Travel Guide
Plan your visit around Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, and more of Key West, Florida.
Discover the best things to do in Key West, Florida, from signature sights to memorable local experiences.
Start with Old Town’s walkable mix of historic houses, waterfront festivals, and reef-access excursions. The island’s compact scale makes it ideal for pedestrian exploration, short boating trips, and concentrated cultural sightseeing.
Why Visit Key West
Travelers come to Key West for its compact mix of history, seaside recreation, and charismatic local culture. Colonial-era forts and Ernest Hemingway’s preserved home sit alongside snorkeling and reef trips, lively sunset rituals at Mallory Square, and intimate seafood dining.
The island is a strong base for wildlife viewing, sport fishing, diving, and access to Dry Tortugas National Park by boat or seaplane. Verify booking requirements and current access status for indoor museums and marine excursions with official attraction and park sites.
Top Things to Do in Key West, Florida
Key West's compact Old Town concentrates museums, waterfront attractions, and reef-access operators—perfect for walking, short boat trips, and concentrated sightseeing.
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum preserves the 1930s residence where Hemingway lived and wrote. Visitors follow guided or docent-led tours through period rooms, gardens, and exhibits about his life; the grounds are notable for a colony of polydactyl (six‑toed) cats descended from the author’s pet.
The house has narrow interiors and managed circulation—check the museum’s official site for tour policies, ticketing, accessibility details, and any closures before visiting.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park combines a 19th‑century coastal fort with a popular rocky/sandy shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and picnicking. The fort offers self-guided interpretation and ranger or volunteer-led tours; the park is managed by Florida State Parks and maintains entry fees, parking policies, and beach regulations.
Confirm current park alerts, fees, tour schedules and accessibility aids on the official Florida State Parks page before visiting.
Mallory Square (sunset celebrations)
Mallory Square hosts the nightly Sunset Celebration, a community arts festival of street performers, musicians, artisan vendors and food stalls gathered to watch the Gulf sunset.
The event is free to attend and offers a lively, family-friendly waterfront atmosphere; it becomes very crowded at peak times, so arrive early for good viewing and expect standing-room areas. Check Mallory Square or City of Key West sources for special-event notices or temporary changes.
Duval Street (restaurants, bars, historic shops)
Duval Street is Key West’s main commercial thoroughfare, running between the Atlantic and Gulf ends of Old Town and lined with restaurants, bars, galleries and shops. It provides a compact introduction to the city’s dining, nightlife and historic character.
Expect heavy pedestrian traffic in evenings and during events; some venues have capacity limits or cover charges and the city enforces local ordinances that can affect street use.
Official Duval Street (restaurants, bars, historic shops) website →
Dry Tortugas National Park / Fort Jefferson (day trip from Key West)
Dry Tortugas National Park protects a remote cluster of islands about 70 miles west of Key West centered on Fort Jefferson. The park combines fortress history, deserted-island beaches, world-class snorkeling over reef, and concentrated wildlife viewing.
Access is by day-trip ferry or seaplane and seats are limited—book well in advance and confirm park alerts, concession schedules, and boarding requirements because weather and sea state can cause cancellations.
Official Dry Tortugas National Park / Fort Jefferson (day trip from Key West) website →
Key West Historic Seaport & Harbor Walk
The Key West Historic Seaport & Harbor Walk is a working waterfront and visitor district with waterfront dining, marina operations, and departure points for snorkel, dive, fishing and sunset cruises.
The Harbor Walk is a walkable route with mixed public access; many boat excursions and charters operate from dockside businesses that may require advance booking—verify boarding procedures, ticketing and any temporary harbor notices before arrival.
Southernmost Point buoy (southernmost point marker)
The painted concrete Southernmost Point buoy on Whitehead and South Streets is Key West’s most photographed civic landmark and a symbolic marker promoted as the southernmost point of the continental United States. It functions mainly as a photo stop; visits often involve queuing on the sidewalk, limited nearby parking, and close pedestrian traffic.
Confirm any temporary relocation or construction notices with municipal sources if precise placement matters.
Official Southernmost Point buoy (southernmost point marker) website →
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is a climate-controlled glass conservatory on Duval Street that houses hundreds of free-flying butterflies, nectar plantings and small tropical birds. It offers close-up nature viewing in a weather-protected setting, is wheelchair accessible, and typically allows re-entry on the same day with a single admission.
Verify current hours, capacity limits and ticketing policies with the conservatory before visiting.
