This Key West travel guide covers everything you need to plan a great trip to Key West, Florida. Key West is the southernmost point of the continental US, a laid-back island of pastel houses, sunset celebrations and turquoise water.
This guide is written for American travellers: it covers how to get there, when to go, where to stay, what it costs in US dollars and the experiences worth your time.
Key West travel guide: quick facts
| Key West at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Florida |
| Nearest airport | Key West International (EYW) or Miami (MIA) |
| Getting there | About 3.5–4 hours from Miami |
| Best time to visit | December to May |
| Time needed | 3 days |
| Best for | Couples, groups and beach lovers |
Why visit Key West
Key West is ideal for couples, groups and beach lovers. Its headline experiences include Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Southernmost Point buoy and Duval Street, and it pairs well with Miami. First-time visitors and returning travellers alike find plenty to love.
How to get to Key West
- By air: Key West International (EYW) or Miami (MIA).
- By road: About 3.5–4 hours from Miami.
- Rental cars: available at Key West International (EYW); book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Getting around Key West
The centre of Key West is walkable, but a car makes it easy to reach trailheads, viewpoints and nearby attractions. Parking can be tight in peak season, so arrive early or use local shuttles where they run.
Top things to do in Key West
Mallory Square sunset
Street performers and a nightly celebration. Combine it with a nearby café or viewpoint.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
With its six-toed cats. It is a highlight for most visitors.
Southernmost Point buoy
A famous photo stop.
Duval Street
Bars and nightlife. Book ahead in peak season.
Dry Tortugas National Park
By ferry or seaplane, with Fort Jefferson.
Snorkelling and diving
North America’s only living coral barrier reef. Combine it with a nearby café or viewpoint.
Fort Zachary Taylor
A beach and fort. It is a highlight for most visitors.
Overseas Highway
The spectacular drive from Miami. Go early to beat the crowds.
Other favourite experiences include snorkelling, sunset sails, biking, fishing and bar hopping.
Travel gear we trust
- Best action cameras for adventure travel BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free. - Best travel backpacks BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Top-rated wireless earbuds VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
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Best time to visit Key West
The best time to visit Key West is December to May. Here is how the seasons compare:
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | December–February | Dry, sunny, 60–78°F; peak season and higher prices. |
| Spring | March–May | Warm and dry; spring break crowds in March. |
| Summer | June–August | Hot, humid, daily thunderstorms; hurricane season begins June 1. |
| Fall | September–November | Still hot early, peak hurricane risk in September; pleasant by November. |
Shoulder seasons usually offer the best mix of weather, prices and crowds.
Where to stay in Key West
- Old Town: Walkable historic area.
- New Town: Better value.
- Stock Island: Cheaper rooms nearby.
Typical nightly rates:
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150–250 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $260–450 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $500–1,200 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
Book early for summer weekends and holidays, and compare total prices, including taxes and any resort or parking fees.
What to eat in Key West
Don’t leave without trying key lime pie, conch fritters, fresh fish and Cuban sandwiches. Food trucks and markets are a great way to sample local flavours on a budget.
Suggested 3 days in Key West
- Day 1: Mallory Square sunset and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
- Day 2: Southernmost Point buoy and Duval Street.
- Day 3: Dry Tortugas National Park, Snorkelling and diving, Fort Zachary Taylor and Overseas Highway.
What to pack for Key West
- Breathable clothing and a sun hat
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Insect repellent
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $780–$1,350 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,640–$2,764 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Visiting only on peak weekends, when parking and restaurants are packed.
- Not booking accommodation early enough in high season.
- Skipping the quieter trails and viewpoints just outside town.
- Driving tired after a long day outdoors.
- Forgetting that some shops and restaurants keep short seasonal hours.
Accessibility and family travel
The town centre is generally walkable and accessible, though trails and viewpoints vary. Families will enjoy the relaxed pace, and many accommodations offer family rooms or kitchenettes.
Practical tips
- Book Dry Tortugas ferries well in advance.
- Hotels are pricey; consider the Middle Keys.
- Hurricane season runs June to November.
- Tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Road trip essentials
- Dash cams worth buying VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - Best budget 12V portable fridges VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby places to add to your trip
- Miami: Miami is a glamorous mix of Art Deco beaches, Latin American culture, world-class nightlife and street art, with the Everglades and the Florida Keys on its doorstep.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Key West?
Plan 3 days to see the highlights without rushing, and add a day for day trips or hikes.
What is the best time to visit Key West?
The best time is December to May.
How do you get to Key West?
Fly into Key West International (EYW) or Miami (MIA). By road, it is about 3.5–4 hours from Miami.
How much does a trip to Key West cost?
Hotels typically cost $260–450 a night for mid-range rooms, and most travellers spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Is Key West good for families?
Yes. It suits couples, groups and beach lovers, and families do best with a central base, early starts and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
Final thoughts on Key West travel guide
Key West rewards travellers who plan the essentials and leave room for surprises. Book key stays and timed-entry or tour reservations early, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy the places that charm you most.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Miami Travel Guide: Beaches, Neighbourhoods and Food
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips