Key West Florida Travel

Discover Key West's Wonders

Key West, the southernmost point in the continental U.S., is known for its tropical climate, historic sites, and lively atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Ernest Hemingway Home, relax on pristine beaches, and enjoy stunning sunsets at Mallory Square. With its unique island charm, vibrant nightlife, and friendly locals, Key West offers an unforgettable island escape in the Florida Keys.

Current Weather

89.26 °F - Rain Min/Max: 86.99 °F / 89.58 °FFeels: 101.86 °F Humidity: 70%5 Day Forecast

Trips

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Description

Enjoy acres of spectacular beaches with powdery white sand and immerse yourself in the colorful flora. Swim with dolphins, shred frosty Atlantic Ocean waves by surfing, and immerse yourself in the perpetual warm waters by snorkeling or swimming. The endless activities will keep you entertained from morning till dusk with jet skiing, and Ferry trips to the Dry Tortuga National Park. A maritime location, Key West also offers a historic seaport at Old Town Key West, with museums and historical knowledge. Visit President Harry Truman’s Little White House, which was his premier summer residence, but now operates as a museum. For literature lovers, escape into the enigmatic book world of famous author Ernest Hemingway at his once official Key West vacation spot. Join in the multi-ethnic restaurant experience and indulge both in delicious creations and in making friends with the locals. Don't leave without visiting Key West’s prominent, larger-than-life buoy marker which claims the position of the Southernmost Point Marker in the Continental US, being only 90 miles away from Cuba.

Useful information

Population:

26,327 (2024)

Currency:

$1USD = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

911

Opening Hours:

Most shops open around 9am, while closing times range from 6pm to 9pm.

Do & See

Audubon House & Tropical Garden

Considered a gem of historical interior design, the Audubon House is a restoration project which is furnished as a replica of a prosperous 1800s Key West home. The constructor and first owner of the house was one of the ten most affluent men in the Florida Keys during this time. Both the house and its tropical garden give the you a glimpse of everyday life in a rich man's home of the mid-19th century. It has a cookhouse, a gift shop and a herb garden alongside 200 blooming orchids.

Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea

The Basilica of St. Mary, made partly of limestone rock from the area, offers opportunities for quiet contemplation, a visit to the shrine or simply a stroll in the garden nearby. Being the oldest Catholic church in South Florida, it has been given the title of 'basilica' in 2012 because of its historical significance, its spiritual weight and being an excellent example of the eclectic period of American Victorian architecture.

Duval Street

Duval is the most famous and most visited street in Key West. It stretches out from shore to shore, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, with a multitude of restaurants, pubs and shopping opportunities unfolding before you. Duval Street is not only home to Ernest Hemingway's favorite pub Sloppy Joe's, but also to a rich nightlife. Several times a year the street attracts crowds to take part in diverse festivals that celebrate art, lifestyle, history and culture.

Ernest Hemingway House & Museum

Located in the Old Town, this was the official Key West residence of Nobel Prize winning author Ernest Hemingway, as in 1968 it enjoyed the distinction of becoming a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Tour the spectacular gardens, with an impressive variety of flowers and trees, and observe the 20,000-dollar swimming pool — an unusual opulence at that time. You'll also be able to visit the bookstore lined with the author’s famous books and a plethora of other souvenirs.

Ferry to Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson

A ferry trip to Dry Tortugas is a full-day affair that is worth embarking on. This spacious ocean vessel offers comfort and relaxation as you drift along on the open blue waters. Explore the 19th-century fort and learn about this great piece of history. You can also enjoy snorkeling in the surrounding island waters. This 100-square-mile park is also a sanctuary for endangered species.

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is a unique ecological phenomenon with a one-of-a-kind underwater ocean laboratory that will take you to its depths. You will find the native flora and animals of the Keys and the spectacular and diverse ecosystem of this region. The living reef exhibit and the Center's theater give you easy access to information about both on-land and underwater life.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach

Fort Zachary Taylor Park features one of the most famous beaches in Key West, situated in the park of Fort Zachary Taylor. With 87 acres of delicate sand, bask in the sun, take the time to read your favorite book, and peek up to watch the brilliant cruise ships enter and exit the harbor. Go for a swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters. For a small fee, this beach also offers grilling amenities and access to picnic tables.

