Key West Travel Guide 2025

If you're looking for a tropical getaway without having to travel internationally, Key West may be the ideal trip. It’s the farthest south you can get in the U.S., giving you a destination filled with sunshine, palm trees and ocean views all around.

Whether flying here for a romantic getaway or driving along the Overseas Highway for a family vacation, Key West has a lot to enjoy. It’s even among the top pet-friendly vacation spots in the South if you’re planning on bringing your furry friend.

Planning a trip to Key West involves making several decisions, such as whether to stay in a beach bungalow, a traditional hotel or a resort. You'll also need to think about what kinds of activities to do and how you'll get around. Our team at AAA is here to help make travel planning easier. Our Key West travel guide includes detailed information and recommendations to help you plan and prepare for your South Florida vacation.

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You might spend hours driving here, but you won’t be behind the wheel much once you arrive. Key West is incredibly walkable, from its lively west side to the quieter east side. In fact, the island’s just 4 miles long.

If you don’t want to walk, Key West has other options, including:

If you do drive around, be prepared to sit in traffic. Key West’s narrow roads easily become clogged with cars trying to get around. You might also have a tough time parking, since spaces are limited.

Traveling to Key West gives you an opportunity to explore the whole chain of islands. Whether you fly into Key West International Airport and rent a car or drive here for a Florida Keys road trip, traveling along the Overseas Highway means you can experience the entire area.

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Spend a day exploring John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or the Wild Bird Sanctuary. If you’re an experienced diver, head underwater to visit Spiegel Grove, a reef made out of a shipwreck.

Take your time going through this part of the Keys, so you can visit the History of Diving Museum or Rain Barrel Village. For outdoor adventures, head to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.

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While you’re in the Middle Keys, take pics of the Seven Mile Bridge that connects this area to the Lower Keys. Visit the Marathon Air Museum for aircraft exhibits or the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center for nature trails and wildlife.

Make a pit stop to do some snorkeling at Big Pine Key while traveling through the Lower Keys. Go kayaking in the waters surrounding Summerland Key, or visit the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge at Sugarloaf Key.

Going on a tropical getaway might make you think of summertime fun. But that may not actually be the best time for you to visit here, depending on what you want to see and other factors. Let’s take a look at ideal times to visit Key West based on different preferences.

If your overall goal is to save money, then summer might be the right time for a trip to Key West. This is when the island tends to be less crowded and rates are at their lowest. But be warned that this is also the rainy season, and not all attractions are open in summer.

If you're trying to escape the cold, plan a visit to Key West in winter. That’s what a lot of other people do, though, so expect higher rates and more crowds. But coming here in winter means you get to experience all of the island’s attractions and enjoy mild weather with highs in the 70s.

If you're looking for lower rates and great weather, visiting Key West during fall or spring comes with reduced rates on accommodations and fewer tourists around. You’ll also have pleasantly warm temps for water activities and strolling around Duval Street and other parts of the island.

Being a beach town means there’s plenty of swimming to do here, but a trip to Key West also gives you tons of historic and cultural things to do and see. In fact, you might not spend as much time on the sand when you see just how much this little town offers. Our AAA team recommends including these activities and attractions in your travel planning.

Whether you like sightseeing, shopping, or both, Mallory Square is the place to be. Take in beautiful views during the plaza’s nightly Sunset Celebration, featuring street performers, artists, musicians, food vendors, and more. Check out the Memorial Sculpture Garden to see busts of famous Key West personalities, like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Wander through the shops to purchase handcrafted items to take back home.

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For a mix of history and nature, visit Fort Zachary Taylor. Explore a historic fort dating back to the 1800s that’s been used in several wars. Hike along the nature trail, or dive into the water for snorkeling or swimming among tropical fish. You can also go kayaking or canoeing, fish for snapper, or even go scuba diving.

Writer Ernest Hemingway made this his Key West home during the 1930s. Whether you’ve read his books or not, the Hemingway Home and Museum is well worth a visit. Take a tour of the grounds and garden while learning more about the famous author’s life. Don’t be surprised to see cats while you're here. The museum is home to dozens of six-toed felines.

You may not get to see an octopus while snorkeling or scuba diving in the sea, but you can stop by Key West Aquarium to see a Caribbean reef octopus in person. You’ll also get to see nurse sharks, sea urchins, jellyfish, and many other types of marine life here. There’s even a touch tank with horseshoe crabs, sea cucumbers, and other critters you can pet.

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Visit this busy street for shops, restaurants and all sorts of attractions. Enjoy a relaxing time surrounded by beauty at the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Step into the past at the Oldest House Museum and Garden, built in 1829. Depending on when you visit, you can attend Duval Street events, like the Key West Food and Wine Festival or the Key West Poker Run.

