Overview
Key West, Florida, United States of America, is a tropical haven located at the southernmost point of the Continental US, just a short two-hour drive from Miami. Known for its year-round warm climate and pristine waters, Key West is a favored stop for many passenger cruise ships. Visitors can enjoy scenic beaches, a diverse culinary scene, and luxurious hotels offering breathtaking views. This city is a harmonious blend of natural splendor and vibrant culture, providing numerous exciting venues to explore and create lasting memories.
Currently, the average price of hotels in Key West is $249, with prices ranging from $128 to $520. There are 56 hotels available in this destination. Some of the neighborhoods where you can find accommodations include Key West Historic District, Old Town Key West, Historic Seaport, Uptown - Upper Duval, and Downtown Key West. Among the most popular hotels are the Almond Tree Inn Hotel - Adults Only, The Mansion on the Sea - Southernmost House in the USA, The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, La Concha Key West, and Margaritaville Beach House Key West.
Things to do in Key West
One of the must-visit spots in Key West is Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach. This park features one of the most renowned beaches in the area, offering 87 acres of fine sand where you can sunbathe, read a book, or watch the impressive cruise ships entering and leaving the harbor. The beach also provides swimming and snorkeling opportunities in its turquoise waters, along with grilling amenities and picnic tables for a small fee.
A ferry trip to Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson is a full-day adventure worth undertaking. This spacious ocean vessel ensures comfort as you sail through the open blue waters. Once there, you can explore the 19th-century fort, learn about its historical significance, and enjoy snorkeling in the surrounding waters. The 100-square-mile park is also a sanctuary for endangered species.
Fury Water Adventures offers a plethora of activities, including jet skiing, glass-bottom boat rides, catamaran cruises, parasailing, paddleboard rentals, snorkeling, and dolphin tours. All these activities allow you to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and local marine life.
The Key West Shipwreck Museum is a recreation of a 19th-century warehouse, featuring live actors who narrate stories of shipwrecks and salvages dating back 400 years. The museum also houses artifacts and engaging videos that provide a deeper understanding of Key West's maritime history.
The Ernest Hemingway House & Museum, located in Old Town, was once the residence of the Nobel Prize-winning author. Designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1968, the museum offers tours of its spectacular gardens, a 20,000-dollar swimming pool, and a bookstore filled with Hemingway's famous works and various souvenirs.
Where to Go Out / Nightlife in Key West
Rick’s is a major nightlife complex in Key West, open seven days a week. It features multiple dance floors and an outdoor patio with two additional bars, offering a range of atmospheres from lounge to dance club to live music.
Sloppy Joe's Bar, a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, is a must-visit. With live entertainment, national record fish hanging in the bar, Hemingway look-alike contests in July, and the original Sloppy Joe Sandwich, this bar lives up to its storied history dating back to 1937.
The Grand Vin Wine Bar, established in 1997 as Key West's first wine bar, offers a selection of red and white wines by the glass, paired with cheese. Beer is also available, and guests can enjoy front porch seating facing Duval Street.
Virgilio's, a co*cktail bar located behind La Trattoria Restaurant, features live music every day of the week, ranging from Jazz to Latin, all set in a lush garden. It's also known for its traditional Martini Monday.
Aqua Bar & Nightclub hosts drag shows with an all-age option every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting at 7 pm. Drinks can be ordered at the nearby garden bar, Back Bar, just down Tabby Way.
Where to Eat in Key West
Coles Peace Bakery, an artisan bakery and sandwich shop, has been offering a wide selection of bread since 1997. From whole grain and cinnamon raisin to specialties like mango bread, the bakery also serves homemade soups and signature sandwiches like the Ciabatta Lotta with boar's head ham.
Antonia’s Restaurant, located in Old Town Key West, serves homemade pasta dishes such as linguine with Key West pink shrimp and meat-based delights like sautéed veal scallopini. The dishes can be paired with selections from their award-winning wine list or traditional desserts like gelato and tiramisu.
Cafe Sole offers a dinner menu filled with Caribbean and European dishes, crafted by a French chef. Signature dishes include the rack of lamb with herbes de Provence and the award-winning hog snapper fillet. Vegetarian customers can find a dedicated menu as well.
Prime Steakhouse, despite its name, offers more than just steak. Alongside their signature bone-in rib eye, they serve lobster tails, pasta, and salads for vegetarian customers. All dishes can be enjoyed on the terrace or inside one of their dining rooms, accompanied by house wines and special sides like truffled mac and cheese.
Azur Restaurant features a menu rich with gnocchi-based dishes, paired with tomato, mushrooms, and cheese. Meat offerings include Angus rib-eye steak and yellowtail snapper, while vegetarians can choose from various salad options. Guests can also enjoy lunch on the terrace beside a waterfall.
