Springtime in Key West is a tropical delight. Mild temperatures mean warm days and comfortable nights — perfect weather to see the sights, eat the delights and explore the city.
Key West is a tiny island, just four miles long and 2 miles wide, and the last in the chain of the Florida keys. Don’t let its small size fool you, Key West is big on things to do. Historic museums, water and outdoor activities, cultural events, live music, delicious food and drink, and the list goes on. There is truly something to match everyone’s interest and taste.
When planning a trip to Key West, focus your stay and activities in the historic Old Town area to reap the most of what the city has to offer. The heartbeat of Old Town is Duval Street, a 1.2 mile long road that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean side of the island to the Gulf side. Lining the street is a mix of restaurants, bars, retail, art galleries and more.
Duval may be Old Town’s “Main Street,” but interspersed throughout the side streets are even more things to discover from historic locations to beautiful beaches. So, read on and take note of the top things to do in Old Town Key West.
Key West: Historic Homes and Museums
The Hemingway Home & Museum — Nobel Prize winning author and journalist, Ernest Hemingway, made Key West his home for about eight years and wrote many of his most famous works while there. Visitors can experience his home and the grounds through a self guided tour and/or a guided group tour (included in the ticket price).
The historic home is situated on a lush shady lot that evokes a tranquil island feel. The home is filled with memorabilia from Hemingway’s life and decorated with original furnishings. Another highlight are the nearly 60 polydactyl (six-toed) cats that live on the property. These unusual felines are descendants of Hemingway’s polydactyl cat, Snow White.
Open Daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. No reservations, walk-ins only. Self-guided tour plus optional 20-30 minute guided tour. Guided tours start every 30 mins. More information.
Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters — The history of this naval lighthouse dates back to the 1800s (this is not the island’s first lighthouse). Located on the highest point in Key West, climb its 88 stairs to the top and enjoy views of the island and 15 miles across the nearby turquoise-colored sea.
The Keeper's Quarters Museum explores what life was like for a lighthouse keeper. To manage expectations, the lighthouse is inland, not along the shoreline. The lighthouse is part of a collection of attractions by the Key West Art & Historical Society.
Open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last entrance, 4:30 p.m.). Self-guided tour.
Walk-in tickets available or reserved in advance online. Discounts and free admission for special groups, such as active military and children. Admission is good all day. More information.
The Harry S. Truman Little White House — The Little White House is the perfect stop for anyone interested in presidential and modern U.S. history. Built in 1890 as living quarters for U.S. Naval officers, the historic site served as a functioning White House when President Truman conducted official business during vacations (he also recuperated there after his heart attack).
The Little White House was the site for summits and enacting important executive orders. In addition to Truman, the home was used by multiple presidents including Eisenhower, Kennedy and Clinton.
Open daily, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Guided tour lasts 30 min. Time reservations not needed. Tickets available online. Discounts for bundling with other attractions. More information.
Key West Museum of Art & History at the Customs House — This museum is located in the popular Mallory Square area and housed in the island’s former Customs House. The building first opened in 1891 and also housed the post office and federal courthouse.
Today, visitors can learn more about Key West’s evolving history and culture through exhibits on the first two floors. For instance, learn how oil baron Henry Flagler made a railroad connecting Key West to mainland Florida a reality. The Customs House is part of a collection of attractions by the Key West Art & Historical Society.
Open Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.(last entrance, 4:30 p.m.). Self-guided tour. Walk-in tickets available or reserved in advance online. Discounts and free admission for special groups, such as active military and children. Admission is good all day. More information.
Tennessee Williams Museum — Tennessee Williams, one of America’s most celebrated playwrights, was a long-time resident of Key West. Housed within Williams' home, the museum features a plethora of information about his work and his life, particularly in Key West. On display are signed works, playbills, historic photos with notables (particularly actors and actresses in his plays) and newspaper articles.
