Key West
Famous American novelist Ernest Hemingway fell in love with Key West and made this tiny island his home. Visit and see it for yourself today!
Key West in a nutshell
Famous American novelist Ernest Hemingway fell in love with Key West and made this tiny island his home. When you visit this charming slice of paradise in the Florida Keys archipelago, you’ll understand why.
The southernmost city in the US, a major seaport for passenger cruise ships, Key West is beautiful, relaxed, quirky and artistic, a special one-of-a-kind little place that will enthral you. Key West is best-known for its superb coral reefs, although the island’s beaches are also lovely and offer numerous water sports facilities. Located closer to Cuba than to Miami, the island really is unique in every way.
The historic part of town, Old Town Key West, is full of museums to visit and you can take a trolley tour around the neighborhood to explore.
Key West is also famous for its exciting dining options, a result of its diverse heritage, and discovering Ernest Hemingway’s old haunts, which includes eateries and bars, is a delight.
Water sports are exciting and diverse and include paddle boarding, sailing, snorkelling and diving to see shipwrecks and swimming with dolphins.
Best time to visit: The island’s busiest time is in its cooler season. Try to visit between March and May, when the weather is still good and it’s less crowded.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Old Town The Key West Historic District boasts more than 187 buildings to explore including the Armory and legendary Sloppy Joe’s where Hemingway used to hang out. For more ideas, see Things to do in Key West below.
Shopping in Key West: You can pick up all sorts of items and souvenirs in a variety of stores, including Cuban-style cigars and leather sandals. One of the best shopping areas is Duval Street, home to shops offering designer brands and other upmarket items. Explore Clinton Square Market, a mall located in the island’s oldest building, offering all sorts of eclectic items and handicrafts.
Food & Restaurants in Key West: Make sure to sample the island’s famous key lime pie. There are numerous stunning eateries to visit on the island, so take your pick.
Nightlife: Enjoy live music, dancing, bar hopping and clubbing – and everything in between. Nightlife is vibrant on Mallory Square, with all sorts of street performers to liven up the night. On famous Duval Street, the pubs, eateries and shops entice, and during festival season, this is the place to party.
Beaches: Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach is one of Key West’s most popular beaches. Then there’s Smathers Beach, one of the island’s longest beaches, which offers a wide selection of water sports and South Beach, close to Duval Street. There’s also the beachfront park, Rest Beach, part of CB Harvey Park and bustling Clarence S Higgs Memorial Beach. For a secluded option, head for Dry Tortugas National Park 70 miles offshore.
Things to do in Key West:
- Visit Hemingway’s former home, now a museum.
- Explore Southernmost Point, the most southern location in the US and 90 miles from Cuba.
- Discover the Key West Shipwreck Museum, located in a refurbished 19th century warehouse, to learn about the island’s maritime history.
- See Truman Little White House, where the former president used to spend his winters.
- Visit The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Sea, the oldest Catholic church in South Florida, built in 1905.
- See a replica of a wealthy Key West home, Aubudon House with its magnificent tropical garden.
- Explore the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum.
Best way to get around: Rent a car, take a bus or use a rideshare app. Alternatively, rent a Vespa scooter or a bicycle.