Key West

Travel Guide

Key West
Higgs Beach which includes a beach and tropical scenes as well as a large group of people
Key West
Higgs Beach featuring tropical scenes, a beach and a beach bar
Key West

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 vacationers and island inhabitants.

Because of its natural deep water port, Key West became an economic and trading center 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 vacations, 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

Key West Historic District

Old Town Key West

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Old Town, the historic heart of Key West, boasts a central business district and numerous tourist attractions. Explore the Key West Aquarium, Ernest Hemingway House, Mallory Square, and more in this vibrant area.

Old Town Key West
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens featuring a house

Key West Historic District

4.5/5(156 area reviews)

Old Town Key West boasts a rich history with 2485 historic buildings, and is home to popular attractions like Ernest Hemingway House and Mallory Square. Enjoy the lively atmosphere in the central business district.

Key West Historic District
Smathers Beach showing a bay or harbor, tropical scenes and windsurfing

Beachside

If you're spending some time in Beachside, Smathers Beach and Florida Keys Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Beachside
Key West featuring a marina, a coastal town and general coastal views

Downtown Key West

If you're spending some time in Downtown Key West, Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Key West
Default Image

New Town

4/5(16 area reviews)

Though New Town might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Smathers Beach and Fort East Martello Museum and Gallery.

New Town
Harry S. Truman Little White House featuring heritage elements, a house and a garden

Truman Annex

Mixed-use redevelopment featuring classic conch style homes, high-end condos, a hotel, parks, marina, and museums, including the historic Little White House. Enjoy retail and commercial spaces within the community.

Truman Annex
Beachside Resort & Residences
Beachside Resort & Residences
3.5 out of 5
3841 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL
The price is CA $193 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $193
CA $287 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,307 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on Jul. 9, 2025

Beachside Resort & Residences
Southernmost Beach Resort and Guesthouses
Southernmost Beach Resort and Guesthouses
4 out of 5
1319 Duval Street, Key West, FL
The price is CA $272 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
CA $272
CA $398 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,611 reviews)
"Love this property; property is bigger than I thought but had so much to offer; had fun activities if you wanted to be involved; a block from southern most point; everything is so close to stay"

Reviewed on Jul. 9, 2025

Southernmost Beach Resort and Guesthouses
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West
4 out of 5
3820 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL
The price is CA $167 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
CA $167
CA $264 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,454 reviews)
"This resort was great. Staff was very helpful and accommodating. Irina at the bar was incredible! The shuttle service was perfect for an easy ride down to Duval. Would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

Blue Flamingo Resort 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 eco-certified apartment in Key West. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and concierge services. Popular attractions Duval Street and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (305 reviews)
"Kathy needs to get a raise !!! Pay that woman !!!"

Reviewed on Jun. 9, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at Sunset Harbor, Key West
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. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Duval ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (156 reviews)
"First time staying on a houseboat but will definitely not be the last. We loved sitting on the back porch watching the marine life."

Reviewed on Jun. 30, 2025

Aqua Lodges at Hurricane Hole Marina
Charming 4-bedroom Yacht with AC, Pool, fitness room in fantastic Key West
Charming 4-bedroom Yacht with AC, Pool, fitness room in fantastic Key West
Key West
Stay at this houseboat in Key West. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Duval Street and Smathers Beach are ...
8/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Fun! Fun!
"We were here celebrating 55th birthdays and had a blast. Great location and communication with Capt. We will return for sure, hoping to make it an annual get together."

Reviewed on Apr. 10, 2025

Charming 4-bedroom Yacht with AC, Pool, fitness room in fantastic 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Key West

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
92
5 - Excellent 47%
4 - Good
82
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
16
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We re-rebooked from Havana Cabana to Ocean's Edge which was extremely family friendly.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It is extremely overpriced and tourists are gauged on hotel prices when they want to visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Having been there in the past at a time that was not so busy, it seems to have lost the charm for me. Very crowded, very expensive.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Didn’t matter where you had food it was excellent

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A fun, vibrant place to visit with great shops and restaurants. Don’t miss President Truman’s southern White House!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Key west was beautiful and all the people were great it was safe and easy to navigate

Cities near Key West