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Key West Travel Guide: Must-Sees and Hidden Gems in Florida's Conch Republic

Key West, Florida is still as colorful as ever and you’ll need this Key West Travel Guide to maximize every waking minute in this town, whether it’s your first trip to Key West or not.

If you’re heading down AIA to the end of the line — maybe doing that most famous of all Florida road trips , the Miami to Key West drive — and looking for the best sites to see and things to do in Key West, this guide is for you!

Despite all the recent efforts to make it mainstream and family-friendly, it still tugs at our inner pirate and pulls us in with its fiery sunsets, raucous bars, and lively good times. After I leave, I can’t wait to get back.

Honestly, if ever a place deserved a spot on your Big Florida bucket list , Key West is it!

You gotta love a place like the Conch Republic whose motto is "We seceded where others failed" from the Union in the early 80's in an act of protest against the government— something that instills a lasting impression about the folks (Conchs) who call it home.

Pirate doggie had a ruff night!

Then there are the colorful salty characters and the Key West chickens running around everywhere. It's quirky to say the least, and a perfect destination for a laid-back and adventurous traveler. 

Mostly, Key West Florida is a state of mind, and one best experienced firsthand at least once in your lifetime.

When that happens, it'll become twice, and then again, until many of you will keep coming back year after year.

Table of Contents Show

Why You Need This Key West Travel Guide

If this is your first time to Key West, this Key West travel guide is for you, with ideas on what to do, when to go, where to eat and drink — all the places you should hit up as a tourist and some hidden gems as well! 

Even if it’s not your first trip to Key West, we’re sure you’ll find some new ideas.

We visited Key West the week after Hurricane Irma blew through (the largest hurricane in recent decades that covered the entire peninsula of Florida from coast to coast when unbeknownst to me, my husband had arranged a romantic getaway (what a guy!) to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary and renew our vows on Smathers Beach - just us, an officiant, and dozens of our new best friends/sunbathers as our witnesses. 

I still can't believe he kept his cool (and his secret) the two weeks prior as Key West and our home in Naples took a direct hit from the storm . We weren't sure what to expect when we arrived, but it was intact a week later, picking up debris, and ready to get back to normal.

Key West was the perfect place to renew our vows and celebrate love in the wake of a hurricane, and it's a great place for just about any kind of laid-back vacation. 

Key West, days after Hurricane Irma, 2017

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Best Way to Get to Key West

The easiest way to get to Key West is by plane. Many commercial carriers have connections to Key West and the city airport is modern. Plenty of taxis wait outside the terminal so getting to your hotel is easy and inexpensive.

If you have the time and desire you can drive. Key West is 165 miles from Miami on US1, about 3 hours and 45 minutes on a good day. But be warned - traffic can be downright brutal and 3 hours can easily turn into twice that.

For me, the sign that we’re getting close is crossing the 7 mile bridge. The water looks bluer, the sun looks brighter, and the lower keys are gorgeous. 

First Timers TIP:

If you have the time, we recommend driving to Key West (at least once) so you may as well do it now. If you're flying into south Florida, you'll save money by flying into the hub of Miami. Book a one way car rental from Miami and fly back home from Key West.

Parking in Key West can also be a headache especially if you’re staying in Old Town - another thing to consider when driving. It’s an understatement to say there’s limited on-street parking. Some hotels have a few spaces or a small lot but that’s about it.

A car proves to be of little use once on the island. We've always found that walking or renting bikes for a few days gets us anywhere we want to go without having to deal with the frustration of parking.

The Key West Express  ferry from Fort Myers to Key West is a good alternative if you live in or are visiting Naples , Ft. Myers or Marco Island in southwest Florida . It departs regularly from Fort Myers Beach and also from Marco Island a bit less frequently, and will get you to Key West in around 3 hours. 

The boat docks in the Key West Bight Historic Waterfront, where it’s an easy walk to most lodging at this end of the island. If you don’t want to walk in the heat or if you have heavy luggage, taxis are readily available.

Where to Stay in Key West

One of the things that makes Key West special is the variety of accommodations from inclusive luxury resorts to charming conch houses turned boutique hotels in Old Town (my favorite).

There are also some cheap hotels in Key West, but I wouldn't recommend staying there. Hotels in Old Town Key West are pricey depending on the time of year and proximity to Duval Street.

So if you’re traveling in the high season and want to keep the price down, consider staying several streets off Duval in either direction and closer to the Southernmost Point where it's a bit quieter.

So if you're looking for the best places to stay in Key West, you'll get lots of good opinions, but we love the charm and character of the smaller conch houses in Old Town, many of which are now the best airbnbs in Key West .

You won't sacrifice luxury or amenities either and it’s more of a local Key West experience.

Our Favorite Old Town B&Bs

Simonton Court - We’ve stayed at the Simonton Court at least a half dozen times over the years. This place is so charming with its stately Victorian house overlooking the tropical pool, and restored cigar cottages adjacent to the house. So Key West!

Check rates and more details.

Marrero's Guest Mansion - These comfy and coastal-inspired rooms are in a perfect location - on Fleming Street close to Duval and other great attractions.

Check rates and more details.  

The Marquesa - This luxury boutique brand does it right with their various properties that are just blocks from the action but off Duval on quieter streets.

Check rates and availability.

Heron House - This charming boutique hotel on Simonton Street has a cozy, secluded feel surrounded by gardens and foliage. Most rooms overlook the pool, some with cute balconies.

Check rates and details.

Key West Resorts

The Southernmost House Hotel - This gorgeous historic mansion and beachfront hotel sits at the lower end of Duval in the quieter end of town, but they definitely have their own brand of fun going on throughout the day.

Check rates and availability.  

Pier House Resort and Spa - Check details and availability

Sunset Key Cottages - If you're looking for a unique luxury property, the Sunset Key Cottages are the tiny gems you see across from Mallory Square during sunset. Located on it's own private island, these cottages are pricey but offer an unparalleled experience.

Check availability and more details. 

Key West Travel Guide: What to Do in Key West

The crux of this Essential Travel Guide to Key West are the hundreds of cool sites and unique attractions in this small tropical town.

There are so many things to do in Key West that everyone will love, especially for young families. Redevelopment in the past 10 years has made the upper end of Duval Street super family-friendly.

If you want to escape the family atmosphere, head to lower Duval toward the Southernmost Point for more Key West local hangouts.

Key West Attractions for First Timers

Take the Old Town Trolley Tour and see Key West from an open air trolley ride. This guided 12 stop hop-on hop-off tour covers the entire city.

Don’t miss the Key West Butterfly Conservancy on the southern part of Duval Street for an interesting look at the local flora and fauna of the Florida Keys. Plus, good photo ops too!

Head to the Key West Custom House near Mallory Square and snap a pic of the latest artwork in front. These works of art by American artist Seward Johnson change from time to time - the latest addition was the large sculpture in front of the Custom House called “Embrace Peace”. 

The Mel Fisher Museum is touristy but worth a visit to see what’s lying in the waters off the Florida Keys. 

Visit the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum . It holds 2 floors of genuine artifacts recovered from shipwrecks throughout the Florida Keys. Buy your Shipwreck Museum tickets !

A visit to the Southernmost Point in the USA giant red buoy is a must to get your picture taken and wave to Cuba since you're just 90 miles away. 

The Key West Cemetery is a favorite where the headstone epitaphs are as colorful as the souls who lie beneath them - there are several funny ones to look for, but my favorite is “I Told You I Was Sick”! 

Literary and history fans will love visiting the Hemingway House to see how Ernest and his wife lived when they were residents.

Insider Hemingway TIP:

If you love everything Ernest Hemingway, a visit to Blue Heaven restaurant on Thomas Street is a must. Enjoy a slice of their huge Key Lime pie at the site where Ernest refereed boxing matches when it was the Blue Goose arena.

From here, you're not too far from the Key West Lighthouse and nearby Bahama Village  — fun must-sees that put you in a lesser visited neighborhood.

Sunset! No matter what your daytime activities head to the Mallory Square sunset celebration to say goodbye to the day. It’s a party with food vendors, artisans, musicians and acrobats.

It goes without saying that the most colorful time of day in the Keys is often at sunset - the Keys are famous for them. No two are ever the same, and they all deliver the same dazzling evening performance, which is why it's customary to celebrate the sunset. It's a daily Rite of Passage!

On the Water

If getting on or in the water is for you, you’re in the right place. For a really different experience and bird’s eye view of Key West, you have to go parasailing - one of the best experiences! Saltwater anglers will love the sport fishing in the Florida Keys, and there are plenty of good guides to take you out for a day. 

There are endless fun water activities for adults and kids alike - like diving, dolphin watches , boat rentals, and this fun Key West reef snorkeling trip .

But it wouldn't be paradise without a snorkeling catamaran cruise or a beautiful and relaxing Key West Sunset Sail on Schooner America , a popular tour that always sells out quickly! 

>>> To really get into the Key West vibe we especially love this Key West Champagne Sunset Cruise — a perfect way to celebrate Key West-style. <<<

Shopping in Key West

There’s plenty of shopping on and just off Duval Street ranging from t-shirt shops, boutiques, high end brands, and artisan galleries. There are quaint shops and eating places on the side streets around Mallory Square.

For unique artisan shopping, head further down Duval toward the Southernmost Point and off the side streets and visit the many artisan galleries.

I love stopping by the Alan S. Maltz Gallery to pick up a small visual souvenir. He's one of Key West's most well-known photographers.

Beaches in Key West

Most of the beaches in the Florida Keys don't occur naturally - they're augmented with sand to make them more comfortable, like the beaches of Naples , Ft. Myers Beach or the shelling beaches of Sanibel and Captiva islands . That's because the Keys are mangroves, clusters of living islands that were established by spreading root systems.

But in recent years, Key West has gone to great lengths to make their beaches more beautiful and user-friendly, and there are several great beach destinations to relax on for the day.

So if a day in the sun is what you crave, head for Smathers Beach or Higgs Beach, Key West's popular beaches at the southernmost point of the island. White sand and food trucks along the street make for a perfectly lazy day.

Be sure to pack along plenty of sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses.

Where to Drink in Key West 

We love a good bar - especially the toes-in-the-sand-kind of beach bars . And there's no shortage of fun bars all around town. They say every Key West bar attracts a certain personality type, so what kind of Key West bar are you?

There are hang out places, party hardy bars, strip clubs, and shot-and-beer joints.

The best bars in Key West are the laid-back, open air, island-y places that fit this town so well. Hangouts where Hemingway threw back a few.

Most of the Duval Street bars in Old Town Key West are close to each other so you can easily hit them all in a Key West Bar Crawl - also known as the Duval Crawl:

Sloppy Joe’s

Captain Tony’s

Hog’s Breath Saloon

The Littlest Bar in the World

The Bull & Whistle

Bourbon St. Pub

Conch Republic Seafood Company (off Duval)

Schooner Wharf (off Duval) - stay for their live music and good conch fritters!

“ You can do Key West like a frat bro in a night of drunken debauchery or you can pace yourselves like the rest of us seasoned adults. Whichever you choose, drink responsibly! ”

Where to Eat in Key West 

Key West has some of the best food in Florida and there are so many great places to enjoy the flavors of Key West, from hole-in-the-wall restaurants to upscale, cutting-edge cuisine.

Key West is one of the top food destinations in the USA , because of both the seafood and Cuban influence. Here are our favorites!

Pepe’s , one of our favorite breakfast places, has arguably the best breakfast in Key West. It's also my pick for the best Key Lime Pie in Key West (but of course our research is ongoing)! 

Louie’s Backyard - a Key West classic and still going strong. Breakfasts are great, and so is just about everything else.

Cuban Coffee Queen - Some of the best coffee in Key West! There are several locations but the original location on Margaret Street near the waterfront has the coolest artwork! (above)

Blue Heaven - Parrotheads around the world flock to Blue Heaven, but even the sometimes crushing affect of Jimmy Buffett tourism hasn't lessoned the loveliness of Blue Heaven. The food is still good, the atmosphere is fun, and the live music is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery  - Formerly the Birthplace of Pan-American Airlines, is now a cool setting with good food and very good beers. Try their homemade sangria!

Turtle Kraals or The Half Shell Raw Bar for cold beer and peel and eat shrimp, fresh oysters and ceviche

Louie's Backyard - Louie's has been a favorite Key West eatery for decades, and has one of the prettiest settings on the island. But it's popular so make reservations!

Latitude's  is a great place for a special dinner and amazing sunset views you can't beat.

Nine One Five  restaurant on lower Duval has an imaginative menu and well presented cocktails that we really enjoyed.

Caroline’s Cafe - Not only is the food good at Caroline's but it's in the center of the action so the people watching along Duval Street is great. Great key lime pie too!

El Meson De Pepe - for good Cuban food and a fun, lively atmosphere just steps from Mallory Square, this is the place. 

Sarabeth's Key West - this restored church on Simonton Street turned yummy breakfast place is a favorite for comforting breakfasts after a hard night of partying.

Santiago's Bodega - one of the best for Latin-inspired food and tapas.

Hidden Gems of Key West

This mostly local joint serves up some of the best authentic Cuban fare we've had in Key West.

The Green Parrot

The Duval Street bars are fun but touristy. If you're looking for a local's bar (although the secret has long been out) go to the Green Parrot. There's just enough crustiness left in Key West and some of it is still here!

BO's Fish Wagon 

BO’s is a local joint hidden in plain sight near the waterfront, and it has one of the best fish sandwiches in all of Key West, still. It's touristy but First Timers are sometimes reluctant to go in because it doesn't look much from the outside. Trust us and go!

Wyland's Whaling Wall

The famous “Whaling Wall” in Key West near the Seaport, one of many throughout the Florida Keys, was painted by marine life artist Wyland to promote ocean conservation. His work is some of the most colorful art in the Keys!

Bahama Village

Bahama Village is a local neighborhood with funky shops, galleries, and some good bars. It's full of fun street art depicting Key West's earliest local residents.

801 Cabaret

If you're open-minded, don't easily blush, and support the LGBTQ community (and I'm not sure why you'd be in Key West if you don't) the 801 Cabaret is a good time for light-hearted and good-natured raunchiness. These ladies could give me a lesson or two on how to up my make-up routine!

What's the Weather Like in Key West?

This wouldn’t be an essential Key West travel guide without mentioning the weather. Picture this tiny island surrounded by massive amounts of water — the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico (and Florida Bay) — and heavily influenced by the tropical tradewinds and. weather that swirls from Africa, Cuba, Hispañola, and the Caribbean.

Key West is closer to Cuba than it is to mainland US, so it's lovely in the winter and friggin’ hot in the summer!

On bright clear days in the summer, the sun looks white and booming thunderstorms and torrential downpours occasionally send everyone running for cover.

But your best deals will be in the summer, or non-peak times of year, and summer can be a great time to go. Stay in the shade or around the pool during the hottest times of day.

During summer storms, experienced visitors just duck into a favorite watering hole and listen to some live music with a cold one in hand.

Hot and balmy or dark and stormy, doesn’t matter, there’s always someplace fun nearby.

We’ve even been there when several inches of rain sloshed from the street in through the front door of the bar and under our bar stools. There are far worse things than a little rain. You're on island time!

That's cold beer!

What's the Best Time to Visit Key West?

The winter months of December through March are the most crowded and the priciest time to visit — hurricane season is over and the temperature and humidity become more moderate.

If you’re willing to gamble you can get great deals during hurricane season , officially June 1 through November 30 with August through October being the most likely months for activity here.

New Year’s Eve in Key West

Spending New Years Eve in Key West is seriously one of the most fun things you could do in your lifetime.

Be sure you make hotel reservations at least 6 months ahead of time! I know it’s hard to plan that way but we’ve been to New Year’s Eve in Key West twice and we were lucky to find a room, and that was planning 4 months out.

At midnight, watch the giant clam shell drop at the Half Shell Raw Bar, the Pirate Wench lowered from a tall ship mast at Schooner Warf, or Sushi being lowered into the bubbling champagne shoe at Bourbon Street Pub on Duval Street.

Summer - June-August - brings the rainy season with high temperatures and humidity but there are fewer crowds, hotel rates are at their lowest, and the lines at the best restaurants are shorter. We don’t mind the heat and have always found this to be a great time of year to visit.

Calm water in July, Key West, Florida

Calm water, Key West, Florida

Thundery sunset over Mallory Square, Key West, Florida

March through May offers the best balance of temperatures, humidity, and rain . It’s a good time to visit as rates are good and tourism is moderate. Just be sure to check the festival calendar . In recent years, the number of festivals has gone insane and you may want to be a part of the action or wait until it’s over.  

We love Key West. In fact, I've never met a person who doesn't.

Without a doubt, Key West should be on everyone's USA Bucket List. Is it on yours?

What to Bring to Key West

If you only go with a swimsuit and one other thing, make it good sunglasses — they are a must in the Keys and all of Florida! The white intensity of the sun is different than you may be used to in other parts of the US and the world.

Protect yourself from eye strain and headaches and bring polarized sunglasses with UV blocking glass . 

Thanks for saving this Essential Travel Guide to Key West — you’re gonna love it!

The Ultimate Key West Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay and Play in Key West, Florida

This post may contain affiliate links. at zero cost to you (of course), i may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using my link..

Earlier this Spring, I went down to the Florida Keys with eight of Kenny and my good friends and we had an absolute blast! I had been to the Florida Keys before with my family and knew I loved it down there in Key West , but this was my first time with Kenny and with friends. Key West is funky, colorful, eclectic, beachy, chill, rowdy and wild all at once. 

Key West has so much to offer for every kind of traveler, from families to couples to girls trips and groups of friends! 

Here is the ultimate Key West Travel Guide: Where to eat, drink, stay and play in Key West

Where to stay in Key West

Ocean key resort & marina.

Beautiful waterfront hotel with romantic views and chic, island decor and a delicious restaurant called Hot Tin Roof. 

Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

One of the only hotels in Key West with direct beach access, this is one of the luxest places to stay in Key West. 

On a Sailboat

We stayed a few nights on this BOAT – which I highly recommend. We stayed on board took the catamaran sailboat out for the day (they provide you with a captain) but otherwise it was docked in the chic marina.

Even when it’s docked, it’s SO fun to be on a boat, and you have access to the nice hotel right in the marina, too for an easy pool, and a really good bar and restaurant to hang out in. There’s something about a happy hour in the marina that just hits different, ya know??

Our catamaran in Key West – which we LOVED! and slept 9 people

Other boats you can rent:

6 person catamaran in Key West

8 person yacht – sleeps 6 in key west, duval house .

Located right on Duval Street – this cute hotel is PERFECT for a group trip to Key West and to be centrally located.

Hanging with my girls in the courtyard at Duval House (wearing our Kenny Flowers bikinis and matching sarongs !)

The Perry Hotel Key West 

This is the hotel connected to the Marina in Key West – so you have access to it if you’re staying on a boat. It was SUPER nice and we ate here a couple nights. The bar makes delicious cocktails, and the pool is a great spot to spend the day. The only downside is it’s 20 minutes from Duval Street and downtown, but it’s kind of nice to be tucked away, too. 

Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina

15 minutes outside of Key West, which is great to be a little tucked away from the Duval St. craziness. Popular with families, couples. 

Where to eat in Key West

Blue heaven.

You must, must, MUST eat brunch at Blue Heaven – this place is easily one of my favorite restaurants in the WORLD, and it’s absolutely worth the hype. I get the lobster BLT eggs benedict – with avocado instead of tomato – and it is  heaven . They home-make all their breads too so make sure you try the banana bread – and a bloody mary – so yummy!

Louie’s Backyard

For the best views and waterfront dining – and the most delicious Caribbean-American cuisine dinner in Key West, Louie’s is the spot! A must stop on any trip to Key West. 

Santiago’s Bodega

Upscale tapas and delicious sangria.

Eaton Street Seafood

Casual seafood market – Go for the lobster roll. 

Misohappy Key West

The best freshest sushi in Key West! 

First Flight Brewery

I loved this little garden restaurant for casual, all-American food. Great spot for dining with a group in Key West. 

What to do in Key West

Rent bikes.

Biking around Key West is a really fun way to see the island. They have bike rentals all over KW- but we rented from Blue Sky Rentals on Duval Street.

Watch the sunset in Mallory Square

Watching the sunset in Mallory Square is essentially a religion in Key West. Every night, street performers, artists, and the like gather in Mallory Square for a sunset celebration. It’s fun to walk around and see! 

Go to the beach!

Check out Fort Zachary Taylor – a Florida state park with great snorkeling. 

The best bars to go out in Key West

When it comes to Key West nightlife, there’s no shortage of fun and funky bars to check out. I loved the live music at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, and my favorite going out spot was the upstairs of Rick’s Key West – which has a huge outdoor space and was super fun. From there, you can walk up and down Duval Street and there’s a ton of fun bars. 

What to know before your trip to Key West

It’s a popular spot! Make your dinner reservations ahead of time – especially if you have a group. I was shocked that we couldn’t get in some of the best restaurants in Key West – even on a weekday! So definitely make those reservations, and you’ll be all set. 

The weather in Key West is amazing year round – but you do have to watch out for hurricane season from June through early November.

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WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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25 Wonderful Things to Do in Key West

02/17/2023 by Nicole Edwards Leave a Comment

This post was written by Nicole Edwards, a solo-sailing freelance writer for BMTM.

I came to Key West to discover what makes this little island so quirky and popular, and found my answer in the nature-exploring opportunities and the history preserved in museums, state parks, and bars (yes, bars). It’s just bursting with culture. Here are 26 ways and places you can experience it:

Table of Contents

1. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor served in the Civil War, WWI, WWII, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, and was named in honor of the eponymous president’s military accomplishments. I loved exploring the fort : peeking through the walls to see the surrounding moat, walking along the row of cannons, looking at the old dining hall, reading the historical plaques, and looking out over the turquoise Atlantic Ocean. I also walked the surrounding nature trails over to the beach. This activity definitely rounded out my Key West experience.

2. The Dry Tortugas

The Dry Tortugas, a tiny island in the Gulf of Mexico, is a national park and also home to Fort Jefferson, which was once a prison. The only two ways to get there are by boat and seaplane . Because it’s a 70-mile trip, you’ll want to set aside an entire day .

3. Mile Marker 0

US1 Mile Marker 0, America’s most photographed mile marker, denotes the end of a major highway that runs as far north as Fort Kent, Maine. Located on the corner of Fleming and Whitehead Streets, it’s a popular place to get photographic proof that you did in fact visit Key West.

4. The Southernmost Point of the Continental US

Key West is the furthest south you’ll ever get on the continental United States, and the city commemorates that with a monument of a buoy. While I can’t recommend the best time to check it out, I can say that there was a huge line of tourists right before dusk, and I waited almost an hour to get my picture taken. It was still worth it, though, for the few minutes I stood on this well-trodden plot of land. The person in front of me took my photo and I took theirs.

5. A sunset trip or day sail

There’s a reason why everybody does it. Some companies have live music , others offer a snack bar and drinks . Some allow you to raise the sails and drive the boat , others are intimate parties of 10 people or fewer , but they all let you see the sunset from out on the water.

I went on a sunset cruise with Sunset Watersports , with vibey music playing in the background. The crew was wonderful, the captain was knowledgeable, and the trip was pretty much perfect in every regard: the views, the snorkeling excursion, the equipment, and the complimentary drinks.

6. A Jet Ski ride

So much of Key West happens out on the water, because it is located within the Key West National Wildlife Refuge and the Florida Marine Sanctuary. It’s also one of the few places in the Keys where you can venture out into both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean in one go. One of the most exhilarating ways to explore these turquoise waters is on your own Jet Ski !

7. A snorkeling excursion

There are some beautiful, smaller patch reefs right off the Key West coastline that most excursion companies will venture to. A mask, snorkel, and life jacket are typically free. I enjoyed floating in the water and getting a leisurely view of fan corals and tropical fish.

8. A fishing charter

I don’t know about you but I love fresh seafood, and the only way to be sure it’s fresh is if you catch it yourself! Key West offers off-shore fishing opportunities in which you can keep what you catch. They normally provide all the fishing equipment, even a Florida fishing license if you don’t already have one. 

