Dreaming of sun-soaked days, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife? Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States, offers all this and more.
Known for its laid-back atmosphere, historical charm, and natural beauty, Key West is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Key West enthusiast, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to make the most of your trip.
From navigating the best times to visit and essential packing tips to exploring local attractions and hidden gems, this guide will prepare you for an unforgettable Key West experience, especially if it’s your first time on the island.
Transportation in Key West
Generally speaking, you do not need to rent a car for your trip to Key West. There are some exceptions, though.
For example, you may want a car if you are doing a Florida Keys road trip.
Overall, Key West is very walkable as long as you’re staying within a few blocks or so of Duval Street. But if you’re staying closer to the Smathers Beach area, you’re not going to be as close to a lot of Key West’s attractions. I still wouldn’t recommend renting a car just for this, though because you’d really only need it just to get from your accommodation to the downtown area. On top of the car rental, parking can be a challenge and expensive.
Mopeds, bikes, and golf carts are very popular transportation options throughout Key West and there are tons of different places you can rent them. Key West has plenty of taxis; Uber and Lyft are in Key West as well. Finally, many hotels that are not in walking distance to downtown offer free shuttles.
I personally love getting around Key West by foot. I love stopping at any store my heart desires (or bar), exploring historic Bahama Village, and just taking my time without having to worry about parking at all.
Key West Weather
The heat in Key West is no joke, especially in the summer months. A lot of restaurants and bars in Key West are open-air, too. In other words, no air conditioning. You’ll want to make sure you’re hydrating (especially if you’re drinking a lot) and taking breaks to cool off.
Also, don’t forget the sunscreen. Being sunburnt on vacation is miserable.
Even though Key West is a tropical paradise, it can also get chilly in the winter months. If you’re traveling in the winter, make sure to check the temperature. It’s very common for visitors to expect to be warm only to be shocked that they need a sweater or jacket. When this happens, you’ll see the entire island wearing Key West sweatshirts from the gift shop.
The rain season in Key West is approximately June through October. If you check your weather app during these months (or any time of year, honestly), there’s a high likelihood it will show rain in the forecast but that doesn’t mean it will rain all day or that you’ll even see rain at all.
Personally, I don’t take rain in the forecast seriously unless there is a 60% chance or above. And even then, unless there’s a larger, known system moving in (like tropical storms), I don’t worry too much. Most of the time, it will only rain for 30 minutes or so, then it will be sunny like it never happened. Of course there are times it will rain all day but it’s rare.
Beaches in Key West
I love Key West beaches and what I’m about to say does not keep me from enjoying them. But I have seen enough disappointed visitors that I know I need to warn you about them. Not to scare you off but so that you’ll have realistic expectations.
Most people expect to find a pristine sandy beach when they visit. It makes sense since Key West is such a tropical paradise and all. But due to the coral, beaches tend to actually be kind of “rocky.” This can make it unpleasant to walk out into the water without water shoes (so just pack some water shoes and you’ll be fine).
In the summer, it’s possible for Key West beaches to get Sargassum Seaweed. Obviously, seeing seaweed isn’t super pleasant. It can also start to rot on the beach, which doesn’t smell great.
Don’t skip out on the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. It’s the best beach on the island in my opinion, although they are all stunning!
Chickens in Key West
Key West has tons of free range chickens throughout the island. The history of how chickens came to Key West is not fully known but there are a few theories. The most popular/well-known theory is that they came to Key West by Cuban immigrants in the 1800s.
Another theory is that they came to Key West by way of Spanish explorers in the 16th century.
But you should also know that it is illegal to feed them. The chickens are also protected, so it is illegal to harass them. So just leave them alone and enjoy them from a distance.
And yes, they will probably wake you up in the morning if you are a light sleeper. I don’t mind, it’s the sound of island life!
Key West Can Be Whatever You Want
Yes, Key West has a reputation of being a party town. And if that’s what you’re most interested in, you definitely won’t be disappointed. There are tons of opportunities to party in Key West (there are over 40 bars on Duval Street alone).
But one of the best things about Key West is that there is also so much more to it than partying. It’s a perfect place to vacation because there really is something for everyone.
