Key West Travel Guide, United States

If you are planning things to do in Key West, begin with the geography. Key West sits in the Florida Keys and is both 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, a fact the town makes much of.

The island has a long and varied past. Before European contact it was inhabited by the Tequesta and Calusa peoples, and Juan Ponce de León was the first European to visit, in 1521. Later it became a fishing and salvage village, and that maritime past shows in the old town’s wooden houses and harbour.

Today, Key West is small enough to explore on foot or by bike. Visitors come for sunsets, snorkelling, historic homes, seafood and a relaxed pace, along with a lively evening scene. Plan ahead during winter, when it is busy, and book lodging early.

Duval Street

The main street runs across the island and is lined with bars, shops and restaurants. It is lively, especially in the evening. Allow an hour or two. Walk it early for a calmer look at the architecture, then return at night if you like the atmosphere.

Mallory Square sunset

The waterfront at Mallory Square draws crowds each evening for sunset, often with street performers. Allow an hour. Arrive early for a good spot, and check sunset times, which vary through the year.

Southernmost Point buoy

The colourful marker is a popular photo stop and a short ride or walk from the old town. Queues can form, particularly midday. Go early in the morning for a quicker visit, and treat it as a brief stop rather than a major sight.

Historic homes and museums

The island has several preserved historic houses and museums covering writers, maritime history and local life. Allow one to two hours each, and choose one or two. Opening hours and admission change, so check ahead.

Snorkelling and diving

The waters off Key West are part of a reef system that draws snorkellers and divers. Trips depart from the harbour by boat and usually last half a day. Compare operators, check conditions and bring reef-safe sunscreen.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

This former fort has a beach, picnic areas and shaded spots, and is popular for snorkelling from shore. Allow two to three hours. Entry fees apply, and the beach is rocky in places, so bring water shoes.

Bike or walk the old town

The streets of Old Town are flat and easy to cover by bicycle. Look for the wooden houses, gardens and quiet lanes away from Duval Street. Allow a few hours, and avoid the hottest part of the day.

Key West has a warm, tropical climate, with a drier season in winter and spring and a hotter, wetter season in summer and autumn. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk typically in late summer and early autumn, so check forecasts and consider travel insurance.

December to April is the most pleasant, but also the most expensive. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider May or the shoulder weeks, and keep plans flexible.

Key West International Airport has flights from a limited number of cities, often connecting through larger hubs. Many visitors fly into Miami and continue by car, shuttle or bus. The drive along the Overseas Highway takes roughly three and a half to four hours, depending on traffic, and crosses long bridges with water views. Check current conditions before driving.

Once on the island, you can walk, cycle or use local buses, taxis and ride-hailing. Scooters and bikes are common rentals, but riding rules and safety matter. A car is not essential if you stay in the old town, and parking can be limited and costly.

Key West is small, but the area you stay in affects noise levels and walkability. Compare current rates, which rise in winter.

• Old Town near Duval Street: the most central, with restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep. Best for travellers who want to walk everywhere, but can be noisy.
• Quieter Old Town streets: guesthouses and inns away from the main strip, calmer and still close to sights.
• Waterfront and resort areas: larger properties with pools and beach access, often on the edge of town and better for families.
• Nearby Keys: cheaper bases for road-trippers, with a short drive into Key West.

Two to three days is enough for most visitors, giving time for the old town, a sunset and a water activity. A day trip to the Dry Tortugas adds a day. If you are driving down the Keys, spending a night on the way allows a slower journey. Beyond three days, the pace turns to beach time and relaxing.

1. Day 1: Walk Old Town, Duval Street and a historic home, then watch the sunset at Mallory Square.
2. Day 2: A morning snorkelling or diving trip, an afternoon at Fort Zachary Taylor and dinner on the waterfront.
3. Day 3: Bike around the island, visit the Southernmost Point and a museum, then take a final sunset sail.

Dry Tortugas National Park

This remote park, with a large historic fort, is reached by ferry or seaplane from Key West. It takes most of a day and offers snorkelling. Book transport well ahead, and check current schedules.

Marathon

A mid-Keys town roughly halfway along the Overseas Highway, with beaches and a turtle hospital. It is a good stop on the drive between Key West and Miami.

Islamorada

Known for fishing and water sports, Islamorada lies farther up the Keys. It suits a night or a long lunch stop on the road north.

Miami

Miami is the main gateway for road-trippers, about a half-day drive. Many visitors combine Key West with a few days in the city. See our guides for Miami and nearby places.