Overview
Key West is a small island city at the southern tip of the Florida Keys archipelago, connected to the mainland by the Overseas Highway (US-1). It sits closer to Havana, Cuba than to Miami, a geographic quirk that has long shaped its character. The city covers roughly 4 square miles and is home to around 25,000 permanent residents, though tourist numbers swell considerably year-round.
The island has a layered history: a prosperous 19th-century wrecking and cigar-manufacturing hub, a haunt of writers and artists including Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, a US Navy and Coast Guard installation, and since the late 20th century, one of Florida's most visited tourist destinations. Its Old Town district contains a dense concentration of Victorian-era conch houses and historic sites.
Key West has also long been a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers and is broadly known for its tolerant, eclectic social atmosphere. Despite its party reputation — centered on Duval Street — quieter, more residential pockets of the island offer a very different pace.
Before You Go
Key West is part of the United States, so travelers arriving internationally should review US entry requirements. For visa guidance, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official US Customs and Border Protection website for current requirements relevant to your nationality.
Weather & Hurricane Season
Key West has a tropical climate. Summers (June–September) are hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common. This period also falls within the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1–November 30). Travelers visiting in summer or early fall should monitor forecasts and consider travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions. Winters are mild and dry — the island rarely sees temperatures below 60°F (15°C).
Health & Practical Prep
- Sun protection is essential year-round; UV intensity is high this far south.
- Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly encouraged and in some contexts required near coral reef areas.
- Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be active, particularly in summer evenings; bring repellent.
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is worth considering, as the island has limited hospital capacity — verify locally for current healthcare facility options.
- Key West can be expensive; budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and activities.
Getting There
By Air
Key West International Airport (EYW) receives direct flights from several US cities, typically on smaller regional aircraft. Flight availability and routes change seasonally — verify current schedules with airlines or booking platforms. Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are larger alternatives, both roughly 160 miles (257 km) away by road.
By Road
The Overseas Highway (US-1) is the only road connection between Key West and the Florida mainland. The drive from Miami takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours under normal traffic conditions, crossing 42 bridges including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. The route itself is a scenic attraction. Note that during hurricane evacuations, this single road creates significant bottlenecks.
By Sea
Seasonal ferry services have historically connected Key West to Fort Myers and other Gulf Coast ports. Availability varies by year and operator — verify current schedules locally or through ferry company websites before planning around this option. Cruise ships also call at Key West; the port situation and passenger caps have been subject to local regulatory changes in recent years, so check current policies if arriving by cruise.
Getting Around
Key West's Old Town and most visitor attractions are compact enough to explore on foot, and walking is genuinely the best way to experience the historic streets and architecture.
Cycling is extremely popular and widely practical. Numerous rental shops operate around the island; rates and availability vary by season. Many guesthouses also provide bicycles for guests.
Scooter and electric bicycle rentals are common and useful for reaching areas beyond Old Town, including Stock Island and the beaches on the eastern end of the island. Exercise caution — traffic can be busy and road conditions vary.
The Key West Transit bus system serves the island with several routes. Fares and schedules should be verified on the City of Key West's official website or at local stops, as these are subject to change.
Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) operate on the island, though availability can be limited compared to a larger city. Taxis are also available. Driving a private car on the island is possible but parking in Old Town is limited and can be expensive or difficult to find during peak season.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Key West ranges from large resort hotels and chain properties on the eastern end of the island to small guesthouses, historic inns, and boutique hotels concentrated in Old Town. The guesthouse and B&B category is particularly well-developed here, with many properties occupying restored Victorian conch houses with garden courtyards.
Staying in or near Old Town puts visitors within walking distance of most attractions and the waterfront. The eastern part of the island (New Town) has larger chain hotels, grocery stores, and the airport, but requires a bicycle or vehicle to access most sights.
Prices are among the highest in Florida, particularly from December through April and during major events such as Fantasy Fest (October), Hemingway Days (July), and holiday weekends. Booking well in advance for peak periods is strongly advised. Many properties have minimum-stay requirements during festivals and holidays.
A meaningful number of guesthouses in Key West cater primarily to LGBTQ+ guests; these are concentrated in the Old Town area and are generally easy to identify through standard travel booking platforms.
Things to See & Do
History & Culture
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum on Whitehead Street is the former residence of the novelist and one of the island's most visited sites. The property is known for its resident polydactyl cats. Verify current admission fees and hours on the official site.
- Harry S. Truman Little White House served as a presidential retreat and is now a museum open for tours.