9. A parasailing adventure

Most tour companies will take you on a 60-90-minute trip with a small group of about 10 other people. Your airtime will likely max out at 10 minutes, which is just enough to appreciate the soar and get a bird’s-eye view of all of Key West.

You can read more about specific excursions in Key West here !

10. An eco-tour

An eco-tour will take you to some of Key West’s best wildlife hot spots both above and below the surface of the water: think snorkeling, sailing, and mangrove adventures. There are many vessel options, like powerboats, catamarans, sailboats, and even glass-bottom boats that go right over the reefs.

11. A Key West city tour

There are lots of ways you can learn about the city of Key West and sightsee some of the popular landmarks and museums. Niche options like cultural walking tours and ghost tours will give you more details about the influence of Cuban and Caribbean cultures and the famous people who left lasting legacies here.

12. A bar crawl

There is no shame when it comes to having fun here! You can hop on a guided cocktail crawl to taste the signature drinks of famous people, like Hemingway. Or you can plan your own agenda, being sure to include places like the First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery, Sloppy Joe’s, and the Green Parrot.

13. A mangrove tour

Explore the mangroves on a stand-up paddleboard , a kayak , or even a small motor boat called a dinghy . In my own dinghy, I opted to wear a hat so that bugs didn’t fall into my hair when I ducked under low-hanging branches. Some kayak tours go at sunset; others are a day-time adventure nestled into a full agenda of snorkeling and sailing . 

You can learn a little more about different tours here !

14. The Turtle Museum

The Turtle Museum (open Thursday-Saturday from 10am to 4pm) was one of the most heart-wrenching museums I’ve ever gone to. It had no turtles, but instead a complete history of how they became endangered. There was even a game on one of the walls that you can play to see how you might die if you were a sea turtle.

It’s just a one-room museum located on the docks at the Key West Bight Marina, but it adeptly weaves together the history of turtle soup, the effects of plastic pollution on the sea turtle population, and fortunately for my heart, some happy facts, like how deep leatherback sea turtles can dive (3,000 feet!). It’s free, but they ask for a small donation.

15. The Sails to Rails Museum

The Sails to Rails Museum explains sailing and railroad history and their contributions to Key West. There is also a Dry Tortugas exhibit, where I learned that the historic Fort Jefferson was built using bricks made in Maine and Georgia. As supplies ran low and they switched states, the color of the bricks also changed, because of the different color mud. The variation is still visible today.

Admission is $11 and it’s located at 901 Caroline Street. It’s open every day from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

Key West is packed full of museums, so others you might want to visit, or explore on a Key West tour include:

• The Hemingway Home and Museum : look out for the six-toed cats
• Mel Fisher Maritime Museum : a nationally recognized research facility that exhibits treasures found in 17th-century ships
• Key West Shipwreck Museum : an overview of Key West’s maritime history, with a 65-foot lookout tower for spotting the next shipwreck
• Key West Museum of Art and History : a cultural dive into art, history, events, and people
• USCG Ingham Maritime Museum : a national historic landmark that served in in WWII and Vietnam, one of two preserved Treasury-class USCG cutters
• Harry S Truman Little White House : Florida’s only presidential site, in which you can learn about the house and Truman’s life
• Lighthouse Museum : a woman was the first keeper of the lighthouse, which first opened in 1848, then served through wars and helped ships navigate
• Butterfly Sanctuary : observe and learn about butterflies in the climate-controlled conservatory and the learning center

16. Art galleries

Upper Duval Street is lined with art galleries, like the Key West Gallery pictured above. I spoke with the curator, who said they feature some of the best international artists in the world and that the exhibitions change weekly. I liked this gallery in particular because of how passionate and knowledgeable the curators are about the works on display. While I was there, artwork by Thomas Arvid, a painter of wine, was featured, along with Bill Mack’s 3-D sculptures of the female figure. Mack had bought the Hollywood sign to paint portraits of movie stars from the Hollywood Golden Age. (Interesting fact: Bill Mack had bought the Hollywood sign to paint portraits of movie stars from the Hollywood Golden Age.) 

17. The Key West Cemetery

Right smack in the middle of Old Town and occupying six square blocks is the Key West Cemetery, which is home to several graves older than the cemetery itself. This is because the 1846 Havana category 5 hurricane, the worst in almost 80 years, wiped out the old one. Most of the graves were scattered about in a forest and later incorporated into plots when the new cemetery was built in 1847.

Because the water table is so high in Key West, the graves are aboveground. One notable inhabitant is Sloppy Joe, who was Ernest Hemingway’s fishing guide and also a famous bartender (the Key West Sloppy Joe bar is named after him). The cemetery is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. You can follow the self-guided tour map, which is located at the entrance of the cemetery at 701 Passover Lane, or you can contact the sexton’s office for an official tour .

18. The NOAA weather station

All of the Key West charter companies depend on reliable weather forecasts, which they get from their very own NOAA weather station. The official office is in the White Street Gallery neighborhood. You can only enter if you are registered for a tour, which takes you the behind the scenes and is available by request .

It’s a beautiful building, and I was able to talk to one of the weathermen. I got a personal forecast and learned that since Key West creates the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and the Gulf Stream runs right past, this little island has very unique weather patterns that the global model simply can’t represent; they have to go off local knowledge.

19. Hunting for souvenirs on Duval Street

19. Duval Street

Duval Street is a fun little piece of quintessential Key West, making Key West’s thriving nightlife possible. The street is lined with jewelry and clothing shops, restaurants and bars, artists and art galleries, so if you want to buy a souvenir, this is the place to do so! I walked around at night and discovered one of my favorite little shops: the Key West Hammock Company . The walls are decorated in tropical metal artwork, and everywhere you look a creative hammock hangs from the ceiling. The best part was, I could test them out!

20. The Mallory Square farmers market

Mallory Square is a central landmark that has live music, psychic readings, magic shows and of course, the view of the Key West channel and Atlantic Ocean. There is a farmers market on Thursdays from 2pm-7pm. I went at sunset and got to see all the schooners and catamarans ride around. The casual ambience and all the boats made me fall in love with the eccentricity of Key West even more.

21. Lounge on a beach

• Part sand, part pebble, the beach at Fort Zachary has a small rock enclave and stretches north past the fort. I think it’s one of the best places to overlook the Atlantic Ocean and take in Key West.
• Plan to spend a little time around Higgs Beach because there is a Civil War Era Fort, an African Refugee Memorial, and the Key West Garden Club nearby. The beach itself has a pier and several trees for hanging a hammock.
• South Beach is the smallest public beach in Key West and located at the southern side, it’s good for a short rest.
• Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West, also located on the south side, it’s one of the beaches better suited to a relaxing afternoon.

22. Having a slice of key lime pie

I went to the Key West Key Lime Pie Factory , where I was able to try a slice of pie and also sample the milkshake. They make their own whipped cream too!

23. A night on a boat

I was surprised to meet so many locals who live at the anchorage on a boat. Even if you prefer to quarter in a hotel, consider staying just one night out on the water to see what it’s like to have the waves rock you to sleep, the rigging chiming softly in the breeze. 

24. Trying a cup of Cuban coffee

Key West is only 90 miles from Cuba, which helped that island’s influence and culture find a home here. I decided my trip wouldn’t be complete without a cup of Cuban coffee. There are a number of such shops and cafés, like Pepe’s Café (the oldest in Key West) and the Cuban Coffee Queen (which has a 28-hour cold-brew option). But what makes Key West Cuban coffee so special? You’ll have to take a sip to find out.

25. Taking a yoga class

If you have a personal yoga practice (and even if you don’t), Key West has just enough nature to make it feel like you’re on a yoga retreat, especially at the Key West Yoga Sanctuary . I took a fabulous Buti class here and enjoyed the peaceful and healing atmosphere of the outdoor studio.

If you like to practice, definitely include a yoga class as part of your trip. There are plenty of opportunities scattered over the island, including yoga on Key West’s beaches .

If you want to know more about the best places to stay in Key West, you can read a bit more about neighborhoods and their accommodations here .

If you only had one day to visit Key West, which activities would you do? Let us know in the comments!

About the author: Nicole Edwards is a solo sailor who is currently cruising around the world on her 1968 Columbia 26, the S/V Arta . She has visited Costa Rica, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Poland, and about half of the United States, including Alaska. Her favorite part about traveling is making connections with locals who share inside knowledge, being introduced to another part of her home on planet Earth and adding it all to her heart.

About Nicole Edwards

Nicole is a single-handed sailor sailing the world and sharing her journey on her YouTube Channel, Sailing Artha. She prefers the type of travel that gets her into nature, and she actively seeks out farm and trash pick-up volunteering opportunities.

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Key West Travel Guide

It’s the ultimate “come as you are” destination—with a fierce independence streak. The Conch Republic throws its deeply tanned arms around all travelers, and before long you’ll be sipping slushy cocktails on Duval Street and toasting sunsets that inspire lyrics set to steel drums. But this isn’t Vegas with candy-colored houses. Closer to Cuba than Miami, it’s rich in culture as well as world-class diving and fishing in crystal-clear water.

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How to Spend 3 Days in Key West- Our Itinerary

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At the furthest point of the Florida Keys sits Key West, a sub-tropical town full of life, colour and celebration, yet still laid back enough to sense the history and tradition that make it one of the most unique destinations in the United States.

Key West is a place where your days can be spent adventuring out on the water or strolling past gingerbread mansions and colourful conch houses. Evenings begin with vibrant sunsets and end with a delicious meal out on the town. If you’re anything like us, a bedtime snack of Key Lime pie will be enjoyed while sitting out on the porch, relaxing in the warm night air.

With so many great options, it’s no surprise that we easily filled our 3 days in Key West. It’s also not a surprise that we left wanting more- more time in the sun, more time out on the water, more time admiring the architecture… Key West is definitely a place we could keep coming back to over and over again!

How to Spend 3 Days in Key West- Our Key West Itinerary

With only 3 days in Key West, we set out to experience as many different facets of the city as we could.

We had outdoor adventures, taking part in some of the best activities Key West has to offer- sailing, snorkeling and kayaking.

We delved into history, touring historic homes and learning about the people that helped shape Key West into the city it is today.

And of course, we made sure to get on “island time” by slowing down, relaxing on the waterfront and taking it all in!

So, here’s a look at how we spent our 3 days in Key West. We stayed away from the more “touristy” activities and locations like Duval Street. The result was a trip that focused on outdoor and historic experiences that to us, felt like authentic, unspoiled Key West. We honestly wouldn’t change a thing about our Key West itinerary, other than book a longer trip next time!

Note: All links will open in a new window for your convenience.

Day 1- Enjoy Some Water Sports and a Sunset Sail

Our first day in Key West was an active one! We spent nearly the entire day out on the water snorkeling, kayaking and sailing.

In the morning we decided to go on a half-day excursion with Danger Charters . We really liked this trip because it combined all the activities we wanted to do into one nice package.

First, we sailed on a schooner out to a reef where we had the opportunity to go snorkeling. The water wasn’t super clear that day but we did get to see some rays, smaller fish and a lot of sponges.

Next, we got back on the schooner and sailed to a mangrove island. We took out the sea kayaks and followed our guide on a nature tour around the island. We learned all about the mangroves, local birds and other wildlife. We even saw a nurse shark swimming in the shallow waters around our kayaks!

Back on the schooner for the final sail to Key West, we chatted over drinks and snacked on fresh tropical fruits, chips and salsa. This excursion was a fantastic introduction to Key West and while we didn’t want it to end, we were looking forward to another sailing adventure that evening.

There was no better way to end our first day in Key West than with a romantic sunset sail on the Appledore V . Seeing the sky fill with various shades of warm colours was a wonderful experience made all the more memorable by being on board a 65 foot schooner.

Day 2- Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

Our second day in Key West was our favourite, and the highlight of our trip to Florida.

It began with an early morning ferry ride on the Yankee Freedom III . About 2.5 hours later we arrived at Dry Tortugas National Park where we spent the day touring historic Fort Jefferson and snorkeling in the pristine waters.

It was a long day, but very well worth the trip. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the coolest places we’ve visited and should definitely be included on a Key West itinerary.

Day 3- Explore Key West, Visit the Historic Homes and Celebrate the Sunset

On our last day in Key West, Mike chartered a boat and went fishing while I explored Key West by bike.

I started my day with a bike ride to Smathers Beach , the largest public beach in Key West. I walked along the sand and hung out under the palm trees for a short while before hopping back on my bike and riding towards the Old Town.

My next stop was the marker indicating the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA. From here, it’s only 90 miles to Cuba.

Continuing on, I passed by the Key West lighthouse on my way to Ernest Hemingway’s Home . I did a self-guided tour around the house and spent some time (okay, a lot of time), playing with the cats that live there.

Next up, I headed over to the Harry S. Truman Little White House . This surprisingly unassuming house was the winter home of President Truman, from 1946-1952. Before that though, the house served as command headquarters for the naval station during the Spanish-American War and both World Wars. The tour I took was very interesting and even included a short video of clips from Truman’s time in Key West.

The last historic home I visited was the Audubon House and it turned out to be my favourite of all the ones I visited in Key West. Not only is the house very cute, there are some beautiful works of art by naturalist John James Audubon on display inside. For me, the best part was actually not the house itself, but the surrounding tropical gardens. It was a wonderful place to enjoy a rest and some peace and quiet after a busy day exploring the town.

With a little bit of time to spare before Mike returned from his fishing trip, I headed over to the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden . The garden features 36 bronze busts of individuals who have had the greatest impact on Key West.

We decided to end our 3 days in Key West by taking in one last famous Key West sunset. This time, we watched the sun go down from Mallory Square where every night there’s a street carnival celebrating the sunset. We watched a few of the street performers but honestly, nothing compares to the show Mother Nature puts on every night!

Final Thoughts About Our 3 Days in Key West

As the sun set on our 3 day trip to Key West, we were disappointed to have to say goodbye. Key West really had it all- a fascinating history, unique architecture, natural beauty, outdoor adventures and delicious food.

Our time in Key West, and the rest of the Florida Keys, were some of our favourite days in Florida. The Keys have a distinct, laid back vibe that we really enjoyed. It was a welcome change from the all traffic and busy toll roads in the rest of Florida!

This may have been our first visit to Key West, but we’re hoping it won’t be the last. After all, legend holds that once Key West sand gets in your shoes, you’ll return time and time again!

Tips for Visiting Key West

Getting Around: The best way to get around Key West is by bicycle. There is almost no free parking in the heart of Key West, but plenty of bike racks. The B&B we stayed at arranged our rentals and the bikes (and locks) were dropped off for us. The bikes were picked up and the end of our rental. We paid $10 a day/bike.

Costs: Overall, we found Key West to be very expensive. Both accommodations and food were pricier than we were expecting. I’d say budget for at least $250 US a night (on the low end) for something in the Old Town.

Water Sports: The Sail, Snorkel and Kayak trip we did was with Danger Charters. The staff was excellent and made sure everyone was comfortable snorkeling. They also were very knowledgeable about the area, giving a great tour around the mangrove island. I liked how the activities weren’t rushed, giving us plenty of time to enjoy!

• The morning half-day excursion begins at 9:00 or 9:30 am (depending on the season) and takes about 4.5 hours.
• The price is $90 for adults and includes snorkeling gear, kayak equipment, snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic after snorkeling).

Truman Little White House: The Truman Little White House is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Tours cost $24.67 (or $22.20 when bought online) and are offered every 20 minutes from 9:30 am- 4:00 pm (museum closes at 4:30 pm). For up to date information visit the museum’s website .

Sunset Celebration: The Mallory Square Sunset Celebration begins two hours before sunset. It features performers, artists and food vendors.

Information was updated January 2022, but can change without notice. Please confirm directly with service providers.

Tours in Key West

Here is a trusted site where you can book tours and tickets for activities in Key West . Here are a few related to what I’ve mentioned in this post:

• Key West Sunset Sail on Schooner America 2.0
• 2-Stop Reef Snorkeling Trip
• Truman Little White House

Accommodations in Key West

For your convenience, here is a list of hotels in Key West . Please consider booking your Key West accommodations through the included link. It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

We’d like to thank the Key West Attractions Association for providing us with complimentary tickets to many of the attractions and activities mentioned above. As always, we tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

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FLORIDA , ISLAND GUIDES , KEY WEST , NORTH AMERICA , UNITED STATES · March 22, 2024 Last Updated on March 28, 2024

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KEY WEST, FLORIDA

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Key West is a tiny island located at the southern tip of the famed archipelago known as the Florida Keys. Renowned for its coral reefs, diving, snorkeling, and laid-back, vacation mode mentality, Key West attracts sun seekers from all over the world.

Key West is approximately 100 miles from Miami, and is only 90 miles to Havana, Cuba. Known as the southernmost city of the continental United States, Key West offers crystal clear waters, great weather, an array of watersports, excellent seafood, and a vibrant bar scene.

With Jimmy Buffet’s iconic song “Margaritaville” playing in my mind as the theme song, I had been dreaming of visiting this seemingly carefree destination for years. Key West is a perfect relaxed beach destination for couples, group trips, and families. It is truly a little island paradise, and and is easily accessible by car from Miami.  

Here’s my ultimate guide to Key West with the best hotels, tours, beaches, nightlife, picturesque locations, hidden gems, and more!

My Experience In Key West

I once saw a photo of a chicken standing on a white sand beach next to a palm tree, with crystal blue water in the background. That image stuck in my mind as epitomizing Key West. I want to go there I said to myself. I want that laid-back island vibe to soak into my soul.

Ten years later, in February 2024, I arrived in Key West in the pouring rain. It was cold, overcast, and windy but the moment I stepped inside a colorful restaurant on Duval Street and saw frozen margaritas and shrimp and grits on the menu, all my worries began to fade away. 

Key West is the opposite of pretentious. The vibe in Key West is: flip flops, beach bars, live music, chickens, cats, and horses in the street, salt in your hair, sun on your skin, the friendliest people, and the prettiest aqua-green ocean washing your worries away. 

Key West is a destination centered around fun. It’s a tiny 2 x 4 mile island and yet there are over 300 bars to choose from! Around every turn, there is some new variation of fun going on and you can’t help but get caught up in the blissful mentality.

There are so many places to visit in the world, but Key West is a place I know I will return to. I love the laid-back island vibe it exudes and I can’t wait to visit in the balmy heat of summer when it’s so warm a bikini is the only thing I will need to pack. Paradise found.

Where I Stayed In Key West

Ideally situated, overlooking Sunset Pier and the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Ocean Key Resort & Spa is one of the island’s top luxury destinations. Raked ‘Top 10 Resorts in the Florida Keys’ by Condé Nast Traveler and ‘Top 15 Resorts in Florida’ by Travel + Leisure for 2023, Ocean Key Resort has been a favorite of locals and tourists for years.

Located next to Mallory Square in historic Old Town Key West, Ocean Key Resort provides the ideal home away from home to explore everything Key West has to offer. From the resort, you can easily explore downtown Key West on foot or walk down the street to Key West Harbor where an array of water tours await you.  

All the rooms at Ocean Key Resort feature local art and eclectic hand-painted furnishings. Each room comes with a private balcony and view of the Gulf of Mexico or Key West’s historic Duval Street. Highlights include Sunset Pier, a high-end spa, the cute mini Rum Bar in the lobby, oversized showers, and delicious daily breakfasts. I loved how spotlessly clean the rooms and property were.

I also loved the dreamy Liquid Pool Bar & Lounge overlooking Sunset Pier and the ocean. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon enjoying cocktails in the sunshine with a stunning view of the aqua sea. The decadent dinner I experienced at Ocean Key Resort’s upscale, romantic, oceanfront restaurant, Hot Tin Roof , was top-notch and not to be missed. 

I would definitely stay at Ocean Key Resort & Spa again next time I visit the Keys. I highly recommend it as an ideal hotel to book for a special occasion and for exploring the best of Key West.

The Best Key West Hotels

There are a handful of upscale resorts in Key West, along with more affordable accommodations, making it an ideal destination for any budget. Here are 10 of the best hotels in and around Key West organized by luxury, mid-range, and budget-friendly.

Luxury Key West Hotels

• Ocean Key Resort – As mentioned above, this hotel provides the full resort experience with a poolside bar, stunning views, a superb location overlooking Sunset Pier, a full-service spa, and an excellent upscale restaurant on the property. 
• Pier House Resort and Spa – Located across the street from Ocean Key Resort, set on Duval Street with serene sea views and an exclusive private beach. Pier House Resort is in an excellent location and offers great amenities and beachfront dining.
• The Marker Key West Harbor Resort – In the tropical setting of two acres of gardens, this harborfront property has 96 rooms and suites, an onsite restaurant, and three outdoor pools. 
• The Marquesa Hotel Key West – This eco-certified, adults-only hotel offers three sparkling swimming pools, lush gardens, and a great American cuisine restaurant. Located close to the beach and only a two-minute walk to Duval Street, the guests say the property is first-rate. 

Mid-range Key West Hotels

• Sunset Key Cottages – Located on a secluded private island a short boat ride away from the mainland, this aparthotel is perfect for couples. Think white sand beaches and your own private getaway. All apartments come fully furnished with all amenities and be sure to check out the on-site restaurant, Latitudes, too. 
• H2O Suites – Close to the Southernmost Point and in the entertainment district, this highly-rated adults-only hotel is a favorite for its thoughtful touches and ideal location close to the action. 
• The Gates Hotel , The Keys Collection – This stylish hotel combines a laidback island lifestyle with elegance and fun. It has a full program of entertainment and has a craft rum bar and cigar lounge. 

Budget Key West Hotels

• Hilton Garden Inn Key West, The Keys Collection – This recently redesigned hotel is close to Smathers Beach and even has an on-site golf course. 
• 24 degrees North, The Keys Collection – This hotel celebrates the fact that it’s on the same latitude as Havana, Cuba, and brings laid-back island vibes to its accommodation. 
• Fairfield Inn and Suites, The Keys Collection – This family-friendly hotel is a convenient base for everything you’ll want to do in Key West.

Other Florida Keys Hotels

If you want to stay a little further afield, check out these hotels on other Keys. These two hotel options are just a scenic ocean drive away from Key West. 

• Hawks Cay Resort, Marathon – This large, upscale resort oozes family holiday fun and is located on the nearby Duck Key, Marathon. It has a marina, a private beach with beach volleyball, five outdoor pools and restaurants, and its Calm Waters spa for all your pampering needs. Keys like Conch Key are only a short drive away and Key West takes just over an hour with stunning views along the journey. 
• Little Palm Island Resort and Spa – Located off of Little Torch Key, this eco-certified luxury resort and spa has been newly refurbished and is said to be requisite! When staying here, you’ll check in at Little Torch Key, before boating over to this exclusive island resort. Expect white sand and crystal clear waters on the private beach and be sure to take advantage of the watersports on offer.

Top 12 Things To Do In Key West

Key West is a tiny island that is only 8 square miles. But there is a lot to do and see here. This is by no means a comprehensive list of attractions, but this will get you started. H ere are my suggestions for 12 things not to miss in Key West .

1) Stroll Historic Oldtown Key West

The Key West Historic District encompasses approximately 4,000 acres and contains 187 historic buildings and one structure. Here you’ll find cute souvenir shops, museums, restaurants, and a sea of jam-packed bars offering island cocktails. 

Duval Street is the main drag of downtown, running north and south from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. On Duval Street bustling frozen daiquiri bars can be found around almost every turn, set amidst eclectic shops, Victorian-style homes, back alley speakeasy bars, pubs, and seafood restaurants. 

2) Watch the Sunset at Mallory Square

This iconic square becomes a festival of activity every evening, with street vendors, carnival performers, and a sea of restaurants and music all around. Mallory Square is the perfect place to enjoy a famous Key West sunset.

3) Take Photos at the Southernmost Point

To prove you’ve visited the most southerly point of the United States, get your camera out and have your photo taken at this commemorative monument. As with most Instagrammable places, you may want to skip this if you don’t like waiting in line for a photo op.