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There’s not really a bad place to stay when you visit here. You’ll find accommodations in the heart of town, along the beaches, and everywhere in between. But it’s not always easy to know where to book a room, especially if this is your first visit to Key West. Our recommendations for accommodations include all of the following.

Address: 2401 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

Diamond-designation: Four Diamond

Best for: Ocean views away from the crowds

Take in inspiring views of the sea from your room at The Capitana. This oceanfront resort, located right on the island’s main road makes it easy to enjoy water activities or do some shopping and sightseeing in Old Town. It also has tons of amenities on site for added comfort and convenience.

Address: 7001 Shrimp Rd, Key West, FL 33040

Diamond-designation: Three Diamond

Best for: Boating and other water activities

The Perry Hotel’s active marina means it’s easy to go scuba diving, fishing, boating, or enjoy other water activities any time. It’s also located on the quieter side of Key West if you prefer avoiding noise and crowds. And you’re only a quick drive or ride away from downtown Key West.

Address: 3852 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

Diamond-designation: Three Diamond

Best for: Budget-friendly accommodations

You might not have ocean views from your room here, but you’ll save money staying at the Fairfield Inn and Suites instead of in a waterfront property. This hotel’s also on the main road in town, making it easier to get around to visit the other Keys or make day trips elsewhere. You can also stay put and enjoy the on-site tiki bar and pool.

Address: 1319 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

Diamond-designation: Three Diamond

Best for: Close to Old Town and Bahama Village

You get the best of both worlds at Southernmost Beach Resort. You’re near some of the top tourist spots in town, and you get to take in ocean views. Some rooms are beachside, giving you easy access to the water. There’s also live entertainment at the pool bar for an even more exciting stay.

Address: 601 Front St, Key West, FL 33040

Diamond-designation: Three Diamond

Best for: Luxury, waterfront accommodations close to Mallory Square and Duval Street

Admire views of Sunset Key and Wisteria Island from your furnished balcony here at Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa. You’ll also get great water views from the on-site Four Flamingos restaurant. Staying here means you have a marina next door for water fun, and you can reach the main parts of town in just minutes.

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Whether you want a casual meal or something more upscale, Key West delivers. We’ve rounded up some of the top eateries in town, so you’ll know where to go when dining out during your stay.

Address: 245 Front St, Key West, FL 33040

Diamond-designation: Four Diamond

Reservations: Recommended

Type of Cuisine: International

Savor a seared grouper entree or other dishes made with locally caught seafood. What makes Latitudes even better is you can dine outside in a beachfront area for incredible views of the water. Note that you’ll need to catch a ferry over to Sunset Key for this dining experience.

Address: 115 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

Diamond-designation: Three Diamond

Reservations: Suggested

Type of Cuisine: American, Seafood, Caribbean

Try some lobster mac and cheese for lunch, stop by for brunch, or have filet mignon for dinner at Bagatelle. Dine outdoors on the wraparound porch for fresh air while enjoying your meal at this historic home built in 1884.

Address: 1125 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

AAA designation: Three Diamond

Reservations: Suggested

Type of Cuisine: Continental

For a meal with a cabaret show, visit La Te Da during your Key West trip. You can also enjoy a delicious brunch here any day of the week, not just on Sundays. The menu includes Continental dishes featuring seafood, duck, meatloaf and much more.

Address: 729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040

Diamond-designation: Approved

Reservations: Suggested

Type of Cuisine: Caribbean

You can come here for lunch or dinner, but breakfast is what really draws people to Blue Heaven. Pineapple pancakes, homemade banana bread, and shrimp and grits are just a few of the breakfast items you’ll find on the menu. There’s also a special Sunday breakfast menu with lobster and grits, Florida shrimp omelets and more.

Palm trees, bougainvillea and cypresses all make beautiful backgrounds for Key West photographs. There’s also the bluish-green waters all around the island. But you may not know exactly where to go for the most iconic vacation pics. Our AAA experts recommend going to the following places while you’re in Key West, whether you want candid shots, couples’ photos or family vacation pics.

1. West Martello Tower

Visit Key West Garden Club’s grounds for a photo with this 19th century stone tower looming behind you. As a bonus, you’ll also get orchids and other exotic plants and trees in your shots. Spend time exploring the grounds and taking more scenic photographs, like the main courtyard’s brick path and a gazebo near a water lily pond.

2. Bahama Village

This historic neighborhood’s brightly colored conch cottages are just one of the reasons to head here for some great shots. You might also get a few of the area’s resident chickens photo bombing your pics. Bahama Village also has other charming sites for photographs, such as the Bahama Village Market sign, Blue Heaven, and even the cobblestone streets, to name a few.

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3. Southernmost Point Buoy and Mile Marker 0

Go all the way down Whitehead Street for a shot of the famed Southernmost Point Buoy floating in the Atlantic. While you’re there, don’t forget to take a photograph with the Mile Marker 0 sign at the corner of Whitehead and South Street. These are two of the most iconic settings for vacation pics in Key West.

