Key West, United States travel guide

The southernmost city: Duval Street, conch houses, coral reefs and the end of the road in the Florida Keys.

Best time to visit: March-May (warm, drier, before peak heat)
Average daily budget: $200 to $380 USD
Ideal trip length: 3 to 4 days

Key West is the colourful, free-spirited end of the road, the southernmost city in the continental US, reached by the spectacular Overseas Highway across the Florida Keys. Pastel conch houses, palm-shaded streets, Hemingway's old haunts and the nightly sunset celebration give it a Caribbean-meets-Americana charm, while the surrounding waters offer the only living coral reef in the continental US. Joy Plus balances Duval Street nightlife with the snorkelling, history and quieter corners that make the island special.

Key West itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Tour the Hemingway Home. The author's former house and gardens, home to dozens of famous six-toed cats.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town, The historic heart of pastel conch houses, Duval Street bars, galleries, museums and guesthouses.

Evening: Watch the Mallory Square sunset celebration. Street performers, food carts and crowds gather nightly to cheer the sunset over the water.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Snorkel or dive the coral reef. Take a boat to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US, vibrant with fish and coral.

Afternoon: Explore Duval Street, The famous mile-long strip of bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife running coast to coast.

Evening: Visit the Southernmost Point buoy. Snap the iconic marker just 90 miles from Cuba, the end of the continental US.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. A ferry or seaplane to a remote island fort with pristine snorkelling, book well ahead.

Afternoon: Explore Mallory Square, The waterfront plaza famous for its nightly sunset celebration with street performers.

Evening: Sunset and swimming at Fort Zachary Taylor's beach away from the Mallory crowds.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Best neighbourhoods

Old Town: The historic heart of pastel conch houses, Duval Street bars, galleries, museums and guesthouses.
Duval Street: The famous mile-long strip of bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife running coast to coast.
Mallory Square: The waterfront plaza famous for its nightly sunset celebration with street performers.
Bahama Village: A historic, low-key neighbourhood with Caribbean roots, local eateries and colourful streets.
Truman Annex & the waterfront: Leafy historic streets near the Hemingway Home, Fort Zachary Taylor and the harbour.

Must-do experiences

Watch the Mallory Square sunset celebration: Street performers, food carts and crowds gather nightly to cheer the sunset over the water.
Tour the Hemingway Home: The author's former house and gardens, home to dozens of famous six-toed cats.
Snorkel or dive the coral reef: Take a boat to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US, vibrant with fish and coral.
Visit the Southernmost Point buoy: Snap the iconic marker just 90 miles from Cuba, the end of the continental US.
Day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park: A ferry or seaplane to a remote island fort with pristine snorkelling, book well ahead.

Hidden gems

Sunset and swimming at Fort Zachary Taylor's beach away from the Mallory crowds.
Key lime pie from a local bakery rather than a tourist stand.
Quiet morning walks among the conch houses before the cruise crowds arrive.
A kayak trip through the mangroves of the backcountry flats.

Daily budget

$200 to $380 USD per day.

What to eat

Fresh key lime pie
Conch fritters and conch chowder
Fresh-caught grouper and yellowtail snapper
Pink Florida shrimp and stone crab (in season)

Getting around

Key West's compact Old Town is best explored on foot, by bicycle or by scooter, which are the most popular and characterful ways to get around. Driving the Overseas Highway from Miami (about 3.5 to 4 hours) is a scenic experience, but once on the island a car is more hassle than help, with limited, pricey parking. Many visitors fly into Key West's small airport or arrive by ferry, then rent bikes for the stay.

Safety

Key West is generally safe and laid-back, but Duval Street gets rowdy at night with heavy drinking, so keep your wits and belongings close. Protect against the strong sun, stay hydrated, and respect ocean and weather conditions on reef trips and water activities. Watch for cyclists and scooters when walking, and be aware that hurricane season runs June to November, so monitor forecasts if visiting then.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Key West?

Three to four days is ideal. Two days cover Old Town, Duval Street, the Hemingway Home, the Southernmost Point and a Mallory Square sunset, while extra days let you snorkel the reef, take a Dry Tortugas day trip, and slow down to enjoy the island's relaxed pace and beaches. A long weekend suits most visitors.

Is Key West safe for solo travellers?

Yes, it's generally safe and welcoming. Duval Street gets rowdy at night with heavy drinking, so keep your belongings secure and stay aware. The island is small and walkable, protect against the sun, respect ocean conditions on water trips, and apply normal caution after dark, just as you would anywhere.

When is the best time to visit Key West?

Spring (March-May) brings warm, drier weather before the peak summer heat and humidity, making it the sweet spot. Winter (December-April) is the busy, pricier high season with the best weather. Summer is hot, humid and quieter, and hurricane season runs June to November, so monitor forecasts if visiting then.

Do you need a car in Key West?

Not on the island, Old Town is best explored on foot, by bicycle or by scooter, and parking is limited and expensive. Driving the scenic Overseas Highway from Miami is a memorable journey, but once you arrive a car is more hassle than help. Many visitors fly or take the ferry, then rent bikes.

How do you get to Key West?

You can drive the spectacular Overseas Highway from Miami (about 3.5 to 4 hours across 42 bridges), fly into Key West International Airport, or take a ferry from Fort Myers or Marco Island on Florida's west coast. The drive is iconic but long; flying saves time, and many combine Key West with a wider Florida Keys road trip.

Is the Dry Tortugas day trip worth it?

Yes, if you have the time. Dry Tortugas National Park sits about 70 miles west of Key West, reached by a daily ferry (around 2.5 hours each way) or seaplane. It offers a historic 19th-century fort, pristine waters and some of the best snorkelling in the Keys. Book well ahead, as ferry spots sell out fast.

Is Key West expensive?

Yes, it's one of Florida's pricier destinations, with high accommodation and dining costs, especially in winter. Save by visiting in spring or autumn, staying in guesthouses, eating at local spots away from Duval Street, enjoying free attractions like the Southernmost Point and Fort Zachary Taylor's beach, and getting around by bike.

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