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Discover Key West, Florida’s Historic Island Escape

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

80.26 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 77.99 °F / 80.58 °FFeels: 85.24 °F Humidity: 83%5 Day Forecast

Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

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

Heliconia in Key West, Florida

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 h... Read More

The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea in Key West

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 Cat... Read More

Key West famous Duval street view

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 op... Read More

Hemingway's House, Key West Florida

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. T... Read More

Dry Tortugas

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-cent... Read More

Little girl looks at big fish swimming in aquarium. Shallow depth of field.

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... Read More

Fort Zachary Taylor Park, Key West

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 f... Read More

Snorkleing under clear blue ocean

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 t... Read More

Dining

Scaloppini tender veal cooked with mushrooms and lemons in a spicy sauce.

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 ... Read More

Potato gnocchi with brown mushrooms.

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 a... Read More

Delicious roasted shrimps on skewers with sauce and lemon.

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 ... Read More

salmon dish

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 awa... Read More

Apple pancakes, selective focus.

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 ... Read More

Tamale recipe with steamed banana

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... Read More

Barbecue Swordfish Steak on Plate.

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... Read More

Dry martini with olives ,focus on a berry.

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 ... Read More

Cafes

Two children eating Croque-Monsieur in the restaurant, traditional french toast with ham and cheese.

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.

Coffee cup and coffee beans.

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 vegeta... Read More

Green and purple fresh juices or smoothies with fruit, greens, vegetables in wooden tray.

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 oth... Read More

A cup of coffee with heart latte art on top and croissant cheese sandwiches.

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 an... Read More

Homemade crepes with fresh raspberries and blueberries.

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 rea... Read More

Prepare croissant for bake in oven.

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 ... Read More

Omelette with chorizo sausage, herbs and tomatoes.

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 fre... Read More

Cuban sandwich closeup woman holding local food at typical cafe outside.

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... Read More

Bars & Nightlife

Dancing

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.

Clinking glasses with wine and toasting.

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 pers... Read More

Expert barman is making cocktail

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. St... Read More

Barman's arms pulling a pint of beer

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 coc... Read More

DJ

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 i... Read More

Fruit cocktails on black background.

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 partl... Read More

Sloppy Joe sandwich

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 th... Read More

Playing guitar

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 kn... Read More

Shopping

Rear view of a three Women 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 prod... Read More

A view of Duval Street in Old Town Key West

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, inclu... Read More

artisanal soap bars

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 ... Read More

woman in a bookstore

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 hos... Read More

sandals

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 ... Read More

Cigars

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... Read More

Tourist Information

Key West Floaters

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. Summe... Read More

Italian passport pages with a lot of visa stamps

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 9... Read More

abandoned plane at the back of key west airport

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... Read More

Key West at the Florida

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... Read More

Man driving at high speed

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.

power plugs

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.

Pill in hand with water.

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 call from unknown number

Phone

Country code: +1 Area code: 305

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Key West is from March to May. During this period, the weather is warm and pleasant, and the winter crowds have thinned out. You can enjoy various outdoor activities and festivals without the peak season prices.

A stay of 3 to 4 days is ideal for exploring Key West. This allows enough time to enjoy the beaches, visit key attractions like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and take part in water activities such as snorkeling or a sunset cruise.

Key West offers several must-see attractions including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Southernmost Point Buoy, Mallory Square for sunset celebrations, and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Don't miss a visit to Duval Street for dining and entertainment.

The best way to get around Key West is by bicycle or on foot. The island is compact and bike-friendly, making it easy to explore the main attractions. Alternatively, you can use the local trolley service or rent a scooter for convenience.

Key West is famous for its seafood, particularly conch fritters and stone crab claws. Be sure to try the Key lime pie, a local dessert made from Key limes, which is a must-have treat while visiting the island.

Key West hosts several popular events, including Fantasy Fest in October, a lively 10-day costume festival. The Hemingway Days in July celebrate the life of Ernest Hemingway with look-alike contests and literary events. The Key West Food and Wine Festival in January is also a highlight.

Key West enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Summers can be hot and humid, with the possibility of hurricanes from June to November. Winters are mild and dry, making it a popular escape from colder climates.

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