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Overview
Key West sits at the far southwestern tip of the Florida Keys archipelago, connected to the mainland by the Overseas Highway (US-1) and surrounded by the warm, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. At roughly 4.2 square miles, it is a compact city that packs an outsized personality into a small footprint.
The island has a long history as a commercial fishing port, a hub for salvage operations on Caribbean shipwrecks, and a military outpost. That layered past is still visible in its Victorian-era conch houses, the old naval facilities along the waterfront, and the Cuban influence woven into local food and culture. Writers including Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams lived here, lending the island an artistic reputation that persists today.
Modern Key West operates largely on tourism, hospitality, and a modest fishing industry. Old Town — the historic western end of the island — is where most visitors spend their time, walking tree-lined streets, visiting galleries and museums, and gathering each evening at Mallory Square for the informal sunset celebration that has become a ritual for locals and travelers alike.
Before You Go
Entry and Visas
Key West is a US city; standard US entry requirements apply. For visa information specific to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website.
When to Visit
The dry season (November–April) is the most comfortable period. Temperatures are warm but not oppressive, and the risk of tropical storms is low. Summer months (June–September) bring high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and the peak of hurricane season (June 1–November 30). Prices and crowds are generally highest from mid-December through February and again during spring break in March.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing; the dress code is casual almost everywhere
- Reef-safe sunscreen — Florida law restricts certain chemical sunscreens to protect coral reefs
- A light rain jacket or compact umbrella if visiting in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for cobblestone streets
- A reusable water bottle; staying hydrated in the heat is important
Health Notes
Mosquito-borne illnesses have been documented in South Florida. Use insect repellent, particularly at dawn and dusk. If you plan to dive or snorkel, verify your fitness with a physician if you have any respiratory or cardiac conditions.
Getting There
By Air
Key West International Airport (EYW) receives direct flights from several US cities, though the selection of nonstop routes is limited. Many travelers fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and then drive or take ground transportation the rest of the way. Check current routes directly with airlines, as schedules change seasonally.
By Car
The Overseas Highway (US-1) is the only road connection to Key West from the mainland. The drive from Miami is approximately 160 miles and takes roughly 3.5–4 hours in normal traffic, passing over 42 bridges and offering dramatic ocean views. Traffic can be slow during holiday weekends and peak season. Fuel up before the final stretch, as prices in the Keys tend to be higher than on the mainland.
By Bus
FlixBus and the Florida Keys Shuttle both offer scheduled coach service between Miami and Key West. Verify current schedules and fares on the operators' official websites before travel.
By Sea
Key West is a popular cruise port. The city is also reachable by private or chartered boat, and marina facilities are available for arriving vessels.
Getting Around
Key West's Old Town is very walkable, and most of the major attractions, restaurants, and hotels are within easy reach on foot or by bicycle.
Bicycles are the preferred local transport. Numerous rental shops operate throughout Old Town; verify current rental rates locally. Cycling is practical, but riders should be alert to heavy tourist foot traffic on Duval Street and surrounding areas.
Scooter and moped rentals are widely available and popular, though traffic can be congested near Duval Street. Helmets are required by Florida law for riders under 21; riders 21 and over may legally ride without one but are encouraged to wear one.
Taxis and rideshare (Uber, Lyft) operate on the island. Taxis can also be flagged on main streets or found at the airport.
The Duval Loop is a local circulator bus that covers the main tourist corridor. Check the City of Key West or Key West Transit for current routes and fares.
Car travel within Old Town is not particularly practical — parking is limited and expensive, and many streets are narrow. If you drive to Key West, consider parking at a lot on the eastern edge of Old Town and exploring by foot or bike.
Where to Stay
Key West offers accommodation across a wide spectrum, from large waterfront resort hotels and national chain properties to small boutique inns, historic bed-and-breakfasts in Victorian conch houses, and vacation rental properties. Old Town is the most in-demand location for its walkability and atmosphere; the New Town area on the island's eastern half has more budget-oriented chain hotels and is practical if you have a car.
Several guesthouses in Old Town are adult-oriented or specifically cater to LGBTQ+ travelers; Key West has a long history as a welcoming destination for that community.
Rates fluctuate significantly by season. Peak prices typically apply from mid-December through mid-April and during events such as Fantasy Fest (October) and Hemingway Days (July). Booking well in advance is strongly advised for these periods. Verify current rates and availability directly with properties or through a reputable booking platform.
Things to See & Do
Historic and Cultural Sites
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum — The author's Spanish Colonial house on Whitehead Street, where he lived in the 1930s. Famous for its resident six-toed cats. Verify current admission fees and hours on the museum's official website.
- Southernmost Point Buoy — A large concrete marker at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets; technically a tourist landmark rather than the true geographic southernmost point (which is on the naval base), but it is an iconic photo stop.
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — A Civil War-era fort within a state park that also has one of the island's best public beaches. Admission fees apply; verify with Florida State Parks.
- Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum — An 1848 lighthouse offering views over the island.
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum — Houses artifacts from the 1622 Spanish fleet wrecks discovered by treasure hunter Mel Fisher, including gold and silver from the Atocha.
Outdoor Activities
- Snorkeling and diving — Key West sits near the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US. Day-trip boats run to the reef regularly; verify operators and current prices locally.
- Sunset at Mallory Square — Each evening, street performers, artisans, and crowds gather to watch the sun set over the Gulf. Free to attend.