4) Take a Boat Trip

To get out on the water day or night, rent a boat or take a boat trip on Key West’s iconic waters. There are an array of tour operators to choose from but one good one to check out is Honest Eco Tours . They offer catamaran tours, power boat tours, and tours on a unique boat they built called the Squid . 

5) Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

Accessible only by ferry ride or sea-plane, Dry Tortugas National Park , is located 70 miles from Key West, and comprises seven small islands teeming with life and natural beauty.

Snorkel or swim in the coral reef and take a historic tour of Fort Jefferson. Walking on the walls of this giant brick structure is a highlight.

6) Visit Historic Fort Zachary State Park

This is the southernmost state park in the United States and houses an impressive civil-war-era fort and one of the best beaches in the Keys. This beach is perfect for families as there are so many activities to do such as snorkeling and kayaking. It is also one of the prettiest beaches to sunbathe on.

7) Enjoy Live Music on Sunset Pier

Overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Sunset Pier is a relaxed dockside seafood eatery at the Ocean Key Resort  with water views, drinks & live music.

8) Watersports

Offering the third largest coral reef system in the world and the year-round mild temperatures and sunshine, Key West is an ideal spot to do an array of watersports.  You can kayak through the mangroves, jetski around islets, paddleboard, and snorkel in the crystal clear ocean.

This three hour snorkeling adventure tour takes you out on a catamaran to all the best spots around Key West. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects North America’s only coral barrier reef.

9) Take a Tour of Ernest Hemingway’s House

Ernest Hemingway lived in this property from 1931 to 1939 and you can take a 30-minute tour of the house and grounds. Keep an eye out for descendants of Hemingway’s six-toed cat prowling around the grounds.

10) Relax on the beach

Key West is the perfect place for some rest and relaxation with white sand beaches, crystal clear waters to cool off in, and sunny weather. Some of the best beaches include the popular Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, Rest Beach, and South Beach.

11) Visit Truman’s Little White House

This historic building was President Harry Truman’s ‘Winter White House’ and later served as a sunny retreat for Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Clinton. The admission price also includes a tour of the property.

12) Take a Ride on the Overseas Highway

Unless you take a boat to Key West, necessity will ensure you take a ride on this famous road at some point during your trip. This feat of engineering is an attraction in its own right. This stretch of road is often called “the highway that goes to sea.” It encompasses 113 miles of roadway and 42 bridges from Key Largo to Key West including the famous 7-mile bridge (pictured below).

For this trip, I booked a Daytrip  private driver to take me from South Beach to Key West so that I could enjoy the amazing drive! The drive takes about 3.5 hours and you can e xpect breathtaking views as you hop from key to key and marvel at the coral islets and crystal-clear water. 

The Best Tours in Key West

Key West offers a great number of fun tours for exploring the area, taking to the water and visiting natural wonders. Here are some great options:

• Sunset Party Cruise by Catamaran – Watch the famous Key West sunset as you enjoy complimentary hot and cold food, margaritas, beer, wine and champagne, whilst listening to live bands play your favorite tunes. 
• Helicopter Tour – This 10 minute helicopter tour gives you spectacular views of all of Key West’s iconic landmarks and even offers the option of having the doors off!
• Full Day Tour of Key West National Wildlife Refuge   – This all day tour takes you sailing, kayaking through the mangroves and snorkeling on backcountry reefs. Also includes an all-you-can-eat buffet .
• Parasailing Flights – Get the best panoramic views of the Keys on this exhilarating ride above the turquoise waters.
• Guided Bicycle Tour with Key Lime Pie – See the sights up close the eco-friendly way. Cycle around the Old Town, visit attractions and finish the trip with famous Key Lime Pie.

The Best Restaurants in Key West

Due to its island nature and proximity to Cuba and the Caribbean, Key West has developed a unique ‘Floribbean’ culinary style, combining classic American tastes and fresh seafood with Caribbean flavors. From roadside shacks to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll enjoy an array of fresh, flavorful dining options in Key West. 

Here are our suggestions for 10 of the best restaurants in Key West.

• Hot Tin Roof – Located inside Ocean Key Resort , this popular oceanfront restaurant specializes in exquisite ‘Floribbean’ dishes that are a fusion of the best flavors that exemplify local cuisines. This Key’s staple is perfect for a romantic date night or special occasion, just be sure to book in advance as it gets busy. I dined here and it was exquisite. If you like mushrooms, the mushroom appetizer is amazing.
• Willie’s Chicken Shack – New Orleans’ staple fried chicken shack paired with frozen daiquiris on Duval Street, what’s not to love.
• Moondog Cafe and Bakery – This pretty bakery on Whitehead Street draws the crowds in with the delectable aromas of their gorgeous fresh bakes but you can also stay for brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour!
• Seaside Cafe Key West – Located in the boutique hotel, The Mansion on the Sea, this cafe is famous for its iconic lobster pizza and epic mojitos.
• Glazed Donuts – Not quite a restaurant but not your average donut stand. Refined and elevated donuts with creative flavors are the norm here and donuts are usually sold out within a few hours. Make sure you try the key lime pie-flavored ones!
• Cafe Marquesa – This fine dining restaurant located in the Marquesa Hotel offers an exquisite setting for special occasion dinners. Don’t let the refined interior fool you though, the menu is down-to-earth with a perfect blend of innovation and classic.
• Blue Heaven – This laid-back joint was opened in 1992 by an artist and writer and it’s been a local institution ever since. Offering Caribbean flavors and colorful decor along with live music, it’s super romantic and the perfect place to relax and unwind. 
• El Siboney – For authentic Cuban cuisine, this family-friendly restaurant in the heart of Old Town is the place to be. Try the Cuban Mix Sandwich and be transported to the Caribbean.
• Garbo’s Grill – This Korean BBQ street vendor has a small menu of classic and fusion dishes that packs a lot of punch. 
• Alonzo’s Oyster Bar – This laidback seafood restaurant prides itself on being the only restaurant in Key West that has water on three sides, but we think it should boast more about its delicious crab – which is hands down the best crab I’ve had anywhere! I’m happy to confirm that they also live up to their name in the oyster department and have excellent Oysters Rockefeller. Visit between 4:30 and 6pm to take advantage of their famous daily happy hour.

The Best Bars in Key West

Key West is known to have some of the best bars in America! With over 300 bars to choose from there is truly something for everyone. On famed Duval Street, you’ll find live music joints, eclectic speakeasy bars, pubs, frozen daiquiri bars, beach bars, pool halls, dance clubs, and everything in between.

There’s a bar and a party in Key West for every theme and every day of your vacation. From my experience, here’s a list of 10 best of the best bars in Key West .

• Captain Tony’s Saloon – A quintessentially Key West bar steeped in history that’ll always have a barstool free for a cold one after a long day in the sun. If you’re feeling brave, try their signature Pirate Punch.
• General Horseplay – Priding themselves on craft cocktails, go there for the spicy margaritas and stay for the tomfoolery.
• Pickles Pub Sandbar – This modern sports bar serves cool drinks and comfort food, and showcases great live bands.
• The Roost – This sophisticated hidden gem has happy hour from 12-6pm and specializes in unique craft cocktails and is a welcome refresher from the chaos and liveliness of Duval Street.
• 22 & Co – If glitter, tutus and flamingoes are more your vibe, head to 22 & Co. This unicorn-inspired fun house offers fresh cocktails and magical vibes for a great night.
• Hog’s Breath Saloon – This pub is a favorite hang of the locals and offers classic drinks with a superb program of live music.
• Fogarty’s & The Flying Monkey Saloon – Located on Duval Street, this lively bar is well-known for its frozen cocktails – the frozen daiquiri isn’t for the faint-hearted. 
• Mary Ellen’s Bar & Kitchen – This lively and eccentric bar serves comfort food like gourmet grilled cheese and always has something going on at night – its charity vibrator races are a real local event!
• Sunset Pier – Next to Mallory Square, this pier is a delight of music and festivities. Enjoy a Caribbean cocktail at the tiki bar and pull up a stool to enjoy the sunset view from the best seat in the house.
• White Tarpon – Here you can have the famous Key Lime Martini while admiring sweeping views of the harbor.

The Best Time To Visit to Key West

During the winter months (November – February) the weather is cooler but pleasant at around 75-80 degrees; the water is 70-74 degrees. During the summer months, the weather is very hot and humid and there’s always the risk of the odd hurricane or storm disrupting your vacation.

The water temperature can also get to a not-so-refreshing 86 degrees, but if you want to swim in a tropical bath with plenty of colorful sea life, then head to Key West during the summer.

Due to the excessive summer heat, (which I love, but know many find unappealing) high season in Key West is during the winter months. So in winter expect high season prices and lots of tourists. 

March to May is a good time to visit Key West if you want to take advantage of warm weather and fewer crowds.

How to Get to Key West

You can fly into Key West International Airport, but this option can be pricey. As a more affordable alternative, you can fly into Miami International Airport (MIA), rent a car and drive to the Keys.

I chose to hire a driver from Daytrip  to drive me from Miami to Key West so that I could fully enjoy the gorgeous views. The drive is easy and takes about 3.5 hours with no stops. But I recommend making a few stops along the way to explore other Keys and to take in the stunning scenery along the way. 

Once in Key West, the city is very walkable but you can also cycle – many resorts have bicycles available to hire for you to do this. There’s also a hop-on, hop-off bus, and Uber. Or you can even rent a golf cart! 

Key West Ultimate Guide Wrap Up

If you’re chasing a laid-back island vibe for your next vacation, I highly recommend checking out Key West. It’s a perfect long weekend getaway to add to your next Miami trip. Pack your flip-flops and your swimsuit and be ready for relaxed fun in the sun!

I hope you’ve found my Key West guide helpful. If you’re interested in visiting other areas in Florida you can check out all our Florida articles for inspiration or our US bachelorette party guides for other party destination ideas. 

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Key West! If you have questions about Key West or tips to share with our readers please leave these in the comments below.

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Read More About Florida

• 5 Fantastic Florida Kayak Escapes
• The Best Of Key West – Beyond Duval Street
• Dry Tortugas National Park: A Fortress In The Sea
• How To Have The Perfect Florida Keys Roadtrip
• The Best Things Central Florida Has To Offer

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Key West, Florida, Is a Perfect Winter Getaway — With Nightlife, Stunning Beaches, and a Historic State Park

Get ready for sun, sand, and plenty of fun.

• Best Hotels and Resorts

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You don’t have to break out your passport to spend a few days in an island paradise. Just head to Key West, Florida. 

Key West is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in America, and dare we say, the world. Its gin-clear waters that lap up against white-sand beaches will leave you in awe. Its vibrant community and fun nightlife will leave you with lasting memories. And its water activities — like snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing — will keep you active from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. 

"Key West has hundreds of years of interesting and infamous history, which includes pirates, shipwrecking, treasure, rum running, military exploits, and billionaire's ventures,” Analise Smith, founder of Key West Food Tours, told Travel + Leisure . “Its melting pot of culture and turquoise ocean surroundings has given way to a vibrant food scene, which includes the most delicious selection of local seafood and tropical fruits.”

Smith added, “When deciding why to come to Key West, it might be a shorter list to ask, 'Why not?' And either way, you'll have a hard time convincing yourself out of the idea.” 

Ready to plot out your Key West vacation? Keep reading about the best places to stay , eat, and play for a Key West getaway you’ll never forget. 

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Courtesy of Marquesa Hotel

Marquesa Hotel

The Marquesa Hotel embodies the Key West spirit through and through. The hotel, which was voted one of the best resorts in Florida by T+L readers in 2023, is classically styled with dark wood flooring and easy breezy island furnishings, and a bright blue exterior paint color that matches the nearby sea. Don’t miss the on-site Café Marquesa for an upscale meal. 

Ocean Key Resort & Spa

Ocean Key Resort & Spa has perhaps the most coveted address in all of Key West: Zero Duval Street. The hotel — also voted one of the best resorts in Florida by T+L readers in 2023 — could not be more conveniently located and boasts spacious rooms and suites, each with an epic view of the ocean or Duval Street. 

Sunset Key Cottages

For a little bit of luxury and solitude, find your way to Sunset Key Cottages , which was a T+L reader favorite in 2022 . The resort sits nestled on a 27-acre private island just off the coast of Key West, and offers up to four-bedroom abodes so even large families can vacation together. 

“Though we are only a four-mile by two-mile island, we are chock full of ‘must experience’ things to do,” Smith said. Here are a few not-to-miss highlights.  

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Celebrate the life and work of Key West’s literary great, Ernest Hemingway, with a visit to his former residence-turned-museum, aptly named The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum . The home is perfectly preserved just as he left it in the 1930s. It showcases personal items and antiques — and displays the very areas where he penned some of history’s greatest novels. The museum is also home to a large colony of polydactyl (six-toed) cats , which are all descendants of Hemingway's own feline companions.

Southernmost Point

Go ahead and take an iconic Instagram photo at Southernmost Point . The massive buoy, built in 1983, marks the location of, as the name suggests, the southernmost point in the United States. It has become a popular destination for visitors in Key West to also mark their time on vacation with at least a photo of two. 

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Explore a bit of American history with a visit to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park . It is home to the largest archive of Civil War armament on Earth. It also has a gorgeous beach that is open to the public for swimming, snorkeling, and outdoor dining. As the southernmost state park in the continental United States, it is yet another cool spot to visit when in Key West.

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Key West Food Tours

Get a taste of what Key West has to offer with Smith's Key West Food Tours . Smith offers a variety of tours, including a tasting and cultural tour showcasing the island’s Cuban and Caribbean flavors, along with a seafood experience, bar crawl, and even a food tour dedicated to Hemingway. 

The Green Parrot

As one of the oldest bars in Key West, The Green Parrot is the place to be to mix and mingle with locals. The bar is well-known for its local music and its stellar drinks, but don’t come hungry as it only serves snacks. 

Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

The Bull and Whistle

Enjoy even more of the Key West weather by sipping a cocktail or a cold beer at The Bull and Whistle , an open-air bar right on Duval Street. The bar offers table seating facing its small stage for local acts, a large bar to belly up to, and plenty of pool tables so you can challenge your travel companions to a game.   

Key West has a vibrant drag scene, and there’s no better place to experience it than at Aquaplex . The nightclub puts on shows every Monday and Tuesday at 9 p.m. and every Wednesday to Sunday at both 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., giving you plenty of opportunities to see your favorite act. 

Best Restaurants 

According to Smith, the best part about dining in Key West is that no matter where you go, you’ll likely end up with a great view. “The local grocery stores and even the fast food chain restaurants have ocean views,” Smith said. But perhaps more importantly: “The food is so fresh and local — you'll likely eat delicious sustainable fish and shrimp here that you won't see anywhere else in the country.” 

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Blue Heaven

Start your day in Key West off with a delicious bang with a visit to Blue Heaven . The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but is most well-known for its outrageously good morning menu. The popular pancakes are made from scratch and come in plain, banana, pineapple, pecan, or blueberry. Meanwhile, its shrimp and grits come with a side of its famous Betty's Banana Bread. 

Garbo’s Grill

Dig into some seafood delights with a meal at Garbo’s Grill . The diner specializes in quick and easy bites like its Cayo Fish, made with red cabbage, mango, jalapeno, cilantro, onion, and its house Caribbean sauce over whatever the fish of the day is. Also notable is its highly beloved lobster roll, crafted with Maine Lobster meat and mayo on a buttered and grilled roll.

Azur Restaurant

For an upscale evening in Key West, head to Azur Restaurant . The Mediterranean eatery sits a few blocks off of Duval Street, providing a quieter atmosphere to enjoy a luxurious meal. The menu includes the likes of Key West pink shrimp in a lemon butter and garlic sauce, and steamed mussels in a rosemary and tomato broth. 

Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

No visit to Key West would be complete without getting at least a slice, or two, or heck, an entire key lime pie. Find the sweetest of the bunch at Kermit’s , a one-time roadside stand turned popular bakery with two locations in the Keys. The shop sells other dessert treats, but none can top its key lime pies and pie bars. And if you really fall in love with them, you can always have Kermit’s shipped to anywhere in the continental U.S.

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The best time to visit Key West is from January to May, when the temperatures around the rest of the nation tend to dip, but remain relatively constant in the Keys. 

“Winter tends to be a guest favorite,” Smith said. “There's not too many U.S. destinations that are still running snorkel and dive trips in January, and are booking out their outside dining faster than their inside tables. When it's snow and icicles everywhere else, we are our company motto: ‘Sun, Rum, and Key lime pie.’”

However, Key West is home to several stellar annual festivals throughout the year that are worthy of planning a trip around. That includes The Key Lime Festival , which typically runs in late June or early July, along with Hemingway Days , which honors the life of Hemingway. There’s also Fantasy Fest , a massive, 10-day party extravaganza held in late October, which includes parades, drag performances, costume contests, and a pageant to crown the King and Queen of Fantasy Fest.  

There are two ways to get to Key West: drive or fly. There are direct flights to Key West International Airport (EYW) from all around the country, including flights from Chicago, Dallas, New York City, Boston, Charlotte, and Atlanta.

Though it could take you longer, driving to Key West from Miami is an experience all on its own. Visitors can rent a car in Miami and hop on the US 1, known as the Overseas Highway , which takes guests across 106 glorious miles and over 42 bridges, with epic views from start to finish. 

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Smith noted that “walking and bicycling are the transportation of choice” in Key West. However, there are a few other modes of transport you can try.

Uber: Uber is operational in Key West. It’s available to and from the Key West International Airport. 

Taxi: There are several local taxi services operating in Key West, including Key West Taxi and D.B. Taxi , both of which operate 24/7. 

Pedicab: Want more of a scenic ride? Hop on any of the pedicabs traversing Key West. The rides are much more expensive than traditional cabs but do come with a lot more fun. You can also book pedicabs in advance for tours around town . 

Related Articles

The 10 Best Things to Do in Key West

quickwhittravel

Key West was the sunshiney, happy, fun island vacation we needed, right when we needed it! We had great food, iconic experiences, and even had a few “firsts” while we were there. Here’s our top 10 list of the things we did, and the things we think need to make their way on to your list!

10. Tour the Oldest House

Start here! This was a great little tour with loads of background information that will help you enjoy Key West even more. Not only that, they have an absolutely gorgeous garden space out back! It’s easy to find on Duvall Street, and I know you won’t want to miss it.

Keep reading: 7 Travel Rules You Don’t Know Until Someone Tells You

9. have a frozen cafe con leche at keys coffee co..

This was the best coffee I had in all of Key West, and I only got a sip! I got the coconut breve because it sounded the most “island-y” and it was the “thing” to get at this coffee shop. Steve got the frozen cafe con leche, and it was definitely the more fun choice! It was like a coffee milkshake–but better. Don’t miss out!

More here: 20 Trips to Take in Your 20s

8. take in the view from the key west lighthouse.

This was an unexpected treat! We made friends with a local with ties to the museums in Key West, and he kindly gave us a pass for a complimentary visit to the lighthouse. We actually love to find a high point and get a lay of the land, so this was perfect. I definitely recommend a visit to the lighthouse and its museum–both of which are included in your ticket!

Read on: Epic Landscapes of the World

7. take your picture at the southernmost point.

You have to do it! If you go to Key West and don’t take a picture at the Southernmost Point, there’s not actual evidence that you were ever in Key West at all. (Wink, wink!) But really, it’s not hard to avoid the line if you go early (before 10:00am), and the sun is in a better position in the morning anyway. Fun fact, though: this is not the southernmost point in the United States, only the continental United States! The southernmost point in all of the USA is actually on the Big Island of Hawaii !

More here: Travel Mistakes You May Be Making

6. explore the mel fisher maritime museum.

This was well worth a visit! Mel Fisher was a “wrecker” (shipwreck hunter) or “salver” (someone who salvages from shipwrecks) who salvaged actual treasure from a ship off the shores of Key West in the 1980s! Much of that treasure is on display here. Parts of the Spanish ship Atocha and its treasure are still at the bottom of the sea, but this museum will hit the highlights for you!

Related: Should You Take a Seaplane or Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park?

5. get coffee at the cuban coffee queen.

And get a picture with the mural! This is such a fun spot for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or supper, but the best part is the coffee ice cubes in their iced coffees. You won’t have to worry about it getting watered down as they melt! I can also recommend the Cuban Mix sandwich!

More here: The Best Food in Key West

4. visit president truman’s little white house museum.

Did you know there’s a president’s house you can tour in Florida? You can, and it’s in Key West! This was a great tour, especially for history lovers, but FYI, you’re not allowed to take photos inside. Why? It’s still an active presidential retreat, so the no photo rule is for security purposes. It’s still worth a visit, though!

Get all the details: Visiting Truman’s Little White House Key West

3. visit the hemingway house museum.

Like the Southernmost Point, a trip to Key West is not complete without a trip to Hemingway’s House! It was fun to learn about the man behind the legend, all four of his wives, how he spent his “last cent,” and of course, meet all the sweet, 6-toed cats!

Get the whole experience: Visiting the Hemingway House Museum

2. take a seaplane to dry tortugas national park.

This was one completely epic experience! Neither Steve nor I had ever been in a seaplane before, but it was a ton of fun. Landing and taking off from the water was so exciting, as was the scenic flight and getting to see the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson from the air. It was well worth taking the seaplane over the ferry!

More here: What it’s Like Taking the Seaplane to Dry Tortugas

1. try all the key lime pie.

This was the best part! We tried to eat all the key lime pie, but of course, three days was not enough! It sure was fun, trying, though. My personal favorite was the meringue-topped variety we found at both Blue Heaven and Moondog Cafe, but chocolate-covered wasn’t too bad either!

Don’t miss this! The Best Key Lime Pie in Key West

Want more? All my Florida and Key West posts are up on my United States Page !

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17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Key West, Florida

Key West is a destination you’ve got to experience. And these are all the things you need to know before visiting Key West, Florida! Before we get started, let me introduce you to Key West:

Key West is a small 2-mile by 4-mile island (yes, it’s really that small) at the very tip of Florida. And it’s connected by the Overseas Highway to the other Florida Keys and the Florida mainland.

Key West makes for an awesome, long, and relaxing stay or you can experience Key West in one day ! It’s even a perfect stop on a Florida road trip . And if you are wondering, kids will also love Key West!

I spent an entire summer living and working in Key West. So I tend to think I know some great tips and tricks 😉. Plus I have since returned with my husband!

With my husband, we started a Florida roadtrip staying near Disneyworld and ended our Florida roadtrip in Key West. Now I can’t wait to return with our little tot and let her cross some things off of our ultimate Key West bucket list .

*There may be affiliate links in this post.  Read my  privacy/disclosure policy  to learn more.

1. Conch is pronounced con-k.

Alright, let’s get this out of the way. You might not think you need to know this before heading to Key West, however, it’s important! Key West is also known as the Conch Republic. You know conchs, the giant sea snails that live in the shells that you can hear the ocean in?

You’re going to want to say con-ch. However, it’s pronounced CON-K. You’ll for sure sound like a local if you pronounce it the correct way 😉.

2. Lodging and food in Key West can be pricey (but it’s still worth it)

A super good thing to know before going to Key West is how to budget. It’s no surprise that Key West’s crystal blue waters, amazing reefs, fun restaurants, and sunsets bring with it a bit of a price tag.

I recommend budgeting *at least* $175 per night for lodging (and that’s on the low end). A lot of places are going to be in the $200s-$300s per night. You can help save $$ on lodging by visiting in the shoulder season (April-June).

And for meals, I recommend budgeting around $15-$18 per person, per meal. Make the most of your meals out, by eating where I recommend on my Key West food guide . Or you can also book an awesome Key West Food Tour to make sure you get a little taste of everything.

Another great way to help save $$ is to rent a vacation home on Airbnb. You may be able to find a place cheaper than a hotel room, but with a kitchen! This way you can cook 1-2 meals a day at your Airbnb and budget money for other fun and exciting things! If you’ve never used Airbnb before, use this link to save up to $65 on your first booking.