Best Time to Visit Key West
The most comfortable months to visit are November through April, when temperatures are milder, humidity is lower, and rainfall is at an annual minimum. Ideal for walking tours, snorkeling, and sunset gatherings.
Summer and early fall (June–October) bring hotter, more humid weather and elevated tropical-storm risk; check municipal and park pages for storm-related closures.
Shoulder seasons (late spring or late autumn) can offer lower rates and fewer crowds while still warm.
SPECIAL EVENTS IN Key West
Key West oktoBREWfest (Key West BrewFest)
Key West oktoBREWfest (commonly called Key West BrewFest) is an island-wide craft beer celebration centered on a large tasting event at an oceanfront resort. It features dozens of breweries, curated tastings, food pairings, live music, and themed parties produced with local partners and nonprofit sponsors. Travelers enjoy sampling regional and national beers, foodie collaborations, and lively waterfront atmosphere — making it a popular, social weekend for beer fans and visitors seeking a festive Key West experience.
- Dates
- October 3, 2026
- Venue
- Southernmost Beach Resort
Fantasy Fest
Fantasy Fest is Key West’s flagship costume-and-street-party celebration that transforms Old Town into a nonstop parade of creativity, music, and nightlife. Visitors attend for elaborate costumes, themed parades, street fairs, charity balls, and island arts alongside abundant live music and local food. The festival significantly affects lodging and dining availability, so travelers should plan ahead. Blending local tradition and fundraising with large-scale public spectacle, Fantasy Fest offers memorable nightlife, immersive street theater, and unique cultural experiences specific to Key West.
- Dates
- October 16, 2026 - October 25, 2026
- Venue
- Old Town (streets and venues across Key West, including Duval Street)
Key West Oyster Fest
A waterfront oyster celebration presented by Half Shell Raw Bar in partnership with Everglades Oyster Company, the Key West Oyster Fest highlights regional oyster farms, local chefs, expert shuckers, live music and a lively harborfront atmosphere. Travelers will find a true taste of Florida Keys seafood culture, opportunities to sample rare tropical oysters, and a convivial festival scene that pairs well with visits to the Historic Seaport and nearby Key West attractions.
- Dates
- November 14, 2026
- Venue
- Half Shell Raw Bar / Key West Historic Seaport
Key West Film Festival
The Key West Film Festival is an intimate, annual cinema event in Key West that showcases independent features, documentaries, shorts and Florida-focused filmmaking paired with filmmaker Q&As, panels and special presentations. It draws industry guests and cultural travelers who want a compact, arts-centered escape in an island setting, highlighting both local talent and international premieres. The festival’s programming and community-oriented atmosphere make it a notable cultural draw for visitors planning an autumn trip to Key West. ([keywestff.com](https://keywestff.com/))
- Dates
- November 18, 2026 - November 22, 2026
- Venue
- Tropic Cinema
Key West Home Tours (Old Island Restoration Foundation)
Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, Key West Home Tours open private historic houses and gardens in Old Town to the public for a seasonal series. The tours showcase island architecture, restoration work, and local stories while supporting preservation efforts. Travelers interested in historic homes, vernacular architecture, or cultural heritage will find rare interior access, docent interpretation, and neighborhood context that deepen a visit to Key West. Proceeds fund ongoing conservation of the city’s distinctive wooden historic district.
- Dates
- December 29, 2026 - March 13, 2027
- Venue
- Various private historic homes (featured each month) and The Oldest House / Old Island Restoration Foundation, 322 Duval Street
Key West Literary Seminar
The Key West Literary Seminar is a four-day, annual celebration that brings distinguished authors, translators, and readers to Key West for readings, panels, and related social events. It pairs a focused thematic program with pre-seminar writers’ workshops, attracting literary travelers who value intimate onstage conversations, author signings, and connections with local literary landmarks. The seminar’s limited seating and curated roster make it a sought-after cultural weekend for visitors combining festival programming with exploration of Key West’s historic literary sites.
