What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Key West? Gorgeous sunsets from Mallory Square? Bar hopping on Duval Street? Lounging on the beach in the shade of a palm tree? Key West may be a small place, but there’s a lot here to keep you busy.
Whether you want to go snorkeling, cruise around the island on a tiki boat, explore historic landmarks, or simply relax with a tropical drink, there are plenty of fun things to do in Key West.
We’ve visited Key West four times, exploring everything from its famous sights to its quieter corners and local hangouts. In this guide, we share our favorite experiences, the attractions we think are worth your time, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
Our Experiences in Key West: We’ve visited Key West four times, beginning in 2000, with return trips most recently in February 2018 and December 2021. We also have close family members who have spent a month in Key West every year for the past decade. On one of our visits, we spent time exploring the island with them, visiting their favorite restaurants, bars, and local hangouts. Our recommendations combine our own experiences with tips we’ve picked up from family who know the island extremely well.
The Essentials
BEST TIME TO VISIT | November through April for warm weather and lower humidity. December through March is peak tourist season.
HOW MANY DAYS | 2 to 3 days to see the highlights, or 4 to 5 days to add a trip to Dry Tortugas National Park and spend more time on the water.
TOP EXPERIENCES | Sunset at Mallory Square, a tiki boat cruise, exploring Duval Street, visiting the Hemingway House, and sampling Key West’s restaurants and bars.
BEST BEACH | Fort Zachary Taylor Beach for swimming and snorkeling; Smathers Beach for a long, sandy beach.
GETTING AROUND | Walk or bike in Old Town. A car isn’t necessary for most sightseeing, and parking can be expensive.
BOOK IN ADVANCE | Dry Tortugas ferry or seaplane, sunset cruises, popular water activities, and reservations at sought-after restaurants.
Best Things to Do in Key West: Our Top Picks
With so many things to do in Key West, deciding how to spend your time can be a challenge, especially if you only have a day or two. After three visits, these are the experiences that stand out to us.
- Best overall experience: A tiki boat cruise. This is one of our favorite things to do in Key West, and we’ve enjoyed it on two separate visits. It’s a fun, memorable way to get out on the water.
- Best for first-time visitors: Mallory Square at sunset. The nightly sunset celebration, complete with street performers and a festive atmosphere, is a classic Key West experience.
- Best historic attraction: Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Tour Hemingway’s former home, learn about Key West history, and meet the famous six-toed cats.
- Best beach: Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. Our pick for spending a few hours swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing by the water.
- Best for food and drinks: Explore Duval Street and the Historic Seaport. Stop into lively bars, enjoy live music, and sample Key West’s restaurants.
- Best day trip: Dry Tortugas National Park. This remote national park is home to Fort Jefferson, excellent snorkeling, and beautiful turquoise water. Getting here is an adventure in itself.
Our advice: If you only have one day in Key West, focus on exploring Old Town, visiting one or two historic attractions, enjoying some great food, and watching the sunset. With two or three days, add a boat excursion, beach time, and more of the experiences listed below.
Interesting Facts about Key West
Key West is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States (Hawaii is located farther south than Key West). It is located along the Florida Straits, a coral reef that runs from Dry Tortugas National Park to Miami. This coral reef system is the third largest in the world.
Route 1 ends in Key West (or begins here, depending on how you look at it). This highway is 2,370 miles long and runs to the Canadian border.
Many famous people once called Key West home or vacationed here frequently. Ernest Hemingway is probably Key West’s most famous resident, but Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams, Shel Silverstein, and Jimmy Buffett once resided here. President Harry S. Truman had a winter house here, and touring it is one of the best things to do in Key West.
People born in Key West are referred to as “conchs.” People who are born elsewhere and move to Key West are called a freshwater conch once they live here for seven years.
Key West is closer to Havana, Cuba than Miami. In fact, Key West sits just 90 miles north of Cuba. There are a lot of Cuban influences in the food and drinks in Key West…mojitos, Cuban coffee, roasted pork, Cuban sandwiches…another great thing to do in Key West is to dine in Cuban restaurant or take a food tour.
Best Things to Do in Key West
1. Watch the Sunset at Mallory Square
Watching the sunset at Mallory Square is a Key West tradition and one of the best things to do on your first visit.
Every evening, Mallory Square transforms into a lively celebration, with street performers, musicians, local artists, and food vendors gathering along the waterfront. You’ll see everything from jugglers and acrobats to musicians and comedians. It’s a fun, festive atmosphere, and even if you’ve seen plenty of beautiful sunsets, this is a memorable way to end the day in Key West.
