KEY WEST is the southernmost city in the USA located about 150 miles south of Miami and 90 miles north of Cuba. It’s a beach town known by its Key Lime Pie, parties, fantastic sunsets, clear blue water and year round sunshine. It’s a small island of about eight square miles and the population is about 25,000 full-time residents. Key West is located between the Atlantic Ocean (to the East) and the Gulf of Mexico (to the West). The Florida Keys are also home to the only living coral barrier reef in the United States and the third largest in the world. It’s a great place to go snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, and fishing.
Key West is also known as the Conch Republic (pronounced kศฏลk with a hard โKโ) because on April 23, 1982 the citizens tried to secede from the US in a revolt against the US Border Patrol that set up a checkpoint area looking for illegal immigrants at the entrance of US 1 / Overseas Highway causing inconvenience for residents and tourists. All the people that are born in Key West are called conch.
How to get there
Key West is an offshore island that is connected to other islands by bridges and together they form the Florida Keys. There are different ways to get there but personally I believe that driving from Miami to Key West is the way to go. The views and the scenic drive is just amazing! Here are some ways to get to Key West:
๐ BY CAR: It takes about 3 hours driving from Miami to get to Key West and you will get to drive on the Seven Mile Bridge and enjoy one of the most scenic roads in North America. Besides the views, you get to see all the other islands that form the Florida Keys and do some quick stops at some of the must see spots like Robbie’s, where you can feed tarpons! (video). Take your time and enjoy the views! And by the way, speed limits are strictly enforced, especially in the areas with a “deer crossing” sign. Wondering about parking? There is paid street parking everywhere but you might have to drive around a few times to find an available spot. It took us a while but we were able to find parking near B.O’s Fish Wagon and that’s also where we had lunch.
โ๏ธ BY PLANE: Key West has its own airport located on the island called Key West International Airport, and there are daily flights from major airlines like Delta, American and United coming from Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington DC, Newark, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Boston, and New York LaGuardia with non-stop flights.
๐ณ๏ธ BY CRUISE: Some cruise lines like NCL, Royal Caribbean and Carnival stop in Key West as part of their itinerary and the guests get to explore the island for a few hours before going back to their cruise ship. The ships stop at one of the docks in Key West near Mallory Square so you don’t even need a car to go around. You can literally walk to all the nice places. From the dock to the Southernmost Point Monument is about 1.3 miles (24 min walking) but you get to see lots of shops, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions along the way. Let me know if you need help booking your cruise, I’m also a travel agent (laiza@sailawaydreams.com). If you don’t want or can’t walk that much, you can use the trolley, the buses, the conch train, rent a bike, taxis, and mopeds. Click here for the bus schedule.
โด๏ธ BY FERRY: There is a ferry called Key West Express that comes from Fort Meyers Beach, FL and one from Marco Island, FL and it was about $161 road trip when I checked (for a one day trip in April 2021). There’s no ferry from Miami. Check their official website here for prices and availability.
Things to do in Key West
1- Go swimming in one of the most gorgeous and crystal clear water beaches
Key West has some beautiful beaches of clear blue water and going swimming at one of them is a must! We went there in April for spring break and the weather was amazing! It was a sunny day and the water looked so clear and blue! The photo above was taken at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach but it’s a paid beach and it’s very rocky (you will step on rocks all the time!) but it’s a very quiet and family friendly beach. There are also some amazing free beaches there like Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach and Rest Beach.
2- Grab a coffee at Cuban Coffee Queen and take a photo at their KEY WEST mural
Address: 284 Margaret St, Key West, FL
The “Greetings from Key West” mural is located at the Cuban Coffee Queen cafe. It’s a nice photo opportunity spot and we were lucky that it wasn’t crowded when we went so we got to take some good photos.
3- Take a photo at the Southernmost Point Continental USA
Address: Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL
The southernmost point monument is located 90 miles north of Cuba and this is another must visit spot. It’s free but there’s always a huge line. I didn’t have the time to go there and take a nice photo so I just took a photo of the monument on the side.
4- Take a picture at the Mile Marker 0
Address: 501 Whitehead St Suite 1, Key West, FL
Take a picture at the Mile Marker 0. Highway 1 starts in Key West and goes all the way to Maine, at the Canadian border. The sign is located right in front of the Zero Mile Art Store where you can also buy some souvenirs.
5- Eat some authentic Key Lime Pie
I love Key Lime Pie and I got to eat some fresh Key Lime Pie in Key West. I got this one at the Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe but you can find them everywhere! Other stores that are famous for their Key Lime Pie are Blue Heaven, Key West Key Lime Pie Co, Southernmost Key Lime Shop. And by the way, Do you see a little cut in the pie photo? Yeah I was already getting my piece and then I remembered to take a photo haha.