Unlike the Hemingway house, there is very little of Williams’ personal belongings on display. The entire museum is basically two rooms. If you are a fan of his work (and the movies of his work), then you’ll enjoy the museum. Otherwise, it's underwhelming compared to the Hemingway experience. The museum is part of a collection of attractions by the Key West Art & Historical Society.
Open Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last entrance, 4:30 p.m.). Self-guided tour. Walk-in tickets available or reserved in advance online. Discounts and free admission for special groups, such as active veterans and children. Admission is good all day. More information.
Mother Nature's Big Show: Sunset Watching in Key West
Enjoying the sunset in Key West is a nightly ritual and practically a requirement when visiting. Frankly, there’s hardly a bad spot for seeing the sunset, but some are more regaled than others.
Mallory Square and Sunset Pier — The most popular, hands down: Mallory Square and Sunset Pier. As the afternoon hours countdown, crowds of people start gathering and finding their spot for the big show, so get there with time to spare.
Mallory Square is a large, wide plaza at the end of Duval street and right on the water. A collection of street performers, vendors and live music, help pass the time until sunset. On the water, boat owners and charters cruise by and pause to watch the sunset from aboard.
Connected to the square is Sunset Pier, behind Ocean Key Resort. Sunset pier has a single bar railing with bar stools right on the water, as well as a large, wide pier filled with tables and chairs. Between both is a bar and a small outdoor stage for live music. Get a drink, find a chair and don’t move until sunset or you’ll be standing the whole time. Once the sun sets, the crowd clears out pretty fast.
Edward Knight Pier — Located at the end of White Street on the Atlantic side of the island, the Edward Knight Pier is huge, extending a quarter mile over the water. Thanks to the extension, the pier is a nice place to enjoy unobstructed views of sunrise and sunset colors across the water.
Throughout the day, the pier is also a popular place to simply enjoy the ocean and watch boats coming and going. The pier is made of concrete with zero shade, so it really heats up on hot days. The pier is dog and bike friendly.
Sand in Your Toes: Key West Beaches
Key West has beautiful beaches, but some are better for the views than relaxing in a chair or on a towel. Here’s a rundown on options when the ocean is calling.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach — For that just right experience where you can do it all, visit Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. The beach, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf come together, is within a 54-acre park that includes a large shaded forested area and a sunny beachfront. If you don’t want to sit in the sun, then relax under the palms and other trees that are close to the shoreline.
Bike, drive or walk into the property (small admission fee based on mode of transportation and number of people) and then find your spot on the sand. If you don't have your own gear, you can rent chairs, umbrellas and even snorkeling items (although the water is still pretty cold in the spring).
They do not rent towels, but they are available for purchase. Be sure to bring water shoes or flip flops because this is a coral beach with a mix of sand and coral pebbles of varying sizes. There are large bathrooms, lockers for rent, and a cafe on site. Being able to change out of a suit into other clothes is a nice perk, especially if you are going from the beach to a restaurant.
The park has picnic tables, grills, and trails for biking and walking. It is a beautiful area to explore. The paths follow along the ocean, the moat outside historic Fort Taylor and through denser parts of the forest (you might see an iguana).
The park, including all of the grounds, beach and Fort Taylor, is a National Historic Landmark. The fort is named for U.S. President Zachary Taylor, and dates back to the mid 1800s.
The fort’s history includes serving as a Union stronghold and headquarters for the U.S. Navy’s East Gulf Coast blockade squadron during the Civil War. Today, the remains of the fort and its museum can be toured. It also has the largest collection of Civil War cannons in the U.S.
Open daily, 8 a.m. – to sunset. Fort, open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cafe and beach rental stand open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Plenty of parking. More information.
Higgs Memorial Beach — Higgs is a public beach and waterfront park on the Atlantic Ocean. Available amenities include volleyball, snorkeling, pickleball and a playground. Rentals are available for beach chairs, umbrellas, paddleboards and more.
