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Overview
Key West sits at the far southwestern tip of the Florida Keys, connected to the mainland by the Overseas Highway (US-1) — a 113-mile drive over a series of bridges and islands that is itself a notable journey. The city occupies the westernmost of the inhabited Keys and sits closer to Havana, Cuba (~90 miles) than to Miami (~160 miles).
The city has a layered identity: a 19th-century wrecking and sponging economy, a long association with writers and artists (most famously Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams), a strong LGBTQ+ community, and a present-day economy built largely on tourism, fishing, and the US Navy, which maintains a significant installation here.
Old Town Key West, the historic core, is compact and walkable, lined with Victorian-era conch houses painted in pastel hues and shaded by banyan and palm trees. The atmosphere is decidedly laid-back — locals call it the "Conch Republic" after a tongue-in-cheek 1982 secession stunt — but the island supports a surprisingly diverse range of restaurants, galleries, and outdoor activities.
Before You Go
Visas
Key West is a US city, so standard US entry requirements apply. For visa and entry information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov).
Weather & Seasons
- Dry season (Nov–Apr): Temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to low 80s°F (around 18–28°C), low humidity, minimal rain. This is peak tourist season — expect higher prices and fuller hotels.
- Wet/hurricane season (Jun–Nov): Hot, humid, and prone to afternoon thunderstorms. Hurricane risk is real; check forecasts carefully if traveling July through October.
- Spring Break (March): The island gets very busy; book accommodation well in advance.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for Key West beyond standard US travel health precautions. Sun protection is essential year-round given the subtropical latitude. Bring reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to snorkel or dive — Florida law restricts certain chemical sunscreens to protect coral.
What to Pack
Light, breathable clothing is appropriate for most of the year. A rain layer is useful in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are adequate for Old Town; most venues are casual.
Getting There
By Air
Key West International Airport (EYW) is a small regional airport served by a handful of carriers with direct flights from select US cities, including Miami, Atlanta, and Charlotte. Connections through Miami International (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International (FLL) are the most common routes for travelers arriving from further afield. Verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines or on the airport's official site.
By Road
Driving down the Overseas Highway (US-1) from Miami is one of the most scenic road trips in the eastern United States. The journey takes roughly 3.5–4 hours under normal traffic conditions. Traffic can be heavy, particularly on Friday afternoons heading south and Sunday afternoons heading north. Parking in Old Town Key West is limited and can be expensive; verify current options and rates locally.
By Bus
Greyhound and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail bus services provide ground transportation connections, though schedules and operators change — verify current options before travel.
By Sea
Some cruise lines include Key West as a port of call. The cruise terminal is located within easy walking distance of Old Town.
Getting Around
Old Town Key West is best explored on foot or by bicycle — distances are short and the neighborhood is flat. Bicycle rentals are widely available from local shops; verify current rates locally.
Electric scooters and mopeds are popular rental options for covering slightly greater distances, including the short stretch to the beaches on the island's south side. Exercise caution: traffic can be unpredictable and streets are narrow.
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) operate on the island, though wait times can vary during busy periods. The City of Key West operates a free shuttle bus called the Duval Loop that circuits the main tourist corridor — confirm current schedules with the city's transit authority, as routes and operating hours can change seasonally.
Having a car in Old Town is generally more of a burden than a benefit; parking is scarce. If driving down from the mainland, consider parking at your accommodation and leaving the car for the duration of your stay.
Where to Stay
Key West's accommodation ranges from large resort properties near the beaches to small boutique guesthouses tucked into Old Town's historic streets. The island also has a well-established bed-and-breakfast culture, with many historic conch houses converted into intimate guesthouses, some adults-only and LGBTQ+-welcoming.
Neighborhoods to Consider
- Old Town: The most atmospheric area; walkable to Duval Street, restaurants, and historic sites. Properties tend to be smaller and boutique in character.
- New Town: Closer to the airport and larger chain hotels; less character but sometimes more availability and competitive pricing.
- Duval Street corridor: Convenient but can be loud at night; light sleepers should confirm soundproofing or choose quieter side streets.
Rates in Key West can be significantly higher than mainland Florida, particularly during peak season (December–April) and during major events such as Fantasy Fest (late October) and New Year's Eve. Booking well in advance is advisable for those periods. Verify current rates and availability directly with properties or through reputable booking platforms.
Things to See & Do
Historic & Cultural Sites
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: The Spanish Colonial house where Hemingway lived during the 1930s is now a museum. Famous for its resident six-toed cats. Admission fees apply; verify current hours and prices on the official site.
- Southernmost Point Buoy: A large concrete marker near the corner of South and Whitehead Streets, photogenic and perpetually busy with visitors. Free to view.
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: A Civil War-era fort at the island's western tip, also home to what is generally considered Key West's best beach. State park admission fees apply.
