Key West is the last island on the Overseas Highway, closer to Cuba than to Miami and the southernmost city in the continental United States. Its Old Town is a grid of tin-roofed Conch houses, gingerbread porches, frangipani and roosters, with Duval Street’s bars at its heart and the nightly sunset celebration on Mallory Square at its edge. Ernest Hemingway wrote here, Harry Truman wintered here, and the island still lives by its own laid-back “One Human Family” spirit. From the harbor, ferries and seaplanes fly out to Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles (113 km) to the west. Visit from December to May for dry, breezy weather; summer and autumn are hot, quieter and hurricane season.
Right now in Key West
- Tue 29–29°C 84–85°F Mostly clear
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- Thu 27–29°C 80–83°F 1 mm Partly cloudy
- Mon 12 Oct Columbus Day
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Holidays: Nager.Date
Top tours in Key West
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Key West at a glance
- Best for: Old Town strolling and cycling, sunsets, history and literary houses, snorkelling and diving on the reef, fishing, nightlife and a day trip to Dry Tortugas.
- How long: 3 days for the island and a reef trip; 4–5 days with Dry Tortugas and a slow drive down the Keys.
- Best time: December to May, with highs of 76–86 °F (24–30 °C) and only 2–4 rainy days a month. June to November is hot and hurricane season.
- Getting there: fly to Key West International Airport (EYW), drive the Overseas Highway from Miami, or take the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers Beach.
- Getting around: on foot or by bike in Old Town; the free Duval Loop bus; parking is limited and expensive.
- Before you go: entry rules, money, driving and general safety are on our United States travel guide.
Key West’s neighborhoods and who each one suits
The island is only about 4 miles (6 km) long and 2 miles (3 km) wide, and most of what visitors want is packed into Old Town at its western end.
Old Town and Duval Street
The historic district runs from Mallory Square and the harbor to the Southernmost Point, with Duval Street, about 1.25 miles (2 km) long, cutting across it from the Gulf to the Atlantic. Lower Duval, near the harbor, is the loudest and busiest end, with bars and live music; the quieter side streets hold guesthouses in restored Victorian homes, gardens and pools. Best for first-timers who want to walk everywhere.
The Historic Seaport (Key West Bight)
The old working harbor, now a boardwalk of seafood restaurants, raw bars, charter boats and schooners. Ferries to Dry Tortugas and snorkelling trips leave from here, and it is the most convenient base for an early departure.
Bahama Village and the Truman Annex
West of Duval, Bahama Village is the historic Afro-Caribbean neighborhood, with roosters wandering past colorful houses, small restaurants and the Hemingway Home on its edge. The Truman Annex, a former naval base, is a quiet, gated enclave of smart homes near Fort Zachary Taylor’s beach.
New Town and the beaches
The eastern half of the island, along North and South Roosevelt Boulevards, has larger hotels and resorts, Smathers Beach and the airport. Better value and easier parking, but you will need a bike, scooter or bus to reach Old Town.
Top things to see in Key West
Prices and hours below were checked on the official sites in October 2026, unless we say otherwise; check again before you go.
Mallory Square sunset
Every evening, crowds gather on the waterfront at Mallory Square to watch the sun drop into the Gulf, entertained by jugglers, tightrope walkers, musicians, performing cats and food sellers. It is free and starts about two hours before sunset. For a calmer view, go to the pier at Fort Zachary Taylor, or watch from a sunset sail leaving the Historic Seaport.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Hemingway lived and wrote in this 1850s Spanish Colonial-style house on Whitehead Street in the 1930s. The house is full of his furniture and trophies, and his writing studio stands across a garden roamed by dozens of cats, some of them six-toed descendants of a cat given to the writer, according to the museum. As of October 2026 it opens daily, 365 days a year, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and general admission costs $19 for adults and $7 for children aged 6–12, including a 20- to 30-minute guided tour; tours start every 15 minutes from 9:15 a.m.