Note: the Southernmost Point buoy will be temporarily closed for repairs beginning in mid-August or early September 2025, according to the Florida Keys Instagram page. While the buoy is inaccessible, there will be a replica buoy at the Duval Street Pocket Park.

4. Eastern Dry Rocks

Underwater photos can liven up your vacation album. If you’ve got a waterproof camera, go snorkeling at Eastern Dry Rocks to explore this barrier reef and capture picturesque images of vividly colored coral. You might just catch some pics of sea turtles, parrotfish, starfish, and moray eels swimming around, too.

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5. Key West Lighthouse

If you don’t mind some stair climbing, you can get an incredible bird’s-eye view of Key West, the Atlantic and the Gulf. Go up all 88 steps to reach the top of Key West Lighthouse. If that’s too much climbing, you can still get amazing pics with the lighthouse as your backdrop.

If you’ll be visiting for a whole week or longer, consider setting aside time for a day trip. Key West’s location gives you plenty of choices for places to visit that are just a short drive or a quick ferry ride away. Our guide to Key West includes some of the best day trips available.

1. Dry Tortugas National Park

Catch a ferry or take a seaplane to reach Dry Tortugas National Park. While you’re here, make a stop on Garden Key to see Fort Jefferson, a fort dating back to the 1800s. Garden Key’s also a good spot for swimming and snorkeling. If you love birds, Dry Tortugas is where you’ll find hundreds of them, including magnificent frigate birds, brown noddies, ibises, and hawks.

2. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Shipwreck Trail

For an underwater day trip, explore the many wrecks along the Shipwreck Trail! Head up to the Key Largo area to see a U.S. Coast Guard cutter called Duane. Visit the waters near Indian Key to see the area’s oldest shipwreck, known as San Pedro. The trail also has several other wrecks to explore. You can also visit the Sanctuary’s Eco-Discovery Center right in Key West to learn more about the area via immersive exhibits.

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3. Everglades National Park

Take a break from the ocean waters, and explore the swampy terrain of Everglades National Park. Go canoeing or kayaking through the park while watching for alligators, American crocodiles, turtles, river otters, and deer. Go bird watching to see wood storks and other wading birds, or take hikes along the park’s many trails. You might even want to make this an overnight camping trip.

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4. Biscayne National Park

You don’t have to leave the Keys to visit this park, but you’ll need a boat of your own or a guided boat tour to get to the very northernmost tip of this island chain. Biscayne National Park offers a chance to see beautiful mangrove forests and stunning coral reefs. Check out Boca Chita Key’s historic lighthouse. Go hiking or enjoy a picnic on Elliott Key, the park’s biggest island.

5. Turtle Hospital

For a day trip closer to Key West, drive or ride over to Marathon to visit the Turtle Hospital. That’s where rescued sea turtles are rehabilitated and released back into the water. Take a guided tour to learn all about these marine animals and how the facility cares for them. You’ll even get a chance to feed the hospital’s permanent resident turtles.

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As a tourist town, Key West can be a pricy place to visit, especially during peak season. But you can enjoy a trip here without spending a fortune on accommodations, dining, attractions, and other expenses. Even just a few small changes to your plans can make a big difference in terms of costs. We’ve put together some helpful tips on visiting Key West on a budget.

1. Find low-cost or free activities to keep you busy. Things to do in Key West don’t have to cost you much money. In fact, several are free. Take a peaceful walk through Historic Key West Cemetery, visit the animals at the Key West Wildlife Center, or stroll along the White Street Fishing Pier. There’s also Truman Waterfront Park and historic Key West Seaport for even more free attractions.

2. Save on accommodation expenses. Accommodations are what tend to cost the most when you take a trip to Key West, but there are a few ways you can reduce these costs. Consider booking a hotel on the eastern side of the island. The western side’s where all the action is and the most expensive accommodations. Or you might want to look into staying in a guesthouse instead of resorts or hotels.

3. Get around on foot, bike or bus. Relying on a car to get around is going to cost you. There’s gas money, especially if you're doing a road trip, but parking’s also on the pricey side in Key West. Instead of having car costs add up, use your feet to get around town. If you’d rather not, you can still save on transportation costs. Consider renting a bike or taking the free Duval Loop bus.

4. Put AAA membership benefits to good use. Did you know that you can enjoy big savings with your AAA membership? Check out all of the deals you can get with your benefits, including:

5. Take an off-season vacation. Unless you have your heart set on a winter getaway to Key West, consider visiting in the off-peak or shoulder seasons. You’ll pay lower prices for hotels or resorts and other expenses compared to winter rates. Though it's rainy during this season, summer vacations can give you the lowest rates. Fall and spring can help you save, too.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Key West trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or a la carte options.