Fury Water Adventures

Fury Water Adventures offers a variety of experiences: jet ski and glass bottom boat rides, catamaran cruises, parasailing, paddleboard rentals, snorkeling opportunities, dolphin tours and more, all to be enjoyed surrounded by crystal blue waters and local marine life.

Dining

Antonia’s Restaurant

Located in Old Town Key West, Antonia’s offers homemade pasta dishes like linguine with Key West pink shrimp and meat-based delights like the sautéed veal scallopini. These can be then accompanied by your pick from their Wine Spectator award-winning wine list or dessert offerings, which include traditional gelato and tiramisu.

Azur Restaurant

The Azur Restaurant menu is rich with gnocchi-based dishes — a kind of pasta in the form of dough dumplings, coupled with tomato, mushrooms and cheese. The meat offerings include Angus rib-eye steak and yellowtail snapper, while vegetarians can select among the different options for salads. You can also have lunch under their terrace, beside a waterfall.

Blue Heaven

Located inside Bahama Village, Blue Heaven is regarded as a landmark in Key West for Caribbean cuisine. The menu features Jamaican jerk chicken, Cajun Caribbean BBQ shrimp and also vegetarian options such as miso baked eggplant. On Sundays, a brunch menu is available, as well as specials like their Florida pink shrimp omelette.

Cafe Sole

Cafe Sole offers a dinner menu filled with Caribbean and European offerings, with a special twist given by the French chef. You can order their rack of lamb with 'herbes de Provence,' or try their award winning dish — the hog snapper fillet. Together with their salads, vegetarian customers can also find another menu made tailored just for them.

Denny's

Open 24/7, Denny's is your typical American Diner. You'll be able to enjoy their hand-pressed 100% beef burgers, slow-cooked pot roast or apple bourbon pancakes. This is only a fraction of their menu based on home-styled dishes, which are available both for delivery and takeout.

El Meson de Pepe

A family owned restaurant that distinguishes itself by marrying two food cultures: the Floridan and the Cuban. This combination is best represented by their Cayo Hueso Cuban Mix; Key West's version of the traditional Cuban sandwich. The menu includes other specialties such as the Vaca Frita, which is simmered, pulled beef, and the Lechon Asado, the traditional roasted pork.

Hot Tin Roof Restaurant

A 3,000 square foot dining hall with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Key West Harbor, Hot Tin Roof has a menu characterized by Floridan cuisine enriched with Caribbean influences. Appropriately named, this place offers many choices for both meat lovers and vegans, and a sweeping view of the town.

La Trattoria Old Town

In this bistro, it is customary to start off your dinner with a martini, at a reduced price during their Martini Mondays. You'll then be able to choose one of the dishes on offer, be it Italian-style pasta, locally fished hogfish and snapper or grilled lamb chops. They have another location called 'La Trattoria Oceanside,' not far from Poinciana Plaza.

Cafes

Banana Cafe

This French bistro features menus made for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you'll be able to find sweet and savory crepes, omelets and croque-monsieurs, but also burgers and sandwiches.

Cuban Coffee Queen

Hot or iced, original or flavored, big or small — here the Cuban coffee comes in all shapes and tastes. You can couple your cup with signature Cuban mixes with fresh roasted Mojo pork, or their vegetarian options like the black bean veggie burger. Roasted coffee beans are also available to purchase if you want to brew a cup at home.

Date & Thyme

Date & Thyme is an organic cafe and market located in a repurposed gas station, which is now aptly covered in a vibrant coat of green. The food selection has vegan and gluten-free offerings, among other healthy options. Try their avocado toast, hummus wrap and Thai curry bowl with organic smoothies, juices or coffee on the side.

Keys Coffee Co.

All the food in Keys Coffee Co. is made to order with fresh, local ingredients, and can be both consumed indoors, in their blue and yellow tinted interior, or be delivered to you. Sandwiches, tacos and wraps are available for both breakfast and lunch, and they can be coupled with either classic, Cuban or cold coffee.