The Southernmost Point and Duval Street
The striped concrete buoy at the corner of Whitehead and South Streets marks the southernmost point of the continental United States, “90 miles to Cuba”. The queue for photos can be long; go early in the morning or late at night. From there, walk Duval Street from end to end, past art galleries, St. Paul’s Church, historic bars such as Sloppy Joe’s and Captain Tony’s, and the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
Fort Zachary Taylor and the beaches
Key West’s best beach is inside Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, a Civil War-era fort at the island’s south-west tip, with shady picnic areas, a rocky shore and snorkelling just off the beach. Florida State Parks charges an entrance fee; check its official page for current prices. Smathers Beach in New Town is the longest stretch of sand, and Higgs Beach has a pier and a calm, family atmosphere. Key West beaches are small, with shallow water and seagrass, so do not expect the wide sands of Miami.
More to see
- Harry S. Truman Little White House: the president’s winter retreat, shown on guided tours.
- Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters: climb the 88 steps for a view over the rooftops.
- Key West Cemetery: above-ground tombs and witty epitaphs.
- Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center: exhibits on the reef and the marine sanctuary, run by NOAA and partners.
- Audubon House and Tropical Gardens: an early-1800s house with gardens and Audubon prints.
Other things to do in Key West
Snorkelling, diving and the reef
The only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States lies a few miles offshore, inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Snorkel and dive boats leave the Historic Seaport daily for reefs such as Sand Key. NOAA’s sanctuary rules apply everywhere: do not touch or stand on coral, living or dead; do not anchor on coral; do not feed fish; dive or snorkel under a dive flag; and boats must slow to idle speed within 300 feet (91 m) of a divers-down flag. In protected zones, fishing and collecting anything, even shells, is banned. Use reef-friendly sunscreen and wear a rash vest instead of extra cream.
On the water, food and nightlife
Go deep-sea or flats fishing, take a sunset schooner sail, or rent a kayak or paddleboard in the mangroves. Eat conch fritters, fresh pink shrimp, grouper sandwiches and, of course, key lime pie. Duval Street’s bars stay open late and the “Duval Crawl” is a local rite, but the side streets have quieter garden bars and music venues.
Beach safety and seaweed
Florida beaches use a statewide warning flag system: green for low hazard, yellow for moderate surf or currents, red for high surf or strong currents, red with a crossed-out swimmer when the water is closed, and purple for dangerous marine life such as jellyfish. The Florida Department of Health tests Key West’s beach water through its Healthy Beaches program and posts swimming advisories, more often after heavy rain. In spring and summer sargassum seaweed sometimes washes up on Keys beaches; it can smell and irritate the skin, so check local conditions before you go.
Day trips and onward travel
Dry Tortugas National Park
About 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West, this remote park of seven small islands, coral reefs and turquoise water surrounds Fort Jefferson, one of the largest 19th-century forts in the country. There are no roads: you arrive by ferry, seaplane or private boat at Garden Key. According to the National Park Service, the entrance fee is $15 per person aged 16 and over, valid for 7 days, as of October 2026. Two park-authorised operators run trips from Key West:
- Yankee Freedom ferry: a high-speed catamaran that leaves Key West daily for day trips with about 4.5 hours in the park; the ticket includes the park entrance fee, breakfast and lunch, snorkelling equipment and a 45-minute guided tour of the fort. It also carries campers. Reservations are strongly recommended.
- Key West Seaplane Adventures: 10-passenger seaplanes, 40 minutes each way, on half-day trips (about 4 hours, with at least 2.5 hours on the island) or full-day trips (about 8 hours, with at least 6.5 hours there). The seaplane company collects the park fee before departure. Reservations are required.
Fort Jefferson is open from sunrise to sunset and the Garden Key visitor center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bush Key is closed for most of the year for nesting sooty terns, usually opening from mid-October to mid-January. There is no phone signal or Wi-Fi and services are very limited, so bring water, sun protection and anything else you need. The crossing can be rough in winter cold fronts.
The Lower Keys and Big Pine Key
Drive back up the Overseas Highway to see the tiny Key deer at the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key, swim at Bahia Honda State Park’s beaches, and stop at the Seven Mile Bridge near Marathon. See our Florida Keys guide.
Nearby destinations
- Florida Keys24 km
- Everglades National Park139 km
- Varadero166 km
- Havana169 km
- Naples177 km
- Miami209 km
- Miami Beach217 km
- Fort Lauderdale241 km
Getting there and getting around
By air
Key West International Airport (EYW), run by Monroe County, is on the island’s east side, about 3 miles (5 km) from Old Town, with direct flights from several US hubs. Taxis, ride apps and hotel shuttles meet arrivals. Flights can be expensive in winter; flying to Miami and driving down is often cheaper.
