Key West Traveler's Guide
Make a Getaway to the Southernmost Point in the U.S.A.
Key West, Florida has been a destination for travelers of every background for decades, and for good reason. Located as far south as you can go in the continental U.S., Key West maintains an average high temperature near 90 in the summer and the mid-70s in the winter. There really is never a bad time to visit the Keys. During your time in Key West, there are so many new things to try and adventures to be had.
From time spent at the beach to shopping and tasting your way down Duval Street, all you have to do is start planning your trip! Key West is home to some of the best celebrations in America. An unmatched Pride Week, revelrous New Year's, and a festival for all things Key Lime, our events will keep you entertained during your time on the island as well.
Learn more about Key West below and book your Key West accommodation today with Dwell Key West!
Dining & Nightlife
You have a plethora of options for restaurants and for finding your vibe and pace in Key West, Florida, whether you’re looking for lively and social, laid-back and casual, or upscale and romantic.
You’re likely to find the high-energy spots on the famous Duval Street. Seeking a more laid-back appeal? Head over to waterfront seafood restaurants such as Conch Republic Seafood Company or visit the island’s fish shacks. For a refined dining experience, Milagro Restaurant and Bar does it Key West style, with from-scratch Latin, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisines. And you can't leave Key West without visiting the iconic Blue Heaven, with its laid-back atmosphere, an outdoor courtyard, and famous key lime pie.
Nine One Five, housed in a historic Victorian mansion, offers not only an impressive fusion menu but also a world-class wine list. Louie’s Backyard offers a light and airy, intimate environment for a more romantic evening.
Grab brunch or dinner at Bagatelle, set in a restored Victorian mansion on Duval Street. About 10 blocks from the popular street, get an authentic and local favorite Cuban sandwich at 5 Brothers Coffee and Cubanos.
For a taste of the nightlight, enjoy a pub crawl on, you guessed it, Duval Street. There are at least 43 pubs and bars there. With names like Flying Monkey Saloon, Hog’s Breath, The Bull & Whistle, Sloppy Joe’s, and La Te Da, we’re sure you’ll have a good time. When undecided, just follow the music to match the energy you are seeking!
Water Activities & Outdoor Excursions
Since Key West maintains an average high temperature during the summer and can reach mid-70s in the winter, your time on the water isn’t restricted. For the most adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities to sky dive, parasail, or jet ski.
More relaxing activities include strolling on Higgs Beach’s historic pier, soaking up the sun, or relaxing near its clear blue water. Take a trip to Dry Tortugas National Park to snorkel, camp, swim, or just enjoy sailing in your boat. This remote 100-square-mile park features coral reefs and beautiful marine life you’ll see on your dives. You’ll also get a close-up of a variety of bird life that visit the park.
Seaplane rides offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience—you get breathtaking views, while also getting to your desired destination. In fact, Seaplane Adventures Key West is the perfect way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. It beats taking a two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride.
If you want a short break from the activity, trade the blue water for the greens at the island's only 18-hole golf course, Key West Golf Club.
Museums & History
You are guaranteed to enjoy the consistent sunshine as you play, shop, and relax on the island. But don’t underestimate the opportunities to dig into the island’s history and culture at local museums in between the frolicking in fun activities. There are more than 15 museums here, including the Sails to Rails Museum and the Tennessee Williams Museum.
If you are intrigued by, or want to learn more about, Key West’s maritime past, you’ll appreciate digging into the stories and artifacts of shipwrecks, lost treasures, and the people who recovered them at the Key West Shipwreck Museum and at Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum.
Walk the paths of legendary figures at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and at Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida’s only presidential library. At Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum, you can climb the lighthouse's 88 steps to relish in one of the best views of the island; Even better, book a chance to view the sunset, and 360-degree views of the historic district, from the observation platform.
For non-museum history sites, Higgs Beach is home to an African refugee burial site and a nearby Civil War-era fort. You can find more history at Fort Zachary Taylor, and Dry Tortugas National Park is home to historic Fort Jefferson, one of the nation’s largest 19th-century forts.
Beaches & Waterfront Attractions
There really is never a bad time to visit the Keys with its perfect weather and cool vibes. You'll be engulfed by beautiful views and joyous outings at the public beaches.
Fort Zachery Taylor is rated best all-around in Key West, with its crystal-clear waters and best shore snorkeling. Smathers Beach offers a lively vibe, with rentals for jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and parasailing, among other activities. Meanwhile, Rest Beach offers a quiet spot to enjoy the sunset, and Higgs Beach is where you’d bring the whole family.
Waterfront activities will also lure you. Mallory Square offers a comfortable place for shopping, while also being the location of its legendary sunset celebrations. Journey over to the Key West Historic Seaport to enjoy more shopping, waterfront marinas, fishing charters, excursion boats, and restaurants.
Getting Here
Although Key West, Florida is the southernmost point in the United States, travelers from afar can access the island via many nonstop flights from major hubs, including Miami, New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Chicago. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic road trip from any Florida city via the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1).
From Miami to Key West
- Drive: About a 160-mile drive via Overseas Highway, estimated to take 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic.
- Fly: Nonstop flights connect Miami International Airport and Key West International Airport (EYW), with flight times of under an hour.
From Tampa to Key West
- Drive: Roughly 430 miles, the drive generally takes 7 to 8 hours.
- Fly: Nonstop flights between Tampa and Key West are available on select airlines, with flight times of just over an hour.
From Fort Lauderdale to Key West
- Drive: About 190 miles, expect to take about 4 to 4.5 hours via US-1 through the Florida Keys.
- Fly: While nonstop service varies by season and airline schedules, travelers can also reach Key West through connecting flights via Miami or other Florida hubs.