The Sunset Celebration begins roughly two hours before sunset, with the biggest crowds gathering as the sun approaches the horizon. We recommend arriving 45 to 60 minutes before sunset, giving you time to enjoy the entertainment and find a good spot along the waterfront.
Mallory Square at Sunset
Our Tip: Mallory Square gets crowded, especially during peak tourist season. For a different sunset experience, consider taking a sunset cruise. You’ll get beautiful views of the sun setting over the water, without the crowds at Mallory Square. A sunset cruise on a tiki boat is one of our favorite Key West experiences.
Good to Know: The Sunset Celebration is free to attend, although tips for the street performers are appreciated. Check the official Sunset Celebration website for more information.
2. Step Inside Ernest Hemingway’s Historic Home
Ernest Hemingway called Key West home from 1931 to 1939. His house is now a historic landmark, and a visit here is one of the most popular things to do in Key West.
During your visit, you will not only learn about Ernest Hemingway and his life in Key West, but you’ll also get a nice dose of Key West history. Included with your admission fee is a 20 to 30-minute guided tour of the property, which we recommend taking. Afterwards, you can explore the house and gardens on your own.
Just be prepared to see a lot of cats. And check out their tiny paws…the cats that roam the Hemingway property are famous for having six toes! Many are descendants of Snow White, Hemingway’s original six-toed cat.
Our Tip: This is one of Key West’s most popular attractions, so consider arriving early to avoid the biggest crowds. The Key West Lighthouse sits directly across the street, making these two attractions easy to visit together.
Website: Get updated hours and pricing on the official website.
3. Climb the Key West Lighthouse for Panoramic Views
Just across the street from the Hemingway House is the Key West lighthouse. Climb 88 steps to the top for one of the best views over the city.
Click here to visit the official website for hours and pricing.
4. Go Bar Hopping on Famous Duval Street
For many in the over-21 crowd, bar hopping along Duval Street may be one of the best things to do in Key West. In fact, many people travel to Key West to simply partake in endless days of bar hopping and partying.
Sloppy Joe’s is Key West’s most famous bar. It opened in 1933, the day after Prohibition ended. Ernest Hemingway was a frequent visitor here.
One of our new hang outs is Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon. They have live music all afternoon and into the night. Behind the saloon is Garbo’s Grill, a food truck that serves tacos and burritos with an Asian twist and is one of Key West’s best cheap eats.
We also really like the Rum Bar. This bar has an extensive list of rums and they also make great Rum Runners.
The Rum Bar
Other popular spots include the Hog’s Breath Saloon, the Green Parrot, the Bourbon St. Bar, and the Bull and Whistle Bar.
If you like the idea of watching a drag show (it’s a big thing here in Key West!), the best clubs are Aqua, La Te Da, and Bourbon St. Bar.
One more idea…how about a guided pub crawl along Duval Street?
5. Walk Among Butterflies at the Key West Butterfly Conservatory
This place is wonderful! Wander through a small but lovely greenhouse, filled with tropical plants, birds, and of course, butterflies. We loved watching the two flamingoes, Rhett and Scarlett, who were in the midst of a mating ritual. Their squawking was hilarious.
Note: If you do not like the idea of butterflies landing on you, you might want to skip this. The butterflies, and the flamingoes, seem to be attracted to aqua and blue colors. I was wearing a bright aqua colored shirt and the butterflies would not leave me alone.
Website: Get updated hours and pricing on the official website.
6. Learn How Rum is Made at a Rum Distillery
If you want to learn about how rum is made and do a tasting, you have several options in Key West.
The Key West First Legal Rum Distillery opened in 2013 and offers free tours throughout the week from 12 am to 5 pm. Tours run every 20 minutes and last 15 minutes. On Fridays and Saturdays, they also offer a mojito class.
Papa’s Pilar, a newer game in town, crafts rum named in honor of Ernest Hemingway. On our most recent visit to Key West, this is the distillery that we toured, since we are fans of the dark rum. The distillery tour lasts 45 minutes and they also offer cocktail classes that look like a lot of fun. Make your reservation in advance because they sell out early!
Inside the Pilar Rum Distillery
7. Cruise around Key West on a Tiki Boat
This is one of our favorite things to do in Key West.
If you are looking for something fun and unique to do, how about a ride on a tiki boat? Cruise around beautiful Key West, all while seated at a tiki bar and sipping on tropical drinks.