- Fishing — Deep-sea, backcountry, and flats fishing charters are widely available.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding — The calm, shallow waters around the island are well suited to both.
Events
- Fantasy Fest (late October) — A 10-day arts and costume festival; some events are adult-only.
- Hemingway Days (mid-July) — Includes a Hemingway look-alike contest and literary events.
- New Year's Eve — Key West drops a giant shoe (a red high-heel) over Sloppy Joe's Bar at midnight as part of its signature celebration.
Food & Drink
Key West's food scene reflects its location: seafood dominates, and Cuban culinary influence is significant given the island's proximity to Cuba and its historic Cuban community.
Key lime pie is the most celebrated local food. By Florida statute, authentic Key lime pie must be made with Key limes — the small, tart limes native to the Florida Keys — and should have a graham cracker crust and a yellow (not green) filling. Many bakeries and restaurants claim to serve the best version; sampling several is a reasonable strategy.
Conch (the large sea snail) is a traditional Keys ingredient, though wild queen conch harvesting is restricted in US waters, so most commercial conch is imported from the Caribbean. It appears in chowder, fritters, and salads.
Duval Street has a high concentration of bars and tourist-oriented restaurants, ranging from quality to mediocre. Exploring side streets and residential areas of Old Town typically yields better, more locally oriented dining. The area around Petronia Street has a cluster of well-regarded restaurants.
Drink culture is prominent. Duval Street's bar scene is lively and can be rowdy, particularly on weekends. The street is sometimes called the "Duval Crawl" for its bar-hopping potential. Sloppy Joe's Bar has a famous historical association with Hemingway, though the connection is partly romanticized. For a quieter drink, numerous rooftop bars and sunset-view spots exist away from the main strip.
Shopping
Shopping in Key West runs from quality to kitsch. Duval Street is lined with souvenir shops selling T-shirts and novelty items, but mixed in are galleries, craft stores, and specialty retailers worth seeking out.
Art galleries are numerous in Old Town, reflecting the island's creative heritage. The works range from local landscape and marine art to more experimental pieces. The Studios of Key West is a nonprofit arts organization that supports local artists and hosts events; check their current schedule.
Local food products make practical and authentic souvenirs: Key lime products (pie filling, candy, hot sauce), locally roasted coffee, and hot sauces produced in the Keys are widely available. Cuban cigars rolled in Key West (using imported tobacco) are sold at several shops.
Farther east, the Overseas Market area has more practical retail, including grocery stores useful for self-catering visitors.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For all US emergencies, dial 911. The Lower Keys Medical Center in Stock Island (just east of Key West) provides hospital services. Verify the current address and contact information locally or online before you travel.
Money
ATMs are widely available throughout the island. Credit cards are accepted almost universally. Tipping norms follow US standards: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis, and discretionary amounts for other services.
Connectivity
Cell coverage and Wi-Fi are generally reliable in Key West itself. Note that as you drive back along the Overseas Highway through more remote stretches of the Keys, signal can be patchy.
Useful Contacts
- City of Key West official site: cityofkeywest-fl.gov (verify URL)
- Florida Keys tourism: fla-keys.com (verify URL)
- Florida State Parks: floridastateparks.org
Practical Notes
- Key West observes Eastern Time; unlike some of the middle Keys, it does not sit in any unofficial time zone ambiguity.
- Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces and in some outdoor areas per Florida law.
- The island's freshwater supply comes via a pipeline from the mainland; there are no local natural freshwater sources.
Safety
Key West is generally a safe destination for tourists. Petty theft — pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from unlocked vehicles or bicycles — is the most common concern, particularly in and around the busy Duval Street area at night. Standard precautions apply: don't leave valuables visible in parked cars, secure bicycles with a quality lock, and stay aware of your surroundings when moving between bars late at night.
The Duval Street bar scene can become boisterous after midnight. Staying in well-lit, populated areas and traveling in groups reduces risk. If you feel uncomfortable, rideshare services are available.
Hurricane preparedness: Key West is a barrier island with no significant elevation and is vulnerable to storm surge in the event of a major hurricane. If you are visiting during hurricane season and a storm watch or warning is issued, follow all evacuation orders promptly. Do not attempt to remain on the island to ride out a significant storm. Monitor NOAA's National Hurricane Center for updates during this season.
Water safety: ocean currents around the Keys can be stronger than they appear from the surface. Snorkel and dive only with reputable operators, and always inform someone of your water activity plans.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Key West has a culture shaped by isolation, migration, and a tradition of independence. Residents who were born and raised on the island — or whose families have lived there for generations — are known as Conchs (pronounced "conks"), a term of pride. More recent transplants sometimes call themselves "freshwater Conchs."
The island has historically been a haven for those who exist outside mainstream American social norms. The LGBTQ+ community has had a significant presence since at least the 1970s, and Key West remains one of the most openly welcoming destinations in the Southeast for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Cuban cultural influence is real and longstanding. Beginning in the 19th century, Cuban cigar workers settled on the island, and the Cuban community's contributions to local food, music, and architecture remain evident.
The pace of life is genuinely slower than most American cities. The local philosophy is sometimes summarized as "island time" — schedules are suggestions, and an unhurried approach is both common and expected. Visitors who arrive with rigid itineraries may find the rhythm takes adjustment. A degree of flexibility and openness tends to produce a better experience.
