Key West

Travel Guide
Higgs Beach showing 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 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

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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
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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
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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 Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park.

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 Mel Fisher Maritime Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Truman Annex
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Midtown

Midtown might not have many top sights, but Duval Street and Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Midtown
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Historic Seaport

If you're spending some time in Historic Seaport, Duval Street and Audubon House and Tropical Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

Historic Seaport
Southernmost Beach Resort
Southernmost Beach Resort
4 out of 5
1319 Duval Street, Key West, FL
The price is S$618 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
S$618
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
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! (1,776 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at Southern Most Beach Resort. Friendly staff at hotel and pool area."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$726 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$726
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (1,426 reviews)
"Great price and the shuttle service was key to getting back and forth to Duval. Awesome pool, clean rooms, great staff. Definitely go back!!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Havana Cabana at Key West
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
4 out of 5
2001 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL
The price is S$693 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
S$693
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
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! (1,806 reviews)
"We traveled with 2 young kids and didn’t want to drag the car seats and rent a car. The shuttle service was perfect. From the airport pickup/droppoff, to heading downtown to walk and shop. I’d do it again."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Margaritaville Beach House 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 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! (224 reviews)
"5 Stars! Very close to everything. Great rooms"

Reviewed on 25 Feb,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! (784 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 21 Mar,2024

Coconut Mallory Resort And Marina By Kees Vacations
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. Popular attractions Duval Street and Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (78 reviews)
"Beautiful as always, always an amazing stay. Literally the only place we stay in Key West. We love waking up in an aquarium and the social enviroment and sense of community is amazing. Everyone is always welcome at Hurricane Hole."

Reviewed on 5 Mar,2024

Aqua Lodges at Hurricane Hole Marina
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 63.013698630136986%
4 - Good
26
" "4 - Good 35.61643835616438%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 1.36986301369863%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
5 Feb 2020

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
31 Jan 2020

Beautiful Laid back Welcoming people

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
22 Jan 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
9 Jan 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Nov 2019

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
31 Oct 2019

Friendly people, beautiful weather and interesting.