- Key West Cemetery is a historic and visually distinctive burial ground dating to 1847, notable for its above-ground tombs and famously sardonic epitaphs.
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park contains a well-preserved Civil War-era fort and offers one of the best swimming beaches on the island.
Nature & Water
- The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US. Snorkeling and diving trips depart regularly from the Key West waterfront; reef conditions vary, and operators can advise on current visibility and health.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding in the backcountry waters north of the island is popular for wildlife observation, including birds, manatees, and sea turtles.
- Sunset at Mallory Square is a long-standing Key West tradition — the open-air waterfront gathering draws street performers and crowds every evening before sunset.
Duval Street & Nightlife
Duval Street runs the width of Old Town and is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. The nightlife scene is active and can be very loud and crowded on weekends and during events. Travelers seeking a quieter experience may prefer side streets and establishments off the main strip.
Food & Drink
Key West has a genuine local food culture built around seafood, Cuban-influenced dishes, and tropical fruit. The city's Cuban heritage is reflected in traditional dishes like Cuban sandwiches, black beans and rice, and café con leche, available at established Cuban restaurants and cafés throughout the island.
Key lime pie is the city's most iconic food product. The authentic version uses key lime juice and is yellow, not green. It is available at bakeries, restaurants, and dedicated shops across the island; quality varies considerably.
Fresh seafood is a strength of the local dining scene. Stone crab claws (seasonal, roughly October through May — verify current season), spiny lobster, shrimp, and yellowtail snapper are regional specialties. Fish shacks and casual waterfront spots often offer some of the best value.
The bar culture is significant. Key West has numerous historic and well-known drinking establishments with genuine history. Visitors should be aware that outdoor drinking is permitted in certain designated areas; local rules apply and can be verified on the city's website.
Dining costs tend to be higher than the Florida mainland average. Reservations are advisable at popular restaurants during peak season (December–April and holiday weekends).
Practical Information
Money
Key West operates entirely in US dollars. ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards are accepted at virtually all businesses. Tipping is customary at the same rates as elsewhere in the US (typically 18–20% at restaurants, and for service providers such as tour guides and taxi drivers).
Connectivity
Mobile phone coverage is generally good on the island through major US carriers. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations and many cafés and restaurants.
Events & Crowds
Key West hosts numerous major festivals that significantly affect accommodation availability and street-level noise and crowds. Fantasy Fest (a late-October adults-oriented costuming festival), Hemingway Days, and various boat races and music events are among the most impactful. Check the city's event calendar if your travel dates are flexible.
Emergency Contacts
- US emergency services: 911
- For non-emergency police: contact the Key West Police Department — verify the current non-emergency number on the official City of Key West website.
- The nearest major hospital with full services is in the Upper Keys or Miami; verify locally for current emergency medical facilities on the island.
Safety
Key West is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Petty theft — particularly bicycle theft — is the most commonly reported issue. Use locks for bikes and scooters at all times, and do not leave valuables visible in rental cars.
Duval Street and the main nightlife areas can become very crowded and boisterous late at night, particularly on weekends and during festivals. The high concentration of alcohol-focused venues means late-night street scenes can occasionally become disorderly; exercise standard situational awareness.
Water safety deserves attention. Ocean conditions, currents, and boat traffic in the waters around Key West can be hazardous. Follow all guidance from snorkel and dive operators, swim only in designated areas, and be aware that the Atlantic and Gulf sides of the island have different currents and conditions.
Hurricane preparedness: if a hurricane threatens during your visit, follow official evacuation orders promptly. The single road out of the Keys (US-1) becomes severely congested during evacuations, so early departure is critical.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Key West has a distinct local identity that residents refer to with genuine pride. The term "Conch" (pronounced "konk") refers to a native-born Key West resident, and local culture places a real value on this deep-rooted identity distinct from mainland Florida.
The island has historically attracted artists, writers, and nonconformists, and this thread of creative, independent-minded culture persists. It is one of the most prominent LGBTQ+-welcoming destinations in the southeastern United States, with a history of activism and community establishment dating to the 1970s.
Dress code expectations are casual by mainland standards — shorts and sandals are appropriate in most restaurants and venues. However, some nicer restaurants may have smarter dress expectations; verify with specific establishments.
The phrase "Conch Republic" refers to a tongue-in-cheek 1982 secession declaration made in protest of a US Border Patrol checkpoint. It has since become a point of local pride and cultural humor, appearing on merchandise and in local rhetoric — it is not a real political entity.
