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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Key West Travel Guide
Plan Your Key West Trip
The Timeless Appeal of the Florida Keys
On a visit to the storied Florida archipelago, Leslie Pariseau takes an old-school approach that lets her truly see the islands, in all their flawed and fragile beauty.
By Leslie PariseauPhotography by Matthew Buck
3 Best Day Trips from Key West
And you thought you'd already found paradise.
By Jennifer M. Wood and Terry Ward
Best Places to Stay in Key West
The Best Hotels in Key West, From Private Islands to Duval Street B&Bs
Sleek resorts, historic cottages, and hidden keys that make this so much more than a party town.
By Paul Rubio and Nancy DePalma
14 Best Florida Keys Hotels & Resorts
Just like the cast of characters you’ll encounter at Florida’s southernmost tip, no two Keys are exactly alike—and neither are their hotels.
By Paul Rubio and Nancy DePalma
The Best Key West Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals, Whether You Want a Private Pool or Your Own Rooftop
We've got options for solo travelers, couples, and group trips.
By Terry Ward
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Sunset Key Cottages$$$ | United States, Key West, 245 Front StA private island escape.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa$$ | United States, Key West, 601 Front StIf there was ever a place to forget your worries in postcard-worthy seclusion, it’s here.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Ocean Key Resort & Spa$$ | United States, Key West, Zero Duval St.Slushy frozen drinks and sunsets on the Pier are classic Key West and it’s right outside your door here.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Island House Key West Resort$$ | United States, Key West, 1129 Fleming StAn adults-only testament to Key West’s progressive, free-spirited ethosRead full reviewPowered By: Island House Key West Resort
- The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West$$ | United States, Key West, 7001 Shrimp RdChic and nautical inspired.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Oceans Edge Resort & Marina$$ | United States, Key West, 5950 Peninsular AveA hotel with parking for your personal boat.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Casa Marina Key West$$ | United States, Key West, 1500 Reynolds StThe place to stay for nearly a century and now, this grande dame hasn’t lost any of her luster.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Marker Harbor Resort$$ | United States, Key West, 200 William St.Steps away from the food and fun of Old Town and just three blocks from the action of Duval Street.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Marquesa Hotel$$ | United States, Key West, 600 Fleming StreetYou're in for a special stay.Read full reviewPowered By: Expedia
- The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection$$ | United States, Key West, 417 Eaton StA seriously sexy boutique hotel.Read full reviewPowered By: Marriott
- Pier House Resort & Spa$$ | United States, Key West, 1 Duval St.An oasis of calm in the middle of Duval Street.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Southernmost Beach Resort$$ | United States, Key West, 1319 Duval St“The closest cabana to Havana.”Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Winslow's Bungalows$$ | United States, Key West, 725 Truman AvenueThat residential feel smack dab in the middle of the Key West Historic District.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Opal Key Resort & Marina$$ | United States, Key West, 245 Front St.A party spot that feels like the headquarters of happiness (with water views to boot).Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton$$$ | United States, Key West, 1435 Simonton Street, Key West, FLThe mood here matches the decor: bright and upbeat.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia
The Best of Key West
- 14 Best Things to Do in Key WestPlenty of sun and sand—but plenty more, too.By Nancy DePalma , Laura Ratliff, and Hannah Towey
- The Best Airbnb in Every National Park, from Yellowstone Lodges to Key West BungalowsFind remarkable Airbnbs near almost all of America's national parks.By Emily Pennington and Jessica Chapel
- 22 Best Airbnbs in Florida, from Key West to St. AugustineWhether you're looking for a beachfront bungalow, urban one-bedroom, or ultra-luxe villa, Florida's Airbnbs have it all.By Madison Flager and Paris Wilson
- 10 Best Restaurants in Key WestThe local food scene goes way beyond seafood, piña coladas, and key lime pie.By Jennifer M. Wood