- Harry S. Truman Little White House: The vacation home used by President Truman during his presidency, now open for guided tours. Verify current hours and admission.
- Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum: A working 19th-century lighthouse open to visitors; climb to the top for panoramic views. Verify hours and fees locally.
Water Activities
- Snorkeling and diving: The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary contains the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US. Numerous operators run half- and full-day trips; verify credentials and current pricing locally.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: Calm backcountry waters on the Gulf side of the island are well-suited to these activities. Rentals and guided eco-tours are available.
- Sunset sailing: A Key West tradition. Many catamaran and sailboat operators run sunset cruises from the Historic Seaport area.
- Deep-sea and flats fishing: Key West is a well-regarded fishing destination; charter operators depart from the Historic Seaport.
Neighborhoods & Atmosphere
- Duval Street: The main commercial corridor stretching from the Gulf to the Atlantic. Home to bars, restaurants, shops, and the famous "Duval Crawl" bar-hopping route. Lively at all hours.
- Mallory Square: The traditional gathering point for the nightly Sunset Celebration, a street performance and craft market that has taken place at dusk for decades.
- Bahama Village: A historically Bahamian neighborhood west of Duval with a distinct character, local eateries, and the Blue Heaven restaurant.
Food & Drink
Key West has a genuine local food culture rooted in Caribbean and Southern influences, alongside the inevitable tourist-oriented establishments. Seafood is central to the local table.
Local Specialties to Try
- Conch fritters and conch chowder: Conch is the traditional protein of the Keys, though today much of it is imported from the Caribbean due to protected local stocks.
- Key lime pie: The authentic version uses Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks in a graham cracker crust, and is pale yellow — not green. Key West has a long-running debate about which bakery or restaurant makes the best version.
- Fresh fish: Yellowtail snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, and stone crab (in season) are widely available and locally caught.
- Cuban food: Given the island's Cuban heritage and proximity, Cuban sandwiches, café con leche, and Cuban-style black beans and rice are common and generally of good quality.
Drinking
Key West is a notably bar-forward city. Sloppy Joe's Bar on Duval Street is famous for its Hemingway association, though the current location was not the original. Green Parrot Bar, in operation since 1890, is a beloved local institution. Many establishments serve the "rum runner," a tropical cocktail associated with the Keys. Drink prices can be high; budget accordingly.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
In the United States, dial 911 for all police, fire, and medical emergencies.
Money
Key West operates entirely on USD. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost universally. ATMs are readily available. Tipping follows US conventions: 18–20% is standard at sit-down restaurants; $1–2 per drink at bars; $2–5 per bag for hotel porters.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, cafes, and restaurants. US cell carriers provide standard coverage across the island.
Key Events (verify exact dates annually)
- Fantasy Fest (late October): A 10-day arts and costume festival culminating in a large parade. The island becomes extremely busy and expensive.
- Hemingway Days (mid-July): Includes a Hemingway look-alike contest and various literary events.
- New Year's Eve: The famous "Sponge Drop" and "Drag Queen Drop" on Duval Street draw large crowds.
Practical Tips
- The island has one main road in and out; in the event of a hurricane evacuation order, follow instructions promptly as the highway can become congested.
- Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be bothersome, particularly in summer; insect repellent is advisable.
- Key West operates on Eastern Time, the same as Miami and New York.
Safety
Key West is generally a safe destination for tourists. The main concerns are common to any busy entertainment district: petty theft, pickpocketing in crowded areas, and alcohol-related incidents on and around Duval Street late at night. Standard urban precautions apply — be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and travel in groups at night in unfamiliar areas.
Water safety is important. The waters around Key West can have strong currents, particularly around the bridges and in the Atlantic-side channels. Swim only in designated areas and heed posted warnings. If snorkeling or diving, use operators who follow established safety protocols.
Hurricane season (June–November): Monitor the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) for storm forecasts if traveling during this period. Take any evacuation orders seriously — the Florida Keys are a narrow strip of land with limited evacuation routes.
Sun and heat-related illness is a real risk, especially in summer. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and take breaks from direct sun during the hottest part of the day.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Key West has a well-established identity as a tolerant, eccentric community that has historically attracted artists, writers, fishermen, sailors, and those seeking a life outside the mainstream. The "Conch Republic" persona — originating from a 1982 mock secession in protest of a US Border Patrol roadblock — is embraced with genuine local pride.
The city has a sizable and long-established LGBTQ+ community and is broadly welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers. The island hosts several events specifically oriented to LGBTQ+ visitors throughout the year.
The local term "Conch" (pronounced "konk") refers to a native-born Key West resident — a marker of a distinct local identity that residents take seriously. Visitors are warmly called "freshwater Conchs" if they fall in love with the place.
Cuban and Bahamian heritage runs deep. The island's architecture, food, and family names reflect these influences. The weekly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, while now a major tourist attraction, has roots in a genuine community tradition of gathering to watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico.