By car on the Overseas Highway
US 1, the Overseas Highway, runs 113 miles (182 km) and over 42 bridges from Key Largo to Key West, according to the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Allow at least four hours from Miami, more at weekends and in winter, as much of the road has one lane each way. The Florida Turnpike leads to Florida City, where US 1 heads into the Keys; the alternative Card Sound Road has a cashless toll at the Card Sound Bridge. Tolls are charged to a SunPass or compatible transponder, or by TOLL-BY-PLATE, which is not available for rental cars, so check your rental company’s toll program.
By ferry from Fort Myers Beach
The Key West Express catamaran links Fort Myers Beach, on Florida’s Gulf coast, with Key West. According to the operator, boarding starts at 7 a.m. for the 8 a.m. departure from Fort Myers Beach, and the return leaves Key West at 6 p.m.; plan on about 3.5 hours each way, depending on the sea. You must be on board 30 minutes before departure. Book on the operator’s site, which often has seasonal offers.
On the island: walking, bikes and parking
Old Town is best on foot or by bike, which you can rent everywhere; use lights at night and lock it up. The free Duval Loop bus circles Old Town. Parking is scarce and enforced. The city’s Old Town (Park N Ride) garage at Caroline and Grinnell Streets charges about $6 an hour or $48 a day plus tax, and its ticket includes free rides on the city buses and the Duval Loop; check the City of Key West’s site before you go. Many guesthouses have little or no parking, so ask when you book.
When to go and how long to stay
Key West is the warmest place in the continental United States in winter and one of the driest in Florida, cooled by sea breezes. The table uses NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals for the Key West International Airport weather station: average daily highs and lows, and days with at least 0.10 in (2.5 mm) of rain.
| Season | Average high / low | Rainy days per month | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 76–78 °F (24–25 °C) / 66–68 °F (19–20 °C) | 2–3 | Warm, dry and breezy; windy cold fronts can rough up the sea | Sightseeing, cycling, festivals; peak prices |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 80–86 °F (26–30 °C) / 69–76 °F (21–25 °C) | 3–4 | Sunny and dry, calmer seas from April | Snorkelling, Dry Tortugas, fishing |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 89–91 °F (32–33 °C) / 79–81 °F (26–27 °C) | 6–9 | Hot and humid, short storms, calm warm water | Diving, lobster season, lower rates |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 89 °F falling to 81 °F (32 to 27 °C) / 79 °F falling to 72 °F (26 to 22 °C) | 10 in September, 3 in November | Peak hurricane season early on; quiet and pleasant by November | Fantasy Fest, deals |
The airport averages about 40 in (1,027 mm) of rain a year, with September the wettest month at about 7.2 in (184 mm).
Hurricane season: according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. In the Keys, visitors are always asked to leave first: according to the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, visitors are ordered out for a hurricane of any category, while residents evacuate for Category 3 or stronger, because the single highway makes evacuations slow. Most hotels refund unused nights once a visitor evacuation is ordered, but policies vary. Follow the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service in Key West, obey Monroe County’s orders, and consider travel insurance.
Events worth planning around
- Late October: Fantasy Fest, ten days of costumed parades and adult-themed street parties; book early and expect crowds.
- April: the Conch Republic Independence Celebration, marking the island’s tongue-in-cheek 1982 “secession”.
- July: Hemingway Days, with a look-alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s.
- New Year’s Eve and winter holidays: very busy and expensive.
How long to stay: 3, 4 and 5 days
3 days: day one, Old Town on foot, the Hemingway Home, the Southernmost Point and sunset at Mallory Square; day two, a morning reef snorkelling trip, Fort Zachary Taylor’s beach and dinner at the Historic Seaport; day three, cycle the island, the Little White House and the lighthouse.
4 days: add a full day at Dry Tortugas by ferry or seaplane. 5 days: drive back up the Keys slowly, with Bahia Honda, Big Pine Key and the Seven Mile Bridge.