3. Shoulder season is the best season to visit Key West, Florida

Hurricane season in Key West runs from June 1- November 30 (a good thing to know before visiting). However, the heaviest storms are likely to occur in August- October. Obviously, devastating hurricanes don’t happen every year, but hurricane season is definitely something to keep in mind.

The winter season (November-March) is actually the busiest and most expensive time to visit the island.

In April-June, Key West has beautiful weather with perfect temps in the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit), slightly fewer crowds, and a *little bit* more affordable lodging options.

Check out this post: The Ultimate Key West, Florida Bucket List | 98 Things to Do

4. parking near duval street can be hard to find and expensive.

It’s a little hard to know whether to rent a car while you are vacationing in Key West or not. It definitely depends on what activities you plan to enjoy and where your hotel will be located.

One good thing to know before visiting Key West is that parking can be hard to find and parking lots can be expensive. If your hotel is near Duval Street, you may not need to worry about renting a car. Even if you are staying on the opposite side of the island from Duval, many of the hotels have shuttles that will transport you back and forth.

If you don’t plan on renting a car, you may want to consider renting scooters or bikes for a day to see areas of the island that are a little harder to get to on foot (like Fort Zachary Taylor State Park ). You can book one-day bike rentals here for a great price or even book a guided bicycle tour of Old Town Key West.

Scooter parking is much easier to find and free. When I worked in Key West for a summer, my main transportation was a scooter and I loved it! It was a blast to drive and I didn’t pay for parking once.

If you have little kids, you may consider renting a golf cart or small vehicle for a similar, fun experience.

5. The drive to Key West will be one of the best parts of your trip

I highly recommend driving the Overseas Highway while you are in Key West. The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile highway, with 42 bridges (one bridge is 7 miles long!) connecting the Florida mainland to all of the Florida Keys. It really is one of the most beautiful drives in the US.

I recommend buying flights into Miami or Ft. Lauderdale as they are usually much less expensive than flying directly into Key West. Then, rent a car and cruise through the Florida Keys. Or of course, make Key West a stop on Florida roadtrip .

A third option is to fly directly into Key West and take a day trip up the keys to get the same amazing experience. Whatever you do, you can’t miss the Overseas Highway while visiting Key West, this is something you need to know before visiting!

6.  Key West is home to the only living barrier reef in the continental United States

Before you visit, a top thing to know is that Key West, Florida is home to the only living barrier reef in the continental United States! How cool is that? The Florida Reef is found about 6-7 miles offshore of Key West. That’s only a short boat ride away!

You can find tons of great snorkeling tours in Key West that will take you out to experience the reef and nearby areas. Or if you want to stay on the land, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach definitely has the best snorkeling (you can even rent snorkel gear on the beach). Be sure to check out my guide to Fort Zachary Taylor here .

7. You may want to steer clear of Fantasy Fest

Fantasy Fest is a 10-day festival held every October on Duval Street. The festival is full of costumes, body painting, music, parades, and activities. However, it is a pretty adult-rated event and known for a raucous crowd and some nudity.

I suggest if you aren’t into partying and prefer a bit of a more family-friendly vibe on the island, steer clear of Fantasy Fest.

No worries if this isn’t your thing though! Because tons of fun festivals and events occur in Key West that you can still enjoy like Hemingway Days and the Speedboat Races!

you’ll love this post: Florida Roadtrip with Kids: 10 Amazing Stops (plus a map!)

8. the best beach in key west is not actually on key west.

One of the best things to know before heading to Key West is that the best beach to visit is actually NOT on the island of Key West. Yes, there are some great beaches there (Smathers Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach). However, you need to visit the beach on Sunset Key.

Sunset Key is a private island that anyone can visit if they have a reservation at either the Sunset Key Spa or dining reservations at Latitudes on Sunset Key. I recommend taking a trip over to have breakfast or lunch at Latitudes (for a little bit of a less expensive meal option compared to dinner) to enjoy a great view of Key West which you can’t find many places and to see their private beach.

When I have had lunch at Latitudes on Sunset Key, we were able to walk over to the beach afterwards and relax on the beach for a little bit. It is a gorgeous white, sandy beach with palm trees, hammocks, palm frond umbrellas, and lounge chairs. However, I cannot be sure that it is 100% allowed for people to use the beach that are not guests at the cottages on Sunset Key. But in my experience, we didn’t have any problems.

9. Get on the water to see some of the most beautiful areas of Key West, Florida

I highly recommend any tour that will let you see some of Key West’s backcountry and the sandbars around Key West. There are tons of amazing water tours/experiences in Key West to choose from. For example, this Island Adventure Snorkel and Kayak Tour or my personal favorite of jetskiing around the island .

You need to make sure you have time in your itinerary and money in your budget to book at least one water excursion in Key West. The places you see and the experiences you have on the water will be memories that last a lifetime. Check out my post 8 Key West Excursions Definitely Worth the Money for more awesome excursion/tour ideas that I’ve personally taken!

10. Visit Duval Street during the day for a more family-friendly scene

Duval Street is full of fun shops and restaurants but also a ton of bars (43 bars to be exact). So if you want to walk the length of Duval (which I recommend!) but you want to steer clear of bachelor/bachelorette parties, and loud groups then you’ll want to take a stroll down Duval during the day 😁. However, if you love yourself a good pub crawl, be sure to book one here .

Check out this post: 13 Perfect Airbnbs Near Disney World for Big Families

11. try key lime pie (even if you don’t think you’ll like it).

If you try only ONE thing while you’re in Key West, it’s got to be the Key Lime Pie. Even if you think you won’t like it. And this is coming from someone who almost always picks chocolatey-flavors over fruity-flavors.

In Key West you can find Key Lime Pie in so many different forms that you are bound to find one you like! For example, you’ll find Key Lime Pie on a stick, Key Lime Pie dipped in chocolate, fried Key Lime Pie, and even a vegan Key Lime Pie! Be sure to check out my Key West Key Lime Pie Guide to learn all the best places to try the local treat!

12. Conch fritters are a unique local food

Remember the word we talked about earlier (pronounced con-k, not con-ch). Conch fritters are fried balls of conch meat (sea snail) mixed with cornmeal batter, jalapeños, and other spices. This is definitely something you need to know before visiting Key West, Florida.

You’ll find places all over the island selling them. Conch fritters are most commonly found in the Bahamas (which are super near to Key West) and they are definitely a unique food to try while visiting the island!

I’m no conch-connoisseur, however, Key West Original Conch Fritters is a really cute stand located right near all the action by Mallory Square. Or join a local food tour to learn more about conch fritters and get a taste of them along with other Key West favorites.

You’ll love this post: The Ultimate Key West, Florida Bucket List | 98 Things to Do

13. you need to try the island’s cuban food.

Key West is only 90 miles from Cuba, meaning you can find some great Cuban food to eat! There’s a place right near Duval and Mallory Square, however, the locals love to head to El Siboney . Make sure to try the fried plantain!A Key West Food Tour is another great way to try the Cuban food and learn its history along the way.

14. You might find a lot of seaweed on the beaches in the summer

Key West beaches are good… and they’re not. One not-so-good thing is, in the summer, they can receive a good amount of Sargassum Seaweed (some summers are better-off than others). This is the same seaweed that hits a lot of Mexico’s beaches.

The worst part about the seaweed is that when it starts to rot on the beach, it gives off a pretty foul odor. The good news is, you’re nose will probably get used to it pretty quick 😅.

However, if you’re headed to Key West in the summer months you may want to plan some days that don’t revolve around hanging out at the beach😉.

15. It’s illegal to feed the wild chickens

Key West is known for it’s free-range chickens that roam the island. They’re fun to see and make great Key West-photo ops. You can even have ‘breakfast with the roosters’ at Key West’s favorite Blue Heaven Restaurant .

However, it’s actually against the law to feed them and it’s punishable by a $250-$500 fine. So keep the bread crumbs in your bag and enjoy the chickens from a distance.

16. Key West is a big cruise ship port

The last good thing to know before visiting Key West, Florida is that Key West is a big cruise ship port. December-April are the busiest months for cruise ships which just means that there will be more crowds once the ships dock and the passengers are exploring for the day.

This also means, if you only want to enjoy Key West for one day and you’re looking to also explore Jamaica or the Bahamas, a cruise through Key West might be a good option for you!

17. You can watch the sunset at other places besides Mallory Square

First off, you DO need to experience the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. You’ll see street performers, local artists, and live music (along with a gorgeous sunset). However, once you’ve done that once or twice, head somewhere else to enjoy the sunset!

You can head over to the local’s favorite beach spot at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park to soak in the last sunrays of the night. Another option is to enjoy drinks or appetizers from Southernmost Beach Cafe with gorgeous sunset views. Or hang out on either Higgs Beach Pier or Edward B. Knight Pier to catch the sunset with fewer crowds.

Or for a unique experience, book a sunset sail to watch the sunset with drinks on the water. There are many different sunset sails to choose from so one is sure to fit your needs.

Check out these other posts, I know you’ll love them:

The Ultimate Key West, Florida Bucket List | 98 Things to Do

• The Ultimate Itinerary for a Day Trip to Key West
• 10 Best Things to do at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West Florida
• Ultimate Key West Food Guide | 19 Places You Must Try
• The 7 Most Beautiful Places You Need Watch the Sunset in Key West
• 8 Best Places to Try Key Lime Pie in Key West
• 8 Key West Excursions Definitely Worth the Money
• 5 Reasons You Need to Rent Jet Skis in Key West + How to Rent

And those are the 17 things you need to know before visiting Key West, Florida!

Let me know if you have any questions about things you need to know before visiting Key West, Florida! I’m a real person who loves to talk travel :).

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Robert Smiler

The Overseas Highway is awsome. Iliked the giant Conch shell. Robert Smiler has a new song to be released on August 6, 2023 called, Summer Drive. Check out the Summer Drive song and video at Robert Smiler Fun Melodies! Warm Summer Regards!

Sherrye Willis

What is the customary tip for the Seaplane Adventures pilot for a 1/2 day trip to Dry Tortugas?

I’m not actually sure what an appropriate tip is- sorry about that. I hope you enjoy your trip to Dry Tortugas!

Amanda Hayes

So excited about my upcoming trip. First timer and will be staying for one week May9_16. I would like love to know what live events are going on that week

Hey Amanda, I’m not aware of any events, but you can check out this calendar of events in Key West to see what is going on. I hope you have a great trip!

Georgie Chapman

Hello! My husband and I have done a road trip from New Orleans down to Florida City. We have one spare day before flying back to the UK ! Is it worth driving to The Keys ?

Hey Georgie! This may be too late- but I think a drive down the Florida Keys is one of the most beautiful and unique drives you can take. I hope you enjoyed your time in the US 🙂

Bonnie Edgington

Were planning a 4 day trip to Key West in March 23′. We have a small dog and I’m gluten free. On Airbnb can we find a dog friendly place to stay? Are there any gluten free offerings at restaurants that you’ve heard of? Mine is a serious allergy, not a chosen lifestyle. Thanks for any knowledge you can share. Bonnie

Heu Bonnie! You can most likely find a dog-friendly Airbnb in Key West. Just be sure to indicate that in the search filters before you start your search. I have a Key West Food Guide that indicates which of those restaurants have gluten-free options. I don’t think any of them are gluten-free kitchens, but there are definitely places with gluten-free options if that works for you. Have a great time!

Loved all your Key West articles! I will be visiting there in a few weeks, and it looks like I have a lot to look forward to!

I have reservations to got to Key West at the end of Jan ’23. I have never been, so I really enjoyed reading all the recommendations! Should be awesome!

Great to hear, Rick! I hope you have a great time!

Loved this guide! My best friend and I are looking into staying at The Perry for our first Key West trip ever. It offers a free shuttle into the historic/touristy part of Key West, which we really want to explore. Do you think it will be a hassle to shuttle back and forth? Not sure what the traffic/distance is like between Stock Island where The Perry is, and the touristy parts of Key West.

my husband and I are planning a trip for Jan ’23, any suggestions for a nice place to stay with a great view (water)? thank you

Hey Peggy 🙂 Sounds like a great time! I don’t have any recommendations of places I have personally stayed (where I have stayed has since changed to a different hotel). But some that I have looked into for the future are The Perry Hotel and Marina , Southernmost Beach Resort or for a really awesome beach and pool experience ( I have visited the beach and pool here) Casa Marina Resort .

I love your post, I followed you on Pinterest and am looking forward to exploring all your ideas.

Hey Lynn 🙂 Thank you so much! I hope I can help just a little bit in your travels!

Maryann & Glenn Helmick

I read many of your travel guides for key west. Me and my husband are traveling from Ocean view Delaware to Flagerly Beach Florida this march 2022 for bike week. Then we’re going find somewhere park our truck & trailer and just take are motorcycle down to the keys after bike week. Thanks for all the tips and ideas and information. Very much appreciate it. Maryann & Glenn Helmick Ocean view Delaware. ❤️

Hi Maryann and Glenn! This is so great to hear. Thank you for sharing 🙂 I hope that you have an awesome time riding your motorcycle down the Keys!

Jeannie kiekhafer

Now widowed am traveling with family to key west since husband always paid for drinks and such I have no clue what is proper bar tipping here, any suggestions. Thank you

Hey Jeannie 🙂 Unfortunately, I am not familiar with bar tipping as I don’t drink. But if you do a quick Google of ‘Bar Tipping in Key West’ it looks like you might be able to find some answers. Best of luck!

Mandi Wilson

If you are just getting drinks, tip a few dollars a drink. If your server is excellent, tip more. Being a server, essentially during the pandemic, has been a real struggle so always keep that in mind. If you are having food with your drinks and service is great, I tip at least 30%. I think the “standard” is 15% to 20%.

judith Rita hughes

Is there any all inclusive resorts in the Keys, and any that are pet friendly?

Hey Judith 🙂 From my knowledge, there are not any all-inclusive resorts on Key West specifically (there could be and I’m just not aware). I think this is because the restaurant and bar scene in Key West is so huge that most people prefer to eat out instead of at their hotel. However, there may be a couple in the Florida Keys in general. A quick google search for the Florida Keys brings up a few options- one place to look at might be Little Palm Island Resort & Spa. I hope this helps!

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Perfect 5 Day Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary (Miami to Key West Drive)

Are you looking for the perfect Florida Keys road trip itinerary? We got you! We enjoyed an epic 5 days driving from Miami to Key West (and back) passing through destinations like Key Largo and Marathon on this leisurely Florida Keys drive.

The Florida Keys is without a doubt one of the best paradise and road trip destinations in the United States, the epitome of the “American Dream vacation,” with its azure waters, breezy tropical sunsets, colorful buildings, and plenty of places to have a cold drink on a hot Florida day.

We have put together a suggested itinerary on how to spend your Florida Keys road trip and Miami to Key West drive based on our own experiences to help you plan an incredible vacation. You can easily adjust some of the activities on this itinerary to customize it for yourself if you’re interested in different options as we picked our highlighted activities and Florida Keys road trip stops based on our own experiences!

We wanted to highlight some of the best natural activities to do including businesses and organizations that have efforts in protecting and helping their community and environment. You can read more about the sustainable Florida Keys activities in our other guide.

Your Florida Keys road trip itinerary starts and ends at the Miami International Airport (MIA) since this is the best airport to fly into to enjoy the best stops on the Miami to Key West drive. Although, since we don’t spend any time in Miami, you can technically refer to this as a Key Largo to Key West drive since Key Largo is just 60 miles from Miami and the beginning of your journey.

Use this guide to help you plan your Florida Keys road trip and picture yourself cruising down a long and winding coastal road with the sun shining bright overhead, casting sparkling reflections on the crystal clear waters below. 

As you make your way through the Florida Keys down to Key West on a road trip, you’ll encounter an endless array of breathtaking views and exciting experiences that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired. 

From exploring the charming seaside towns like Islamorada and Key West featured on this Florida Keys itinerary to embarking on thrilling water sports adventures like snorkeling and jet skiing, there’s no shortage of excitement to be found along this beautiful stretch of scenic highway. 

You may even catch a glimpse of some incredible wildlife, from majestic manatees lounging in shallow bays to playful dolphins leaping out of the waves and sea turtles who call these warm waters home. 

And let’s not forget about food! The Florida Keys are home to some truly amazing cuisine, from fresh seafood caught right off the coast to mouthwatering key lime pie!

So whether you’re seeking adventure or looking for some much-needed R&R, a road trip through the Florida Keys has something for everyone. Get ready to soak up all that this stunning destination has to offer – your next unforgettable adventure awaits!

Table of Contents

Things to know before visiting the florida keys, day 1: miami to key largo, day 2: around key largo and islamorada, day 3: drive to key west with stops along the way, day 4: key west activities, day 5: key west to marathon.

Before embarking on your Florida Keys road trip and Miami to Key West drive here are a few things to know before you go to help you plan a great trip.

• Highlights on this Florida Keys road trip itinerary from Key Largo to Key West include:
• Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (the first protected underwater preserve in the US)
• Driving on the Seven Mile Bridge
• Get close to birds of the Florida Keys at Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
• Feed Tarpon Fish and get on the water at Robbie’s of Islamorada
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum + its collection of polydactyl cats in Key West
• Sampling the flavors of the Florida Keys on a food tour in Key West
• Visit the Southernmost Point of the Continental US!
• Visiting historic landmarks and nightlife in Key West
• Visit Sea Turtles at a rescue and rehabilitation center
• Relaxing on beaches next to some of the most beautiful water in the US!

Renting a Car For Your Florida Keys Drive

We recommend preparing for your rental car in advance for Miami International Airport (MIA). Getting to the car rental places at the airport is easy. 

Once you collect your baggage you follow the signs to the MIA Mover that takes you to where the car rentals are.

We recommend booking your car rental in advance with Expedia.

Before purchasing car insurance be sure to check with your credit card company to see if it already included in your perks. If you do have rental car insurance coverage with your credit card, be sure to check to see if you need to have a letter from the credit card company proving your insurance so you don’t end up getting pressured into buying the insurance you don’t need on the spot.

Some rental car companies require this letter proving coverage from your credit card company which is easy to get with a phone call but you need to come prepared.

Florida Keys Road Trip Mile Markers

On your drive to Key West you’ll be driving along what is known as the Overseas Highway , a 113-mile route that takes you from Key Largo to Key West. Much of the Overseas Highway was actually built on a former railroad and has seen the wrath and damage of hurricanes over the years. By the 1950s this had become the popular route to drive from Miami to Key West and embark on a Florida Keys road trip!

Another interesting fact, once you start your Florida Keys road trip itinerary and drive from Miami to Key West you will notice that there’s alot of talk about Mile Markers . These Mile Markers indicate the location or address in reference to the number of miles north of Key West’s Mile 0.

As the address numbers get smaller, this indicates the further south you’re going closer to Mile Marker 0.

For example, the first stop on our itinerary is Kona Kai Resort Gallery & Botanic Gardens. Their address is 97802 Overseas Hwy. Their street number indicates they are 97.8 miles away from Key West.

Once you get to Key West you can take your photo with the famous Mile Marker 0. These Mile Markers can also indicate how far of a drive it is between your planned stops.

With Google Maps now you don’t need to calculate the Mile Markers yourself but it’s a fun little tidbit of knowledge to know on your drive from Miami to Key West.

Reef Safe Sunscreen

The Florida Keys can be hot and the sun is strong down here! This goes without saying, but you need to come prepared with sunscreen. If during your Florida Keys road trip, you plan on getting in the water we urge you to use reef safe sunscreen. Did you know that most sunscreens are filled with chemicals that are toxic and harmful to the environment?

Two harmful chemicals often found in sunscreen are oxybenzone and octinoxate that contribute to coral bleaching. Other harmful chemicals include petrolatum and titanium dioxide.

Shockingly, finding reef safe sunscreen along your Florida Keys road trip isn’t so easy and may require multiple stops, so we urge you to come prepared with your own. We have picked out a few you can purchase online in advance to prepare for your trip below.

Many reef safe sunscreens require a bit more time to ‘apply’ as there is often zinc in the sunscreen, and some even leave a faint white appearance after applying to your skin. We found Thinksport to be one of the easier reef safe sunscreens to apply. Also, if you apply a small amount at a time it’s much easier to apply!

When’s the best time to visit the Florida Keys

The best time to visit the Florida Keys is in the winter months, this is the most popular time because the weather is the most comfortable and people are escaping their cold weather homes to visit one of the best warm winter vacations in the USA .

The spring months are a good time to visit the Florida Keys before the temperatures get too hot and humid and there are way fewer crowds and lower room rates than in the popular winter months.

Hurricane season is between June and November so its a gamble to travel during this time.

Be sure to also check out our guide for the best places to stay in the Florida Keys to help you plan your trip!

Back to the Top

On your first day on the Miami to Key West drive, we are recommending you stop at Key Largo to explore the northern Keys extensively. We have recommended where to stay as well as some great activities to enjoy.

We recommend spending some time in Miami before your trip, even if it’s just an afternoon. We recommend checking out the colorful Miami neighborhood of Wynwood if you only have time for one stop!

Kona Kai Resort Gallery and Botanic Gardens

Address: 97802 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo

(~ 63 miles or 1 hour 15 minutes drive from MIA to Key Largo)

Our first stop on our Florida Keys road trip itinerary is a place for rest and relaxation in paradise. There’s nothing more taxing on the body than flying and we like to take it easy on days that involve flights because they suck so much of our energy out of us.

Start your Florida Keys itinerary at Kona Kai Resort Gallery and Botanical Gardens in Key Largo made up of individual cottages on the waterfront. We are recommending using this resort as your base for the next two nights as we explore our days 1 & 2 Florida Keys itinerary attractions.

This boutique property not only has individual charming, beachy cottages for its guests located in a botanic garden but also a gorgeous waterfront location perfect for catching a sunset.

You will find little lizards and iguanas running around the botanic garden as you make your way to the beach on the walkway. The small botanic gardens here are actually one of only two frost-free tropical botanic gardens in the continental US!

With your stay, you get free access to kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and paddle boats . There’s also a pool and hot tub for swimming. Along the water, you can find a dock for sunbathing, sunset watching, and hammocks under the swaying palm trees to relax.

Each of the cottages at Kona Kai Resort Gallery and Botanical Gardens comes with a fully equipped kitchen, so if you do like to cook on vacation you have this option but there are plenty of incredible seafood restaurants nearby.

We recommend spending the first afternoon after flying and driving relaxing by the waterside here with your drink of choice before kicking off the rest of your Florida Keys road trip. Book Now on Booking.com

Dinner at Sundowners

Address: 103900 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo

One of the most popular spots in Key Largo for dinner and sunset is Sundowners restaurant. The restaurant has a full bar and a menu full of local fish dishes located right on the water in the Florida Bay. 

This is only a 15-minute drive from Kona Kai Resort, so we ate dinner here before sunset and made it back to Kona Kai’s quiet dock for a more romantic sunset!

On day 2 of our Florida Keys road trip we recommend continuing to explore the northern Keys including Key Largo and Islamorada before continuing the road trip to Key West.

Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Address: 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo

One of our favorite highlights and first stop on our Florida Keys road trip itinerary involves some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys! The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first underwater preserve in the United States protecting the Florida Keys barrier reef, the only reef system in the continental US.

John Pennekamp State Park includes mangroves you can walk through, seagrass beds, beaches to hang out on,  and the underwater barrier coral reef system you can witness by snorkeling.

Visitors can enjoy walking through the mangroves on a trail, hanging out on the beaches, snorkeling, scuba dive, and kayak. This is a protected area with wildlife, so you will definitely see iguanas basking in the sun, fish, and perhaps even crocodiles just by hanging out around the coastline near the visitor’s center.

We highly recommend reserving a snorkeling tour in advance for one of their multiple snorkeling tours throughout the day. The snorkeling here is very popular and during peak season you will definitely need a reservation.

We went on a snorkeling tour to the Key Largo dry rocks where you can snorkel among the coral reef with tropical fish and visit the Christ of the Deep underwater statue, a 4,000 lb bronze statue placed underwater in 1961. 

You can snorkel right up to the statue as the hands reaching above his head are just a few feet below the surface of the water. However, we highly recommend not touching the statue as there is fire coral all over the statue which you will be sorely sorry if you touch.