There are a variety of cruises you can choose from. There are mangrove tours, sunset tours, and swimming tours. You can take a private tour on a tiki boat (with a max of 6 people) or reserve a space and make new friends with other visitors.
We have done this on our past two visits to Key West. It’s a great thing to do if you are visiting Key West as a group, because you can all split the private charter fee. Learn more ↓
Prices vary depending on the cruise you choose, ranging from $75 or more per person. Visit the Cruisin’ Tikis Key West website for more information on their tours, updated pricing, and to reserve your spot.
Sunset views from the tiki boat.
8. Soak Up the Sun on Key West’s Beaches
Key West is famous for its turquoise water and tropical atmosphere, but it might surprise you to learn that it isn’t necessarily a great beach destination. You’ll find some beautiful beaches here, but they aren’t the long stretches of powdery white sand you might be expecting from other Florida destinations.
That said, spending a few hours at the beach is a wonderful way to relax between sightseeing and other activities. Some beaches are better for swimming and snorkeling, while others are ideal for lounging in the sun.
Here’s a quick rundown of Key West’s most popular beaches.
Smathers Beach
This two-mile stretch of white sand is Key West’s largest and most popular beach. It is located on the south side of the island near the airport.
This is a beautiful beach and one of the best choices if you want to spend a few hours lounging in the sun. You can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie sailboats from vendors on the beach. There are also several beach volleyball courts.
Best for: A classic beach day, sunbathing, and water sports.
Smathers Beach
Beach volleyball on Smathers Beach
At this stand you can rent lounge chairs, umbrellas, paddle boards, and more.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
This beach is located inside Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, and it’s one of our top picks in Key West, particularly if you want to go swimming or snorkeling.
Sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming are several of the most popular things to do here. You can also go fishing, explore the historic fort, or relax in the shade of the palm trees and pine trees.
The Cayo Hueso Café serves drinks, snacks, and small meals and is located right on the beach. There is also a hut that rents chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear.
One thing to know before you go is that this beach is rocky in places, so water shoes are a good idea. There is also an entrance fee to visit the state park.
Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, and combining beach time with a visit to a historic fort.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
There are lots of palm trees and pine trees that offer shade at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach.
Higgs Beach and Rest Beach
These pretty beaches sit side by side on the southern side of Key West. They are smaller and generally have a more laid-back atmosphere than Smathers Beach.
From here, you can walk out onto the Edward B. Knight Pier, a popular place to watch the sunrise.
Best for: A quieter beach visit and a leisurely walk along the waterfront.
Higgs Beach
Our Recommendation: If you only have time for one beach, choose Fort Zachary Taylor Beach for swimming and snorkeling, or Smathers Beach if you prefer a long, sandy beach with plenty of space to relax.
9. Take a Walk along Edward B. Knight Pier
This pier sits next to Higgs Beach. We walked out onto it and thought that the views were just OK, at least midday. I think it is only worth adding on to your Key West to do list if you have a lot of time here.
View from the Edward B. Knight Pier
10. Tour President Truman’s Little White House
This historic building served as the winter White House for President Harry S. Truman beginning in 1946. He spent 175 days of his presidency here, and documents issued from the Little White House read “The White House, US Naval Station, Key West, Florida.”
Since then, it has been used as a retreat for other US presidents, including Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Clinton.
Today, you can tour the Little White House and see the rooms where Truman lived, worked, and entertained guests in Key West. Your admission includes a guided tour, which takes approximately one hour. Along the way, you’ll learn about Truman’s presidency, the history of the house, and some of the important decisions made here.
For those with a strong interest in presidential history, there is also a VIP White Glove Experience, which includes access to areas not seen on the standard tour. However, this is a much more expensive option.
Is it worth it? If you enjoy American history or touring historic homes, this is an interesting place to visit. With limited time in Key West, we’d prioritize the Hemingway House, unless presidential history is a particular interest of yours.
Website: Get updated hours, ticket prices, and tour information on the official website.
11. Discover Key West’s Shipwreck History (and Climb the Lookout Tower)
Sitting next to Mallory Square is the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. At this museum, you can learn about the 1985 discovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856.
During the 1800s, shipwreck salvaging was one of Key West’s most important industries. The museum brings this history to life with artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, exhibits, and stories about the people who made their living rescuing ships and their cargo.
Our favorite thing about visiting this museum was the view of Key West. Climb the 65-foot lookout tower for aerial views over Mallory Square, the harbor, and the rooftops of Old Town.