The bathrooms and showers were renovated in 2024. There is also an oceanfront restaurant and ample parking. The beach is flanked by two piers: the Reynolds Street and Knight pier at the end of White Street. Open daily, 6 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Rest Beach — This small, narrow beach is located next door to Higgs and the Knight pier entrance. Don’t expect any amenities beyond a picnic table, but it won’t be as crowded either. Open daily, 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
South Beach — South Beach is a small beach located at the end of Duval Street in a touristy area with lots of restaurants, shops and accommodations, including the Southernmost Beach Resort. It’s also just around the corner from the Southernmost Point marker, a popular picture spot (more on that later).
Although you can rent a beach chair, go somewhere else to sit on the beach or put your feet in the ocean if you want peace and quiet. This is a busy area. Although a public beach, priority is given to resort guests for lounge chairs.
Southernmost Beach Cafe, which is part of the resort, is located on the beach and a popular place for drinks and especially breakfast. Beachgoers also benefit from the cafe's live music. There are no restrooms at South Beach, except in the cafe or other restaurants. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
Smathers Beach — Although located in the New Town rather than the Old Town section of Key West, Smathers Beach is just too big to leave off the list. At ½ mile long, it’s the largest public beach on the island. The beach runs parallel to Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway and a large sidewalk used for biking and exercise. Parking is available along the road, but usually with a small fee per hour. Restrooms available. Food trucks during popular times. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Bathrooms close at 6:30 p.m.
Key West Hidden Gems
Key West Garden Club and West Martello Tower — The Key West Garden Club had turned a fortification dating black to the War of 1812 into its home and transformed it into a tropical paradise. Club members have thoughtfully created a variety of unique spaces that incorporate the remains of the fort’s brick walls. There are water features, a butterfly garden, ornamentations and shaded places to sit and watch the ocean.
An extra special spot is the walking meditation labyrinth (also the site of a regular yoga class). Because of the fort’s design, this area is atop a small hill and the view of the ocean is gorgeous. When biking Key West this is a wonderful place to stop and cool down (cold bottles of water are for sale). It’s located on Atlantic Blvd. next door to the popular Higgs beach.
Open daily, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. except Christmas and New Year’s Day. No entrance fee, but a small donation is welcome. More information.
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservancy — Experience a tropical paradise of birds and 50-60 butterfly species from around the world. I’ve been to numerous butterfly habitats, but never with this many active butterflies and species variety. It was a wonderful experience watching them flutter all around.
The habitat is within a glass-enclosed, climate controlled dome-like structure. It’s filled with tropical plants and flowers, as well as a water feature and a resident pair of pink flamingos, Rhett and Scarlett. There is a viewing area for watching butterflies emerge from their chrysalis and plenty of staff on hand to answer questions.
Open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last entrance, 4:30 p.m.). Hours vary for major holidays. More information.
Tours of Old Town Key West
Walking Tours — A fun and popular way to take advantage of Key West’s small size and flat topography is a walking tour. There is a tour to match just about everyone’s interest — food, drink, history, architecture, culture, etc. And, there are plenty of guided tour companies to provide the experience.
If you'd rather do a self-guided tour, consider the Key West Art & Historical Society's Historic Marker Tour. The tour features over 120 sites with audio descriptions and vintage photographs. There are also numerous themes to explore such as the island’s cigar industry, maritime heritage, military history and architecture. More information.
For simply a nice walk along the water, then explore the Historic Seaport Harbor Walk along AB Marina. The seaport is spread over 20 acres so there is always something interesting to discover — gorgeous yachts, fishing boats, shops, galleries, places to eat, attractions and more. More information.
Ride Along Tours — If you're not up for walking, check out a ride along tour. For the instance, the Conch Tour Train is an open air, mini "train" that offers an hour long tour of Old Town along with other perks, such as a free guided walking tour and admission to the Sails and Rails Museum. Or, you might prefer the 90 minute, hop on, hop off experience provided by Old Town Trolley Tours. Both tours, along with some other attractions, are owned by the Key West-based company, Historic Tours of America, which is why some popular activities can be bundled.