You can spend a bit of extra time exploring the rest of the park before or after your snorkeling trip before heading off to the next suggestions on our Florida Keys itinerary. 

Bring Your Own Reef Safe Sunscreen

Remember at the beginning of this Florida Keys road trip guide where I mention reef safe sunscreen? Shockingly, the visitor center didn’t sell reef safe sunscreen on our visit so you will need to come prepared yourself and plan in advance.

We have picked out a few you can purchase online in advance to prepare for your trip. You can see our suggestions earlier in this guide for the Florida Keys road trip itinerary.

Lunch at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen

Address: 99336 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo (the second location is just further south by maybe 2 minutes)

A local restaurant everyone loves and worth a stop on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary is Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen. This kitschy joint has two locations just down the road from one another, we recommend trying to stop at the original location at 99336 Overseas Highway unless they are too full and you’re starving.

The original location is much smaller and has the old-school charm to it that made it a local favorite. Inside you will find license plates covering the floor to ceiling on the walls donated by guests who visit. This just goes to show how popular of a place this is that people plan to visit with their own license plate to decorate the restaurant!

The menu offers everything from seafood to comfort food and the Florida Keys’s signature dessert, key lime pie!

This restaurant gained so much popularity they were forced to open a second location down the street. This building itself was made for Instagram painted in pastel pinks and other fun colors. This location is much larger and better for bigger groups or if the line or wait is too long at the original.

We highly recommend saving room for dessert and getting a slice of their key lime pie!

Beer Tasting at Florida Keys Brewing Company

Address: 81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada

We love our beer and couldn’t do a perfect Florida Keys itinerary without stopping at least one of the breweries in the area. The Florida Keys Brewing Company is the first brewery in the north Keys and is a perfect place to stop for a cold refreshing beer on a hot day and our first stop on your drive to Key West in Islamorada!

They have a gorgeous tropical beer garden with fans outside that’s a great place to hang out in the early evenings or inside their colorful tasting room where there is a huge selection of their beer to try on tap.

We recommend trying a flight of beer so you can sample a few different of their specialty beers. They have quite an assortment and many infuse some tropical ingredients that are unique to the Florida Keys.

Something we love about this brewery is they often have a limited edition beer on tap that goes towards a local cause. During our visit they had a Double Hibiscus Kolsch made with local honey. Part of their sales go towards the nonprofit organization the Mote Marine Laboratory who is working on the Florida Keys disease outbreak known as the Coral Tissue Loss Disease that has coral mortality rates of 80% putting their reefs at risk of extinction.

We love that they are using their beer and the love of beer to help support local causes. It’s not often you get to drink for a cause! 

Sunset and Dinner at Morada Bay Beach Cafe

Address: 81600 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

Our last stop for the day on our Florida Keys road trip is at Morada Bay Beach Cafe . This is the perfect place to unwind after a fun day in the Florida sun and have a delicious meal right along the water under a canopy of palm trees swaying in the tropical wind.

This restaurant and hotel has a gorgeous location right on the water and is the perfect place for a sunset. Dine with your toes in the sand or if it’s too hot you can sit in the indoor area with a waterfront view.

The atmosphere here is inviting and a fun place to enjoy a gorgeous slow sunset over dinner. They have a great variety of fresh seafood dishes. Stick around and enjoy a drink on the sand too.

This location was also used as a filming location for the television series, Bloodline .

After spending a few great days in the northern Florida Keys we recommend making a few stops on your drive to Key West on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary including lunch that doubles as a place for some great water activities before arriving to Key West.

Along your drive from Key Largo to Key West on the Overseas Highway you will cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge that’s completely surrounded by water. The famous Seven Mile Bridge is one of the longest bridges in the world, spanning seven miles across open water from Marathon to Little Duck Key.

The original bridge which you can see running parallel to it was the most famous because of its narrow lanes passing over a large body of water. It was a dangerous road that required alot of attention when crossing it and has a 2.2-mile section that is now only open to pedestrians and cyclists.

The modern bridge is much safer for vehicular traffic and is absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime experience to drive along a road like this where you’re surrounded by gorgeous blue water below.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

Address: 92080 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier

Continue your Miami to Key West drive on the Overseas Highway stopping at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center . This is a family-friendly activity where you get to see and experience all kinds of wild bird species while your visit helps fund this wild bird rehabilitation facility to help release injured birds back into the wild.

There are two different facilities here, the Mission Wild Bird Hospital where they accept injured birds and rehabilitate them for release, and the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary where the injured birds who couldn’t fully recover and thrive in the wild have their new permanent loving forever home.

The Mission Wild Bird Hospital is for staff only but there is an education center and gift shop here. We highly recommend visiting The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary to see all kinds of wild bird species that now call this a forever home. The birds you find here are ones that were injured and couldn’t fully rehabilitate and thrive in the wild on their own.

You can learn a bit about each of the birds here including their name and the backstory of how they ended up here.

There is no set admission for visiting the Wild Bird Sanctuary, but they do recommend a $10 donation per person, or what you can give. This facility and program is a completely nonprofit organization and they keep helping birds from donations from visitors.

We personally fell in love with Booby. He is a masked booby bird who had a bold personality during our visit. It turns out he is a little local celebrity because a few years back the Florida Keys Brewing Company had a limited edition beer named after him and a portion of the proceeds come back to help fund the Wild Bird Center.

What’s great about visiting stops like this along your Florida Keys road trip is that just by visiting you are helping the cause and rehabilitation for animals by paying a small fee.

There are all kinds of interesting birds who are here that you’d probably have a very slim chance seeing in the wild, we highly recommend this stop on your Miami to Key West drive.

Lunch and Outdoor Activities at Robbie’s of Islamorada

Address: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

Our next stop on our Florida Keys road trip itinerary includes another local favorite spot! Robbie’s of Islamorada not only has a great restaurant to eat at but they have all kinds of water activities to enjoy as well as an outdoor shopping market full of fun finds and local souvenirs. 

Depending on your arrival time we recommend getting lunch first at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant. This waterfront restaurant and bar is in a prime location on Lower Matecumbe Key. We recommend the fish tacos!

While you’re eating you can’t help but notice the people gathering on the dock feeding the tarpon fish. Grab a bucket of small fish and feed the giant tarpon right in the water outside the restaurant! Don’t worry, you won’t be feeding and befriending fish that they serve at the restaurant. No one eats tarpon fish because they are too bony.

The whole backstory and legend of the tarpon fish feeding tradition here goes back decades. The owner of Robbie’s saw an injured tarpon fish where its jaw had been sliced open from a hook. He and his friend stitched him up and took care of him in a tank until he was able to be released back into the water. They called him Scarface because of the big gash in his jaw.

When they released Scarface he didn’t just go away and live on his own, he left and came back with a ton of his friends and now they still feed them. Or that’s at least what they claim the legend to be.

If you still have more time for fun in the sun here you can always check out parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals, or just shop around before finishing the drive from Key Largo to Key West.

Drive and Settle in to Key West

Continue your Florida Keys road trip by making your final stop at Key West. Depending on what time you arrive we recommend checking in to your hotel first.

We stayed at the Perry Hotel Key West . This location is a bit outside of where all the action is in Key West, but the hotel property is gorgeous and located right on the water. They have Vespa scooters for rent, a free shuttle that goes to downtown Key West, or since you have a car on your Florida Keys road trip then you have the option to drive yourself.

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If you prefer to stay closer to town and walking distance to everything we recommend trying one of the gorgeous properties available. Southernmost Beach Resort is a beautiful 4-star hotel located near the southernmost point of the continental US marker!

Dinner at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery

Address: 301 Whitehead St, Key West

After completing your Key Largo to Key West drive and are continuing on your Florida Keys itinerary, we recommend getting settled into your hotel then heading out to enjoy dinner at this historic location/great restaurant and brewery!

First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery is located in the building where the first PanAm international ticket was sold and the birthplace of Pan American World Airways in 1927.

You can see traces of aviation history here if you look closely as well as artifacts around the restaurant deor. They have their own beers on draft here and a delicious menu of seasonal dishes.

We loved the canopy garden seating in the evening too as it had a tropical atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re really on vacation.

A Florida Keys itinerary wouldn’t be complete without spending at least an entire day enjoying all the incredible things to do and see in Key West . We are going to list some of our favorite activities to enjoy on Key West to pick and choose what you’d like to see.

All of these attractions we mention in this guide are within walking distance from one another. If you find yourself tired of walking you can always use the free Duval loop shuttle to get you close to all the locations you’d want to visit.

The Hemingway Home and Museum

Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West

Easily one of my favorite stops on our entire Florida Keys road trip was the Hemingway Home and Museum . Did you know that Ernest Hemingway spent 10 years of his life here in Key West? His old home is now a museum open to the public, but it’s not just the prolific author’s home that attracts visitors.

The Hemingway Home is famous for having its collection of polydactyl cats who live here to this day. During Hemingway’s years in the house, he started with one cat with extra toes and in its peak had between 50-60 cats on the property.

To keep the tradition alive, the museum keeps that many polydactyl cats on the property where they live their lives like the royalty they are at one of the most famous and nicest houses in Key West.

The cats are as much of the history of this house as Hemingway himself. I could have spent all day here!

There are 30-minute guided tours often, but you don’t need to join one to enjoy the property. The admission is $14 for adults and $6 for kids, be sure to bring cash as they do not take credit cards.

Forgot cash? There are ATMs near the Hemingway House & Museum at 724 Duval Street and another at 1075 Duval Street.

If you’re a huge Hemingway fan, check out this Hemingway’s Life and Local Food Walking Tour which takes you to various landmarks that were important to Hemingway in Key West while eating local specialties along the way!

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Address: 1316 Duval St, Key West

Another great stop in Key West is the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory . What looks like a house on the outside is actually a butterfly conservancy and tropical garden with little critters from birds to butterflies. 

Walk through the tranquil tropical gardens while witnessing some of the most beautiful tropical creatures who are inside.

There are also two rescued flamingos who call this conservatory home that are a treat to see up close in person!

General admission tickets are $15 with lower rates for seniors, military, and kids, children under 3 get in for free. Keep in mind the last admission is at 4:30 PM so plan your visit to this awesome Florida Keys attraction accordingly.

Southernmost Cultural Food & Walking Tour

If you’ve followed our blog long enough you know how we feel about food tours. We LOVE THEM! This is one of the best ways to try a bunch of different local dishes/restaurants and learn the history of where you’re visiting.

The Key West Food Tours journey is 3 hours long stopping at some of their favorite local spots to eat from Cuban cuisine to a great rum bar with a history dating all the way back to the prohibition.

This is a great way to spend lunch during your Florida Keys itinerary stop in Key West, be sure to secure a reservation in advance. They also offer cocktail tours if that’s more up your alley!

Southernmost Point of the Continental US

Address: 1400 Whitehead St, Key West

A road trip to Key West wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA! This is one of the most popular photo spots in Key West at the Southernmost Point Buoy.

You’ll surely see a line here waiting to get a photo unless you come early in the morning. This spot signifies the southernmost point in the continental United States, but if you are a person who really likes to focus on technicalities, the actual southernmost point is located a few blocks over on private property and is inaccessible to visitors.

Walk down Duval Street

Easily the most iconic street in Key West is Duval Street. This is where you will find tons of bars and shopping in what feels like the Bourbon Street of Key West.

This commercialized street connects the Southernmost Point to Mallory Square with plenty of places to stop along the way if you want to drink, dine, or shop.

A few highlights on Duval Street include:

• Grabbing a drink at bars like Hog’s Breath Saloon or Green Parrot Bar
• Explore the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
• Join a Key West haunted pub crawl tour through Duval Street
• Ride the famous Conch Train which takes you through historic stops like Duval Street while learning about the history of Key West and its attractions!
• Embark on the Ghosts of Key West walking tour on Duval Street and learn the haunting history of Key West and see Robert the Doll!

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

This waterfront square is another great stop in Key West on your Florida Keys road trip. There are outdoor and indoor shops, museums, and waterfront outdoor entertainers who gather here. This scene gets lively in the evenings, especially during peak season and is a fun place to gather.

Along the water from two hours before sunset until sunset is known as the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.  This is when all the performers come out and where many gather to enjoy the sunset together. It’s actually an official thing here!

And while you’re here, if you’re interested in shipwrecks and the treasures on old ships, check out the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum which is located right here too, this museum is filled with treasures found from shipwrecks off the Florida Keys and Key West!

Truman Little White House

There are many famous historic homes in Key West, you’ll notice this as you’re walking around and see a plaque for many different houses explaining who lived there and why it’s a historic landmark. One of the most famous, besides the Hemingway Home is the Truman Little White House .

This was the winter home for Truman during his presidency. Truman wasn’t the only US president who used this house though, Taft, Kennedy, Eisenhower, Carter, and Clinton all used this home during their presidency as well used as a facility and a vacation home.

There is a museum inside if you wish to learn more, if not this is just a fun stop while wandering Front Street, one of the most gorgeous streets to walk down filled with historic homes and lush greenery.

The Key West road trip section is now complete, now that we spent time doing all the spectacular activities offered here we recommend spending your last days making your way back up to Miami for your departure and complete your Florida Keys road trip itinerary with more fun stops along the way.

We stopped in Marathon which is an hour north of Key West and another beautiful place to stop on your Florida Keys itinerary.

You can spend the morning in Key West and head towards Marathon around lunch time. This would also depend on what time your appointment is at the Turtle Hospital. If you’ve had enough of Key West we recommend scheduling in some extra downtime relaxing at the resort we recommend staying at in Marathon.

Breakfast at Blue Heaven

Address: 729 Thomas St, Key West

Don’t leave Key West just yet, you need to try one of the most famous brunch spots in the Florida Keys. Blue Heaven is located on the best foodie street in Key West, Petronia Street (and the corner of Thomas Street) and is a crowd favorite.

This place is steeped with island history from being a place where Hemingway himself attended the boxing matches, being a brothel, to a cock fighting location. While this place is far from that today, you can still see traces of its history if you look closely, it is said you can see the peep holes in the building for those who used to come for the brothels.

This jungle garden hang out spot gives you the chance to eat with the sand beneath your toes without being on the beach. They have a full bar and serve up some tasty Floridan-Caribbean dishes for brunch including lobster benedict and shrimp grits!

Turtle Hospital 

Address: 2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

The Turtle Hospital is one of the best stops and most popular stops on a Florida Keys road trip. This turtle hospital treats injured endangered sea turtles who are brought to the facility. This is where they are rehabilitated and released back in the wild or if not, they are looked after the rest of their lives here.

The Turtle Hospital does require a reservation to join a 90-minute guided tour teaching you about the endangered species you’ll witness in the Turtle Hospital, see the facility where they are treated, and see the open tanks of water where the sea turtles are living until they are healthy again to be released back in the water.

Your admission goes to funding this nonprofit facility and if you wish to donate more you can. We recommend calling a few days in advance or in peak season maybe even a few weeks in advance to make sure you can grab a spot on the tour.

Call the Marathon Turtle Hospital to reserve your spot on a tour (305) 743-2552

Lunch at Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Address: 1406 Ocean View Ave, Marathon

Our next stop on our Florida Keys road trip itinerary for a meal is a restaurant that is doing something great for the local marine environment at Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar . During recent years, non-native lionfish have been threatening the marine environment off the Florida Keys.

The lionfish is native to Indo-Pacific waters and it’s a mystery how they found themselves here in the Florida Keys. They are an invasive species that are capable of causing the extinction of native plants and animals. The spines on the lionfish are venomous and can sting. This makes them have very few predators. In addition, they have a very rapid reproductive rate and they eat alot.

The lionfish were quickly wiping out young populations of fish which were damaging to the entire biodiversity of the area. Local fishermen are doing what they can to hunt the lionfish and serve it on menus because its actually a quite delicious fish to consume.

However, that is also difficult because the only way you can really hunt lionfish is by spearfishing in deeper waters making it a hard fish to hunt in large quantities.

Castaway’s owner John fishes himself for lionfish that are served in the restaurant as sushi rolls. This is not only a great way to try lionfish but to help the local biodiversity in the waters here in the Florida Keys.

They offer dozens of beer on tap, an extensive sushi menu, and a regular seafood menu to choose from. This is a great stop for slow lunch right on the water and we recommend trying the lionfish while you’re here!

Relax at Isla Bella Beach Resort

Our final stop on our Florida Keys Road trip itinerary is the perfect place to unwind and reminisce on all the good times you had on your vacation. The incredible waterfront Isla Bella Beach Resort is the perfect place to do it.

Their waterfront villas are gorgeous and comfortable, a great way to pamper yourself before the end of your trip. There are several pools on the property as well as beachside cabanas you can hang out and relax in.

The views here are incredible and relaxing. There’s also a beachside bar with slightly overpriced drinks, but you’re paying for the location here! And an Italian restaurant on site.

If you don’t want to stick around for dinner they do offer bicycles you can borrow from the property to explore anything nearby.

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The Florida Keys are known as a chain of islands off the southern tip of Florida famous for its scenic drive to Key West across many bridges and oceanside highways, crystal clear blue water, marine life, water sports, and famous food like key lime pie. The Florida Keys are a very popular warm winter vacation spot in the United States.

An ideal amount of time for a Florida Keys road trip would be a minimum of 5 days and even better with a full 7 days so you can add in more stops and outdoor excursions to your trip.

The best time to visit the Florida Keys is in the winter months from December through February after hurricane season has passed in November, this is the most popular time because the weather is the most comfortable. The spring months of March and May are also great time to visit the Florida Keys as there are fewer crowds and you can find better deals on hotels.

Hurricane season in the Florida Keys is typically June through November.

The drive from Miami to Key West is 159 miles (256 kilometers) and takes approximately 4 hours to drive nonstop over the Overseas Highway.

The Overseas Highway is 113-miles long and starts in Key Largo and ends in Key West, it takes 2.5-3 hours to drive the entire Florida Keys on the Overseas Highway.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the perfect 5 day Florida Keys road trip and Miami to Key West drive guide. If you found it helpful consider bookmarking for later or sharing on Pinterest below.

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10 Essential Tips For Your First Trip to Key West, Florida

If you are planning to visit Key West for the first time, then you have come to the right place!

In 2020, I got to live on this beautiful island for a few months, which allowed me to experience personally all of its magic and of course, learn a few secrets.

In this post, you will find ten important things that you should know before your trip to Key West and the Florida Keys.

Plan your Perfect trip to Key West

🏨 Find the perfect hotel on Booking.com

🎫 If you’d like to go on a tour, check out the best tours to take in Key West

🎒 Pack a universal travel adapter , your favorite travel camera (We love this one !), and a good portable solar phone charger

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. 

10 Essential Key West travel tips

In a hurry.

These are our favorite things to do in Key West:

• Key West Sunset Sail with full bar and live music
• Eating key lime pie
• Snorkeling on a Reef Half-Day Snorkeling Excursion
• Exploring Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
• Seeing sharks on a Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure
• Kayaking the mangroves
• Day trip to Dry Tortugas
• Sailing & Watersports (check out this tour !)

1- You have to watch the sunset from Mallory Square at least once

Watching the sunset from Mallory Square is an absolute must-do in Key West.

Make sure to get there ahead of time, though: It gets super crowded so it’s important to arrive early if you want to secure a good spot.

Read: 6 Awesome Places To Watch The Sunset In Key West .

2- Sunset sails are totally worth it

Going on a sunset sail was one of the most fun things I did in Key West and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys good drinks and a beautiful sunset!

Read: The best tours to take in Key West

3- Buy your tickets to Dry Tortugas in advance

Dry Tortugas is a National Park located approximately 70 miles from Key West.

It is a fantastic day trip to take from the island but the tricky part is you have to get your tickets VERY early! They sell out super fast because there is a limited amount of people that can visit the island everyday.

4- Make the most out of Happy Hour

If you want to save some money on food and drinks, it is important to make the most out of opportunities like happy hour.

Happy Hour in Key West usually goes from around 4 to 6 pm, depending on the establishment.

5- Pick a hotel that has a pool

Key West is warm all year round, so do yourself a favor and book a hotel with a nice pool. Trust me, you will need it! If it has more than one, that is even better.

Read: The best hotels and resorts in Key West

6- Get food at Publix or Winn-Dixie to Save Money

Another way to save money is by getting food at one of the big supermarkets on the island, like Publix or Winn-Dixie.

Many don’t even know that Key West has them because they are located a little distant from the most touristic part of the island.

7- Be nice to the chickens

It’s true: you will find (and hear!) chickens EVERYWHERE in Key West. They are a local treasure and protected by law.

8- Rent a bike

There is no need for driving a car in Key West, you can ride a bike everywhere easily!

9- Make the most out of Duval Loop

Duval Loop is a free bus that runs from the Gulf to the Atlantic adjacent to Duval Street, Key West’s most popular street.

You can track the buses live here .

10- Taxis are cheaper than Uber

Taking a pink and adorable taxi in Key West will cost you way less than an Uber.

11- Take care of the ocean

Key West is home to the only living coral reef in America! Please make sure to take care of it by always clean after yourself and avoiding touching the corals (:

Finding a Place To Stay in Key West

If you haven’t booked a hotel in Key West yet, that’s okay! Here are some of our favorites:

• Best Hotel:  Pier House Resort & Spa
• Boutique Hotel:  The Marquesa Hotel
• Pet-friendly:  The Perry Hotel Key West
• For families:  Southernmost Resort
• Hotel Pool:  Hyatt Centric
• Oceanfront:  Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
• Best Spa:  Ocean Key Resort & Spa
• Adult only:  H2O Suites

That’s a wrap! I really hope these Key West travel tips make your trip to this beautiful island even more amazing!

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Weekend in Key West: The Perfect 2 or 3 Day Itinerary

Key West is one of the most vibrant and quirky cities in the US, and has the perk of being located in a tropical climate. Therefore, many people choose this island city as their vacation destination each year. There are plenty of fun experiences to be had, and this itinerary for 3 days in Key West will ensure you see the best of everything.

Although Key West is surrounded by water, it is connected to the mainland United States via a series of bridges through the Florida Keys called the Overseas Highway, or Highway 1. The endpoint of Highway 1 can be found at the corner of Fleming Street and Whitehead Street in downtown Key West.

Its unique location is just one thing that sets Key West apart from every other US city. Whether it’s bar hopping, foodie spots, sightseeing, or enjoying the great outdoors, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the “Conch Republic”. Without further ado, here is the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable 3 days in Key West .

3 Days in Key West – Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Day 1: Explore Classic Key West

Day one of this Key West itinerary focuses on getting an overview of the city and visiting some of its most famous landmarks.

Arrive into Key West & Rent Bikes

You will likely arrive in Key West by flying into Key West International Airport (EYW) or driving in via Highway 1. If you flew, the airport is only 11 minutes from Duval Street, which is Key West’s famous main drag. You can simply grab an Uber from the airport to your lodging if you don’t rent a car.

Your next step is to rent bikes for the duration of your stay from Key West Bicycles . With the island being only four miles long and two miles wide, a car is not necessary and a bike will be more economical for reaching destinations just outside of walking distance.

If you enjoy guided tours, this guided bike tour is a great introduction to the top attractions.

Southernmost Point Concrete Buoy

No Key West itinerary is complete without a stop at the Southernmost Point Concrete Buoy. Located at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street, this large buoy marks the Southernmost Point of the Continental United States. While the accuracy of this claim is questionable, other points in the Keys that are further south are not nearly as accessible to the public.

Upon arrival to the big concrete buoy, you will most likely need to wait in line for your photos, unless you arrive first thing in the morning. However, the line moves fast and people are generally very cooperative in helping one another take pictures.

Hemingway Home & Museum

One of the most essential places to visit in Key West is the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum . This is where Ernest Hemingway lived with his second wife, Pauline, from 1931 until their divorce in 1940. Hemingway wrote some of his most significant works in his studio above the carriage house.

While at the Hemingway House, you’ll likely see many cats roaming about.  If you look at their paws, you may notice that many of them have six toes!  Some of these cats are descendants of a 6-toed cat Hemingway received from a sea captain, who was departing Key West.