La Crêperie French Café Key West

This creperie provides both savory and sweet options. You can choose between omelettes, croques and panini, but there are also crepes with chocolate, Chantilly cream and assorted fruits, all of it ready to be enjoyed either inside or in their patio. The happy hour lasts from 1pm to 3pm, and delivery options are available, too.

La Grignote

An artisan French cafe that offers a wide range of daily baked goods: from sweets like croissants, muffins and cookies to savory options like sandwiches, croque-monsieurs, and even lobster soup. Free delivery of their dishes is also available.

Pepe’s Café

Pepe's Cafe is one of the oldest restaurants in town, opening its doors circa 1909. With different menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can expect soft pancakes, 'build-your-own' omelets and fresh sandwiches, as well as their New York Strip steak and seafood entrees.

Sandy's Café

This Cuban and Conch cafe is located at the M&M Laundry on White Street. At their two walk-up windows you'll be able to order specials such the 'bucci,' eggs with Cuban toast and coffee. Alternatively, try their Authentic Cuban Sandwich, which includes roast pork, ham, salami and Swiss cheese. They also offer take-out and delivery options through their website.

Bars & Nightlife

Aqua Bar & Nightclub

This nightclub hosts Drag shows with an all-age option every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, starting from 7pm. Drinks can be ordered at the nearby garden bar named Back Bar, just down Tabby Way.

Grand Vin Wine Bar

The Grand Vin opened its doors in 1997, and was actually the first wine bar of Key West. You can choose between red and white wine by the glass to be coupled with cheese. If you're more of a beer person, it's also available. They provide font porch seating, facing Duval Street.

Green Parrot Bar

The Green Parrot Bar is a fine option for everyone who enjoys having music coupled with their drinks. Other than daily live music, you'll also find a jukebox and monthly ukulele-based performances. Stop by for Monday night Bingo and check their website for more lively events.

Pickles Pub Key West

Sandbar Sports Grill bar is famous for dedicating different days to specific deals on their menu offering: taco Tuesday, chicken wing Wednesday and bloody Mary Sunday are only some examples. Their cocktail menu is also worth exploring. Try their Hurricane Brittney; light or dark rom with mango puree and grenadine, or their Island Sunrise; coconut rum with mango puree, pineapple grenadine and orange juice.

Rick's Bar

A major nightspot complex in Key West, Rick’s is open seven days a week. It's equipped with dance floors at multiple levels and an outdoor patio that hosts two more bars, in addition to the main one inside. The mood ranges from lounge to dance club and to live music.

Schooner Wharf Bar

With its unique maritime decor, this bar and grill beckons locals and tourists with its view of the typical yachts of Key West's seaport and waterfront. Voted Best Local's Bar six years in a row partly because of its food and drinks offering, you'll be able to find a variety of specialty cocktails, martinis, margaritas and mojitos. Also hosting live music with special guest musicians such as Mike McCloud, and legendary bluesmen Big Jack Johnson and Johnny Johnson.

Sloppy Joe's Bar

Tourist or not, a visit to Earnest Hemingway's favorite bar in Key West is mandatory. With live entertainment, national record fish hanging in the bar, the Hemingway look-alike contests in July and the original Sloppy Joe Sandwich, this bar lives up to its history, dating back to 1937.

Virgilio's

A cocktail bar located behind La Trattoria Restaurant, Virgilio's hosts live music every day of the week, with genres ranging from Jazz to Latin — all in the lush embrace of their garden. It's also known for being the home to the traditional Martini Monday.

Shopping

Clinton Square Market

The Clinton Square Market is housed in the historic structure that used to be a U.S. Navy coal depot back in the 1800s. In this oldest brick building in Key West, you can see small boutiques with products ranging from homemade fudge and tropical wines to beachwear, branded sunglasses and fishing apparel. There are also a perfume outlet and a venture with activities for children and families.

Duval Street

With a multitude of stores, restaurants and pubs, Duval Street is well known as one of the best places for shopping in Key West. Here you will find locally produced as well as designer clothing, including perfumes, handbags, jewelry and watches.

E11DROPS

E11DROPS sells artisanal creations that blend art and personal-care products. Their natural soaps carry ingredients and fragrances that allow you to be one with the ocean and nature of Florida. Treat yourself to soothing herbal salves, refreshing shower steamers, sumptuous body butters and fragrant bath salts.

