths. Amenities include a heated lagoon-style pool with spa jets and a cascading waterfall, surrounded by tropical gardens that weave throughout the inn grounds. Along with a nightly happy hour, a continental breakfast is available each morning. $149 - 299 .  
• Heron House Bed & Breakfast , 512 Simonton St , ☏ +1 305-294-9227 , toll-free: +1-888-861-9066 . In the heart of the historic district, 23-room bed and breakfast. Complimentary breakfast is served in the mornings and a wine and cheese tasting each night.  
• Historic Key West Inns , 725 Truman Ave , ☏ +1 305-294-5229 , toll-free: +1-800-549-4430 , [email protected] . Offers 6 different boutique hotel options in the Old Town. ( updated Feb 2016 )
• 24.562212 -81.807075 6 Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa , 601 Front St ( one block from Duval Street ), ☏ +1 305-809-1234 . Intimate resort with casually elegant Floridian touches, combined with sumptuous, rich fabrics and stunning ocean views. Private marina to fish, scuba, snorkel, parasail, waverunners, or sail on the “Floridays,” the resort's 60-foot Irwin sailboat which offers daily sunset cruises and private charter trips. Exercise studio, private beach, pool with oversized whirlpool. Indoor and outdoor dining is available at two restaurants, where guests can watch the sunset.  
• The Inn at Key West , 3420 N. Roosevelt Blvd (US 1) . Accommodations feature a king or double queen-size beds some with oversized bathrooms. Freshwater pool, tiki bar and poolside restaurant.  
• Island City House Hotel , 411 William St , ☏ +1 305-294-5702 . Charming and historical hotel offering 24 suites for lodging outside of Old Town.  
• Key West Bed and Breakfast , 415 William St , toll-free: +1-800-438-6155 . This three-story Victorian in the heart of old town is full of color and art.  
• The Marker Resort Key West , 200 William St ( On the seaport ), toll-free: +1-855-969-3206 . Waterfront resort offering spacious accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary parking and three tree-lined pools.  
• Ocean's Edge Key West , 5950 Peninsular Avenue ( Stock Island neighborhood ), ☏ +1 305-809-8204 , toll-free: +1-877-935-0862 , [email protected] . Deep-water access, an onsite marina, onsite access to fishing charters and six oceanfront pools. Oceanfront rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows with full ocean view and a private balcony. Also features seafood dining at the onsite Yellowfin Bar & Grill. ( updated Mar 2017 )
• Pelican Landing of Key West , 915 Eishenhower Dr , ☏ +1 305-296-0500 , [email protected] . Complete with rooms, suites, retreats and penthouses, this lovely building has an enjoyable pool, a free boat slip when you check in (subject to availability), maid service, friendly staff, and beautiful decor. The boat slip is a manatee area: feel free to search and see the beautiful animal, but be careful not to harm them. There is free parking and free bike racks. Elegant flowers grow in the gardens along with the palm trees. Prices range from $150-$550/per night .  
• Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa , One Duval St ( on the corner of Duval and the Gulf of Mexico ), ☏ +1 305-296-4600 , toll-free: +1-800-327-8340 . Check-in: noon , check-out: 11AM . Elegant accommodations, lush gardens, a private beach, a selection of restaurants and bars, a full-service spa.  
• Reach Resort , 1435 Simonton St ( in Old Town ), ☏ +1 305-296-5000 , toll-free: +1-888-318-4316 . With the only natural beach on the island as a backyard, this hotel is a block away from Duval Street.  
• Key West Bayside Inn & Suites , 3444 N. Roosevelt Blvd , ☏ +1 305-296-7593 . ( updated Sep 2016 )

Camping [ edit ]

There is no camping in Key West, but you can find expensive campgrounds outside the City limits on Stock Island . Within Key West, parking is very limited and RVs are generally discouraged, so your best shot is to stay somewhere outside the city and drive a smaller vehicle into town.

