Why Go to Key West
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Key West marches to its own beat, and that's exactly the point. At the very end of the Florida Keys, this sunny island is famous for warm water, colorful characters and a live-in-the-moment attitude. The locals, known as Conchs, even declared mock independence in 1982 as the Conch Republic, so you know this isn't a place for rigid schedules.
Let the island set your pace. Snorkel the reef or join a guided tour, browse the shops around Mallory Square and stay for the famous sunset celebration. Wander through Ernest Hemingway's former home and look for the six-toed cats that still live there. Then grab a margarita and see where the night takes you on lively Duval Street.
Key West has weathered its share of hurricanes and always bounces back, with charming guesthouses, great seafood and plenty to do outdoors. It's also a favorite cruise stop. Whether you're coming for a cruise day or a full stay, I'll set up the snorkel trips, tours and the right place to stay, and leave plenty of room for island time.
BEST FOR
Couples, cruise visitors, history lovers and water enthusiasts
BEST MONTHS
December to April
EXPLORE
- Old Town: The historic heart, with Duval Street, Mallory Square and most major sights.
- Historic Seaport: The harbor boardwalk with restaurants, raw bars and boat tours.
- Bahama Village: A colorful, historic neighborhood west of Duval Street.
- Truman Annex: A quiet, gated area with the Little White House and Fort Zachary Taylor.
- New Town: Larger hotels, Smathers Beach and the airport on the island's east side.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Key West
North America › Southeast › USA › Florida
Sunset celebrations, island time and Old Town charm at the end of the road.
Coastal & Harbor
History
Nightlife
Sunset
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Rent a bike for your stay. Old Town is flat and compact, parking is scarce, and you'll reach the beaches, bars and sunset faster than any car.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to grab a spot along the water's edge.
Mallory Square
Every evening, street performers, food carts and a crowd of locals and visitors gather on this waterfront plaza to applaud the sun as it drops into the Gulf. It's Key West's most famous tradition and pure, happy chaos.
Go early in the morning or just after sunset to skip the long photo line.
Southernmost Point Buoy
This giant red, black and yellow concrete buoy marks the southernmost point in the continental U.S., just 90 miles from Cuba. It's a quick but essential photo stop.
Join one of the guided tours, which run frequently and bring the house's stories to life.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his best work in this Spanish Colonial home, now a museum famous for its lush gardens and dozens of six-toed cats, many descended from his own.
Bring water shoes; the shoreline is rocky, but the snorkeling just offshore is worth it.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
A Civil War-era fort meets the island's best beach, with shady picnic spots, clear water for snorkeling and a quieter sunset scene than Mallory Square.
Stroll it by day for the shops and architecture, then come back at night for the music.
Duval Street
Key West's famous main street runs from the Gulf to the Atlantic, lined with open-air bars, galleries, cigar shops and live music spilling out onto the sidewalk.
Right next to Mallory Square, this resort puts you steps from the sunset celebration, Duval Street and harbor excursions, with a lively waterfront bar and pool.
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Old Town / Mallory Square Waterfront
City
A Key West classic at the top of Duval Street, with a private beach, waterfront spa and one of the island's favorite sunset bars.
Pier House Resort & Spa
Old Town / One Duval Street
City · Beach
A polished, adults-oriented resort by the Historic Seaport, with sleek rooms, three pools and an easy walk to restaurants and boat tours.
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
Historic Seaport / William Street
City · Boutique
A relaxed oceanfront resort at the quiet end of Duval Street, near the Southernmost Point, with a beachfront pool and bar.
Southernmost Beach Resort
Upper Duval Street / South Street Area
Beach
One of the few Old Town hotels with its own natural sand beach, offering a quieter, upscale stay within walking distance of Duval Street.
The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
Old Town / Simonton Street
Beach · City
A historic beachfront resort with the island's largest private beach, good for families.
Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
Casa Marina / South Side
Beach · Family
A relaxed, good-value hotel with a pool bar and free bikes and shuttle to Old Town.
The Gates Hotel Key West
New Town / Entrance to Key West
Value
A quiet, elegant boutique hotel of restored conch houses and gardens in Old Town.
Marquesa Hotel
Old Town
Boutique · City
A historic, all-suite hotel set in shaded tropical gardens near Duval Street.
Island City House Hotel
Old Town
Boutique · Value
Private island cottages a short boat ride from Old Town, with a private beach.
Sunset Key Cottages
Sunset Key
Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Key West
High 81°F · Low 72°F · Rain 2.3 in
Cooler, drier weather returns, making it a sweet spot for sightseeing before the holiday rush.
The best time to visit Key West is December through April, when days are warm, dry and breezy. That's also peak season, so expect higher rates. Late spring brings hotter weather with fewer crowds, while summer is steamy with afternoon storms. Hurricane season runs June through November, peaking August to October, though fall can bring great deals.
Best Times to Visit Key West
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Key West eats like the island it is: fresh-caught fish, Cuban flavors and an endless debate over who makes the best Key lime pie. Grab conch fritters for a snack and save room for a slice.
- Cuban flavor: Try a Cuban mix sandwich and café con leche from a walk-up window for an easy island breakfast.
- On the water: The Historic Seaport is lined with raw bars and seafood spots with harbor views.
- Must-try: Key lime pie, conch fritters, Florida lobster in season and pink Key West shrimp.
06
Bikes, Scooters & Walking
Old Town is flat and compact, so walking and biking are the best ways to explore. Bike, scooter and electric-cart rentals are available all over the island.
05
Taxis, Rideshares & Pedicabs
Taxis, rideshares and pedicabs are easy to find around Old Town and handy after dark or in the heat.
04
Duval Loop & Buses
The free Duval Loop bus circles Old Town's main sights, and city buses connect to New Town and Stock Island.
03
Cruise Port
Ships dock at Mallory Square, Pier B or the Navy Mole, all within walking distance or a short shuttle of Duval Street and the main sights.
02
Driving the Overseas Highway
The road trip down US-1 across 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, is part of the experience. Once in Key West, though, parking is limited and pricey, so many visitors park the car for their stay.
01
Flying In
Key West International Airport (EYW) is just a few miles from Old Town, with connections through major hubs. Many travelers instead fly into Miami (MIA) and drive the scenic Overseas Highway, about 3.5 to 4 hours.
Most visitors fly into Key West or drive down from Miami along the Overseas Highway. Once you arrive, leave the car parked: Old Town is easiest on foot or by bike, the free Duval Loop covers the main sights, and taxis and pedicabs fill the gaps.
Getting Around Key West
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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