Colorful Key West combines a tropical island vibe with a laid-back lifestyle for a Caribbean-esque vacation at the southernmost tip of the United States. History buffs will want to take a sun break to visit Ernest Hemingway’s Home and Museum, President Harry S. Truman’s Little White House, and the Key West Shipwreck Museum. Water lovers can explore on guided cruises, snorkeling or kayaking tours, Jet Ski rides, or quiet evening sails. Sunset is a major event each evening, with crowds gathering at Mallory Square to watch the show and enjoy street performances. Most people also visit festive Duval Street to explore the bars, restaurants, and art galleries.
Grown-ups who want to party in paradise should visit Key West in the fall—namely for Fantasy Fest in October. The risque, week-long festival features costumes, parades, and tons of parties every year around Halloween. Fall is also the tail end of hurricane season in the Keys, so the skies are much clearer than in the stormy summer.
Key West is tiny—the entire island is only 4 miles (6 kilometers) long and just under 2 miles (3 kilometers) wide. So if you’re an avid cyclist, walker, rollerblader, or longboarder, you’ll have little trouble navigating the island without a car. Those who like to ride with a roof over their heads can pay to use the Key West Transit around the island. Keep your eyes peeled for the hop-on hop-off service that runs the Duval Loop—it’s a free ride that stops at more than a dozen popular spots downtown.
Key West is well-known for its LGBTQ+ scene and surprising amount of family-friendly activities. Mallory Square is full of entertaining buskers, while the Key West Aquarium and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are exciting and educational. Groups trying to see all of America’s national parks will be delighted to know that Dry Tortugas National Park is a 2-hour ferry ride away from Key West’s marina.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EST (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 25 | Tours 270 | Reviews 37,806 |
Don’t miss the Old Town in Key West, a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood full of restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops. After a walk along Duval Street, check out the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, Hemingway Home and Museum, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
...MoreThere are several attractive times of year to go to Key West. The winter months of December, January, and February are known for mild temperatures. Travelers who want to see the rowdy side of Key West may want to visit for Fantasy Fest in October or Mardi Gras in March.
...MoreKey West is home to several attractions including the Hemingway Home and Museum, Truman Little White House, and Key West Lighthouse. It also offers a range of smaller attractions such as the southernmost point in the continental US, Key West Aquarium, and Audubon House and Tropical Gardens.
...MoreYes. It is worth going to Key West for a day. The pastel-hued Old Town is fairly compact and can be explored on foot. Check out the Hemingway Home and Museum, Truman Little White House, and Key West Lighthouse. Don’t leave town without going for a stroll along Duval Street.
...MoreTeens in Key West can take a Jet Ski tour, rent bikes to explore the Old Town, or catch rays on the beach. Other fun things to do include visiting the Key West Shipwreck Museum, going on a ghost tour, and getting a bird’s-eye view of the ocean while parasailing.
...MoreLocals in Key West get outdoors to soak up the area's natural beauty. Join the locals for a swim at Smathers Beach, a fishing expedition, or a stroll through the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. More options include a kayaking excursion or a bike ride followed by happy hour.
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