Key West Travel & Vacation Guide

Considered a gem of historical interior design, the Audubon House is a restoration project which is furnished as a replica of a prosperous 1800s Key West home. The constructor and first owner of the house was one of the ten most affluent men in the Florida Keys during this time. Both the house and its tropical garden give the you a glimpse of everyday life in a rich man's home of the mid-19th century. It has a cookhouse, a gift shop and a herb garden alongside 200 blooming orchids.

The Basilica of St. Mary, made partly of limestone rock from the area, offers opportunities for quiet contemplation, a visit to the shrine or simply a stroll in the garden nearby. Being the oldest Catholic church in South Florida, it has been given the title of 'basilica' in 2012 because of its historical significance, its spiritual weight and being an excellent example of the eclectic period of American Victorian architecture.

Duval is the most famous and most visited street in Key West. It stretches out from shore to shore, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, with a multitude of restaurants, pubs and shopping opportunities unfolding before you. Duval Street is not only home to Ernest Hemingway's favorite pub Sloppy Joe's, but also to a rich nightlife. Several times a year the street attracts crowds to take part in diverse festivals that celebrate art, lifestyle, history and culture.

Located in the Old Town, this was the official Key West residence of Nobel Prize winning author Ernest Hemingway, as in 1968 it enjoyed the distinction of becoming a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Tour the spectacular gardens, with an impressive variety of flowers and trees, and observe the 20,000-dollar swimming pool — an unusual opulence at that time. You'll also be able to visit the bookstore lined with the author’s famous books and a plethora of other souvenirs.

A ferry trip to Dry Tortugas is a full-day affair that is worth embarking on. This spacious ocean vessel offers comfort and relaxation as you drift along on the open blue waters. Explore the 19th-century fort and learn about this great piece of history. You can also enjoy snorkeling in the surrounding island waters. This 100-square-mile park is also a sanctuary for endangered species.

The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is a unique ecological phenomenon with a one-of-a-kind underwater ocean laboratory that will take you to its depths. You will find the native flora and animals of the Keys and the spectacular and diverse ecosystem of this region. The living reef exhibit and the Center's theater give you easy access to information about both on-land and underwater life.

Fort Zachary Taylor Park features one of the most famous beaches in Key West, situated in the park of Fort Zachary Taylor. With 87 acres of delicate sand, bask in the sun, take the time to read your favorite book, and peek up to watch the brilliant cruise ships enter and exit the harbor. Go for a swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters. For a small fee, this beach also offers grilling amenities and access to picnic tables.

Fury Water Adventures offers a variety of experiences: jet ski and glass bottom boat rides, catamaran cruises, parasailing, paddleboard rentals, snorkeling opportunities, dolphin tours and more, all to be enjoyed surrounded by crystal blue waters and local marine life.

This nightclub hosts Drag shows with an all-age option every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, starting from 7pm. Drinks can be ordered at the nearby garden bar named Back Bar, just down Tabby Way.

The Grand Vin opened its doors in 1997, and was actually the first wine bar of Key West. You can choose between red and white wine by the glass to be coupled with cheese. If you're more of a beer person, it's also available. They provide font porch seating, facing Duval Street.

The Green Parrot Bar is a fine option for everyone who enjoys having music coupled with their drinks. Other than daily live music, you'll also find a jukebox and monthly ukulele-based performances. Stop by for Monday night Bingo and check their website for more lively events.

Sandbar Sports Grill bar is famous for dedicating different days to specific deals on their menu offering: taco Tuesday, chicken wing Wednesday and bloody Mary Sunday are only some examples. Their cocktail menu is also worth exploring. Try their Hurricane Brittney; light or dark rom with mango puree and grenadine, or their Island Sunrise; coconut rum with mango puree, pineapple grenadine and orange juice.

A major nightspot complex in Key West, Rick’s is open seven days a week. It's equipped with dance floors at multiple levels and an outdoor patio that hosts two more bars, in addition to the main one inside. The mood ranges from lounge to dance club and to live music.