• Boyds Key West Campground , 6401 Maloney Ave , ☏ +1 305-294-1465 .  
• El Mar RV Resort , 6700 Maloney Ave , ☏ +1 305-294-0857 .  
• Leo's Campground & RV Park , 5236 Suncrest Rd , ☏ +1 305-296-5260 .  

There are a few more a little ways up the Keys that cater to RVs. The number of campsites are limited, so try not to be too shocked by the prices. Make your reservations well in advance six months to a year so you are sure to get your spot. You will notice the use of "MM" or "Mile Marker" in the addresses. This is how US 1 is marked. MM 0 is in Old town Key West and the beginning of US 1. The numbers go up, so you can tell just how far an address is from Key West.

• Bluewater Key - Clark's RV Lot Rentals , Mile Marker 14.3, Sugarloaf , ☏ +1 305-744-0999 .  
• Bluewater Key RV Resort , MM 14.3 U.S. 1 Sugarloaf Key , ☏ +1 305-745-2494 .  
• Geiger Key Marina and RV Park , 5 Geiger Rd, Big Coppitt Key , ☏ +1 305-296-3553 .  
• Sugarloaf Key Resort KOA Kampground , MM 20 Summerland Key , ☏ +1 305-745-3549 , toll-free: +1-800-562-7731 .  

Go next [ edit ]

• Access to Dry Tortugas National Park is only by private boat or with the services of a tour operator.
• Travel to Cuba is only possible by private aircraft or private boat as no ferries to/from Cuba are available. See the Americans in Cuba article to learn about travel restrictions to Cuba.
• The only way out by land is back toward Miami . On the way up the road you can visit Big Pine Key , Marathon , Islamorada , and Key Largo .

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Key West Visitor Guide

Do It All Tours

Dolphin Tours

Dry Tortugas

Sunset Cruises

If you’re heading down to Key West, be prepared: There are so many Key West excursions to choose from that you may end up extending your vacation! Whether you are coming to spend your time enjoying the intense variety of Key West water sports available to you or to indulge in some lazy days relaxing on our beautiful beaches enjoying the sand and sun, Key West Visitor Guide can help you to find things to do in Key West every minute of the day. Our Top 10 Key West list can help you organize your trip to ensure that you don’t miss out of any of the remarkable experiences available to you during your dream vacation. KeyWestVisitorGuide.com is your key to finding all of the best activities for your dream vacation.

Things to do in Key West

The sway of the palm trees, the crash of the surf and the cry of seagulls will draw you to our beaches, where you can find a variety of Key West tours to choose from. If you love nature, our snorkeling adventures will open up a whole new world to you, allowing you to see the bountiful life thriving underneath our clear aquamarine waters. For a trip on the wild side, our eco tours will enable you to get up close and personal with some of the diverse wildlife in the area, such as our playful dolphins or mystical manatees. Even traveling from one activity to the next can be an adventure, as you can choose from exhilarating airplane rides that will give you a bird’s eye view of our incredible landscape, or exciting jet ski tours to satisfy the thrill-seeker in you. For a change of pace, take a glass bottom boat cruise or a simple kayak paddle, where you can enjoy our beautiful mangrove swamps and waving sea grass beds while you search for sea turtles or tropical fish. Our brightly-hued flowers, twittering indigenous birds and friendly residents will be a continual reminder of the warm Key West atmosphere that makes our visitors return time and time again.

In order to fully appreciate the variety of Key West attractions available, you may want to acquaint yourself with the history surrounding this amazing area. Due to our location along the major sea routes, numerous ships laden with valuables often became caught up on the reefs during major storms, spilling their treasures on the ocean floor. If the lure of sunken treasure is irresistible, don’t miss the Mel Fisher Museum , where you can explore tales of pirate plunder and learn all about the fascinating realm of underwater archaeology.