Key West Island Bookstore

Here you will find new, used and rare publications from many local and famous authors including the former island resident Ernest Hemingway. They also accept trade-ins for store credit, while also hosting events such as book signings and announcements.

Kino Sandals

Kino Sandals still produce sandals in-house, right before your eyes, using local craftsmen techniques. The sandals are made of natural leather and rubber, and come in several colors and designs. They also sell branded hats and t-shirts, as well as bags, wallets and caps.

The Original Key West Cigar Factory

This cigar factory located on Duval street first opened its doors in 1963, and its product lineup includes accessories such as humidors, lighters, ashtrays and cutters, as well as branded t-shirts and hats. Online purchases are also available through their website.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Key West weather gives its winter season a warm temperature and a low chance of rain, which is why it is also the busiest period in terms of crowds and the priciest with regard to accommodation. Summer and fall on the other hand, are mostly avoided by tourists because of the frequent rain, high humidity and the fact that they coincide with the hurricane season, but they also see the best bargains for hotel prices and the best time to visit the local beaches. From March to May, you can count on reasonable prices for accommodation and local attractions, as well as stable weather conditions.

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip to enter the country.

Key West International Airport (EYW)

Key West International Airport (EYW) is an international airport situated in Monroe County, just two miles east of Key West and only minutes from many Key West accommodations, attractions and downtown Key West. Transportation services available from and to the airport include rental cars, shuttles, taxis and bus services. See airport website for an exhaustive list of options and prices. Taxis and Key West Transit buses are conveniently situated curb side at the terminal. Rental cars counter is located right on-site. Some of the prominent airlines operating at the airport include Delta, American Airlines, and United. These carriers provide convenient connections to various cities across the United States Alternatively, you can also fly into Miami International Airport (MIA). It's approximately 2 hours north of Key West.

Public Transport

Key West offers extensive public bus service that can be used for getting around the area. There are four bus routes running within the city of Key West, plus two additional routes that travel between Key West & Marathon. The schedules vary depending on the route, so a schedule map is recommended. When boarding the buss make sure you have the exact change.

Taxi

Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at the airport and major hotels, with rates set by the city. Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft also operate in Key West.

Electricity

All power sockets in the United States provide a standard voltage of 110–120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins.

Pharmacy

There are abundant locations of Walgreen’s, CVS, Walmart, Target and various independent chain store retailers in Key West. Find the one near you.

Phone

Country code: +1 Area code: 305

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Key West?

The best time to visit Key West is from March to May when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds from the winter season have thinned out. This period offers a perfect balance of sunny days and fewer tourists, making it ideal for exploring the island.

What are the must-see attractions in Key West?

Key West is home to several must-see attractions, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Southernmost Point Buoy, and Mallory Square for its famous sunset celebrations. Don't miss a visit to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and the historic Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

How can I get to Key West?

You can reach Key West by flying into Key West International Airport, which offers direct flights from several major cities. Alternatively, you can drive along the scenic Overseas Highway from Miami, which takes about 3.5 hours and offers stunning ocean views.

What local dishes should I try in Key West?

While in Key West, be sure to try the local seafood, including conch fritters and Key West pink shrimp. Don't miss out on a slice of the famous Key lime pie, a tangy dessert made from the region's signature limes.

How many days should I spend in Key West?

A stay of three to four days in Key West is ideal to explore the main attractions, enjoy the beaches, and experience the local culture. This timeframe allows for a relaxed pace while still seeing the highlights of the island.

What is the best way to get around Key West?

Key West is compact and easily navigable by bicycle or on foot, making these the best ways to explore the island. For longer distances, consider renting a scooter or using the local bus service, the Key West Transit.

Are there any worthwhile day trips from Key West?

A popular day trip from Key West is a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible by ferry or seaplane. The park is known for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and the historic Fort Jefferson, offering excellent opportunities for snorkeling and exploring.

Trips

South Florida Self Drive Explorer

Key West Escapade

South Florida Self Drive Explorer

Key West Escapade

South Florida Self Drive Explorer

Key West Escapade

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