Key West Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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Old Town Key West

While visiting Old Town Key West, you might make a stop by sights like Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Old Town Key West
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Key West Historic District

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Travellers to Key West Historic District praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Key West Historic District
Smathers Beach which includes windsurfing, tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Beachside

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

Beachside
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Downtown Key West

While visiting Downtown Key West, you might make a stop by sights like Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Downtown Key West
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New Town

5/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in New Town, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Smathers Beach and Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.

New Town
Harry S. Truman Little White House which includes a house, a park and heritage elements

Truman Annex

If you're spending some time in Truman Annex, Harry S. Truman Little White House and Mel Fisher Maritime Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Truman Annex
Beachside Resort & Residences

Beachside Resort & Residences

3.5 out of 5
3841 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL
The price is NZ$338 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$338
20 July - 21 July
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! (1,349 reviews)
"Like the resort.a little mixed with residential residents & hotel. Over all very well. My dislike that there's nothing walkable distance during the hot temperatures"

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 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 NZ$489 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$489
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (2,613 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay very much."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 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 NZ$324 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$324
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (1,468 reviews)
"Pools little bus"

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 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 9 Jun. 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! (158 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 30 Jun. 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 10 Apr. 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

Activities

Reviews of Key West

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%