Shipwreck Museum or Mel Fisher Maritime Museum? If you’re interested in Key West’s history and want to climb a lookout tower for great views, choose the Shipwreck Museum. If you’re more interested in sunken treasure and the discovery of a Spanish galleon filled with gold and silver, visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, described next.
Website: Get hours and pricing on the official website.
12. See Sunken Treasure at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
The Nuestra Señora de Atocha was a Spanish galleon laden with gold, silver, copper, and gems. It sank during a hurricane in the Florida Keys in 1622. For years, Mel Fisher and a team of treasure hunters searched for the sunken ship. In 1985, they finally discovered the ship’s main treasure cargo, making it one of the most famous shipwreck discoveries in history.
In 2014, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha was added to the Guinness Book of World Records for the most valuable shipwreck to be recovered.
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum recounts Fisher’s treasure-hunting quest and displays some of the recovered treasure. You’ll see artifacts recovered from shipwrecks and learn about the challenges of finding and preserving objects that have spent centuries underwater.
The museum also explores the broader maritime history of the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. For those with a deeper interest in maritime archaeology, there are behind-the-scenes tours of the conservation laboratory.
Is it worth it? This museum is best for those interested in treasure hunting, archaeology, and maritime history. Compared with the Shipwreck Museum, it’s more focused on the artifacts and the discoveries themselves rather than the experience of being a shipwreck salvager. If you only plan to visit one, choose the museum that interests you most.
Website: Get hours and pricing on the official website.
13. Eat Your Way through Key West
One of the best things to do in Key West is to eat. Key lime pie, conch fritters, Cuban food, coffee, fresh seafood, lobster rolls…the choices are endless.
On our visits to Key West, we have racked up quite the list of great restaurants to try. Here are a few of our favorites. You can get the full list in our guide Best Restaurants in Key West Restaurant.
Blue Heaven. For breakfast and brunch, this is a must-visit. Dine outdoors in this quirky, creatively decorated restaurant that serves amazing food. Get here early or be prepared to wait up to an hour for a table.
Cuban Coffee Queen. We had one of our best meals at this outdoor food stand. Located near the Key West Historic Seaport, this small restaurant serves Cuban cuisine and the best coffee that I had in Key West.
Latitudes. This is fine dining restaurant that is located on Sunset Key. The food is wonderful and this is another prime spot to watch the sunset.
Santiago’s Bodega. Tapas, anyone? Again, this place is soooo good. Dare I say the best food on the island? If you like the idea of small plates of gourmet food, put this spot on your list.
Take a food tour of Key West. On this small group walking tour, sample iconic Key West dishes such as Key Lime pie and conch fritters, and explore the cultural neighborhoods of Key West.
Best Restaurants in Key West: 20 Great Places to Eat & Drink
Where to eat and drink in Key West.14. Snap a Photo at the Southernmost Point
Ok, this really isn’t one of the best things to do in Key West, unless you like waiting in line, but it seems like I couldn’t ignore it, because it is such a popular thing to do.
Midday, expect a long line of people. Worth it? That’s for you to decide.
But if you go in the morning (we did this at 8 am on our most recent visit), you can walk right up and have your photo taken. No line, no waiting.
15. Explore the Lively Key West Historic Seaport
The Key West Historic Seaport is one of our favorite areas to wander around in Key West. Hundreds of boats and yachts are docked here, and restaurants, bars, and shops line the harbor. It’s a lively, colorful place to spend some time, whether you’re looking for a great meal, a tropical drink, or simply somewhere to stroll along the waterfront.
While you are here, belly up to the bar at Schooner Wharf, a Key West institution known for its laid-back atmosphere and live music. Or grab a cup of Cuban coffee at Cuban Coffee Queen, one of our favorite places for coffee and a quick meal in Key West.
The Historic Seaport is also the departure point for many of Key West’s boat excursions, including snorkeling trips, fishing charters, and sunset cruises.
Our Tip: You don’t need to have a particular destination in mind to enjoy this area. Take a walk along the Harborwalk, watch the boats come and go, and stop for a drink or a bite to eat. It’s a great place to spend an hour or two, particularly if you want a break from sightseeing.
16. Take a Day Trip out to the Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas National Park is a collection of seven small islands that sit at the end of the Florida Keys. The reefs that surround these islands caused numerous shipwrecks. The United States used these reefs to its advantage, establishing one of the most strategic harbors in US history.