How about riding along by water? There are charters, floating tiki bars and more if you want to enjoy the sites aboard a vessel. For instance, Lagerheads Beach Bar and Watersports offers tours onboard the Rum Runner, a small pontoon party boat (up to 16 passengers). Choices include visiting a sand bar and ship wreck site for snorkeling and a sunset cruise, Side note, Lagerheads has its own (small) beach and cafe. Chair rentals are $10 for the day.
The Fury company huge assortment of water tours and activities for small and large parties. Glass bottom boats, dolphin cruises, sunset cruises with live music, jet skies, parasailing and more.
Looking for some adventure off the island, then consider Dry Tortugas National Park. Visiting the island, which is about 70 miles off the coast of Key West, is a popular, day-long adventure for snorkeling and touring the historic Fort Jefferson.
The park is a collection of seven coral reef islands. A tour company will charter you by ferry or seaplane. Passes and fees are managed by the National Park Service. For anyone considering, this tour, keep in mind the outer moat wall is closed for repairs until 2026. More information.
Food and Drink Tours — Plenty of companies offer tours around Old Town with a food and/or drink theme. For a one-stop experience to learn all about Key West's signature spirit, tour the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery. Your tour guide will explain Key West's association with rum and the distillery's unique salt cured, barrel technique. All tours include a free sample tasting. Tours are free and last about 15 minutes (no reservation needed). It's the perfect choice if you don't have two-to-three hours for a more involved tour that crisscrosses the city.
The distillery also has mojito-making classes, a rum bar and a gift shop (they sell rum cakes, shirts and other spirits). To help you pick your favorite rum, complimentary tastings are offered. The distillery is perfectly located a couple of blocks from Mallory Square, on Simonton Street between Duval and the Historic Seaport. More information.
An Eye on the Creative — If you love art, then you'll love Key West and discovering its creative side from the numerous art galleries to the beautiful architecture. Whether during an official tour or not, one of the fun things to notice when exploring Old Town are the baluster designs, murals and other sculpture installations.
Balusters are the support pieces for a porch railing. Key West is known for its distinct baluster designs, which are found on all kinds of homes and businesses.
Old Town Key West was designated a historic district in the 1970s. As a result, architecture mandates are in place that prevent residences and businesses within the district from altering original structures and colors without permission.
So, much of what you see is how it was years ago, including balusters with unique designs that often have a special meaning. For instance, the balusters at the former home of the 1940's jazz musician, Theodore "Fats" Navarro, features a trumpet design.
Key West inspires creativity and the city embraces it. Throughout Old Town are large, vibrant murals by a variety of well-known artists including Rick Worth an Robert Wyland.
The "Wyland Wall" is a depiction of marine life painted in the Seaport. This large mural joins others the artist has painted across the country to bring attention the beauty and importance of marine life and, for Key West in particular, its coral reef.
Worth's murals capture the people and life of the city. For instance, near the Blue Heaven restaurant is Worth's mural featuring a day in the life of Key West's Bahama Village neighborhood featuring actual residents.
Dispersed across the city are all kinds of public art installations, such as the Mallory Square sculpture garden featuring the bronze busts of people important to Key West history.
Adjacent to Mallory Square, in the corridor between the gift shop and the indoor dining room of the El Meson De PePe restaurant, are large-scale replicas of Mario Sanchez's painted wood carvings. The carvings depict vignettes of Cuban Key West life. A collection of his original work is next door in the Key West Museum of Art & History.
Where and What to Eat & Drink in Old Town Key West
Best Dinner with a View
Latitudes (Fine Dining) — Dining at Latitudes is an elegant, tranquil experience where the sunset is as much of a star as the food. Although not in Old Town, Latitudes is just too special to leave off the list. At least the ferry that takes you there departs from the historic district.
Latitudes is located on Sunset Key, a nearby resort island. Dining guests who aren’t staying on Sunset Key gather at the assigned dock, check in with the host and enjoy a relaxing 10 minute ride over.
