Key West

Travel Guide

Key West
Higgs Beach showing tropical scenes and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Key West
Higgs Beach showing a beach, tropical scenes and a beach bar
Key West

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 holiday makers and island inhabitants.

Because of its natural deep water port, Key West became an economic and trading centre 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 holidays, 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

Default Image

Old Town Key West

5/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting Old Town Key West, you might make a stop by sights like Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Old Town Key West
Default Image

Key West Historic District

4.5/5(66 area reviews)

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

Key West Historic District
Smathers Beach which includes a bay or harbour, tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Beachside

If you're spending some time in Beachside, Smathers Beach and Florida Keys Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Beachside
Default Image

Downtown Key West

While visiting Downtown Key West, you might make a stop by sights like Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Downtown Key West
Default Image

New Town

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in New Town, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Smathers Beach and Fort East Martello Museum and Gallery.

New Town
Harry S. Truman Little White House showing a house, a park and heritage elements

Truman Annex

If you're spending some time in Truman Annex, Harry S. Truman Little White House and Jackson Square are top sights worth seeing.

Truman Annex
Beachside Resort & Residences
Beachside Resort & Residences
3.5 out of 5
3841 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL
The price is S$289 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
S$289
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,302 reviews)
"Expensive compared to a “real resort”"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Beachside Resort & Residences
Southernmost Beach Resort and Guesthouses
Southernmost Beach Resort and Guesthouses
4 out of 5
1319 Duval Street, Key West, FL
The price is S$373 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
S$373
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,589 reviews)
"My girlfriend and I had a nice stay. It’s a decent place. The pool gets extremely crowded and there is not much seating options out by the pool area. Beds are not the most comfortable. Bar out by the pool was a great amenity. Lounge pool is nice for adults only who are looking to relax. Everything ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Southernmost Beach Resort and Guesthouses
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West
4 out of 5
3820 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL
The price is S$264 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$264
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,457 reviews)
"Excellent place and location, the outdoor area is beautiful, and the pools are too."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Blue Flamingo Resort 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.
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 eco-certified apartment in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and concierge services. Popular attractions Duval Street and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (304 reviews)
"Kathy needs to get a raise !!! Pay that woman !!!"

Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at Sunset Harbor, Key West
Aqua Lodges at Hurricane Hole Marina
Aqua Lodges at Hurricane Hole Marina
2 out of 5
5130 Overseas Hwy, Key West, FL
Stay at this houseboat in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Duval ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (156 reviews)
"First time staying on a houseboat but will definitely not be the last. We loved sitting on the back porch watching the marine life."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Aqua Lodges at Hurricane Hole Marina
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 helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (812 reviews)
"Accommodations were nice. Two ools."

Reviewed on 10 Jun, 2025

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
46
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
26
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice place but the evenings in ducal street were a little too rowdy and not at all a place for a romantic evening.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful Laid back Welcoming people

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Skooners wharf was great for dinner with a great live reggae singer

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great atmosphere. Good to go once to see. Beaches were a let down.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love the place, plenty of sites to see as you wander around. Particularly love the beautiful houses in the old town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Friendly people, beautiful weather and interesting.