Interesting fact: I read that Key Limes are no longer harvested in Key West and they’re actually imported from Mexico, India and the West Indies. Source: www.trolleytours.com/key-west/facts
6- Take a picture of one of the wild roosters that walks freely around Key West
They are everywhere! Really! When walking around Key West you will see lots of roosters and chickens just freely walking around and crossing the streets. Itโs been that way for decades and I found this one at the B.O.’s Fish Wagon. I also saw a chicken crossing the street with her six chicks. So cute!
7- Eat, eat and eat some fresh local food
Every time I go to the beach I have to get some fish & chips. We got this Mahi with fries at B.O.’s Fish Wagon and it was so fresh and delicious! The prices are market prices and I think we paid about $12 for this meal. I also got a fresh Key Limeade and it was the best one I have ever had! Some other great restaurants to try there: Pescado, Pinchers, Key West Fish & Chips, Blue Heaven, Thirsty Mermaid Raw Bar Restaurant, The Lobster Shack – Key West, Latitudes, and Louie’s Backyard. Again, I was already eating my food before taking the photo.
8- Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL
Visit The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The museum is open daily for walk-in visits from 9am to 5pm. Adult rates are $16, Children (6-12 yrs old) rates are $6 and children 5 and younger are FREE. The tour rates include a 20-30 minute guided tour around the house. *Prices subject to change, check their official website.
Other famous people who called Key West home include Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, Jimmy Buffett, Shel Silverstein, Robert Frost, and more.
9- Walk around Duval Street
Duval Street is a mile long road full of pubs, restaurants and shops. That’s where everyone goes to get some good food, cold beer and enjoy the night in Key West. Click here to watch a live Duval Street webcam. The world famous bar Sloppy Joe’s is on Duval Street.
10- Drink some Key Limeade
The best Key Limeade I’ve ever had! I got this one at B.O.’s Fish Wagon and it was so good, cold and fresh!
11- Climb up the Key West Lighthouse
Address: 938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL
Climb to the top of this historic lighthouse in Key West and you will have a nice view of the rooftop of the houses in Key West. Visitors can walk up the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse and see photographs and things that belonged to the lighthouse keepers and their families. Adult admission is $17, Senior/Local/College ID/Retired Military is $12, Youth (Ages 7-18) is $8, Children (Under 7), Active Military and KWAHS Members are Free. You can buy discounted tickets online. *Prices subject to change, check their official website.
12- Get some fresh and cold coconut water
Can’t go to the beach and not try some fresh coconut water! It’s a tradition for me and I was so happy when I saw the truck selling it!
13 – Enjoy the cute architecture
I enjoyed walking around the island and seeing these cute houses! I saw these while I was walking on HWY 1 going towards the Southernmost point.
14- Ride the conch train or the trolley
Ride the train or the trolley around Key West to see all the must see spots. The island isn’t that big and I actually walked to all the points I wanted to visit but it looks fun to ride around. You can buy tickets to the conch train here (online prices: Adult $33.03, kids (4-12) $14.18 and kids 3 and under are FREE) and to the trolley here (1 day tour, Adults $42.48 and kids 4-12 $14.18). *Prices subject to change, check their official website.
15-Visit the Tropic Cinema
Tropic Cinema is a retro-style and nonprofit 4-screen multiplex cinema that has been in Key West since 2004 playing independent films, international favorites and cinematic classics. They also have an art gallery, concessions, and a lounge. Click here to know more about this cinema, check show times and buy tickets. Besides movies this place is also a great photo opportunity spot!
15 – Try some of their local beer
If you like ‘cold beer on a Friday night’ you will want to try some of the Key West local beers. The one in the photo above is from Florida Keys Brewing Co. and although the original brewery is actually located in Islamorada you can find the cans in Key West as well. If you decided to visit their place, they offer a wide range of craft beers and there’s a nice patio outside with beach vibes and decor for you to enjoy your beer. When we went there was a food truck outside and outdoor live music and my husband tried their Iguana Bait and even brought some home.
Other places to try some craft beers are Sloppy Joe’s (world famous bar), Rams Head Southernmost, and The Waterfront brewery.
Other places to visit and things to do in Key West
16 – Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
Mallory Square has been the best place to watch and celebrate sunsets since the late 1960s. Watch the sun go down into the Gulf of Mexico horizon while listening to local musicians, trying some local food, watching some street performers and shopping from the local artists. It begins two hours before sunset every night and it’s FREE.
17- Key West Aquarium
Discover the undersea world at the Key West Aquarium. You can visit the touch tank, sea turtle conservation tour, jellyfish exhibit and shark exhibit. *Photo from Key West Aquarium website.