Most of the park is water, but it is also home to coral reefs, bird nesting grounds, and historic Fort Jefferson. While you are here, the things to do at the Dry Tortugas includes snorkeling or swimming, tour Fort Jefferson, and you can even camp on Garden Key.
You can get to the Dry Tortugas by seaplane, ferry, or private charter. We went by seaplane and the views of the Florida Keys are spectacular!
A day trip to the Dry Tortugas ranges from 4 hours (half-day trip by seaplane) to a full day experience (full day trip by seaplane or by taking the Yankee Freedom ferry).
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17. Kayak through Key West’s Mangrove Tunnels
Paddle through tunnels of mangrove trees, and look for nurse sharks, sea stars, tropical fish, and aquatic birds. Kayaking and paddle boarding tours are run by Lazy Dog and last 2 hours. Prices start at $70 per person.
Lazy Dog also rents kayaks and paddle boards. You can even take a SUP yoga class. If you are here during Halloween, check out their Haunted Kayak Tour!
And if you are wondering, mosquitoes are generally not an issue in these mangrove swamps. We took the kayaking tour in December and didn’t see any mosquitoes.
Tim holding a jellyfish
18. Get Out on the Water: Snorkeling, Jet Skiing & More
There are numerous options for getting off dry land and touring Key West and the nearby sea by boat. For thrill seekers, a sunset tour around the island by waverunner is a blast. Tim and I did this way back in 2000 and it is still one of our favorite memories of Key West.
You can take an Eco Tour of the mangroves, take a SUP tour, go on a dolphin cruise, or take a sunset catamaran cruise.
And don’t forget about the tiki boat! 😊
Tours of Key West
More Things to Do in Key West (Including Free Activities)
If you’ve already visited Key West’s top attractions or are looking for something a little different, here are a few more places to consider. Several of these are free, making them great options if you’re visiting Key West on a budget.
- Explore the Key West Cemetery. Dating back to 1847, this historic cemetery is known for its unusual headstones and humorous epitaphs. Pick up a free self-guided walking map at the entrance to discover some of its most interesting graves.
- Visit the Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower. Wander through lush tropical gardens filled with orchids, exotic plants, and historic fort ruins overlooking the ocean. Admission is free, and it’s a peaceful escape from the busier parts of Key West.
- Wander through Bahama Village. This historic neighborhood is known for its colorful houses, Caribbean influences, and quiet streets. It’s a great place to explore on foot and see a different side of Key West.
- Take a self-guided walking tour of Old Town. Admire the pastel-colored houses, tropical gardens, and historic architecture. Simply wandering through Old Town is one of our favorite ways to experience the island’s laid-back atmosphere.
More Free Things to Do in Key West
Some of Key West’s best experiences are completely free, including several we’ve already covered in this guide. Watch the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, stroll along Duval Street, explore the Historic Seaport, snap a photo at the Southernmost Point, or walk out onto Edward B. Knight Pier.
For a relaxing beach day, head to Smathers Beach or Higgs Beach, both of which are free to visit, although parking and equipment rentals may cost extra.
Our Tip: You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy Key West. Some of the most memorable moments come from simply exploring its colorful streets, watching the boats in the harbor, and enjoying a spectacular sunset.
Things to Do in Key West: On a Map
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
How Many Days Do You Need in Key West?
We recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Key West. This gives you enough time to explore Old Town, visit a few historic attractions, enjoy the restaurants and bars, and get out on the water.
One day in Key West: Focus on the highlights. Visit the Hemingway House, walk along Duval Street, explore the Historic Seaport, and watch the sunset at Mallory Square. You can see quite a bit of Key West in one day since Old Town is so walkable.
Two to three days in Key West: This is the sweet spot for most first-time visitors. In addition to sightseeing, you’ll have time for a tiki boat cruise, snorkeling excursion, beach visit, or kayaking tour.
Four to five days in Key West: With more time, you can add a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, enjoy more water activities, and spend some leisurely afternoons relaxing at the beach or visiting restaurants and bars.
If you plan to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, we recommend adding an extra day to your itinerary. Most visitors spend the better part of a day on this excursion.
How to Get to Key West
The quickest way to get to Key West is to fly into Key West International Airport.
You can also get to Key West by road tripping down the Florida Keys. If you have a week or more, you can also visit Miami and Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. Learn how to plan a 7 to 10 day road trip through the Florida Keys, visiting Miami, Key West, Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks in our Florida Keys Itinerary.
We also have a guide to things to do along the Florida Keys. It takes a full day to drive from Miami to Key West, hopping through the Keys and visiting state parks, beaches, snorkeling sites, breweries, restaurants and bars, and animal conservation centers.