This house museum is open every day to walk-ins from 9am to 5pm, and the $16 ticket must be paid in cash. The price includes a 20 to 30-minute guided tour of the house.

Brunch at Blue Heaven

From the Hemingway House, walk four minutes to Blue Heaven , which is one of Key West’s most famous restaurants. Be sure to arrive by 2:00pm to make it in time for the breakfast & lunch menu. There is often a wait since they do not take brunch reservations, but it’s totally worth it.

Blue Heaven offers a variety of pancakes and benedicts, with some delicious options being the pineapple pancakes and Key West shrimp benedict. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, but outdoor allows you to eat in a garden-like setting with eclectic art, cats and chickens roaming about, and large tree canopies overhead. Save room for a slice of their signature key lime pie, which is piled high with merengue.

Key West Lighthouse

Burn off some of your brunch with a short climb up the Key West Lighthouse , which is just a four-minute walk from Blue Heaven. The current structure was built in 1848 after the original was destroyed in a catastrophic hurricane. It reopened with a woman, Barbara Mabrity, as its Keeper – a highly unusual circumstance at that time.

After climbing 88 steps to the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views over Key West and the surrounding waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Tickets cost $17 at the door or $15.40 online, and give you access to the lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum. Visitors are welcome daily from 10am to 4pm.

Check out Duval Street

One of the most fun things to do in Key West is spending an evening on Duval Street, which is notorious for its party scene. There are plenty of spots to grab dinner, as well as make a night of it with drinks afterwards. Here are two casual and delicious dinner options:

• D.J.’s Clam Shack : DJ’s Clam Shack was once featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and is famous for their “overstuffed” lobster rolls and conch fritters. Order at the small counter just off Duval Street, and enjoy their mouthwateringly good food on the small back patio.

• Poké in the Rear : Visit this open-air restaurant behind the Aqua Bar and Night Club for super fresh and delicious poké bowls.

Afterwards, you may want to continue your evening with drinks on Duval Street. The street is lined with bars, but start at Sloppy Joe’s , which is an old standby once frequented by Ernest Hemingway. The drinks are standard, but there is usually live music and always plenty of atmosphere.

Day 2: Cuban Coffee & Sunset Sail

The second of your three days in Key West introduces you to the city’s most spectacular feature: its sunrise and sunset views. You will also get a taste of Key West’s strong Cuban culture.

Sunrise at Higgs Beach

Sunrises in Key West are absolutely stunning, and the best viewing spot is the Edward B. Knight Pier at Higgs Beach. You will need to get up really early for this, but it’s totally worth it. The sun rises anytime between 6:37am and 7:37am over the course of the year.

This is where you’ll be thankful to have a bike, since you won’t need to rise as early. Higgs Beach is only a five-minute bike ride from Duval, but it’s more like twenty if you walk.

Drink Cuban Coffee

Key West has a longstanding Cuban influence, being only 90 miles from Cuba.  Therefore, it’s imperative to try some Cuban coffee and cuisine while you’re in town.  Here are two great choices:

• Key West Cuban Coffee : This restaurant is located in a tiny space on Duval Street. Behind a small counter will be three ladies working nonstop at the grill and espresso machine. Cuban and Mexican fare is served here, including breakfast burritos, empanadas, and light Cuban coffee.
• Cuban Coffee Queen : Located in a shaded courtyard right off Duval Street, this outdoor restaurant is close to the action. You could keep things simple with a Cuban coffee or cortado paired with some pan Cubano. There are also more substantial items like Cuban sandwiches on the menu.

Butterfly Conservatory

Step away from Key West’s bustling scene for a moment without even leaving Duval Street. The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory contains hundreds of living butterflies made up of over 50 different species.

In this glass enclosed space, you can wander past tropical plants with colorful blossoms, while the butterflies and over 20 species of exotic birds fly around you.  The conservatory is open every day from 9am to 5pm, and tickets cost $15.

Stop at Rum Bar

For some high-quality cocktails, stop in for a quick drink at the Rum Bar . This small bar is only a four-minute walk down Duval Street from the Butterfly Conservatory. The cocktails are a little pricey, but they are definitely among the best in all of Key West.

The Pusser’s Rum painkiller in particular is a must; especially when consumed while people watching on the bar’s front porch.

Sunset Sail

Rest up before heading back out for one of the best tours in Key West: a sunset sail. Like sunrises, sunsets in Key West are like no other, and they are especially spectacular to view from the water.

There are many different boat charter companies to choose from, and Danger Charters is among the best. Their sunset sail is two hours long and limited to twenty-five guests.

As the sun lowers onto the horizon and the sky turns brilliant shades of orange and pink, the crew serves wine and beer tastings paired with hors d’oeuvres. The atmosphere is relaxed and the views from the sailboat could not be any more magical.

Schooner Wharf Bar

If hors d’oeuvres during the sunset sail didn’t fill you up, a great next stop is Schooner Wharf Bar. This bar and grille is only a ten-minute walk or five-minute bike ride from Opal Key Resort & Marina, where the sailboat drops you off.

Schooner Wharf Bar sits waterside along the Key West Historic Seaport.  This restaurant isn’t fancy at all, with its simple wood structure and “patio seating” made up of tables and plastic chairs on top of gravel.  However, that’s part of its charm as you sip a cocktail and snack on some tuna nachos or fried shrimp.

Day 3: Last Day in Key West

Breakfast at glazed donuts.

Glazed Donuts is a Key West favorite due to its drool-worthy donuts baked Wednesday through Sunday of each week. The donuts are by no means skimpy and the dough has just the right amount of chew. They come in fun flavors like Cuban coffee, blueberry cheesecake, key lime pie, and seasonal varieties.

Arrive as early as possible, or be prepared to wait in a line that sometimes extends down the sidewalk. The shop is open until 1pm unless it sells out, and you won’t want to miss out on the best flavors.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Spend some time outdoors at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, which is located in downtown Key West, covers 54 acres, and has a beach and fort worth exploring. The fee to enter the park is $2.50 for walkers and bikers and $6 if you are parking a car.

While Key West is not a huge beach destination, this one is definitely worth a visit.  It offers beautiful scenery with its white sand and turquoise water that is popular for swimming.  There are chair and umbrella rentals available, or you can simply grab a picnic table and enjoy the view for a bit.

If you’d like to do some more exploring, check out Fort Taylor, which was built before the Civil War to defend the nation’s southeastern coast.  The fort was used in the Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII and the Cuban Missile Crisis, though it was never fired upon.

This state park also has the continental US’s southernmost hiking trails, including the Tropical Hammock Trail and Fort View nature trail.

Truman Little White House

The Truman Little White House is just a three-minute bike ride from Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, so it’s the perfect next stop on this Key West itinerary. While this house was used intermittently by six American presidents, its most significant usage was during Harry Truman’s presidency. He used the Little White House as his winter home, and spent about 175 days of his presidency here.

Tickets do not come cheap at $22.52 ($20.27 online), but a tour here allows you to see why Truman saw this as a retreat.  In this setting, he also would have contemplated issues surrounding post WWII foreign policy and the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement.

Kermit’s Key Lime Pie

Bike or walk .3 miles from the Truman Little White House to Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe on Front Street. This local establishment makes many lists for having one of the best key lime pies in Key West .

In addition to traditional pie, this little shop has an assortment of key lime treats that celebrate this flavor. A popular choice is chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick that you can nibble while walking around town. Just remember napkins for when the chocolate starts to melt in the tropical heat and humidity.

Mallory Square

In case you couldn’t already tell, the sunset is a big deal in Key West; so much so that there is a nightly Sunset Celebration in Mallory Square.  This is something you should experience at least once during your stay, and it’s just a two-minute walk from Kermit’s.

The celebration begins about two hours before sunset when local vendors and street performers gather for a large party in the square. There are magicians, psychics, and food stalls to name just a few, and they build anticipation for the orange glow of the sun to lower over Sunset Key.

Dinner at Latitudes

Top off your last night in Key West with an incredibly romantic and memorable experience: dinner at Latitudes . As this fine dining restaurant is located on Sunset Key, you will need to head back to the Opal Key Resort and Marina to catch the ferry. This is free to anyone with a reservation at Latitudes.

Be sure to make reservations at least one month in advance, if not more, as dinner here is very popular. However, it’s worth the hype to eat right on the water with your toes in the sand. Plus, they offer a sophisticated menu with plenty of fresh seafood dishes, as well as an excellent wine list. Dinner at Latitudes is guaranteed to end your Key West itinerary on a high note.

Key West Travel Tips

• Getting There: There are several ways to reach Key West. You fly into Key West International Airport . Miami is about 165 miles (or 266 kilometers) driving distance so you can also fly into Miami and rent a car or take a bus from Miami . If time is short, you can also visit Key West on a guided day trip from Miami .
• Getting Around: Renting a car is not recommended due to Key West’s congested traffic and limited parking spots. The island is only 2×4 miles, and the best sights are easily reachable via biking or walking. If you enjoy guided tours, you join a trolley hop-on hop-off tour or a conch train tour .
• Weather: Key West generally has pleasant weather year-round. High season is between December and February, and brings crowds and high prices; September through November is hurricane season, making this the least ideal time to travel. April is ideal, as the crowds have tapered off and the sweltering summer heat hasn’t set in yet.
• Where to Stay in Key West: If it’s your first time visiting Key West, your itinerary will likely center around Duval Street. Therefore, it’s best to stay in close vicinity of that main stretch. Old Town Garden Villas is just one block from Duval, and has an adorable courtyard with a small dipping pool.

You are now all set with the perfect 2 or 3 days in Key West itinerary. Be prepared for the best sunsets you’ve ever seen in this eternally festive, yet laid back atmosphere. Just remember to pace yourself and keep an open mind to all the quirks this city has to offer.

Theresa’s Bio: Theresa is the creator of Fueled By Wanderlust , a travel blog. Although she did not start traveling until her mid-twenties due to some pesky student loan debt, with careful budgeting, she was able to pay that off and start planning trips. Since then, she has traveled more and more each year to various places in the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean. You can follow along with Theresa’s adventures on Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook .

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

The Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary (Best Stops!)

June 10, 2022 //  by  Florida Trippers

If you are looking for a guide to the ultimate Florida Keys road trip itinerary, we have you covered with all the best places to stop!

We have put together an epic itinerary for a road trip to Key West from Miami . Trust us when we say we have picked out the best stops along the way! We have you covered with activities, things to do, as well as hotel and tour suggestions!

Planning your trip to Key West last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top picks for Key West!

Top Experiences And Tours In Key West:

• Dolphin Watching And Snorkeling Eco Tour (Top pick!)
• Schooner Sunset Sail (2 hours)
• Reef Snorkel From Key West (Includes breakfast and mimosas)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (Great way to see the city)

Top Places To Stay In Key West:

• Margaritaville Beach House Key West (Modern mid-range)
• Blue Marlin Motel (Affordable in downtown)
• Hampton Inn Key West (Waterfront with pool)
• Wicker Guesthouse (Great location!)

You can make the trip your own by choosing stops that best fit your personal interests. Or if you want a personalized trip experience checkout our e-book for amazing personalized touches on the best stops! Take as little or as much time as you have. You can do a quick day trip if you don’t mind a quick-paced trip, a weekend get-a-way, or spend a week leisurely visiting all the stops linked below! 

To adventuring outdoors at state parks, to going offshore to visit Dry Tortugas national park, to snorkeling the only living US coral reef, to fun stops for families and adults like where you can spot the Key Deer or feed tarpon, to visiting Key West and all the best beaches along the way, trust us this itinerary for the best road trip to the Florida Keys that is action-packed!

Before you plan your trip, make sure to check out The Best Times To Visit The Keys where we break down each month and talk all things weather!

How long does the Florida Keys road trip take?

If you were to drive non-stop from Miami to Key West on your Florida Keys road trip the 165 miles journey would take you just over 3 hours. Meaning you can decide the perfect amount of time to spend on your Florida Keys drive from Miami!

How long should you take on your Florida Keys itinerary?

You could make it a day trip, a weekend trip, or a week-long trip! The choice is yours! We have put together a list of the best places to stop on a drive from Miami to Key West. Stop at one, or stop at all, meaning you can put together your very own trip curated to your own interests and travel style.

OR take the guesswork out of your itinerary, and purchase our ebook that helps you plan your own trip, with unique itineraries and bonuses! You can purchase it here:   https://floridatrippers.com/florida-keys-itinerary-planning-ebook/

Best time of year to road trip the Florida Keys

Anytime! The average temperature year-round ranges from 73 to 83 degrees for the Florida Keys! And the sunshine state has an average of 270 sunny days a year, meaning there is no wrong time to plan a trip!

There are plenty of festivals throughout the year or head to the southernmost points of the US for the holidays! Just remember that hurricane season does run from June to November, meaning you might have to be a little flexible on your plans if a hurricane or tropical storm is headed towards the Florida Keys or Miami!

Best stops on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary:

Downtown miami.

The first of our epic places to stop on a drive from Miami to Key West is Downtown Miami . If you flew into MIA airport, this will be the perfect spot to explore, grab a bite to eat, visit a museum such as the Frost Museum of Science or Perez Art Museum or take a relaxing stroll along the water before heading south on your drive.

In this energy-filled town, you are sure to find plenty to explore, and perhaps take in an NBA or MLB game. If you are on a romantic getaway we have you covered with the best date nights in Miami as Miami is a city that comes alive after dark!

Biscayne Bay National Park

Who doesn’t love free Florida keys road trip stops? Biscayne Bay National Park is one of the best National parks in Florida , and it’s free to enter! On your second stop, we take you away from the busy city to explore nature. Visitors will be transported to the turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs found in this national park. Over 95% of this national park is covered by water!

The activities here range from guided eco-adventures, fishing, and boating to paddling, snorkeling, and scuba diving the shipwrecks just offshore to just relaxing! While exploring, you can always take a  boat cruise  through the docks and sail over Biscayne Bay.

The Everglades, are the second National Park on this itinerary for the Florida Keys! We have a list of all the best things to do in the Everglades for those wanting to spend more time here!  At over two million acres to explore, the Everglades provide countless activities and ways to explore this very unique ecosystem.

If you are up for an adventure, an airboat ride is a perfect way to see areas of the Everglades only seen by water. But there are plenty of biking and hiking trails ( or take a ranger-led tour) if you prefer to stay on land. Keep your eyes sharp the Everglades is a habitat for endangered and rare species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the Florida panther.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp is one of the most magical of the Florida state parks and is located in the Key Largo at MM 102.5. This is a scuba divers’ dream destination for those driving in the Florida Keys and looking for a place to stop! It is actually the first undersea state park in the entire US!! It protects the only living reef in the United States, and as such is an underwater lovers’ paradise.

While here you can explore the over 70 nautical miles of beautiful coral reefs, hike along the pine trees, or snorkel along the mangroves and shoreline. We highly recommend this as one of the stops along with your Florida Keys Road Trip from Miami!! You can also book a glass bottom boat ride to see the tropical fish and the reef without having to get wet!

Key Largo is a great place to stop for the first day when road tripping the Florida Keys. There is so much to do here in Key Largo! Known as the “Dive Capital of the World,” you will find beautiful beaches with pristine waters. While it does in fact boast those things, there’s a whole island of adventure waiting for you at MM 102.

There are plenty of beaches to explore, an offshore shipwreck and coral reef, explore water sports like jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking or charter a boat for some fishing! Plus, there are tons of amazing restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood on your visit.

Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park

Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park is one of our favorite places to visit in the Florida Keys! Windley Key State Park is a historic site that doubles as a geological area that is formed by fossilized Key Largo Limestone. The entrance fee is $2.50 a person is a perfect way to spend a full day or even just a few hours it makes for an inexpensive stop on a Florida Keys road trip! It is located at MM 85.5.

It is important to note that the park is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, but open Thursday through Monday. You can take one of the five self-guided tours throughout the quarry that Henry Flagler used to build his railroad or experience it at your own pace on a self-guided tour.

This is one of the best and most iconic stops on the famous Florida Overseas Highway!

Islamorada is located about 1.5 hours ( 79 miles) south of Miami at MM 88 and makes our list of the best small beach towns in Florida. The best part is that Islamorada is almost the halfway point between Miami and Key West!

There are six islands that make up Islamorada and are connected via US1. Known as the sports fishing capital of the world, there are also tons of amazing restaurants, gorgeous national parks, and tons of activities.

Make sure to check out some of the Best Islamorada Restaurants for your trip!

You can check out our full list of things to do in Islamorada here! From visiting the Theater of the sea to swimming with dolphins to a fishing charter, history of the diving museum, state, and national parks, and more!

Peak season is in December through May and the best part is you are surrounded by Gulf on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other! This is truly home to some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys!

Visit Robbie’s Waterfront to feed the tarpon

Robbie’s is probably one of the most well-known stops on your Key West road trip. Located at MM 77 to you can spend a few hours here enjoying lunch and then feed the school of over 100 massive tarpons for $2.50 per person. Kids and adults alive love to partake in feeding the fish and watching the seagulls try and catch the fish here. Fish buckets are $4.50.

The restaurant is open from 6:30 am for a sunrise breakfast until 9 pm for after dinner cocktails. Robbies also has a party boat fishing charter that leaves twice a day and includes everything you need for a fun day on the ocean. As well as sunset catamaran charters.

Dolphin Research Center

The Dolphin Research Center is located at MM 59 ( about 2 hours south of Miami), and has been providing sanctuaries to dolphins since 1984. The center’s mission is to promote education and communication between marine mammals and humans.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, admission is $28 for adults and $23 for children. Admission includes observing the dolphins and sea lions in training sessions and interacting with each other.

In addition to the educational experiences offered, you can book a dolphin encounter where you can get up close and personal with dolphins in the water. Or even paint with a dolphin experience or a VIP trainer for the day.

The Turtle Hospital

The Turtle Hospital is located at MM 48.5 in Marathon, Florida. Since 1986, the mission at the Turtle hospital has been to rehabilitate turtles and educate the public about turtles. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm tours run every 30 minutes.

If you love Marathon, make sure to check out some of our other favorite things to do in the Middle Keys!

Admission is $30 for adults and $15 for children. This is one of the educational Florida Keys road trip ideas. Over the 90-minute educational experience, you will watch a presentation on sea turtles, get a behind-the-scenes look at the hospital facilities and rehabilitation area, and finally the chance to feed the turtles.

Reservations can be made online!

Don’t forget to check out some of the best restaurants in Marathon Key!

Drive or walk the 7 Mile Bridge

When driving the Florida Keys the 7 Mile Bridge is located at MM 42 in Marathon. This is the bridge that connects the middle keys with the lower keys. For those who want to continue their road trip, you will have no choice but to drive over the new 7-Mile Bridge that was finished in 1982. IT is the longest bridge in the state of Florida.

But for those who want to get out stretch their legs, and smell the salty ocean breeze why not walk the old bridge or a portion of it? This bridge is important historically as it made a land route from Miami to Key West.

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is one of our favorite places to stop on the way to Key West. Located at MM 37, about 30 miles north of Key West. We have put together an entire post on all the tips for visiting Bahia Honda . It was Henry Flagler who spent $30 million to build a railroad to Key West in the early 1900s that turned Bahia Honda State Park into a tropical paradise.

Make sure to check out some of our other favorite things to do in the Lower Keys in addition to Bahia Honda!

Bahia Honda State Park costs $8 per car to enter and is the place to stop if you love palm-lined beaches, clear water, and just activities like snorkeling, camping, and swimming at one of the three beaches from sunrise to sunset!

Although make sure to arrive early on weekends and holidays because it can reach capacity.

This is truly one of the Best Beaches In The Florida Keys and you must check it out!

National Key Deer Refuge

For those looking to get up close to the Key Deer only found in the lower keys, the National Key Deer Refuge is the place for you! What makes the key deer unique is that there are only about 800 left that can only be found on Big Pine Key . This small dog-like deer is only 2 ½ feet tall and weighs just 90 pounds.

This is a free activity to spend an hour or so, visiting the visitors center and learning all about the key deer. Established in 1957, at MM 30.5 it aims to protect species of animals such as the key deer and 20 other endangered species and plants.

Please note it is against the law to feed, touch, or hunt the key deer.

Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas National Park is the only stop on this Florida Keys road trip guide that is only accessible by private or  chartered boat tour ,  chartered seaplane  tour, or the  Yankee Freedom Ferry . 

If you want to add this stop to your Florida Keys road trip we highly recommend booking your dates as early as possible! The Dry Tortugas are a group of seven small islands 80 miles off the coast of Key West. Located in the Gulf of Mexico its iconic red brick Fort Jefferson transports visitors back in time. You will be in awe of how beautiful the water is, and how remote this national park truly is!

For those into camping and stargazing , this is your place! Just remember you must pack everything in and out with you! Check out  our guide  to avoid the big mistakes plus tips when visiting  Dry Tortugas National Park !

Key West is as far south as you can drive on this Florida Keys itinerary! At MM 0, you will find the southernmost point of the continental US! There are so many things to do here in Key West! Don’t let the party atmosphere scare you away from visiting. There are historical sights like Ernest Hemingway or Truman winter home, beaches, amazing restaurants , and plenty of activities to enjoy after the sun sets.

We have an entire post dedicated to the best tours in Key West from those craving adventure to laid-back food and walking tours!

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is one of the hidden gems on this Florida keys driving itinerary. You will be mesmerized by the gorgeous blue water inviting you in for a swim or snorkel. Plus, the beach area is super instagrammable!

It is also the southernmost  state park  in the continental US and has our vote as one of the  best Florida Keys state parks! The cost to enter per car is $6.50 and is open from 8 am-5 pm daily.

Built in the 1840s, as a series of forts to protect the southern coast after the conflict of the War of 1812 and used during the Civil War and Spanish American War, it was named after US President Zachary Taylor.

Smathers Beach

The last stop on your Florida Keys driving guide is Smathers beach ! This gorgeous white sand beach is the best beach to go for those looking for real sand, as most beaches in Key West are pebble or rock. The imported white sand is the perfect place to relax and swim or snorkel in the water. All of the usual facilities are present here like parking and showers. 

The last stop on our Florida Keys road trip is the perfect place to relax and unwind before your drive back to Miami!

Where to stay on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary

Key west marriott beachside.

For those looking to stay in Key West, we highly recommend staying at Key West Marriott Beachside , like we did on our last trip to the area! But have also put together a list of the best luxury hotels in Key West.

 The resort is located on the oceanfront with a large pool as the centerpiece of the resort. At the hotel’s marina, you can rent jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Plus, there is a complimentary hotel shuttle downtown multiple times daily meaning you don’t have to bother with trying to find parking. This is truly one of the Best Places To Stay In Key West!

Many of the balconies are oceanfront allowing you to relax and enjoy a sunset or ocean breeze from your town room!

Check Rates:  Booking.com

We give Bakers Cay resort in Key Largo a 10/10! Located just over an hour from Miami, this could be the perfect spot to spend your first night on your Florida Keys road trip! This cool and unique hotel features gorgeously appointed rooms with ocean views!

There are tons of activities that the resort provides including snorkel, boat, and dive tours! The property also features two large pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Make sure to check out our list of the Best Resorts In The Florida Keys ! There are some really epic resorts featured for couples, families, and more.

Check Rates: Booking.co m

Cheeca Lodge and Spa

Cheeca Lodge and Spa is located in Islamorada, one of the cutest small towns in Florida! It is located 15 minutes from the local airport or just a 1.5-hour drive south of Miami. A stay here means relaxing in a lush tropical paradise surrounded by the turquoise waters of the ocean. This is truly one of the best luxury hotels in Florida!

The property features a golf course, restaurants, pools, sea kayaks and bicycles for guests to use, Camp Cheeca for children, and an ocean-front bar! The rooms here are luxurious with all the amenities one could want and balconies to enjoy the ocean view or golf and lagoon views.

Check Rates: booking.com

Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club

Marathon is just over 2 hours (114 miles) from Miami making it the perfect place to stop for the night on your Florida Keys vacation itinerary. Don’t let the resort and yacht club scare you the property is reasonably priced averaging $230 a night!