Open daily 10 am to 5 pm. Last entrance is at 4:30pm. BUY TICKETS HERE.
- Adult $17.19
- Child $10.74
- Sen/Stu/Mil $15.04
18- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts from 17th century shipwrecks. I didn’t get to visit it but it’s on my list! *Photo from Mil Fisher Maritime Museum website.
Open Tuesday thru Sunday 10am *Closed on Monday. BUY TICKETS HERE.
- Adult $17.50
- Children $8.50
- Lab Tour- No Museum Visit $30.00
- Combination Admission & Lab Tour $35.00
19- Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
If you like butterflies this is the place for you! Witness a variety of some 50 to 60 butterfly species from around the world, along with over 20 exotic bird species, all under a climate- controlled, glass enclosed habitat.
Conservatory Hours 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- General Admission – $15.00
- Local (Monroe County) – $13.00
- Seniors 65+ and Military – $12.00
- Children 4-12 years – $11.00
- 3 years and under – Free
*Photo from Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory website.
20 – Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
On the southern edge of Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor houses the largest cache of Civil War armament in the world. It’s the southernmost state park in the continental United States. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. The fort closes at 5pm. Fees: $6 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $2.50 Pedestrians and bicyclists and $4.50 Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle. *Photo from Florida Parks website.
21 – Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum
‘The KEY WEST MUSEUM combines actors, films and the actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef.’ ‘ At the Key West Shipwreck Museum you will step back into time as you discover Key Westโs unique maritime heritage and how it became the richest city in the United States.’ *Photo and description from the Key West Museum website. BUY TICKETS HERE.
Adult: $16.11 Child(4-12): $9.66 Senior: $13.96
22 – See local Key West dolphins in the wild
Dolphins are very common in the Key West area and one specific location is often referred to as the โdolphin playgroundโ. Several companies can take you to see these adorable wild dolphins and then they will take you to see live coral and some nice snorkeling spots.
Cost: from $79.95 to $550 (private charter) depending on the company you choose.
Photo by Haniel Espinal on Unsplash.
23 – Key West Oldest House
Visit the oldest standing house in Key West. This conch cottage was built in 1829 by a shipโs captain and it’s the oldest wood frame vernacular home in Key West.
Address: 322 Duval Street Key West, FL
The house and garden admission is $10.00 per person, children under 12 are free.
24 – Harry S. Truman Little White House Museum
Address: 111 Front Street Key West, FL
The winter White House for President Harry S Truman for 175 days during 11 visits. The house is located in the Truman Annex neighborhood of Old Town, Key West.
- Adult: $22.52 ($20.27 online)
- Children (4-12): $10.75 ($9.68 online)
- Senior/Stud/Military: $20.37 ($18.33 online)
- Locals: Free with paying guest
25 – Ghosts & Gravestones Tour Key West
Address: 501 Front St, Key West, FL
Take a Ghost tour around the haunted side of Key West and listen to the tales about souls whoโve never moved on, tragic deaths and shipwrecks. Besides the beautiful beaches, Key West is one of Americaโs most haunted places. Tickets are $32.50.
*Photo from Ghosts & Gravestones Website.
26 – MLK Community Pool & Community Center
Address: 300 Catherine Street Key West, FL
The Dr. Martin Luther King Community Pool is free of charge and it’s open to everyone. There’s a baby pool and a standard swimming pool. The pool is open daily from 11 am to 5:45 pm. Check out the pool rules HERE.
*Photo from MLK Community Pool & Community Center.
27 – Key West’s Southernmost House & Museum
Address: 1400 Duval Street Key West FL
Visit and stay at the Southernmost House in Key West. The house was built as a private residence in 1896 and it’s a minute walk to the Southernmost Point Monument. Today it’s a Bed and Breakfast and they offer continental breakfast, heated outdoor pool and there are hammocks available at the beach. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE. *Photo from Southernmost House website.
28 – Go Fishing, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Jet Skiing, Glass-bottom boat tour
Key West weather is perfect for any water sport and the clear blue water makes it even more enjoyable. Go Fishing, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Jet Skiing, Diving or take a Glass-bottom boat tour to see the reef. Check their website keywest.com to find out about companies that offers these services.
29 – Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortuga National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West and it’s know by its big Fort Jefferson, clear blue water, wonderful coral reefs and marine life. The only ways to access the island is by boat (private or their ferry) or water plane. The Yankee Freedom III is the park’s ferry and they leave at
7:00am and come back at 5:15pm.
Photo by Christopher Osten on Unsplash
30 – Shop at the local shops
There are lots of local shops in Key West. You can find anything from clothings and gifts to home decor and local art. One of the best areas to shop is Mallory Square and you can find lots of local treasures, gifts and souvenirs.
Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash.
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