How to Get Around Key West
Key West is a very walkable town. Many of the best things to do in Key West are located around Mallory Square, along Duval and Whitehead Streets, and down towards the Southernmost Point.
The Key West Trolley can be used as a hop-on hop-off bus to get around Key West.
Bicycling is a great way to get around, plus you can take advantage of the cheaper entrance fee into Fort Zachary State Park.
I don’t recommend driving from place to place in Key West because parking can be challenging and expensive. If we have a car, we tend to keep it parked at our hotel and then we walk, cycle, or use Uber to get around.
You can also rent a golf cart to get around Key West.
Best Time to Visit Key West
The best time to visit Key West is from December through April, when temperatures are warm, humidity is lower, and rainfall is generally at its lowest. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, making this an ideal time for sightseeing, dining outdoors, and getting out on the water.
December through March is peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher hotel prices. April can be a great alternative, with warmer temperatures and generally less rain than during the summer months.
We’ve visited Key West in both February and December, and both were wonderful times to be here. December is particularly festive, with Christmas lights and decorations throughout town. One of the highlights is the annual Lighted Boat Parade, when decorated boats sail through the harbor near the Historic Seaport.
May through October is hotter and more humid, with frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms. You may find lower hotel prices and fewer crowds, but the heat can make sightseeing uncomfortable, particularly in July, August, and September.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the greatest risk of tropical storm and hurricane activity generally occurring from mid-August through mid-October. If you’re visiting during these months, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions.
Our Recommendation: For the best combination of comfortable weather and outdoor activities, visit between December and April. If you want to avoid the busiest winter months, April is a particularly good choice.
Where to Stay
For recommendations on where to stay, read our Key West Hotel Guide. This guide has recommendations on where to stay in Key West, organized by budget and location.
Where to Stay in Key West in 2026 (for First Timers)
Pick out the best location and hotel for your budget.Plan Your Trip to Key West & the Florida Keys
Planning a trip to Key West? Here are more of our guides to help you choose where to eat, where to stay, and what to see along the Florida Keys.
- Looking for great places to eat? → Our Best Restaurants in Key West guide features our favorite restaurants, casual eateries, places to try Key lime pie, and waterfront bars.
- Deciding where to stay? → Our Where to Stay in Key West guide covers the best neighborhoods and hotels for every budget, including recommendations for first-time visitors.
- Planning a Florida Keys road trip? → Follow our Florida Keys Itinerary, with 7 to 10-day routes connecting Miami, Key West, and three national parks.
- Exploring more of the Florida Keys? → Discover the Best Things to Do in the Florida Keys, including beaches, snorkeling spots, waterfront restaurants, and fun stops along the Overseas Highway.
- Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park? → Our Dry Tortugas Travel Guide explains how to get there by ferry or seaplane, what to do, and how to plan your visit.
- Exploring more of Florida? → Visit our Florida Travel Guide for more destination guides, national parks, and road trip ideas.
If you have any questions about the best things to do in Key West, or if you would like to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.
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30 Fun Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia (+ Our Favorites)
Savannah, Georgia…this is where elegant mansions sit across from shady squares, art galleries and boutique shops dot the city streets, and restaurants and rooftop bars make great hang out spots for both locals and visitors. In this post, we cover the 30 best things to do in Savannah. Kara has called Savannah home for the […]
20 Amazing Things to Do in Charleston, SC
Charleston is a small coastal city in South Carolina. Touring its historic homes, shopping along King Street and in the Charleston City Market, and getting a history lesson at its museums top the list of things to do in Charleston. But you can also dine at a wonderfully long list of restaurants and venture beyond […]
Best USA Road Trips: 18 Ideas for Your Next Big Adventure
One of the best ways to explore the USA is on a good old-fashioned road trip. Cruise along Route 66, road trip through the Florida Keys, explore the American Southwest, or even drive from coast to coast. In this guide, we share 18 of the best USA road trips…18 great ideas for your next big […]
10 Best US National Parks to Visit in December
Which are the best national parks to visit in December? In this guide, we list 10 beautiful national parks in the USA. Whether you are planning a family getaway during winter break or a vacation before the holiday season rolls around, we have lots of great ideas for you. Go hiking in Utah, gaze across […]
United States Travel Guide: Places to Visit in the USA
Plan your visit to the United States. Learn about the best things to do, how to plan your time, road trip ideas, and sample itineraries.
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