Find cheap flights to Key West from $72

A quirky island city in the tropical heart of the Florida Keys, Key West offers an interesting mix of beach living, history, architecture, and culinary adventures. The tiny, 7-square mile island features literary festivals, Caribbean villas, edgy art, trendy cafés and bars. With year-round sunshine, very little rain and a constant buzz of activities and events, any time is a good time to visit Key West. Winter months from November – January attract snowbirds as well as travelers from other parts of the world. The year-end festivities and celebrations drive up the prices of hotels and flights during this time. From March – May, average temperatures stay around 78 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a good time to experience fewer tourists and take advantage of reasonable hotel rates. Summer and fall months from June – October are not only rainy and humid, but also prone to hurricanes. However, hotel rates hit rock bottom and you can have the beaches all to yourself. Just remember to book refundable flights and hotels if you visit during this time.

Key West is a small, island city and compact enough to explore on foot. Most of the popular attractions are likely to be just a brief stroll from your hotel. If you don’t want to walk everywhere, here are other ways to get around in the city.

Cycling

Cycling is an interesting way to explore Key West. Many bike shops rent bikes at affordable rates and deliver them to your hotel for your convenience. Several hotels also carry their own fleet of bikes, so check for availability at the hotel where you stay.

Buses

Key West Transit operates a few bus routes across the city. A single trip costs $2.00 USD while a day pass for $4.00 USD allows you unlimited rides for 24 hours. However, the routes and frequency are not comparable to a big city’s public transport network.

Taxis

For a fast and convenient way to get around, you’ll easily find taxis throughout the city. You can hail one in the street or call for a taxi using the app, TaxiASAP, or just give the local taxi company a call. Ride-share options such as Lyft and Uber are also popular ways to commute in Key West.

Driving

The city’s narrow roads are always bustling with tourists on foot or on bikes, which makes driving the city streets slightly tedious. In addition, parking can be quite a hassle, as many inns and small motels do not have sufficient space. However, you can use the City of Key West Old Town Parking Garage and pay $3.00 USD per hour or $18.00 USD per day. With a valid Park N’ Ride Garage ticket, you can board the local buses for free.

Things to do and places of interest in Key West

Known for its arty and eccentric side, vibrant nightlife, thrilling water sports, and magnificent sunsets, Key West has plenty to offer all kinds of travelers. Most visitors come to Key West (also known as the ‘Conch Republic’) to relax and sunbathe under the golden sun during the day, and party through the night. However, you may choose to add a few more activities to your itinerary and wander around historic sites, admire art, or indulge in a culinary exploration.

• Head to Fort Zachary Historic State Park for the cleanest beach and a host of other activities. Go sunbathing, snorkeling, or fishing, enjoy a picnic, take a guided tour of the park, or try hiking or biking in the park.
• For spectacular sunset views, head to Mallory Square at the northernmost tip of the city. Enjoy the buskers, shops, and eateries in the area. During the nightly 2-hour long arts festival, Sunset Celebration, browse through arts and crafts exhibits, and sample delicious fare from local food carts.
• Go museum-hopping at a host of city museums including the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, the Key West Art & Historical Society, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens.
• Nature lovers should visit sights such as the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, and the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.
• If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss a trip to the Key West Aquarium.
• Take photos with the colorful buoy marking the southernmost point of the United States at the corner of Whitehead Street and South Street.
• After sundown, head to the heart of the city, Duval Street, known for its chic bars, cafés and boutiques.

Tips and tricks for visiting Key West

Explore the Key West eateries

Key West’s dining is unique and casual, and features plenty of seafood with Caribbean and Cuban influences. For the best authentic Cuban food, try the family-friendly El Siboney Restaurant or Frita’s Cuban Burgers. If you want to sample some classic Florida Caribbean plates, don’t miss a meal at the funky Blue Heaven. For a seafood-focused menu, try the unassuming, blink-and-you-will miss-it restaurant, Seven Fish.

Experience the literary side

Key West prides itself on being the winter home of renowned authors such as Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. The Key West Literary Seminar, held each year in January, brings several celebrated authors to the island and is a great time for literary enthusiasts to mingle with other literary fans, and meet with their favorite writers from across the world.