Key West is a destination with an unmistakable personality. Sitting at the southern tip of the Florida Keys, the island blends Caribbean color, maritime history, literary heritage, and a lively small-town culture that attracts every kind of traveler. Roosters crossing brick sidewalks, sailboats filling the harbor, and the daily sunset celebration have become symbols of a place that feels festive and welcoming rather than manufactured.
People visit Key West for many different reasons: a winter escape from colder states, a classic American road trip, snorkeling in clear Atlantic waters, or tracing the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. The island is compact, only about four miles long and yet it offers remarkable variety, from national park day trips to buzzing town streets filled with music. This guide covers everything a first-time visitor needs to plan confidently: how to reach the island, the best areas to explore, accommodation choices, food recommendations, transportation options, and realistic time frames for experiencing the highlights.
Where Is Key West Located?
Key West is part of Monroe County, Florida and is the southernmost city in the continental United States. The island is the final stop on U.S. Route 1 (the Overseas Highway), a 113-mile roadway that connects more than forty islands through a chain of bridges over the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Its geography gives the town two waterfronts with different moods: the Atlantic side known for beaches and water sports, and the Gulf side famous for harbors and sunsets.
The island experiences year-round tropical conditions with warm temperatures. Hurricane season spans June to October, something visitors should consider while planning flights or car rentals.
How to Reach Key West
Flying
The primary entry point is Key West International Airport (EYW). The airport is small and easy to navigate, served by major airlines through Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and select Northeastern cities.
From EYW, visitors can use taxis, ride-shares, or hotel shuttles, and rental cars are also offered.
Driving
Driving from Miami to Key West (≈3.5–4 hours) is one of the most iconic U.S. road trips. The route passes Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Bahia Honda State Park, allowing visitors to turn the journey into a multi-stop Keys experience. A car is useful for exploring beaches outside Old Town and for reaching the ferry terminal to Dry Tortugas.
Ferry
The Key West Express operates from Fort Myers and Marco Island on Florida’s west coast and takes about 3.5 hours. The approach by water is scenic and comfortable and removes the need to drive from mainland Florida.
Getting Around the Island
Key West is exceptionally walkable, particularly in Old Town.
Popular options:
· Walking the historic conch-house neighborhoods
· Bicycles (widely available for rent)
· Scooters and electric carts
· Duval Loop, a free hop-on bus around downtown
· Rental car for Atlantic-side beaches
Parking in Old Town can be limited, so many visitors rely on bikes, scooters, or shuttles.
Best Places to Visit in Key West
Duval Street
Duval Street stretches from the Atlantic to the Gulf and forms the social core of Key West. Historic bars, dessert shops, live-music venues, bookstores, and converted brick warehouses fill the street with music most evenings.
How to Reach: Reachable on foot from anywhere in Old Town or by using the free Duval Loop bus, with a minute-long taxi ride from Key West International Airport (EYW).
Time needed: multiple short visits across 1–2 days
Mallory Square & the Harbor
Every evening Mallory Square becomes a festival as lights reflect across the Gulf harbors. Travelers can also book sunset sailing cruises, glass-bottom boats, or fishing charters from the nearby marina.
How to Reach: Located at the Gulf end of Old Town, walkable from all downtown hotels and Caroline/Grinnell parking garages.
Time needed: 3–4 hours including cruise
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
Hemingway lived here in the 1930s. The Spanish-style house with a shady garden and six-toed cats is one of the island’s most visited cultural landmarks.
How to Reach: An easy walk from central Duval Street or by scooter and rideshare drop-off on Whitehead Street.
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
It features one of Key West’s best public beaches, set beside the historic 1860s fort on the Gulf shoreline. Visitors can snorkel along the old stone walls, enjoy informal picnics with ocean views, and capture classic coastline photographs. The beach becomes vibrant at sunset, with warm skies and gentle river reflections adding drama to the scene.
How to Reach: Reach via bicycle or scooter from Old Town, or by short taxi/car ride from New Town.
Time needed: half day
Dry Tortugas National Park
It lies about 70 miles west of Key West and is accessible by advance booked ferry or seaplane. Highlights include Fort Jefferson, largely untouched coral reefs, and outstanding snorkeling in clear Florida waters.
How to Reach: Depart by advance-booked ferry from the Key West Historic Seaport or by seaplane from EYW area.
Time needed: full day trip
Smathers Beach features a wide Atlantic shoreline with easy access for swimming and jet-ski rentals The Key West Lighthouse allows visitors to climb for panoramic views over the island and the Atlantic. The Marina and Harborwalk form a lively waterfront corridor filled with boat charters, sailing tours, and seafood restaurants. Collectively these spots expand the trip with ocean activities and waterfront exploration.
How Many Days Do You Need in Key West, Florida?
2 days: enough for Duval Street, Hemingway House, Battery, and beaches
3–4 days: ideal for adding Dry Tortugas and sailing
5+ days: best for full Florida Keys multi-stop trip
Most travelers find 4 days ideal.
Where to Stay
Old Town
· walkable streets
· close to Duval Loop
· sunset access
New Town
· bigger resorts
· easier parking
· beach proximity
Stock Island
· budget hotels
· marinas
· seafood spots
Accommodation options include resorts, boutique hotels, condos, vacation rentals, and budget inns.
Food Recommendations
What to try
· Key lime pie
· conch fritters
· grouper sandwiches
· Cuban coffee
· Caribbean seafood
Popular spots
· Blue Heaven – seafood & key lime pie
· El Siboney – Cuban cuisine
· Kermit’s Key Lime Shop
· Garbo’s Grill – tacos
· Cuban Coffee Queen
Many restaurants emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus.
Photography Tips for Key West
Best light:
· 06:40–07:20 PM blue hour at Mallory Square
· 04:45–06:15 PM golden hour at Fort Zach
· 07:00–09:00 AM at Southernmost Point
Photo Locations
· Mallory Square harbor reflections
· Duval Street pastel storefronts
· conch houses south of Broad Street
· Dry Tortugas turquoise water foregrounds
Gear
· 35mm for streets
· 50mm for architecture
· wide for ferry shots
· no HDR or symmetry
Use imperfections typical of real travel photography.
Best Time to Visit
December – April
Peak pleasant weather with lively calendars and higher prices.
May – June
Shoulder season with better hotel rates and good conditions for ferry and town exploration.
July – October
Lower prices, hotter weather, and hurricane risk.
Best overall months: March & November.
Final Thoughts
Key West delivers a destination experience built on color, flavor, music, and ocean horizons. The island offers remarkable variety, including literary landmarks, Atlantic beaches, sailing tours, and sunset celebrations. Travelers searching for the best places to visit in the USA in 2026 will find Key West vibrant, festive, and unforgettable.
Visitors come expecting a beach town and discover a community shaped by art, history, seafood, and legendary sunsets that feel intentionally designed for romance.