Where to stay in Key West and the hotel tax
- Old Town: historic guesthouses and boutique inns, walkable to everything; many are adults-only.
- Historic Seaport and Truman Annex: waterfront hotels, handy for boat trips.
- New Town: bigger hotels with pools and parking, near Smathers Beach.
- Stock Island and the Lower Keys: cheaper options a short drive away.
Key West is one of Florida’s most expensive places to stay, especially from Christmas to Easter and during Fantasy Fest. Florida prices are shown before tax. As of October 2026, rooms in Monroe County carry Florida’s 6% sales tax, the county’s 1.5% surtax and a 5% tourist development tax: 12.5% in all. The Monroe County Tax Collector warns that holiday-rental platforms do not pay the 5% tax for owners, so make sure a private rental is properly licensed. Many resorts add a daily resort fee and charge for parking; under the Federal Trade Commission’s fees rule in force since May 2025, mandatory fees must be included in the total advertised price.
Practical tips for Key West
- Book Dry Tortugas early: the ferry sells out in winter and spring.
- Leave the car: bikes and the free Duval Loop are easier than parking in Old Town.
- Respect the reef: never touch or stand on coral, and use reef-friendly sunscreen.
- Sun and heat: the sun is fierce all year; carry water when cycling.
- Cruise days: Old Town is busiest when cruise ships are in port; visit the big sights early or late.
- Emergencies: call 911.
What to pack for Key West
Pack for the beach and the boat: swimwear, a rash vest, reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat, polarised sunglasses and sandals that can get wet. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you like a good fit, and seasickness tablets for the Dry Tortugas crossing. Light, casual clothes work almost everywhere; add a light jacket for windy winter evenings and boat rides, a compact umbrella from June to October, and insect repellent for the sandflies at dusk.
Key West travel FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Dry Tortugas National Park?
The park fee is $15 per person aged 16 and over, valid for 7 days, as of October 2026. It is included in the Yankee Freedom ferry ticket; the seaplane company collects it before departure.
How long is the ferry to Dry Tortugas?
The Yankee Freedom crosses about 70 miles each way, and day trips allow about 4.5 hours in the park. The seaplane takes 40 minutes each way.
How much is the Hemingway House in Key West?
As of October 2026, $19 for adults and $7 for children aged 6–12, including a guided tour. It is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How long is the drive from Miami to Key West?
Allow at least four hours, more in heavy traffic. The Overseas Highway alone runs 113 miles from Key Largo, mostly with one lane each way.
Is there a ferry to Key West from Fort Myers?
Yes. The Key West Express leaves Fort Myers Beach at 8 a.m. and returns from Key West at 6 p.m., taking about 3.5 hours each way.
What is the hotel tax in Key West?
As of October 2026, 12.5%: 7.5% sales tax plus Monroe County’s 5% tourist development tax. Resort fees and parking come on top.
Do you need a car in Key West?
Not in Old Town, where walking, bikes and the free Duval Loop are easier than parking. A car helps if you want to explore the Lower Keys.
What happens if a hurricane threatens Key West?
Visitors are asked to leave first, for a hurricane of any category, before residents. Follow Monroe County’s orders and check your hotel’s refund policy.
What time is sunset at Mallory Square?
It changes through the year, from about 5:45 p.m. in December to about 8:20 p.m. in June. The free celebration starts about two hours before sunset.
Does Key West have good beaches?
Small ones. Fort Zachary Taylor has the best swimming and snorkelling; Smathers Beach is the longest. For wide sandy beaches, head up the Keys to Bahia Honda State Park.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Dry Tortugas fees, ferry and seaplane services and hours: Dry Tortugas National Park (National Park Service); Hemingway Home prices and hours: the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum; ferry times from Fort Myers Beach: Key West Express; reef rules: NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; Overseas Highway and hurricane evacuation policy: Monroe County Tourist Development Council; hotel tax: Monroe County Tax Collector and the Florida Department of Revenue; tolls: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise; beach flags: City of Miami Beach Ocean Rescue (statewide system); hurricane season: NOAA’s National Hurricane Center; resort fees: Federal Trade Commission; climate: NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for Key West International Airport. Parking rates, event dates, sunset times and driving times are general references and flagged for checking. Prices, hours and timetables change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our United States travel guide.
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