With its unique maritime decor, this bar and grill beckons locals and tourists with its view of the typical yachts of Key West's seaport and waterfront. Voted Best Local's Bar six years in a row partly because of its food and drinks offering, you'll be able to find a variety of specialty cocktails, martinis, margaritas and mojitos. Also hosting live music with special guest musicians such as Mike McCloud, and legendary bluesmen Big Jack Johnson and Johnny Johnson.

Tourist or not, a visit to Earnest Hemingway's favorite bar in Key West is mandatory. With live entertainment, national record fish hanging in the bar, the Hemingway look-alike contests in July and the original Sloppy Joe Sandwich, this bar lives up to its history, dating back to 1937.

A cocktail bar located behind La Trattoria Restaurant, Virgilio's hosts live music every day of the week, with genres ranging from Jazz to Latin — all in the lush embrace of their garden. It's also known for being the home to the traditional Martini Monday.

The Clinton Square Market is housed in the historic structure that used to be a U.S. Navy coal depot back in the 1800s. In this oldest brick building in Key West, you can see small boutiques with products ranging from homemade fudge and tropical wines to beachwear, branded sunglasses and fishing apparel. There are also a perfume outlet and a venture with activities for children and families.

With a multitude of stores, restaurants and pubs, Duval Street is well known as one of the best places for shopping in Key West. Here you will find locally produced as well as designer clothing, including perfumes, handbags, jewelry and watches.

E11DROPS sells artisanal creations that blend art and personal-care products. Their natural soaps carry ingredients and fragrances that allow you to be one with the ocean and nature of Florida. Treat yourself to soothing herbal salves, refreshing shower steamers, sumptuous body butters and fragrant bath salts.

Here you will find new, used and rare publications from many local and famous authors including the former island resident Ernest Hemingway. They also accept trade-ins for store credit, while also hosting events such as book signings and announcements.

Kino Sandals still produce sandals in-house, right before your eyes, using local craftsmen techniques. The sandals are made of natural leather and rubber, and come in several colors and designs. They also sell branded hats and t-shirts, as well as bags, wallets and caps.

This cigar factory located on Duval street first opened its doors in 1963, and its product lineup includes accessories such as humidors, lighters, ashtrays and cutters, as well as branded t-shirts and hats. Online purchases are also available through their website.

Key West weather gives its winter season a warm temperature and a low chance of rain, which is why it is also the busiest period in terms of crowds and the priciest with regard to accommodation. Summer and fall on the other hand, are mostly avoided by tourists because of the frequent rain, high humidity and the fact that they coincide with the hurricane season, but they also see the best bargains for hotel prices and the best time to visit the local beaches. From March to May, you can count on reasonable prices for accommodation and local attractions, as well as stable weather conditions.

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip to enter the country.

Key West International Airport (EYW) is an international airport situated in Monroe County, just two miles east of Key West and only minutes from many Key West accommodations, attractions and downtown Key West. Transportation services available from and to the airport include rental cars, shuttles, taxis and bus services. See airport website for an exhaustive list of options and prices. Taxis and Key West Transit buses are conveniently situated curb side at the terminal. Rental cars counter is located right on-site. Some of the prominent airlines operating at the airport include Delta, American Airlines, and United. These carriers provide convenient connections to various cities across the United States Alternatively, you can also fly into Miami International Airport (MIA). It's approximately 2 hours north of Key West.

Key West offers extensive public bus service that can be used for getting around the area. There are four bus routes running within the city of Key West, plus two additional routes that travel between Key West & Marathon. The schedules vary depending on the route, so a schedule map is recommended. When boarding the buss make sure you have the exact change.

Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at the airport and major hotels, with rates set by the city. Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft also operate in Key West.

All power sockets in the United States provide a standard voltage of 110–120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins.

There are abundant locations of Walgreen’s, CVS, Walmart, Target and various independent chain store retailers in Key West. Find the one near you.

Country code: +1 Area code: 305