Piracy was a big concern in the area, as the numerous small islands of Key West lent themselves to providing temporary hiding places for pirates avoiding the authorities. In order to protect the Gulf ports from any threat of invasion, impressive Fort Jefferson, the largest brick structure in the United States, was constructed on Dry Tortugas , the last islands in the Key West island chain. Fort Zachary Taylor was similarly positioned to protect the port cities. It served a strategic position during the Civil War as well as the Spanish-American War.

For those with a fondness for the past, our distinctive Key West architecture is not to be missed. Our many Old Town historic houses will appeal to the romantic in you, as the diversity of homes in Key West reflect our history, our culture and the atmosphere that is Key West. You will see gingerbread-style mansions and charming cigar-maker cottages. The joy is in the journey, as you may choose to zip around our narrow streets by way of our iconic scooters or electric cars.

While you are checking out historic landmarks, be sure to visit Truman’s Little White House. Also called the ‘winter’ White House, this Presidential home provides a step back into history. This landmark home served as a retreat for six different US Presidents, and was used as a vacation retreat as recently as 2005 when President Clinton stayed here.

Although the variety of activity here is endless, don’t forget one of the most important things about your Key West vacation : Take time to enjoy our fabulous sunsets! Wherever you are, when the sun is setting, time seems to stand still for a few minutes while everyone enjoys the brilliant colors of the setting sun as itreflects off the stunning turquoise sea. If you’d like to combine a cruise with your sunset, you may want to try one of our Sunset Cruises . Don’t miss our fabulous Key West Restaurants, offering a range of local specialties as well as international cuisine. We have the best seafood, from fresh fish to conch fritters, so you can try a different specialty each night you are here. To top off your evenings, check out our spirited Bars and Nightlife, where you can find the perfect spot to sip a cocktail while enjoying some live island music.

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Key West Tours

Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour

The Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl & Ghost Tours in Key West offers a nightly adventure into the eerie and paranormal side of this historic island. Known as "Cayo Hueso" (Bone Key) in the past, Key...

Bone Island Helicopters Key West

Bone Island Helicopters in Key West offers a variety of helicopter tours, each providing a unique aerial perspective of the region's stunning landscapes and rich history. Their tours range from a brie...

Conch Tour Train

The Conch Tour Train in Key West offers a delightful journey through the rich history and vibrant streets of Key West. This tour, approximately 90 minutes long, is a tribute to the pioneering spirit o...

Fly Key West - Helicopter Tours

Fly-KeyWest offers an exciting helicopter tour experience in Key West, Florida. These tours provide an extraordinary bird’s-eye view of Key West's beautiful waters, allowing you to spot wildlife...

Key Lime Bike Tours

Key Lime Bike Tours in Key West offers a unique and engaging way to explore the city's landmarks and history. The tours are designed to provide a close-up, personal experience of Key West, different f...

Key West Home Tours

The Key West Home Tours, presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, are a unique opportunity to explore the diverse architectural and cultural heritage of Key West. This annual event, running...

Key West Scavenger Hunt

The Key West Scavenger Hunt offers an engaging way to explore Key West's rich history, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. This family-friendly activity involves solving ri...

Key West Seaplane Adventures

Key West Seaplane Adventures offers unique seaplane tours to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. This service provides a rare opportunity to visi...

Old Town Literary Walking Tour

The Old Town Literary Walking Tour in Key West is a weekly event that takes you through downtown Key West, highlighting the stories of famous writers who lived there. The tour includes visiting the fo...

Old Town Trolley

The Old Town Trolley Tours in Key West offer a unique and comprehensive sightseeing experience, allowing visitors to explore the city's major attractions with ease. The tours are known for their conve...

Key West Ghost Hunt

The Key West Ghost Hunt, operational since 1996, offers a unique experience for visitors to explore the haunted history of Key West, Florida. The tour includes walking through old town Key West and vi...

Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry

The Key West Ferry, operated by Yankee Freedom III, provides transportation to Dry Tortugas National Park. This high-speed, state-of-the-art catamaran offers a fast and comfortable journey with featur...