The resort is on the water and features modern rooms, with a gorgeous pool and onsite restaurant. It is easy to spot by its historic lighthouse right on the bay.

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• Keys Voices | Key West
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• Key West Diary
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6. Key West Fishing Report

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The Fascinating History of Key West, Florida

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

As you know, I absolutely love visiting Key West! I’m happiest when soaking in the city’s tropical vibes, listening to Jimmy Buffett songs, and feeling the stress melt beneath the country’s southernmost sunset.  Key West  has a special place in many people’s hearts as a city for misfits, a place for big dreamers who want solitude and freedom. But how did it come to be? Let’s dive into the history of Key West, Florida. 

The History Of Key West

The city has a wild history filled with stories of adventure, mystery, and comedy. Key West’s history has made it one of the world’s most famous island tourist destinations, and its colorful people continue the long tradition of fun in the sun.

As they say, Key West isn’t so much a place as a mindset.  

Historical & Fun Facts About Key West

In this post, I want to highlight some of the more fascinating facts about the history of Key West. I’m touching on lesser-known facts you may not already know. Trust me, there are a lot of them hidden in this eccentric paradise!

And knowing all of these great tropical tidbits of information will ensure you appreciate this charming community on your next trip! 

Key West Was Originally Called “Bone Island”

An obscure fact about  Key West  is that centuries ago, it was called “Bone Island.” The ancient fishermen visiting the island found large amounts of human remains there. It turns out that ancient indigenous peoples used the island as a communal burial site.

The Island Was Sold Twice

It’s true! In 1790, Spaniard Don Juan de Estrada received the island through a land grant from the Spanish government. He then sold it to Juan Pablo Salas in 1815.  

Salas was so excited to make a profit on the island that he sold it twice! First, to John Simonton, for $2,000 in 1821. And second, in 1822, to an attorney named John Strong. It took many years for ownership to get straightened out, and Simonton was declared the rightful owner in 1828.

Only One Of Key West’s Founding Fathers Lived There

Of the four founding fathers heralded as the original settlers and developers of the city, only one spent a significant amount of time living there. Pardon C. Green lived permanently on the island in the early and mid-19th century. While in Key West, he started a company, was a city council member, and briefly served as mayor.

Key West Is One Of The Warmest Places in The Country

Key West, Florida, is the southernmost point in the United States. You can see a famous bright red buoy marking this point at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets.  

It’s one of the sunniest and warmest places in the US, with 260 annual sunny days and temps ranging from 65°F to 89°F. Key West also has the warmest ocean water of any place in the United States in the winter and averages 75°F to 77°F.

Key West Is Near A Giant Barrier Reef

Key West sits on the only living coral barrier reef in the US. Several related reefs extend 350 miles from the Dry Tortugas west of Key West to the St. Lucie Inlet near Miami. Coral reefs are home to many marine life and a unique underwater ecology. Almost 1,400 species of aquatic plants and animals live in the Florida Reef.

Key West Is Closer to Havana than Miami

Key West  is closer to Havan, the capital of Cuba, than Miami, Florida. Key West is so far south in Florida that it’s very close to Cuba, which lies only 95 miles off-shore. Due to their proximity, Key West and Cuba often share common elements of their culture, people, and economy.  

Ernest Hemingway Loved Key West

The Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway lived on the island during the middle of the 20th century. You can still tour his home and see his amazing six-toed cats. They all descend from “Snow White,” a six-toed cat Hemingway received as a gift. The cats have a genetic mutation that gives some cats six or more toes! This trait is reliably passed down to each generation of newborn kitties.  

At the Hemingway House, you can also see the penny he placed in the wet cement of his pool. It was the first pool built in a 100-mile radius and was so expensive he put the penny there and exclaimed, “You can take my last penny!’ when he saw the construction bill.  

I love reading about the history of Key West as it relates to Hemingway!

A Lot Of Famous People Have Lived In Key West

For a small town with a population of only 26,000,  Key West  boasts an astounding number of famous inhabitants over the years.  They all contributed to the history of Key West in one way or another!

A short list includes author Judy Blume, poet Wallace Stevens, author Shel Silverstein, playwright Tennessee Williams, President Harry S. Truman, author Earnest Hemingway, singer Jimmy Buffet, NASCAR Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., poet Robert Frost, author Truman Capote, fashion designer Calvin Klein, and treasure hunter Mel Fisher.

Key Lime Pie Was Invented In Key West

Was Key Lime Pie first made in Key West? Legend has it that in the late 1800s, Key West sponge fishermen called “Hookers” would make homemade food by pouring sweetened condensed milk with lime juice over Cuban bread. Wives of these men began baking it into a pie crust to create a sweet dessert.  

Sarah Jane Lowe Curry, the daughter-in-law (other legends say she was his cook) of Florida’s first millionaire, started serving the dish to people who came to her house. Sarah, or “Aunt Sally” as she was known, became the mother of the Key Lime Pie. Soon after, the pie was being served in restaurants everywhere.  

Whether or not you believe these stories, the truth is that Key Lime Pie is a famous Key West dessert, and you can find these delicious pies served at many of the city’s restaurants.

Chickens Walk The Streets of Key West

Yes, Key West has a lot of chickens wandering around the city! Chickens are the original inhabitants of the keys. Early locals lived alongside them and raised them for eggs or meat.  

The ancestors of these birds have become the official Key West Gypsy chickens, and they proudly and unabashedly prowl the streets of  Key West . Seeing these fowl reminded me of Ybor City and their resident chickens!  

In 2004, the city hired a professional bird catcher. But, the citizens did not receive it well, and the position was eventually eliminated. Now, you can enjoy the Gypsy chickens, and they get to live a peaceful life as a tourist attraction in one of the nation’s top vacation destinations!

Key West Is The Birthplace of Pan Am Airlines

Pan American Airlines started in Key West, Florida, in 1927. The location is now home to First Flight, a restaurant and bar. But the aviation history of Key West doesn’t stop there!

Known as The Amazing Race, in 1913, a competition started between two early aviators to see who could make the first flight from Key West to Havana, Cuba.

Then, in 1920, Aeromarine Airlines flew America’s first official international airmail service, once again between Key West and Havana.

President Truman Made A “Little White House” in Key West

In 1946, President Harry S. Truman began using a home in Key West as a winter retreat and operated it as a remote “White House .” He stayed in the home intermittently for 175 days over 11 visits. This house had earlier famous visitors, including President William Taft and Thomas Edison.  

Today, the home is the Harry S. Truman Little White House. It’s Florida’s only presidential museum. At the museum, you can tour the home, see Presidential memorabilia and photos, and learn the history of Truman’s presidency and its importance to Key West. The house is set within a beautiful botanical garden filled with tropical flora.  

I visited the museum, and I highly recommend it! Not only did we learn about President Truman while on the tour, but we also learned a great deal about the history of Key West.

Key West Loves To Celebrate

For a small island,  Key West  has a tremendous capacity to party! It’s known for several famous annual festivals that attract people from all over the world.  

The Conch Republic Independence Celebration (April 20-29, 2024) starts with a conch-blowing contest. It continues with boat races, a parade on Duval St, victory pirates, and a Pirates Ball and Costume competition.  

The Key West Songwriters Festival (May 1-5, 2024) showcases veteran and new songwriters who take the stage to mesmerize audiences with music and storytelling. Household names like Kacey Musgraves and Florida Georgia Line got their start here.  

Hemingway Days (July 17-20, 2024) honors the giant legacy of author Ernest Hemingway by doing something he did best: celebrating. The festival includes presentations by Hemingway scholars, appearances by Hemighway family members, and an awesome look-a-like contest where hundreds of white-bearded, swarthy men channel their inner “Papa.”

Fantasy Fest (October 18-27, 2024), which started as a costumed parade down Duval Street, has grown into 10 days of parades, parties, street fairs, and fantastical balls. Most of these activities are not for kids. Adults might have fun at the “naughty” bike rides, pajama parties, and burlesque shows across the city. So, if you are visiting Key West with kids, avoid that week! 

Key West Has Many Famous Buildings

Key West is filled with buildings with an intriguing history. Aside from the more popular places like the Hemingway House and the Truman Little White House, several other famous buildings exist.  

The Audubon Hosue and Tropical Gardens showcases works from the ornithologist John James Audobon. Audubon drew 18 new birds after having visited Key West. You can explore the house and its 1-acre surrounding gardens.  

The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea is Florida’s second oldest Catholic parish, founded in 1846. Pope Benedict XVI raised the church to a minor basilica in 2012. You can enter the basilica and take a self-guided tour.

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum contains an extensive collection of treasures and artifacts from 17th-century shipwrecks. The museum highlights the discoveries of treasure seeker Mel Fisher and his contributions to maritime archeology. Here, you can see Spanish gold coins, learn about the real pirates of the Caribbean, and explore the science of shipwrecks. Tickets are required. This is one of my top recommendations for families who want to learn more about the pirate history of Key West.

Key West Is Known As The Conch Republic  

Did you know  Key West  once seceded from the US and became its own country?  

In 1982, out of frustration over a border checkpoint that stopped most traffic into and out of the keys, Key West sarcastically notified the Federal government they were seceding from the Union. They gave their new country the name “Conch Republic.” 

This name has become a unifying moniker for the people of the Keys and a rallying cry for citizens who value freedom and independence. You’ll see the name all over. Even the Key West high school got the fever, naming their mascot the “Fighting Conch.”  

I laughed when I saw the Conch Republic’s official flag, which bears the motto “We Succeeded Where Others Failed.”

Key West Is Home To The Oldest Bar in Florida, or Is It?

Caption Tony’s is an iconic bar located just a block off Duval Street and was actually the original home of Sloppy Joe’s Bar. The sign out front says it’s the oldest bar in Florida. However, other sources say that the The Palace Saloon on Amelia Island is the oldest bar in Florida. I will have to pop in and ask them about it when I visit next month!

Did you know that Jimmy Buffett played Captain Tony’s in the early 1970s?

Key West Is A Fisherman’s Paradise

Anglers in the Keys have caught some of the largest fish on record in Florida. These include a 240-pound Yellowfin Tuna, a 243-pound Tarpon, a 612-pound Swordfish, and a 686-pound Great White Shark.  

Key West has a legendary reputation for fishing. Initially made famous by the stories of Hemingway, the coral reefs and deep blue waters of the Florida Straits are well-known for their massive catches.  

Fishing here is diverse, and many different fish are regularly biting. Tarpons are heavyweight champions and can top 200 pounds. Bonefish are called “Grey Ghosts”; they are smaller but harder to find. Snapper and Grouper can be caught year-round and are sought after for their great taste. They like patch reefs, wrecks, and bridges and can even be caught from shore. If you want to go farther from shore, Blackfin Tuna are wonderful to eat and very plentiful in the spring. Sailfish, Swordfish, and Marlin are the kings of the sea and will give you the fight of your life.  

These majestic giants drew Hemingway here and continue to thrill sport fishers with their strength and size. The warm waters off the coast bring in smaller Blacktip and Bonnethead sharks. Or you can pit yourself against apex predators like the giant Bull, Tiger, and Hammerhead sharks. 

Key West Was Once The Cigar Capital Of The US

Many people don’t know Key West was the original epicenter of the Cuban cigar industry in America.  

The first cigar factory started here in 1831, and by 1890, there were at least 80 factories in Key West. The factories were tightly connected to Cuba and would import Cuban tobacco leaves to be hand-rolled by Cuban emigres in Key West factories. The legendary Arturo Fuente began rolling here in 1912.  

After hurricanes hit Key West, destroying some factories, and local unrest around labor unionization, most factories moved to Ybor City in Tampa. Several small factories still operate in Key West, like the Key West Cigar Factory, Rodriguez Cigars, and the Island Cigar Factory. 

Jimmy Buffett Got His Start In Key West

The iconic singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett moved to Key West in 1972. After having no success in the Nashville record business, he decided to take a trip with a friend to the Keys for some needed relaxation.  

He ended up living in Key West for seven years, working various odd jobs and singing in the local dives and honk-tonks. The island ambiance of the Keys inspired his casual style and tropical-themed lyrics. His hugely popular songs like Margaritaville became synonymous with Key West, and enjoying the salt and sea lifestyle became a popular pastime for fans worldwide.  

I read some amazing stories about Jimmy’s time in the 1970s in  Key West . He became part of a “Rat Pack” of close friends, many of whom were aspiring authors and poets, all following the spiritual footsteps of Hemingway. Stories of epic week-long deep sea fishing trips, hard-partying, and great friendship make this era of his life reminiscent of the “Lost Generation” of Paris ex-pats in the 1920s. 

A book I love that focuses on Jimmy and his rat pack in the 1970s is titled  Mile Marker Zero: The Moveable Feast of Key West .  And if you haven’t read  A Pirate Looks At Fifty , you must!

The Rum Runner Drink Was Invented Near Key West

Legend has it that the famous Rum Runner cocktail was invented in 1972 at the Holiday Tiki bar in Islamorada, near Key West.  

In one story, bartender John Ebert was challenged by the Holiday Tiki Bar owner to use up a lot of unused liquor that hadn’t been drunk (called “dead stock”). John mixed the ingredients in a new way to make the first Rum Runner.  

In another version of the story, John was looking for a job, and the owner of the Tiki Bar asked him as part of the interview to make a delicious drink with lesser-known ingredients.  

Either way, we now have the tasty Rum Runner – a sweet libation that has slaked the thirst of many a beach bum and tropical reveler around the globe.

Enjoy The History Of Key West On Your Next Trip

Key West history is filled with fascinating stories of larger-than-life personalities, rising and falling fortunes, boom and bust industries, and enduring people committed to life by the sea. Their stories are diverse, but they are all driven by fierce independence and a yearning for freedom away from society.  The fun thing about the history of  Key West  is that there are always new tales to listen to on every visit!

Key West is one of my favorite places to visit because of its charming eccentricity and its desire to be true to itself. It’s a fantastic place to relax, try new things, and enjoy the “Salt Life.” When planning your trip to the Conch Republic, be sure to set aside time to see some of the historical places. Catch the setting sun and sip a Rum Runner while you marvel at all this city offers.

And if you are looking for things to do in Key West, I have got you covered with several great Key West travel blog posts! 

• 18+ Things For Families to Do in Key West
• Riding the Iconic Conch Train Tour in Key West
• All About the 6-toed Hemingway House Cats
• My Momcation at the Marker Key West
• Visiting the Truman Little White House
• Snorkeling & Sunset Tours with Sebago Watersports
• The Key West Hop-On Hop-Off Old Town Trolley Tour

Florida Travel Blog  

Travel destinations, beaches and attractions and things to do in Florida. Documented by RESIDENTS of Florida.

The Doorstep to Key West: Cudjoe Key Florida, The Ultimate Guide

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Cudjoe Key, Florida, the hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Nestled in the beautiful Florida Keys, Cudjoe Key offers a breathtaking escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, this small island paradise has something for everyone.

Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Cudjoe Key boasts unparalleled natural beauty. Explore the vibrant coral reefs while snorkeling or diving, or soak up the sun on the pristine beaches. With its prime location, the island is a dream destination for fishing enthusiasts, with ample opportunities to catch world class prized gamefish.

In addition to its natural splendor, Cudjoe Key offers a charming and laid-back atmosphere. Stroll through quaint streets lined with colorful cottages and enjoy fresh seafood at local waterfront restaurants. Embrace the island lifestyle as you unwind and connect with nature.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Cudjoe Key Florida is the perfect destination. Discover this  Florida Keys  hidden gem and let this ultimate guide be your key to unlocking unforgettable memories in Cudjoe Key.

The History and Culture of Cudjoe Key Florida

Cudjoe Key has a rich history and vibrant culture that adds to its allure. Originally inhabited by the Calusa Native Americans , the island later became home to settlers and pioneers. Today, remnants of the past can be explored through historical landmarks and museums.

Cudjoe Key’s history, like  many of the Florida Keys , blends indigenous life, exploration, piracy, and modern tourism. Here’s a deeper dive into its past:

Early Inhabitants:

• Native Americans: Evidence suggests that Calusa tribes inhabited the island for centuries before European arrival, living off the abundant marine life and leaving behind shell mounds.
• Spanish Exploration:  Juan Ponce de León likely sighted the island in 1513 but didn’t land. Spanish explorers and missionaries may have interacted with Calusa inhabitants in the 16th and 17th centuries.

18th & 19th Centuries:

• Early Names and Inhabitants: The island’s name has origins debated, possibly linked to the Joewood tree or an escaped enslaved person named Cudjoe .
• Salvaging and Wrecking: Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, the island served as a base for salvagers and “wreckers,” recovering goods from shipwrecks in the treacherous waters around the Keys.
• Development and Agriculture: During the mid-19th century, coconut plantations established by Bahamian immigrants became the island’s primary economic activity.
• Civil War: Due to its strategic location, Cudjoe Key saw some Union troop presence during the Civil War.

20th Century:

• Decline of Agriculture: Coconut blight and hurricanes led to the decline of coconut plantations in the early 20th century.

island, used as a training facility and auxiliary landing strip.

• Tourism Takes Over: After the war, the island transitioned towards tourism, becoming a popular destination for fishing and relaxation.
• Cudjoe Key Air Force Station: Activated in 1959, the station tracked missiles and later became a detached installation of Homestead Air Reserve Base.

Present Day:

• Residential & Tourist Destination: Cudjoe Key has a small, permanent population and welcomes tourists seeking a quieter island experience compared to other Keys.
• Historical Sites: Traces of the island’s past remain, including abandoned coconut plantations and historical markers. For a complete historical outlook of the lower Keys, we recommend you make the short day trip from Cudjoe Key to Key West and visit the Museum of History located there.

Beyond the Timeline:

• Cultural & Literary References: Cudjoe Key features in the James A. Michener novel “Chesapeake” and is mentioned in Robert Stone’s “Dog Soldiers.”
• Environmental Challenges: Like other Keys, Cudjoe Key faces threats like rising sea levels and hurricanes, demanding careful environmental management.

The culture of Cudjoe Key is a unique blend of influences from the Caribbean, Florida, and the Keys. The island has a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, where locals and visitors alike embrace the island lifestyle. Experience the vibrant arts scene by visiting local galleries or attending live performances. Don’t miss the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and learn about their traditions and customs.

Cudjoe Key’s history and culture are an integral part of its identity, adding depth and character to this hidden gem in the Florida Keys.

Top Attractions and Things To Do in Cudjoe Key

Cudjoe Key, located in the Lower Florida Keys, offers a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of outdoor adventures for visitors to enjoy. Here are some top attractions and things to do in Cudjoe Key, Florida:

Boating and Fishing : Explore the surrounding waters of the Florida Keys by renting a boat or joining a guided fishing charter. Cudjoe Bay and nearby channels are known for their excellent fishing opportunities, including tarpon, bonefish, and permit.

Diving and Snorkeling : Discover the vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary . Popular dive sites like Looe Key Reef and American Shoal attract divers and snorkelers from around the world.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding : Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters of Cudjoe Bay and surrounding mangrove islands. Paddle through mangrove tunnels, shallow flats, and secluded coves while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Bahia Honda State Park : Located a short drive (15 Miles) from Cudjoe Key, Bahia Honda State Park is home to stunning beaches, nature trails, and historic bridges. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, or hiking along the park’s scenic trails. This is our family’s favorite state park in the Florida Keys.

Nature Watching : Explore the diverse ecosystems of the Lower Florida Keys by observing native wildlife in their natural habitats. Keep an eye out for wading birds, dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles that inhabit the surrounding waters and mangrove forests.

Cudjoe Gardens Marina : Visit the Cudjoe Gardens Marina to admire the boats, enjoy waterfront dining, or book a fishing excursion with experienced guides. The marina also offers boat rentals, kayak tours, and sunset cruises for visitors to enjoy.

Must Visit – the National Key Deer Wildlife Refuge – The Key Deer Refuge is a must-visit for anyone who travels the Keys. This special breed of deer, only found in the Florida Keys, are about the size of a large dog. They are fun to observe and a treasure of the islands. Explore the refuge’s trails and keep an eye out for these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. Don’t forget your camera, as spotting a Key deer is a truly special experience. Another nearby refuge is the Great White Heron Nation Refuge . Another great place to visit.

Cudjoe Key to Key West Day Trip : Take a scenic drive along the Overseas Highway to Key West, located just 20 miles southwest of Cudjoe Key. Explore historic landmarks, visit museums, dine at our favorite Key West restaurants , and experience the vibrant culture of Key West.

Dolphin Research Center : Head north to Grassy Key to visit the Dolphin Research Center , a nonprofit organization dedicated to dolphin conservation and education. Take a guided tour, participate in interactive programs, and learn about the fascinating lives of dolphins and sea lions.

Relaxation : Unwind and soak up the sun on the sandy shores of Cudjoe Key. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach, watching the sunset, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Cudjoe Key offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.

These are just a few of the top attractions and things to do in Cudjoe Key. Whether you’re exploring nature reserves, visiting historical sites, or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you entertained.

Outdoor Activities in Cudjoe Key

Cudjoe Key is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities to satisfy your sense of adventure. From water sports to hiking trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors.

One of the most popular water activities in Cudjoe Key is snorkeling and diving. Explore the vibrant coral reefs that surround the island and discover a world teeming with colorful marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there are options for all skill levels. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and immerse yourself in an underwater wonderland.

Fishing is another favorite pastime in Cudjoe Key, thanks to its prime location in the Florida Keys. Charter a boat and set off on a fishing expedition to catch prized gamefish such as tarpon, bonefish, and permit. The experienced guides will take you to the best spots and provide valuable insights into the local fishing scene. Cast your line and reel in a memorable catch as you enjoy the beauty of the surrounding waters.

Here is a guide to all the activities in Cudjoe Key . Remember to book your excursions and accommodations well in advance.

For those who prefer to stay on land, Cudjoe Key offers scenic hiking and biking trails. Explore the backcountry and immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including the native Key deer that roam freely. Whether you’re a nature lover or a fitness enthusiast, the outdoor activities in Cudjoe Key are sure to leave you captivated.

The possibilities for outdoor adventures are endless in Cudjoe Key. Whether you’re exploring the waters, hiking through nature reserves, or simply enjoying the island’s stunning landscapes, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with the great outdoors.

Dining – The Best Restaurants in Cudjoe Key Florida

Cudjoe Key is not only a haven for natural beauty but also a culinary delight. From fresh seafood to international cuisine, the island offers a range of dining options to satisfy every palate.

Defining the “best” restaurants in Cudjoe Key is subjective and depends on personal preferences like cuisine, budget, and desired atmosphere. However, here are a couple of our favorites and some highly-rated and popular options with diverse offerings to help you choose:

Upscale with Stunning Views:

• Broil : Small steakhouse known for its wood-fired grilled meats, fresh seafood, and garden-to-table dishes. Features a beautiful patio with sunset views.

Casual & Family-Friendly:

• Bent Prop Bar & Grill – Our local favorite. The Bent Prop is an eclectic waterfront restaurant that offers indoor and outdoor dining, while overlooking a scenic harbor and local marina. The Bent Prop offers a welcoming environment, encouraging all to eat, drink and have a memorable time with friends and family.
• My New Joint : Lively bar & grill serving innovative small plates and mains in a sunny, contemporary setup. True oyster bar above Square Grouper.Family-friendly with diverse options.
• The Square Grouper Bar and Grill : Bright and easygoing spot specializing in American mains and seafood, like fish tacos and burgers. Popular for its relaxed atmosphere and outdoor seating.
• My Morning Joint : Casual spot. Support Your Local Caffeine Dealer! Made-to-order breakfast & lunch. Farm-to-table coffee. MM 22.8, Cudjoe Key! Come chill!
• Moritas Cuban Café – Cuban food. Very good Cuban sandwiches. Their traditional Cuban has a mild chorizo and delicious sauce. Friendly staff and quick service.

Additional Tips:

• Consider the timing! Popular restaurants may have wait times, especially during peak season and weekends. Make reservations if possible.

