Guide to Key West, Florida
Key West is Florida’s southernmost point and one of its most unique cities. Visitors escape to this little island to enjoy the gorgeous coastline, impressive coral reefs, and vibrant downtown. Key West has nailed the fun yet laid-back vibe, and if you’re like me and love a mix of adventure and relaxation, it’s a must-visit.
I visited Key West in the spring of 2024 with my mom on our first annual girls’ trip, and we had a blast! There’s something for everyone in Key West — read below for my recommendations!
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THINGS TO DO IN KEY WEST
DUVAL STREET
Duval Street is Key West’s famous main drag — bars, restaurants, and shops of all kinds line both sides of the street, keeping visitors entertained for days on end. Shop at one of the many cute boutiques, sit down for a tasty lunch, or enjoy a drink while listening to some live music. We spent an entire day exploring all that Duval Street has to offer.
SUNSET BOAT CRUISE
The sunsets in Key West are unreal. That’s probably why there are so many sunset cruises offering the chance to experience the sun go down on the open ocean. We took a Sunset Cruise that included snacks and wine tasting (potentially dangerous but highly recommended!).
Sunset Cruise and Wine Tasting in Key West, Florida
HEMINGWAY HOME AND MUSEUM
Famous American author Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West for 8 years. It was here where he wrote most of his lifetime works. The Hemingway Home and Museum is open to the public, allowing visitors to tour the house he lived and worked in.
BUTTERFLY AND NATURE CONSERVATORY
Take a few hours to connect with nature and explore the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. The conservatory allows visitors to walk among hundreds of butterflies, birds, and plants within a glass-enclosed habitat. This is also a great excursion for kids!
SNORKELING & DIVING
Key West isn’t famous for its beaches — instead, it’s known for its lush coral reefs, making snorkeling a popular activity for visitors. There are tons of Snorkeling Tours available that make snorkeling accessible no matter your experience level!
This Snorkeling Tour is only $47 and comes with breakfast and unlimited mimosas…sign me up!
WHERE TO EAT IN KEY WEST
EATON STREET SEAFOOD MARKET
No frills, just good seafood done right. Eaton Street Seafood Market is a staple in Key West for a reason. Try the Lobster Roll, you won’t regret it.
They also sell freshly caught seafood if you have the means to cook it yourself!
PEPE’S
Pepe’s is the oldest restaurant in Key West and the second oldest in the state of Florida. Opened in 1909, this eatery has been serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to hungry guests for 115 years.
We came here for brunch and loved the food and old-school vibe. The walls are lined with Key West history, art, and artifacts, and the food is simple, fresh, and delicious.
MANGIA MANGIA
Want a break from seafood? Mangia Mangia offers quality Italian food, with owners hailing straight from Italy. The homey, casual vibe here makes you feel right at home while enjoying a mouth-watering bowl of pasta.
SPAGHETTINI SCHMAPPELLINI from Mangia Mangia in Key West, Florida
WHERE TO DRINK IN KEY WEST
VIVA ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
While “Steakhouse” may be in the name, we found Viva Argentinian Steakhouse to be one of the most fun bars in Key West. The outdoor tiki bar is the place to be on a Saturday night. The bartenders here are charismatic and personable, and the vibe has been perfected by both the locals and tourists who spend their nights here.
NINE ONE FIVE
Looking for a chiller vibe? Nine One Five is a bar and restaurant right on Duval Street serving New American food, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list.
We didn’t eat here but the food looked incredible. I can vouch for the drinks though — the Mango Breeze was delectable.
SLOPPY JOE’S
I hate to say it…but I’m always going to do the touristy things at least ONCE (or at least do it ironically). As the most iconic bar in Key West, Sloppy Joe’s is worth a visit for at least one drink and to listen to a great live band. If you’re like me, pop into the gift shop for a classic Hemingway face t-shirt.
Word to the wise, the cocktails were not good. Stick with canned drinks.
Text your friends while you’re there and tell them to look for you on the Live Web Cam.
Drinks at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West, Florida
WHERE TO STAY IN KEY WEST
AIRBNB (LOW-BUDGET)
Key West is small, and unfortunately, lodging isn’t super cheap. If you’re trying to maximize your budget, consider an Airbnb Private Room for your trip. There are tons of options that are way cheaper than a hotel room.
There are also some really unique stays in Key West like boat houses — if you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try!
BLUE MARLIN MOTEL (MEDIUM BUDGET)
If your budget is somewhere in the middle, the Blue Marlin Motel is an awesome pick. The rooms are stocked with everything you’d need, and the motel is situated just a quick walk from downtown.
There’s an onsite pool, and a parking lot which is super convenient for those who drove to KW from an airport.
THE REACH BY HILTON (HIGH-BUDGET)
If you feel like balling out, The Reach is the place to stay in Key West. Set on Key West’s only private beach, you can relax next to the ocean while staff serve food and beverages straight to you — no need to move from your beach chair.
The hotel offers a pool, spa, and bar/restaurant, and is just a short walk from Duval Street.
View from the private beach at The Reach Hotel in Key West, Florida
HOW TO GET TO KEY WEST
FLY INTO THE KEY WEST AIRPORT
Key West has its own airport. This is probably the most convenient way to get to the city, but it doesn’t come cheap. Flights into Key West are typically more expensive than flights to Fort Lauderdale or Miami since it’s such a small airport.
FLY INTO FORT LAUDERDALE OR MIAMI, THEN DRIVE TO KEY WEST
If flights into Key West Airport are too steep, you can fly into the Fort Lauderdale Airport or the Miami Airport and commute down to Key West. Some buses and shuttles will transport travelers down to Key West, or you can rent a car and make the drive.
We rented a convertible in Fort Lauderdale to make the drive a special part of the trip and we LOVED it. The ride is filled with stunning scenery and allows you to experience southern Florida. There are also other destinations and activities on the way down to Key West to explore. We stopped at a few places on the way down and back up to break up the drive.
OTHER KEY WEST INFO
FANTASY FEST
Looking to get a little wild? Fantasy Fest is a 10-day, adults-only festival hosted in Key West each October. Visitors flock from all around the world to dress up, drink, and celebrate with different parades and events.
KEY WEST FAQs
IS KEY WEST KID-FRIENDLY?
I saw some young families when I was in Key West, but I quite honestly wouldn’t recommend a family vacation here. It’s a slower city that skews older, and there’s not that much for kids to do. I’d opt for a destination with more beaches, closer to the Florida theme parks, or with more activities for kids.
IS KEY WEST EXPENSIVE?
Key West offers tons of options for all different price points, whether it’s restaurants, bars, or hotels, you can visit Key West on any budget. Keep in mind the more touristy areas like Duval Street will be more expensive, but you can do Key West on any budget.