Guests are seated outdoors overlooking the ocean at umbrella-shaded tables covered with white linens and adorned with tasteful place settings. The area is surrounded by lush landscaping and fire torches. Lighting is kept low and romantic. Best of all, every table has a perfect sunset view.
For dinner, I had an arugula and radicchio salad with grilled pineapple, spiced candied hazelnuts and a maple curry vinaigrette followed by a seared grouper with a spiced Cuban black bean sauce, chorizo, green apple jicama slaw, and yucca fries. Everything was plated beautifully and tasted even better than it looked. Perfection!
Conch Republic Seafood Company (Casual) — Conch Republic is a large, vibrant restaurant and bar located in the historic Key West Seaport. The food is delicious, generous in portion and comes with a side of picturesque marina views.
On nice days, the restaurant rolls up the garage door-like openings along its perimeter, so guests can enjoy Key West breezes and the variety of watercraft coming and going in the marina.
The Conch Republic prides itself on “dock to dish” fresh seafood and it did not disappoint. My bacon wrapped, crab stuffed shrimp with a BBQ glaze and pineapple salsa was so good!
Best Mojitos
Tropicado Mojito Bar — Key West is famous for Mojitos thanks to Cuban influences and a long association with key lime and rum (the drink’s main ingredients). For one that’s delicious, as well as presented beautifully, visit the Tropicado.
The bar is part of the upscale La Concha Hotel in the heart of Duval Street. The bar's wooden accents combined with dark greens and gold come together for a modern take on Caribbean decor. Sit at the bar or relax in the comfortable lounge-style seating.
During happy hour, expect live music, but don’t expect a rowdy crowd — that’s not the Tropicado. Instead, you'll find a low-key, refined vibe. You can also enjoy some Latin-inspired tapas to go along with your drink.
Best Outdoor Live Music
El Meson De PePe — Live music opportunities abound throughout Key West, especially along Duval Street. El Meson De PePe is fun and unique for its location and Cuban sounds. The restaurant, which focuses on Cuban and Caribbean food, is located right on Mallory Square. Its outdoor patio bar includes a live band and plenty of room for salsa dancing or just sitting and listening. It's the perfect place to enjoy before and after sunset.
Best Bar
Sloppy Joe’s — This bar is famous, especially for its association with Ernest Hemingway, who was a longtime patron. Today, it’s what you’d expect from a beach town bar — its busy, packed, the drinks are served fast and the music is live.
The bar honors its Hemingway past with a look-alike contest. January 2025 marked the 44th year for the contest. Photos of past and current winners hang on the “Papa” (Hemingway’s nickname) wall.
Best Rum Runner
Speakeasy Inn & Rum Bar — Key West was a rum smuggling epicenter during prohibition and those involved were known as “Rum Runners.” The drink named for those rebels is a delicious mix of rum and fruit liquors and juices. Similar to mojitos, pretty much every restaurant and bar serves a rum runner, so really you can find “the best” all over town.
The rum bar at the Speakeasy Inn is small, laid back and void of any pretense whatsoever. With hundreds of rums to choose from, it serves rum runners and other rum drinks that are well-made and tasty. It’s also well positioned on Duval Street near other popular spots, such at the Southernmost Point and the Hemingway House.
Be sure to notice the second floor baluster design that cleverly features the shape of bottles among hearts and diamonds — stealth advertising during prohibition that this was a place to drink and gamble.
Best Breakfast
Blue Heaven — This spot is well loved. Why? It offers a combo of delicious food served in an eclectic, fun outdoor setting. Although inside seating is offered, dining alfresco under a canopy of umbrellas and trees feels very Key West. Despite its popularity, we only waited a few minutes to be seated. Maybe the time seemed short because once your name is added to the waitlist, you can relax across the street at the restaurant’s shaded outdoor bar and music annex.
Breakfast items are served well into the afternoon. A favorite is shrimp and grits featuring “pinks,” a.k.a. pink Key West shrimp. The restaurant is also known for its banana bread and key lime pie (more on that later).