- 7 U.S. Cities for Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride All Year LongFrom Key West to San Francisco, these cities are rich in LGBTQ+ heritage and culture.By Kelsy Chauvin
Editor Recommendations
- Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Key West, 35 Quay RdHome to the only coral barrier reef in the continental USRead full review
- Key West Tarpon, Key West, 951 Caroline StreetWhere avid fishers come face to face with the “Silver King” of the seasRead full review
- The Studios of Key West, Key West, 533 Eaton StBookstore, playhouse, film theatre, art gallery, and concert space all in oneRead full review
- Key West Yoga Sanctuary, Key West, 612 Fleming StFind your zen among the breezy palm trees overlooking a lush garden.Read full review
- Mallory Square, Key West, 420 Wall StThe definitive gathering place for Key West's sunset celebrationRead full review
- Red Barn TheatreUnited States, Key West, 319 Duval St.Regional theater and a look at Key West's quirky side.Read full review
- Captain's Corner Dive Center: Vandenberg Wreck DiveUnited States, Key West, 25 Ann StOne of the best dive sites in the world.Read full review
- Mel Fisher Maritime MuseumUnited States, Key West, 200 Greene StA treasure hunter's bounty.Read full review
- Schooner America 2.0United States, Key West, 202 William St.Hop aboard a remake of an America's Cup winner from the 19th century.Read full review
- Old Town Literary Walking TourUnited States, Key West, 700 Fleming St.A look at some of Key West's famous and less-famous literary residents.Read full review
- Southernmost PointUnited States, Key West, Whitehead St. & South St.The name says it all.Read full review
- The Key West Butterfly & Nature ConservatoryUnited States, Key West, 1316 Duval StMore than 50 species of butterfly and 20 exotic bird species from around the world live in this glass conservatory.Read full review
- Smathers BeachUnited States, Key West, 2601 S Roosevelt BlvdThe largest public (and free) beach in Key West.Read full review
- Dry Tortugas National ParkUnited States,The park is home to incredible marine life and birds, and visitors can camp, dive, snorkel, and swim.Read full review
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State ParkUnited States, Key West, 601 Howard England WayOne of Key West's best beaches alongside some its most interesting American history.Read full review
Places to Know in Key West
10 Best Breakfasts in Key West for a Fresh Start to the Day
Poached eggs in paradise.
By Jennifer M. Wood
11 Key West Museums To Visit During Your Trip
While a week in the Florida Keys probably has you dreaming of sun, sand, and more sun, don’t let a rainy day be your only excuse to pay a visit to one of the area’s top-notch museums.
By Jennifer M. Wood
10 Best Places for Shopping in Key West
This city may have a reputation for tacky souvenir stores, but don't be fooled: Key West has plenty of shopping cred.
By Nancy DePalma
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Blue Heaven$$ | United States, Key West, 729 Thomas StPerfect if you love dining in a backyard with live music in the background and chickens strutting around.
- Cuban Coffee Queen$ | United States, Key West, 284 Margaret St.This all-day hot spot excels in classic Cuban coffee drinks like cafe con leche, as well as to-die-for Cuban sammies.
- Glazed Donuts$ | United States, Key West, 420 Eaton StThis bustling doughnut shop has become a local (and tourist) favorite, thanks to its inventive flavors and Instagrammable decor.
- Latitudes$$$ | United States, Key West, 245 Front StLocated on a private island, Latitudes is accessed by a scenic boat ride—a great way to set the romantic mood.
- Smoked BBQ$$ | United States, Key West, 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd
- Little PearlUnited States, Key West, 632 Olivia St
- Café Marquesa$$$ | United States, Key West, 600 Fleming St
- Bad Boy Burrito$ | United States, Key West, 119 Fitzpatrick St
- A&B Lobster House$$ | United States, Key West, 700 Front St
- Sarabeth's$$In 2005, this sunny brunch spot—long beloved by New Yorkers—opened a location in the Sunshine State.
How to Plan an Eco-Friendly Trip to Key West
The island has taken eco-friendly measures into its own hands.
By Ali Wunderman
More from Key West
National Parks
A Complete Guide to Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park
This park is 99 percent water—yet it's packed with history.
By Matt Kirouac
Destinations
10 Best Bars in Key West
Bright, fruity tipples, raucous cabaret shows, live jazz performances: by the beach, it's all about dressed-down fun.
By Jennifer M. Wood
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