Key West has a lot of history. You can visit the fort at Fort Zachary Taylor or the Fort East Martello Museum & Gardens. It is the former home of Ernest Hemingway, you can learn more about shipwrecks and the wreckers who salvaged items from the wrecks, there are historic houses, and it’s said to be haunted.
Key West can also be kid friendly.
And of course, it’s also a perfect place for water activities. Key West has dolphin tours, kayaking opportunities, parasailing, fishing tours, sunset cruises and so much more.
Cuban Food
When in Key West, you have to try some Cuban food. Cuba is only 90 miles from Key West. The nearest WalMart is actually farther away from Key West than Cuba is.
Cuban food is so good. My favorite place for a full meal is El Siboney. Sandy’s Cafe is great to take a sandwich to go and Cuban Coffee Queen has the best cafe con leche. Each of these is a local favorite, too!
Key Lime Pie
Speaking of food, you have to try key lime pie while you’re in Key West. I recommend trying it from a few different places because every place makes it a little different. Two popular places for key lime pie are Blue Heaven and Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop.
Getting there is Half the Fun
If you are driving to Key West, the drive itself is about the journey, not the destination. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the US.
The drive from mainland Florida to Key West is 113 miles, has 42 bridges, and is surrounded by views of the water. There are tons of amazing places to stop on the way, too. If you have time, I recommend a Florida Keys road trip.
And of course, with the Florida Keys being so popular, sometimes traffic can be a little crazy. The Overseas Highway is the one and only road in and out of the Keys.
Key West Events
Key West has a lot of really fun events. Depending on what you’re looking for, you might want to visit during these times or you might want to purposely avoid them:
- Florida Keys Seafood Festival in April
- Key West Songwriters Festival in early May
- Lobster mini season in late July
- Fantasy Fest in late October
- Race World Offshore Boat Races in early/mid November
Best Time to Visit Key West
The best time to visit Key West will depend what you’re looking for. The best temperatures tend to be in the winter months, but that’s also the most popular time to visit Key West so it might be more crowded and it will be more expensive.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Hurricane season tends to be most active and have the strongest storms in August-October. Whether you travel during hurricane season is completely up to you, but personally I would still travel during hurricane season. I’d just make sure to have travel insurance.
Spring weather tends to be amazing. It will be busy around spring break time, which can last all throughout March and the beginning of April since every school has a different schedule. Outside of that, the spring season tends to have fewer crowds.
Key West summer is very hot. This is also when you’ll see daily rain showers, though usually they’re very quick. Water is at its clearest and warmest in the summer, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Key West is Expensive
Key West is expensive. There is no real way around it. There are definitely ways that you can cut down on your costs but more than likely, this isn’t going to be a budget vacation.
To save money, you should try to visit when there aren’t big events going on. You’ll also want to avoid holidays. Key West hotel rates are usually cheaper during the week as well.
I will find a hotel I want to stay at then use Google hotels to search because it will give you the prices a year or so out. You can also check Airbnb but I haven’t found that to be much cheaper than hotel options.
There are some cheaper options for dining in Key West or you can go to the grocery store instead of eating out.
Get on the Water
Locals will tell you that you haven’t properly experienced the Florida Keys unless you’ve experienced it from the water. I enjoyed Key West many, many years by land and it’s great. But when we finally got out on the water, I completely understood what the locals were talking about.
I love everything about Key West but the locals aren’t kidding when they say it’s better by water. It’s a whole different world out there. From snorkeling to sandbars to crystal-clear blue water waters, it’s a must.
Key West has to be one of the best places to enjoy a boat ride. There are tons of ways to do this – a sunset cruise, dolphin cruise, snorkeling, parasailing, sailing, kayaking, and more.
Speak Like a Local
Key West has declared itself the Conch Republic. You’ll see conch on most menus. It’s also home to the La Concha hotel on Duval Street.
So, basically, you’ll need to know how to pronounce conch.
It’s pronounced like “conk”
Key West is a small island with a big heart and lots to do. This place is magical and I know you’re going to have a great time in the southernmost point of the US. Whether you’re a Key West regular or it’s your first trip, I hope these tips make your Key West vacation even more special.