• Factor in your budget as prices can vary significantly between fine dining and casual spots.
• Don’t hesitate to ask locals for their recommendations – they often have hidden gems in mind!

Ultimately, the best restaurant for you depends on your specific preferences and priorities. I hope this information helps you discover the perfect dining experience in Cudjoe Key!

Cudjoe Key Florida Hotels and Accommodations

Cudjoe Key offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here is a list of places to go for hotels, resorts and accommodations near Cudjoe Key.

For a list of hotels near Cudjoe Key, you can check rates here .

For cottages, waterfront homes and other options from VRBO, you can see their listings for and rates here .

Whether you’re looking for a pampering resort or a cozy cottage, there’s a place for you to rest and rejuvenate on or near this hidden gem island.

If you prefer a more intimate and laid-back experience, consider renting a cottage or vacation home. These cozy accommodations offer all the comforts of home, with the added bonus of stunning ocean views and easy access to the island’s attractions. Wake up to the sound of the waves, sip your morning coffee on the porch, and embrace the island lifestyle.

Both Summerland Key to the west and Sugarloaf Key to the east also have options that are within a couple minutes of Cudjoe Key.

No matter where you choose to stay, Cudjoe Key offers a range of accommodation options that will ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

An aerial view of Cudjoe Key is below.

Tips for Visiting Cudjoe Key

Before you embark on your journey to Cudjoe Key, here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:

• Weather : The Florida Keys have a tropical climate , so be prepared for warm temperatures and occasional rain showers. Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Wildlife : Cudjoe Key is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Key deer. Respect their natural habitat and observe them from a safe distance. Do not feed or disturb the wildlife.
• Water Activities : If you plan on snorkeling or diving, remember to bring your own equipment or rent it from a reputable dive shop. Follow the guidelines provided by your guide or instructor to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here is a list of activities and water sports to consider on Cudjoe Key.
• Local Customs : Embrace the laid-back island lifestyle and respect the local customs and traditions. Be friendly and courteous to the locals, and remember to leave no trace when exploring the natural areas.
• Transportation : The best way to get around Cudjoe Key is by car. Rent a vehicle should you be flying into Key West , the nearest international airport, or consider hiring a taxi or rideshare service for convenience. Public transportation options are limited.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your visit to Cudjoe Key and create lasting memories.

Directions to Cudjoe Key Florida

How to get to Cudjoe Key is easy. The nearest airport is Key West International Airport , located approximately 20 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car or hire a taxi to reach Cudjoe Key.

If you prefer to drive, Cudjoe Key is located along the scenic Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1) . The drive from Miami takes approximately three hours, depending on traffic conditions. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you cross the iconic Seven Mile Bridge and make your way to this hidden gem.

Whether you choose to fly or drive, the journey to Cudjoe Key is part of the adventure. Sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the beauty that awaits.

How Far is Cudjoe Key to Key West

 Cudjoe Key is 20 miles from Key West. If you want to know the exact mileage differences between locations in the Florida Keys, follow the mile markers along the road.

Little green and white signs mark each mile of Route 1 which is the main road from Key Largo to Key West. Here is a list of Florida Keys mile markers and the major attractions mile by mile.

Cudjoe Key runs approximately from MM 23 to MM21. MM0 is on Whitehead Street in the heart of Key West. Therefore you are looking at about 20 miles depending on your exact location.

Cudjoe Key to Key West is a fun drive. There are plenty of places to stop, restaurants along the way, and places to get gas before getting into Key West.

Final Thoughts – Cudjoe Key Florida, The Ultimate Guide

Cudjoe Key, Florida, is a over shadowed gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and laid-back charm. From its beaches to its vibrant marine life, the island has something to captivate every visitor.

With its location just a few minutes from Key West, Cudjoe Key Florida gets overlooked by many travelers through the Florida Keys.

Explore the rich history and vibrant culture, indulge in delicious seafood, and immerse yourself in the island’s natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Cudjoe Key has it all.

Discover this forgotten gem that is Cudjoe Key and unlock unforgettable memories. From the untouched beaches to the thriving marine life, this small island paradise is waiting to be explored. Plan your visit, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Cudjoe Key Florida, the ultimate Keys getaway.

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Money latest: These are the most in-demand holiday destinations this year

Welcome back to our Money blog, where we bring you all the latest consumer and personal finance news and tips. This week we're kicking off by talking about holidays (seeing as the sun has finally come out), and we're answering a reader's Money Problem on an undeclared management fee.

Monday 6 May 2024 12:32, UK

• The most in-demand holiday destinations this year
• Interest rates, inflation and fuel prices: What you need to know about economy this week
• Money Problem: My daughter discovered undeclared £600 management fee after buying her flat - can we complain?

Essential reads

• GoFundMe and loan sharks: How Britain's poorest are burying their loved ones in 2024
• Cinema first is back - so should movie lovers unsubscribe? 
• 10 biggest mistakes people make in job interviews I Tell us your job interview mistakes/stories/tips in the comments box
• State pensions 'could be in doubt for future generations'
• New ISA rules were supposed to help savers - they've just made everything more complicated 
• Train strikes in May - everything you need to know

Ask a question or make a comment

By Emily Mee , Money team

Scroll through GoFundMe and it won't be long before you see them.

There's a widow left with her husband's financial struggles. Three young siblings trying to raise funds for their mum's send-off after her sudden death. A 25-year-old domestic violence victim whose family want to give her the send-off she deserves. 

There are scores of pages like this as an apparently increasing number of Britons struggle with funeral costs.

These costs have risen 126% in the last two decades, according to a recent report from SunLife. 

Where families would once have paid £1,835 for a basic funeral, they are now looking at costs of £4,141 on average. 

"People can't afford to bury their dead," says Pastor Mick Fleming, who runs the charity Church On The Street. 

He frequently spends his time helping families pay for funerals and providing his services as a minister for free, although he says there is simply too much demand for his small charity to help everyone. 

Government or local authority grants are available to help families with funeral costs, but Pastor Mick says these can come too late as undertakers will often require a partial payment upfront. 

There's an even darker side to this, too. 

"What we're now seeing is people who are poor can't walk into the bank and get a bank loan - the economy's tough at the minute," Pastor Mick says. 

"They can't get legitimate access to money so they can't borrow it and pay a decent standard rate back, so they have to go to loan sharks."

Many then find it impossible to pay the loan back and face threats from the criminals who lent them the money, says Pastor Mick.

He recalls: "There was a middle-aged lady, she had to borrow the money to bury her son. 

"She couldn't pay the money back so then she started to get threatened and intimidated. People turning up at the house. 

"It was pretty horrendous. She was getting suicidal. She was heartbroken already and she just couldn't get the money together."

The pastor says he was able to negotiate on her behalf - something he is now having to do as part of his charity work - but "you can't do that for everybody". 

A funeral without a service

The number of funeral-related fundraisers increased by 22% on GoFundMe last year, figures shared with Sky News reveal. 

Individual donations to these fundraisers increased by almost 400,000.

Many of these are trying to avoid their loved one being given a public health funeral, which is what happens if families are unwilling or unable to pay. 

Local authorities are legally obliged to carry out funerals in this case, but they are given little guidance from the government on what this should entail - meaning each council will have its own policy on what is or isn't included. 

In some cases, a service will not be offered and a person will be cremated or buried without the presence of family members. 

Other times, the family may be allowed to attend but they might not be able to get involved in the service. 

Generally, people will be cremated, unless they have asked not to be for religious or cultural reasons. 

Those who are buried will often have a grave with no marker, or they may be placed in a communal grave. 

"For someone that's lost a child or a husband or a wife or any loved one where you just haven't been able to provide closure, there's a sense of guilt that goes with it," Pastor Mick says.

As long as funeral costs remain eye-wateringly high, families across the country will be dealing with that guilt. 

This week will see the Bank of England announce its latest interest rates decision - and experts believe borrowers will have to wait longer to see rates come down. 

Policymakers appear set to hold out for stronger signs the cost-of-living crisis has abated, with economists widely expecting the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to keep rates at the current level of 5.25%. 

Rates have been held at this level since August last year. 

At the last meeting in March, just one member of the MPC voted for rates to be cut by 0.25 percentage points, but the remaining eight members voted for no change.

Philip Shaw, chief economist at Investec, said: "This broad direction illustrates that collectively the committee is moving gradually towards a rate cut.

"It seems unlikely though to be ready to bite the bullet just yet and the Bank rate looks set to remain on hold at 5.25% for the sixth consecutive meeting."

Andrew Goodwin, chief UK economist for Oxford Economics, said data on services inflation and private sector regular pay growth has "likely extinguished any remaining hopes of a move in May".

As for whether rates could be cut in June or August, he said it is likely to be a "close call". 

Economists at HSBC are also expecting the first rate cut to come in June.

Interest rates are used as a tool to help bring down UK inflation. 

The brewing giant has announced it will invest £39m in revamping 600 of its pubs across the UK - a move that will create more than 1,000 new jobs. 

The investment plan will also see pubs in its retail arm, Star Pubs & Bars, revitalised to appeal to those working from home. 

Sixty-two pubs will be reopened this year and 94 sites are set for full refurbishments. 

The remaining pubs will receive varying upgrades. 

Heineken said it wanted to "broaden each pub's use and appeal" in response to an increase in people working from home, giving customers more reason to visit throughout the day.

The refurbished pubs will have dividing screens to create separate areas for different types of customers. 

Lawson Mountstevens, chief executive at Star Pubs & Bars, said: "Fundamentally, the changes in people's working habits means that in a lot of these suburban locations, you've got more people who are around those areas a lot more.

"It's not rocket science. Those people are looking for pubs of a certain standard."

Aldi remained the cheapest supermarket last month, new analysis shows. 

The retailer has won the crown of cheapest supermarket every month so far this year, according to research by Which?. 

An average basket of 67 popular groceries cost £112.90 - more than £30 cheaper than the most expensive supermarket, Waitrose. 

A basket of comparable items in Waitrose would cost £144.13 on average. 

Here is the breakdown for each supermarket... 

• Aldi - £112.90
• Lidl - £115.23 
• Asda - £126.98
• Tesco - £128.17 
• Sainsbury's - £131.02 
• Morrisons - £134.87 
• Ocado - £136.86 
• Waitrose - £144.13. 

Food price inflation has slowed to 4.5%, its lowest level since February 2022. 

Despite being the most expensive, Waitrose and Ocado were the only grocers to win new shoppers in the first three months of the year, according to research by Kantar. 

Every Monday we get an expert to answer your money problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

"My daughter recently bought a flat and has since learnt there is an extra £600 a year management fee that was not declared by the vendor during the sales process. We have been told that the vendor was heavily involved in negotiating the management contract. Can we complain?" J Mills

Serena Amani, managing director at Monarch Solicitors , has this advice...

The general principle when buying a property is "buyer beware", which means the onus is on the buyer to perform their due diligence before contracting to purchase.

The buyer's conveyancing solicitor interrogates the contractual documentation and raises relevant enquiries to ensure the full facts and obligations are available to the buyer to make an informed decision.

In this situation, it appears the seller has failed to disclose the management fee - we assume relating to the services provided to the estate.

We can't give specific advice as we don't have access to the contractual documentation. However, we would suggest:

• To check if the obligation to pay a management fee is set out in the lease if it is a leasehold property, or the transfer deed if it is a freehold property. These documents should contain what services are provided and what the related charges are. The most common scenario is that of a leasehold flat. In this situation the services shall be set out under the service charges section. Generally, there is a provision that allows a management company to charge a management fee as a percentage of the overall service charge bill which is shared among all the leaseholders based on the size of their apartment.
• If the obligation to pay the management fee is in the contract and your conveyancer failed to notify you of this obligation, there is a potential negligence claim against the conveyancer which can be pursued through their complaints process and escalated to the legal ombudsman.
• In the rare instance that the management fee is not stipulated in the contract, then you may wish to contact the management company to obtain certified accounts for the services provided and ask them on what contractual basis they are charging a management fee. Management companies are obliged by statute to provide this information.
• If there is no contractual basis or the fees are unreasonable then you may consider bringing a claim before the property tribunal. The tribunal has the power to make a ruling on the reasonability of the management fees. It should be noted that it can be a long and arduous process and legal fees are not always recoverable even if successful.
• Where a seller has supplied misleading information about a property that materially influenced the decision to purchase the property, this could give rise to a claim for misrepresentation. Likewise, intentional concealment of this information during the sales process could constitute a breach of contract or misrepresentation. 

For more specific advice, you may wish to contact a property lawyer experienced in the conveyancing process and service charge disputes.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about.  Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via - and please leave your contact details as we cannot follow up consumer disputes without them.

• The form above - make sure you leave a phone number or email address
• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog"
• WhatsApp us  here .

The long-awaited arrival of the sun in the last few days may have got you thinking ahead to the summer... which for many means holidays.

New analysis sent to the Money team has revealed the holiday resorts that Britons have been searching for over the last few months - although it's not a particularly sun-soaked destination that has come out on top.

Amsterdam is the most in-demand holiday destination for the UK, according to a study by Desert Safari Dubai Tours. 

The company looked at Google search data over the past 12 months to find which holiday destinations were most popular in the UK, using terms such as "holidays to", "flights to" and "trips to". 

Some 57,507 searches were carried out each month for trips to Amsterdam. 

The second most in-demand was Dubai , with an average of 52,544 monthly searches. 

Here is the rest of the list...

• New York - 51,169 
• Paris - 43,326 
• Tenerife - 43,305
• Barcelona - 41,664
• Dublin - 38,801
• Gran Canaria - 33,907
• Milan - 28,549
• Istanbul - 28,097

Meanwhile, data from holiday booking site Expedia suggests Britons are chasing the sun over the summer. 

Its trending destination data shows a 50% increase in searches for mainland Greece - while its islands of Santorini and Corfu remain popular. 

Interest is also surging in Mediterranean gem Malta (up 25%), seen as a more affordable destination. 

Searches are also up 50% for Albania , which has seen a surge in interest due to social media. 

The short-haul hotspot of Tunis has seen searches rocket by 130%. 

We're back for another week of consumer news, personal finance tips and all the latest on the economy.

This is how the week in the Money blog is shaping up...

Today : Every week we ask industry experts to answer your Money Problems . Today, a Money blog reader believes they may have been misled when buying their flat - but what can they do?

Tuesday : This week's  Basically...  explains everything you need to know about the Bank of England, ahead of Thursday's base rate decision. 

Wednesday : We speak to the chef at Tom Kerridge's two-starred pub The Hand And Flowers in Buckinghamshire for his Cheap Eats.

Thursday : It's decision day for the Bank of England, and while interest rates are expected to be held at 5.25%, we may learn more about when a cut will come.  Savings Champion  founder Anna Bowes will be back with her weekly insight into the savings market.

Friday : We will be getting the latest GDP figures on this day - which could signal the UK is no longer in recession. Plus, we'll have everything you need to know about the mortgage market this week with the guys from Moneyfacts.

Running every weekday, Money features a morning markets round-up from the  Sky News business team  and regular updates and analysis from our business, City and economic correspondents, editors and presenters -  Ed Conway ,  Mark Kleinman ,  Ian King ,  Paul Kelso  and  Adele Robinson .

You'll also be able to stream  Business Live with Ian King  weekdays at 11.30am and 4.30pm.

Bookmark  news.sky.com/money  and check back from 8am, and through the day, each weekday.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

You filled out the job application, got the call (they're interested, phew!), but now... it's interview day.

If the thought of selling yourself to a stranger brings you out in a cold sweat, you're not alone - but you can help yourself by not making the following common mistakes...

1. Not dressing app ropriately

Paul Webley, managing director of Blaze Media Digital Marketing Agency in Merseyside, says: "If you are coming for an interview in a marketing agency, dress smart. No need to be in a suit. It's cute if you are but just dress how you would expect to dress in the job and, if in doubt, err on the side of being slightly smarter.

"With us, there are loads of photos of the team in the office on the website and socials (which you should have looked at) so there is no excuse."

Tell us your interview mistakes/stories/tips in the comments box

2. Handshake mishaps

Paul's second interview mistake is: "This one is a real pet hate and probably doesn't matter as much in the current world but... learn how to shake a person's hand. You have to do this within every job from time to time.

"There is nothing more off-putting than a limp shake. Having a firm, polite handshake is a basic human skill in business and beyond."

3. Complaining

This is another one from Paul: "We had someone a few months ago tell us that they didn't think they should have to come into the office for an interview. This was for an office-based role. If they don't think it's worth coming in then the job is not going to be for them."

4. Not checking your tech

Tas Ravenscroft, senior consultant at recruitment firm Cherry Pick People , says: "Overlooking details like the interview location or the platform being used (such as Teams), and not testing your tech beforehand, can disrupt the interview process. This is especially crucial as most first interviews are now conducted via video conferencing."

5. Bad mouthing previous employers

Tas says: "We see that candidates sometimes feel too comfortable on interview and decide to talk about their past experiences (if aggrieved) negatively, which is a big NO. Instead, my advice is to focus on the lessons learned and how you've grown from challenges in your career."

6. Not asking questions - or asking about benefits or sick pay policy

Tas says: "There are no right or wrong answers to this, but asking questions at the end of the interview is a big YES. It shows you're interested, engaged and would like the opportunity to either progress or land the role.

"I'd say in your first interview, ask about company culture, day to day tasks, expectations of this role, who's the best performer and why? 

"Questions I'd stay away from are benefit-related questions, or I recently had someone ask what the sick pay policy was like in the first interview… Safe to say they didn't get invited back. If you work with a recruiter, you will have salary and benefits info before, so no need to ask on interview."

7. Not showing enthusiasm

For Mike Carlucci, managing director of Reading-based Italian-food importer  Tenuta Marmorelle , this is a big one: "A lot of people at the moment are applying for everything and anything. They apply for hundreds of jobs.

"The result is that you get applicants who are not enthusiastic or passionate about the role or sector as they see it just as a job. There are few people looking for actual careers at the moment. In our industry, the food industry, you need to have passion and enthusiasm."

8. Talking too much

Andrew MacAskill, founder of Executive Career Jump , says: "Sometimes this is down to nerves, other times it is down to overthinking and often it is due to the questions being too broad, which leads to them saying lots and hoping the right answer is in there somewhere."

Ian Nicholas, global managing director at Reed , says a common slip-up people make is to carry on talking after giving their answer.

"Some interviewers may purposely leave a pause just to see how the interviewee will react under the pressure - so be confident in what you've said and know when you've finished."

9. Under-preparation

Habiba Khatoon, director of Robert Walters UK , says: "This means they haven't researched the company, are unaware of the key aspects of the role they are interviewing for and can't make connections between their CV and experience and the role.

"Most interviewers can easily catch on when a candidate has turned up unprepared and when they do, they can lose interest in that candidate quite quickly."

Italian food importer Mike agrees: "It is so important to spend five minutes to go on to the website, see what the company does, how they started and any general information you can get. This really makes someone stand out from the 100s of applicants."

10. Being late - or too early

James Rowe, managing director of the Recruitment Experts , says: "I would suggest arriving 20 minutes early to give you time to prepare, but don't walk through the door too soon! Turning up five to 10 minutes prior to your interview start time shows you're punctual but won't rush the hiring manager… they need breaks too!"

By Brad Young , Money team

Almost half of Britons (45%) subscribe to two or more streaming services, according to comparison website Finder, but box office figures show the theatre-going experience is making a comeback. 

The pendulum is swinging back from streaming-first to theatre-first releases, and streaming platforms like Amazon and Apple are making moves on to the big screen with the likes of Saltburn and American Fiction, or Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon. 

That means movie-lovers are facing a conundrum, according to a senior media analyst: should they prioritise spending cash on trips to the cinema or on streaming if they want to see the biggest and best movies? 

"People are making decisions on 'what am I going to allocate to the movie theatre experience, what am I going to allocate to streaming?'" Paul Dergarabedian, of Comscore, told the Money blog.

Cinema's revival is real, according to Philip Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association. 

"Certainly the major US studios see the theatrical experience, the big screen experience, as where they want their major films to be and then benefitting from the promotional buzz that comes from that," Mr Clapp said. 

Disney chief executive Bob Iger said last year that theatrically released films were "great sub drivers".

"We benefit greatly from the power of our great films, they drive so much engagement and so much interest in our platforms," he said, pointing to Moana, Marvel, Star Wars and Avatar.

Mr Clapp added this year was a "key stepping stone" to an offering similar to before the pandemic, but cinema wouldn't be back to full strength until next year.

In the pandemic, studios experimented with straight-to-streaming releases, which continued even after restrictions fell away.

Mr Dergarabedian said: "When the pandemic hit it was a real stress test on the industry because a lot of people thought theatrical was dying on the vine and that it would be going away at some point in the near future - and then the pandemic accelerated that demise in the minds of some."

But audiences have voted with their feet and instructed studios they want more variety: international films, stadium concert films, videogame adaptations, prestige films and horrors.

Smile, a Paramount horror movie on a $17m budget that could have been straight-to-streaming, had a "great result" at the box office, said Mr Dergarabedian, as did Five Nights at Freddy's. 

Low and mid-budget movies have been the slowest to recover but are returning to the big screen, making the theatre offering more diverse this year, Mr Clapp added.

Mr Dergarabedian said Universal's "diverse portfolio" was the one to beat: it spent the last year putting out everything from action films like Fast X, prestige movies like Oppenheimer, animations like Migration and some spookier offerings too.

Going theatrical still comes with a risk, the analyst said. A flop on the big screen leaves studios with a big hit to their bottom line, having spent large amounts on distribution and marketing. 

But films "tend to have more value" once they arrive on a streaming platform if they were released in cinemas first, including lower budget movies.

Each week, Money blog readers share their thoughts on the subjects we've been covering, and over the past seven days your correspondence has been dominated by these topics...

Brexit rule changes

• Our feature on manifesting
• The prospect of disability payments becoming vouchers

Britons could face higher food prices, and even empty supermarket shelves, as new post-Brexit border fees were introduced this week, industry figures warned.

These comments - while perhaps not representative of the whole country - are definitely reflective of the majority view in our inbox...

It's almost like Brexit was a terrible idea… To think our politicians would do anything but make things worse was beyond naive. People let their prejudice override common sense that most politicians look out for themselves and not the country's best interests… Joe

Others suggested the government should be turning its eyes to the issue rather than elsewhere...

Food prices rise even though they told us they would fall and yet the priority is sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. Isn't it about time the UK started to listen to people's problems rather than a very loud minority? Lee

Several people suggested the solution was growing all our own food - which is often talked about, but producers and importers point out the UK climate makes it less achievable to mass produce certain foods at a low cost than in southern Europe.

Disability vouchers?

Reports this week suggested disabled people could receive vouchers instead of monthly payments under proposed government changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The story resulted in a backlash among our commenters... 

Absolutely barking mad. Disabilities aren't an option. Can't be fixed with words. And can happen to anyone at anytime. Time to get a grip. Rob

Others suggested it was a symptom of a wider failure within the system...

I don't know how the government can take away vital PIP money and say they can replace it with better mental health support. My daughter is waiting for a PIP assessment and also an assessment for ADHD - the latter's wait time is currently four years. Matmac33

Can you 'manifest' financial success? 

Moving to our manifesting feature, which prompted a lot of cynicism. If you haven't read it yet, you can do so  here ... 

Some of our readers are believers... 

I manifest things in my life. Be it money, people or events I've had dreams about, there's more magic in the universe than most people know of. Steve

I believe in manifestation in terms of positive thinking. You'll never get anywhere if you're always assuming the worst. But you do have to put the leg work in for what you want, it won't fall in to your lap. Jim Carrey didn't get that £10m acting job sitting under a tree! Caroline D

Others, well, not so much...

Why are you giving space to this specious guff manifestation? Does it work for the poverty-stricken, starving millions without basic infrastructure and education, or those suffering in warzones across the world? I wonder what they want "manifesting" in their lives? FM1

"Manifesting", what a load of rubbish! I can't believe this is one of the top stories on Sky News. David

And finally, in our weekly round-up of your comments...

This comment section is a COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME. Sky NEVER publishes its readers' views. John Hammond

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