When you’re looking for a wonderful getaway that’s easy to get to and offers an exciting variety of things to see and do, consider Key West. Just a couple of hours’ drive from Miami and a few hours from most major airports in America, this island paradise is truly accessible to all. Discover great beaches, delicious foods, unique shopping, and activities that match every interest and curiosity. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, family vacation or reunion, Key West has it all. Here’s a quick overview of this jewel of Florida.
Choose the Best Time to Visit
In reality, there’s no bad time to visit Key West. The weather is pretty consistent throughout the year. The temperatures reach highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-70s. The weather is typically sunny, and the humidity is only mild. As is common with warm-weather destinations, winter months from December through April tend to be busier, as those who live in cold places tend to flock to warmer vacation spots. And while Key West is at risk during hurricane season from June through November, it’s not a common occurrence for the Florida Keys to take a direct hit from a major hurricane.
Most Popular Activities in Key West
Walk along Duval Street enjoying the shops and boutiques offering pottery, antiques, clothing, art, glassworks, jewelry, sweets, wine and spirits, cigars, and more. Whether you’re just window shopping or looking for that hard-to-please friend or relative, you’ll find it here in Key West. The best part is that most shops can ship your purchases directly home so you don’t need to worry about fitting unexpected things into your suitcase for the trip home. At the end of Duval, you’ll find Mallory Square, where the Sunset Celebration is open to all, every night. This open-air event features live music, performers, arts and crafts vendors, food and drink vendors, and more. For total relaxation, book spa treatments at Prana Spa, where facials, massages, and body treatments can ease away the stress of daily life so you can truly enjoy your vacation.
Key West has several public beaches open to visitors, and they’re all charming! Sunbathe, swim, and snorkel in crystal blue waters alongside sandy shores and palm trees. If you don’t bring your own beach gear, you can rent it for the day with ease. Local concession stands also offer snacks and drinks. Explore the great outdoors in Key West in new ways by visiting the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, the only one of its kind in the continental U.S. Here, you’ll be able to get up close to native trees and plants, some of which only grow naturally in this park. This is also a great place for birdwatching. Picnic facilities make it easy to spend the day here.
For such a small island, Key West has an abundance of exciting museums. Check out Ernest Hemingway’s home, President Truman’s Little White House, Fort Zachary Taylor, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum, and the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Museum, just for starters. The Sheriff’s Animal Farm has Sunday-only hours but it’s well worth it to interact with rescued animals that include emus, lemurs, alligators, sheep, tortoises, snakes, horses, and much more.
Fishing is one of the reasons that many visitors to Key West return year after year. Choosing to book your excursion with All In Fishing Charters is the best way to ensure your expedition is easy and enjoyable. The skilled crew and knowledgeable captain work hard to provide you with an outstanding experience, including all the gear you need for a great day of fishing. Try something new with reef, wreck, deep water or flats fishing. Depending on the time of year, you’ll have a great time catching tuna, tarpon, snapper, grouper, and more. Both experienced and novice guests are welcome, and you can book half- or full-day trips, depending on availability.
For maximum adventure, book the ferry from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. Just 70 miles from Key West and mostly underwater, this is the most popular place to go snorkeling because of the shallowness and clarity of the water. Explore sunken ships, expansive coral reefs, and old naval pilings that are flush with undersea life. On the biggest island in the park, Garden Key, you can also tour a historic fort, picnic, swim, kayak, and birdwatch. The park has limited overnight camping available, too.
Best Restaurants in Key West
Beachside seating and a highly popular menu make The Seaside Cafe and Bar at the Southernmost House Mansion one of the most sought-after restaurants in Key West. Don’t miss the lobster bianca pizza, caprese sandwiches, and honey butter lobster biscuits! Check out the exciting drink menu, too, and you’ll see why it always makes the best of lists. For a more casual dining experience, visit Eaton Street Seafood Market and Restaurant located in Old Town Key West. While there is shaded outdoor seating available, menu items are also available to-go. Guests rave over the fresh lobster roll and conch fritters, as well as the fish tacos and fish sandwiches. And when you want to enjoy those favorite Key West dishes at home, turn to Eaton Street for home delivery of their seafood, too.
At Santiago’s Bodega, explore a wide selection of tapas-style dishes seated amid reclaimed wood and stained glass windows that create a warm and inviting experience. The menu features shrimp and chorizo, yellowfin tuna ceviche, croquettas, and beef carpaccio, as well as a variety of salads, like the top-rated pear and avocado salad. At Blue Heaven, the key lime pie stands out, while Duetto’s Pizza and Gelato makes hand-tossed pizzas and homemade desserts you’ll rave about.
Accommodations for Any Budget
For some people, a hotel or motel on vacation is just a place to sleep but for others, the hotel or motel is essential to the vacation experience. Fortunately, Key West offers a wide selection of accommodations, from the most budget-friendly to the most upscale and luxurious. For an elegant experience, consider the Santa Maria Suites Hotel, The Marker Waterfront Resort or the Pier House Resort and Spa. Among the familiar resort hotel chains operating in Key West, consider DoubleTree by Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, or Waldorf Astoria. There are also local resort options like 24 North Hotel. Highly rated bed and breakfasts include Avalon, the Truman Hotel, The Southernmost Inn or Island City House Hotel; they typically offer freshly prepared breakfasts that showcase sweet and savory tastes, private pools and courtyards, and bicycle rentals. Many local hotels and motels also offer guests exclusive happy hour events.
In particular the Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina, in Old Town Key West, provides guests with a resort experience that includes a spacious boardwalk and easy access to Mallory Square and Duval Street. Book a room with a balcony or patio; enjoy pool, ocean or courtyard views. You’ll never need to leave the resort with on-site dining at the Sunset Deck and room service. Enjoy live music, a cocktail bar, and a lounge. Amenities include marina access and a fitness center.
At The Perry Hotel, guests enjoy full concierge services and marina access. Swim in the waterfront pool or linger over nightly fire pits. If you’re traveling with your dog, rest assured that pets are welcome here, too. There are two restaurants on-site serving fully daily menus: Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar plus Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill. Hop the hotel’s shuttle for a ride to Old Town Key West or borrow a couple of bicycles to explore the city on your own.
Key West, regardless of the time of your visit, is ideal for a trip of any length, from a weekend getaway to a week-long reunion or longer. There are so many activities to choose from, it’s easy to understand why travelers keep coming back. Make Key West your primary destination or add it onto an extended trip through Florida; no matter how you get here, you can be assured that you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.