- Dates
- January 7, 2027 - January 10, 2027
- Venue
- San Carlos Institute
Key West Half Marathon & Runfest
Key West Half Marathon & Runfest is a popular annual race weekend in Key West featuring multiple distances (half marathon, 10K, 8K, 5K) plus a rum stroll and beer mile. Runners follow scenic Old Town and waterfront routes, with finish/Expo activity centered near the Waterfront Brewery and nearby waterfront venues. The festival atmosphere, tourism tie-ins, and multiple distance options make it appealing for destination 'runcations' and visiting spectators who want a compact, sightseeing-friendly race on a subtropical island. ([keywesthalfmarathon.com](https://www.keywesthalfmarathon.com/event-details/?utm_source=openai))
- Dates
- January 15, 2027 - January 17, 2027
- Venue
- Waterfront Brewery / Old Town Key West (finish/expo area)
Key West Food & Wine Festival
A multi-day culinary celebration staged throughout Key West that brings chefs, winemakers, craft distillers and hospitality pros together for tastings, destination dinners, seminars and pop-up events. Travelers attend for immersive island dining experiences, regional seafood and tropical ingredients paired with international wines, plus curated VIP and ticketed events that highlight local culture. It’s ideal for food-and-wine enthusiasts seeking short culinary getaways, special-occasion dinners, or opportunities to meet producers and chefs in intimate island settings.
- Dates
- February 24, 2027 - February 28, 2027
Key Lime Festival
The Key Lime Festival is a lively, multi-day celebration in Key West that highlights the island’s signature citrus culture, cuisine, and quirky local spirit. Travelers enjoy themed food and drink events, pie competitions, cocktail crawls, live music, artisan markets, and family-friendly activities staged across town. The festival is a good fit for food lovers and anyone seeking festive, small-city cultural experiences tied to regional culinary traditions and summer holiday energy in the Florida Keys.
- Dates
- July 1, 2027 - July 5, 2027
Key West Lobsterfest
Key West Lobsterfest is an annual island celebration of the Florida spiny lobster that brings together locals and visitors for a multi-venue food-and-music festival. Highlights typically include a massive Duval Street Fair, official lobster boil and themed dining events, pool parties and a lobster brunch — plus live bands and fundraising for local scholarships. Travelers seeking lively street food, fresh regional seafood, and a festive Key West atmosphere find this event a standout reason to visit during the summer lobster season.
- Dates
- August 11, 2027 - August 15, 2027
- Venue
- Multiple venues in downtown Key West — Lower Duval Street (Duval Street Fair), Fogarty's, First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, Mallory Square and participating bars/restaurants
Getting Around Key West
Key West is very compact and highly walkable; most visitor neighborhoods, waterfronts, restaurants, and museums are within easy walking distance. Bicycles and scooters are popular for short trips and are widely available from local vendors.
Key West Transit and the Lower Keys Shuttle provide fixed-route bus service across the island. Driving is possible but parking is limited—consider leaving cars at lodging or Park N’Ride and using bikes, shuttles, or walking for Old Town.
Water access to Dry Tortugas requires a boat or seaplane booked in advance.
Location
Map of Key West, Florida, United States
The interactive map loads only when you choose to view it.
Plan Your Visit to Key West
Plan travel along the Overseas Highway—the only road link to the mainland—and expect slow periods during peak season or after storms. Many marine trips and state or national park permits require advance reservations; check operator and park websites for booking rules and ID requirements.
Consider leaving a car at Park N’Ride and using KW Transit, shuttles, bikes, or scooters for Old Town. During hurricane season (June 1–Nov 30) follow Monroe County and City of Key West advisories and confirm refund/cancellation policies before booking.
Local Tips for Key West
Old Town (Duval Street, Mallory Square, Hemingway Home) is highly walkable but expect narrow streets and heavy foot traffic at sunset. Use the City Park N’Ride Garage and KW Transit routes to avoid limited parking; parking enforcement is active in tourist areas.
Book popular attractions and the Yankee Freedom III ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas well in advance and bring photo ID for ferry boarding. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a reusable water bottle, and small cash for vendors and tips.
Live conditions
Current Weather
Updated 2026-09-21 11:30
- Feels like
- 88°F / 31°C
- Today’s high / low
- 84°F / 29°C · 82°F / 28°C
- Humidity
- 72%
- Wind
- ↓ 13 mph
- Precipitation
- 0.01 in
- Chance of rain
- 72%
- Local time
- 2026-09-21 11:35
Safety in Key West
Key West is generally safe for visitors but presents ordinary island hazards: strong sun, choppy seas and boating risks, jellyfish and reef hazards, and opportunistic petty theft. Obey posted beach and boating rules and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary regulations.
Bicyclists and scooter riders should use lights at night and lock rentals when unattended. During hurricane season monitor official Monroe County and City of Key West emergency info and follow evacuation orders promptly.
