Key West, FL

Travel Guide
Higgs Beach which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Located at the southernmost tip of Florida, this sun-drenched, fun-loving island encourages visitors to leave their worries behind and embrace relaxation.

The laid-back Florida island of Key West specializes in relaxation and good times, luring visitors with its beaches, bars and tropical vibe. Hop between local art galleries, sip cooling cocktails in waterfront bars and celebrate the nightly sunset with other vacationers and island inhabitants.

Because of its natural deep water port, Key West became an economic and trading center during the 19th century. These days, tourism is the island’s principal industry and cruise ships often pull into port here.

Lounge on the largest public beach, Smathers, where palm fronds provide shade, or head to the small sandy South Beach, a former hangout spot for Tennessee Williams. Another good option is the artificial Higgs Beach, where plentiful amenities, including barbecues, picnic benches and a pier, draw crowds.

While beach or poolside lounging is an important facet of most Key West vacations, there is also lots to see and do here. View the Spanish colonial-style Hemingway House, where Ernest Hemingway lived from 1931 to 1940. Look for the unique six-toed cats that roam the property some of these are descendants of Hemingway’s own six-toed feline, Snow White.

Take a walking tour to survey the interesting architecture of the island. Among the standout constructions are the Spanish mission-style San Carlos Institute the Fort East Martello Museum, whose design echoes that of Martello towers and the Little White House, where President Harry S. Truman used to stay.. As evening draws in, head to Mallory Square to join the crowds who come to watch the sunset, drink beer and listen to music. Many street performers can also be seen here. For more insight into local life, visit the Studios of Key West to view exhibits, listen to lectures and attend workshops.

Fly into Key West via Key West International Airport or take a bus or boat from Miami. To get around Key West itself, either rent a bike, a moped or a small electric car. Bus routes run across the keys and hop-on hop-off trolley services are also available.

Where to stay in Key West

Audubon House and Tropical Gardens featuring a house

Key West Historic District

4.5/5(4,033 area reviews)

Travelers to Key West Historic District praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Key West Historic District
Key West Historic District

Old Town Key West

4.5/5(226 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Old Town Key West, Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Old Town Key West
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New Town

4/5(428 area reviews)

Though New Town might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Smathers Beach and Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park.

New Town
Harry S. Truman Little White House featuring heritage elements, a house and a garden

Truman Annex

5/5(12 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Truman Annex, Harry S. Truman Little White House and Mel Fisher Maritime Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Truman Annex
Getting lost in Key West, I found great pieces of street art, telling the story of the island. #localgem

Midtown

4/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Midtown and surrounding area, you can visit Duval Street and Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park.

Midtown
Mallory Square showing a sunset and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Historic Seaport

While visiting Historic Seaport, you might make a stop by sights like Duval Street and Audubon House and Tropical Gardens.

Historic Seaport
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
4 out of 5
2001 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL
The price is ¥60,417 per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
¥60,417
per night
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Key West. Enjoy breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,807 reviews)
"Great location for the beach. Transportation services were perfect for getting to Duval. Great staff. Great room. Great stay."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Southernmost Beach Resort
Southernmost Beach Resort
4 out of 5
1319 Duval Street, Key West, FL
The price is ¥60,716 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
¥60,716
per night
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Key West. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a beach locale, and 2 poolside bars. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,778 reviews)
"We arrived at the resort about 2.5 hours before check in and we extremely happy to be given our room. I sent a request to the resort asking for my poolside room to be located by the Pineapple Bar and they granted my request, which was greatly appreciated. It’s a beautiful resort and the accommodations ..."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Southernmost Beach Resort
Havana Cabana at Key West
Havana Cabana at Key West
4 out of 5
3420 N. Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL
The price is ¥63,411 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥63,411
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,431 reviews)
"Great stay and would go back!"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Havana Cabana at Key West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Steps from Duval, Pool & Bikes $129-$299 Night!
Steps from Duval, Pool & Bikes $129-$299 Night!
Key West
Stay at this apartment in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (293 reviews)
Close to everything
"This property is close to everything and quite walkable. Our unit was very small. It would have been better listed for a single person."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2024

Steps from Duval, Pool & Bikes $129-$299 Night!
Hyatt Vacation Club at Sunset Harbor, Key West
Hyatt Vacation Club at Sunset Harbor, Key West
3.5 out of 5
200 Sunset Lane, Key West, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attractions Duval Street and Harry S. Truman ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (222 reviews)
"5 Stars! Very close to everything. Great rooms"

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2024

Hyatt Vacation Club at Sunset Harbor, Key West
Coconut Mallory Resort And Marina By Kees Vacations
Coconut Mallory Resort And Marina By Kees Vacations
3 out of 5
1445 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL
Stay at this 3-star condo in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (781 reviews)
"Great property on the water at the Marina . 2 salt water swimming pools and a nice hot tub . Best to rent bikes and go the Stock Island for lunch or dinner. Also can rent kayaks at Stock Island."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

Coconut Mallory Resort And Marina By Kees Vacations
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Key West

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3428
" "5 - Excellent 64.61828463713478%
4 - Good
1589
" "4 - Good 29.95287464655985%
3 - Okay
238
" "3 - Okay 4.486333647502356%
2 - Disappointing
31
" "2 - Disappointing 0.58435438265787%
1 - Terrible
19
" "1 - Terrible 0.3581526861451461%

5/5 - Excellent

Brandon&Susanna
Jun 6, 2020

You really cannot go wrong with this place. We will stay here again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 3, 2020

Amazing location with very special people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

Great place to vacation and so much to do around town and down by the beaches

5/5 - Excellent

Key
Apr 12, 2020

Key West is amazing!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 29, 2020

Key West was very nice comfortable to walk everywhere. We enjoyed the restaurants, walking down tree-covered streets and how easy it was to get around. We had a great stay.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 29, 2020

I love Key West!