Taste isn’t the only sense that will come alive at Blue Heaven. There is so much take in among the artwork, live music and homespun decor. During our visit, tucked around one corner, was an art show featuring paintings of chickens and roosters. There were live ones roaming around, too. Classic Key West!
Best Breakfast Runner Ups
Sunny Eggs — This small, French-inspired cafe and bakery offers a wonderful sit down breakfast, which is served all day. My favorite dish is the Palm Breakfast, which is two organic eggs served your way, with bacon, roasted tomato, roasted potatoes, avocado slices and toast. If you are in a rush and need something quick to go, the baked goods, both savory and sweet, are pure perfection.
Moondog Cafe & Bakery — Moondog features straight-forward breakfast offerings, such a quiche, a breakfast burrito, and steak and eggs. Also a large selection of benedict and omelet options. Moondog’s charm is rooted in its vibrant decor featuring colorful furnishings and large murals with a Key West theme. When the weather’s nice, request a table on the front porch.
Best Key Lime Pie
Key limes are embedded in Key West culture. Historically, fishermen used them to prevent sickness and to tenderize conches for eating and flavor all kinds of recipes (a practice still used today). Probably the most beloved dish starring this little fruit is key lime pie.
Frankly, you can probably buy a slice every 50ft when walking Duval Street. And, everyone has their own preference - super tart vs mild, firm vs soft, meringue topping vs whipped - so here’s a few and enjoy discovering "the best" for yourself.
Kermit’s Key Lime Shop — A tart, firm pie with a dab of whipped topping. Traditional and delicious. Kermit's also have a variety of other key lime treats, such as cookies and pie slices on a stick that are dipped in coconut dark chocolate.
Best Key Lime Pie Runner Ups
Blue Heaven — If you like meringue, then this is the pie for you. Blue Heaven’s key lime topping peaks at least four to five inches high.
Cuban Coffee Queen — Serves a nice traditional slice that pairs nicely with a shot of their freshly roasted Cuban coffee.
Key West Pie Co. — This shop offers a mini, and very portable, whole pie, which is a nice option to a regular slice.
Best Neighborhood (non-tourist) Dining Experience
El Siboney Restaurant — There’s a reason people say, “Eat where the locals go.” El Siboney exemplifies this adage. It’s a no frills place, with straight up excellent Cuban food served in a comfortable, family environment. My recommendation is the slow roasted pork with rice and a side of black beans and a fried plantain. More please!
Eaton Street Seafood Market — The stars of this casual market and cafe are the fresh caught fish, shrimp and crab from local fishermen. Want a grilled or blackened fish sandwich? Walk over to the display case and pick out a fresh catch from that morning. Your fish will be cooked perfectly and served on a ciabatta bun with coleslaw and plantain chips.
Eaton Street has a large selection of sandwiches, as well as tacos, salads, fresh catch plates, and fried shrimp plates. My favorite was a fried Key West pink shrimp sandwich with a bowl of stone crab chowder. Get your order to go or enjoy the outside seating.
Best Conch Fritter
Conch Shack — Order at the Conch Shack's walk up counter and wait a few minutes for hot, fried fritters that are a Key West tradition. Conch is a marine mollusk. It's tough, which is why it's tenderized by mallet and often marinated in lime juice for cooking. Conch fritters, to me, are akin to a hushpuppy that’s softer and chewier.
The ones made by the Conch Shack have just the right blend of conch, spice and dough. For added brightness, squeeze the lime slice over the fritters and then dip them into either the shack’s key lime aioli or spicy sauce.
The food stand only has outdoor seating, which is perfect for people watching along Duval Street. The seating area is super small, so you might want to enjoy your fritters as you walk to Mallory Square for the sunset.
