Key West

Things to do in Key West

CultureMallory Square sunsetEach evening a crowd gathers on the Mallory Square waterfront to watch the sun go down, with street performers, artists, and food carts along the dock. Arrive about an hour early to get a spot by the water, and keep small bills handy for performers.Explore related tours

NightlifeDuval Street and Old TownDuval Street runs across the island from the Gulf side to the Atlantic, lined with bars, galleries, shops, and restored wooden buildings. Walk the quieter side streets nearby too, where shaded lanes and old Conch houses show the town's character.Explore related tours

CultureErnest Hemingway Home and MuseumThe Spanish Colonial house where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote in the 1930s is open for guided tours of the rooms and gardens. It is also home to dozens of cats, many with extra toes, so expect a relaxed, slightly crowded visit at midday.Explore related tours

BeachFort Zachary Taylor Historic State ParkThis state park combines a Civil War era brick fort with the island's best swimming beach, shaded picnic areas, and rocky snorkeling near shore. Bring water shoes for the coral rubble, and pack a picnic since there is little else nearby.Explore related tours

CultureSouthernmost Point buoyA large painted concrete buoy marks a spot near the southern edge of the continental United States, about 90 miles from Cuba. Lines for photos can be long in the middle of the day, so go early in the morning for a quick picture.Explore related tours

AdventureReef snorkeling tripBoats leave the harbor for the coral reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a few miles offshore, for snorkeling over reef fish and coral. Morning trips usually have calmer water and better visibility, and wind can cancel trips, so keep your schedule flexible.Explore related tours

CultureKey West LighthouseThe historic lighthouse across from the Hemingway house has a small museum in the keeper's quarters and a climb of about 88 steps to the top. The view takes in the whole island and the water around it, and the stairs are steep and narrow.Explore related tours

CultureTruman Little White HousePresident Harry Truman spent many winter working vacations in this white house on the former naval station, now a museum with guided tours. The tours are short and indoors, which makes them a good choice on a very hot or rainy afternoon.Explore related tours

BeachSmathers BeachSmathers Beach is the longest public beach on the island, a strip of imported sand on the south shore with palm trees and shallow water. Rentals for kayaks and paddleboards are often set up here, and the water stays shallow far out, so it suits waders more than swimmers.Explore related tours

FoodKey West Historic SeaportThe Historic Seaport, also called the Key West Bight, is a waterfront boardwalk with fishing boats, schooners, and casual open-air places to eat and drink. It is the departure point for many sailing, fishing, and sunset trips, and it is pleasant for a stroll in the evening.Explore related tours

CultureKey West CemeteryThe city cemetery in Old Town dates to the 1840s, with above-ground tombs, old wooden fences, and a few headstones known for their humor. Pick up a map or join a guided walk, and visit in the morning when it is cooler and quieter.Explore related tours

FamilyFlorida Keys Eco-Discovery CenterThis public center near Fort Zachary Taylor explains the reef, mangroves, and wildlife of the Keys with exhibits and a large aquarium tank. It is a good stop with children before a snorkel trip, and it offers a cool break from the sun.Explore related tours

Where to stay in Key West

Old TownHistoric, walkable, lively at nightOld Town is the heart of Key West, with Duval Street, the main museums, and blocks of restored wooden homes and guesthouses. You can walk or bike almost everywhere, so a car is not needed. Streets near Duval are noisy late at night, so look a few blocks away for quieter rest.First-time visitorsCouplesNightlife

Truman AnnexQuiet, gated, near the waterfrontTruman Annex is a former naval area on the west side of Old Town, now a calm residential pocket of homes and rentals. It sits close to Mallory Square and Fort Zachary Taylor while feeling apart from the Duval Street noise. It suits families and travelers who want quiet nights with an easy walk to town.FamiliesQuiet staysWalk to sunset

Historic SeaportHarbor views, boats, casual diningThe Historic Seaport area wraps around the Key West Bight on the north side of Old Town, with marinas, boardwalks, and places to eat by the water. It is handy if you plan several fishing, sailing, or snorkel trips. Evenings are lively but usually less rowdy than Duval Street.Boating and fishingWaterfront diningCouples

New TownPractical, newer, more spaceNew Town covers the eastern half of the island, near the airport and the south shore beaches like Smathers Beach. Accommodations here tend to be larger and newer, with more parking, but you will need a bike, bus, or taxi to reach Old Town. It works well for road trippers and longer stays.DriversBeach accessLonger stays

Stock IslandWorking marina, local feelStock Island is just across the bridge from Key West, with commercial fishing docks, marinas, and a growing number of places to stay and eat. It feels less touristy and more like a working waterfront. You will need a short drive or ride into Old Town, so it suits travelers with a car.AnglersQuieter staysTravelers with a car

When to go

Getting there and around

Eat and drink

Day trips from Key West

Dry Tortugas National ParkA ferry or seaplane carries you about 70 miles west to Fort Jefferson, a huge brick fort on a remote island with clear water for snorkeling. The trip takes a full day, and there is no food for sale on the island, so follow the operator's guidance on what to bring.Explore related tours

Bahia Honda State ParkAbout 35 miles up the Overseas Highway, this state park has some of the best natural beaches in the Keys and a section of the old railroad bridge with wide views. Go early on weekends, since the park can reach capacity.Explore related tours

Big Pine Key and the Key deerThe National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key protects small, endangered deer found only in the Lower Keys. Drive slowly, never feed the deer, and visit early or late in the day when they are most active.Explore related tours

Looe Key reefLooe Key is a protected reef area in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, reached by boat from the Lower Keys. It is known for clear water and lots of fish, and calm days give the best snorkeling.Explore related tours

Sample itineraries

Good to know

• Book Dry Tortugas ferry or seaplane seats well ahead, since daily visitor numbers are limited and they sell out in winter and spring.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and never stand on or touch coral; the reef is protected as part of a national marine sanctuary.
• The sun is strong even on breezy days, so wear a hat, drink plenty of water, and plan walking and museum visits for the morning.
• Tip as you would elsewhere in the US, usually 18 to 20 percent at restaurants and bars, and tip boat crews at the end of a trip.
• Watch for roosters and chickens on the streets and sidewalks; they are protected and roam freely, and they start crowing early.
• During hurricane season, buy travel insurance and follow Monroe County guidance, since the Keys can issue evacuation orders for visitors ahead of storms.

Questions people ask