Best Conch Fritter Runner Up
Mangoes — Known for its Caribbean cuisine, Mangoes prepares delicious conch fritters. Order a side of their tomato-based conch chowder for the perfect compliment. Mangoes is a large restaurant with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating (big streetside patio). The courtyard lounge surround a huge banyan tree. Mangoes is located in the "Pink Triangle" section of Key West, which is the 700 and 800 blocks of Duval St., an area popular for LBGTQ+ nightlife.
Key West = Conch Republic
Key West has more associated with conch than just fritters. It's actually tied to the city's adopted alter ego — the Conch Republic.
In 1982, the U.S. Border Patrol set up a blockade on the road connecting Key West to the mainland. The blockade caused headaches for locals and affected tourism, so as symbolic protest, the city "seceded" from the U.S. and proclaimed itself the Conch Republic.
This act is annually celebrated with The Conch Republic Independence Celebration, a 10-day, spring-time festival. And, throughout the year, Conch Republic flags hang at homes and businesses across the city.
Getting Around Old Town Key West
Forget the rental car and opt instead for walking, biking, golf carting or scootering around Old Town. The area is flat, easy to navigate and everything is close to each other. Old Town is especially bike friendly with paths, dedicated lanes and shared lanes (the speed limit is low and drivers are respectful).
Some hotels, such as the La Concha, and vacation rental properties offer complimentary bikes. If yours doesn’t, there are plenty of rental options for bikes and other transportation modes. If you’d rather uber, there’s always one nearby and they arrive quickly within minutes.
Final Notes for Visiting Key West
Southernmost Point Marker — No trip to Key West is complete without an obligatory picture at this landmark noting the U.S.' southernmost point. Located on the corner of Whitehead and South streets in Old Town, the marker is basically a giant concrete shaped buoy with the ocean behind it.
Keep in mind, this is a popular thing to do and there’s always a line of people waiting their turn. The line moves fairly fast, but get there early to avoid longer midday lines. If you don’t mind not having the bright blue ocean as your backdrop, then stop by in the early evening for your picture when the crowd has cleared.
Let's Celebrate — Key West likes a party, festival and big event. In addition to the Conch Republic's Independence Celebration, the city hosts numerous special events throughout the year, including Hemingway Days, Mystery Writers Fest, sailing regattas, artisan markets, the Mile 0 music festival, Pride Fest, Earth Day, Tennessee Williams' birthday, and so much more.
A newly added — and immediately popular — event is Just A Few Friends, honoring Jimmy Buffet. The beloved musician, who lived in Key West for 30 years, died in 2023. The celebration is a collection of events over Labor Day weekend. A big highlight is the Second Line Parade and Party in the Park.
The parade is in the tradition of a New Orleans' style funeral procession where a brass band leads family members (the first line) followed by friends (the second line). And, thousands of parrot-head friends turn out each year! The week also includes music, margarita strolls, food events and more. Proceeds benefit local charities.
Feathered Friends — If you don't like chickens and roosters, then Key West is probably not for you. They roam freely around the city, including wandering into outdoor restaurants. Why? In the 1800s, Cuban settlers brought chickens and roosters to the island for food and cockfighting. In the 1970s, cockfighting was made illegal and the roosters were released.
Today, they are a cultural symbol of Key West and protected from harm by city ordinances. The animals keep to themselves just like birds, squirrels and other wildlife you might see in a community.
Key West International Airport — If traveling by plane in and out of Key West, take note that the airport is very, very small. Don’t let the size fool you into thinking you can show up close to your boarding time and avoid any problems.
We were advised to add extra time because things “come up.” Also, the waiting area is small and fills up quickly, so if you don’t want to stand the whole time, arrive early. There is a small snack market and a coffee shop, but no commercial food chains typically found in an airport
Weather and Pricing — December through April is considered the high season in Key West, so prices for airfare and lodging will likely be higher during these months. The higher price tag, however, is worth avoiding the blistering higher temps of the summer months or the fall’s rainy hurricane season. We visited in early March (the peak of high season) and expected big crowds, but that wasn't our experience. We got around the city easily and never struggled to find a place to eat or visit an attraction.
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