Key West
Places to stay in Key West
Things to Do in Key West
Top activities and experiences
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Snorkeling at Dry Tortugas National Park
Kayaking the Mangrove Creeks of Key West
Exploring the Quirky Key West Cemetery
Quick facts about Key West
Local weather
clear sky
Humidity
44%
Wind
0.41 m/s
General info
Time zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC -5
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Official languages
English, Spanish
Best time to visit
MAR-MAY
Recommended trip duration
4 days
FAQs about Key West
Yes, absolutely. It offers a completely unique tropical island atmosphere in the US, combining fascinating history, exceptional ocean adventures, eccentric street culture, and legendary daily sunset festivals.
Three to four days are ideal to explore the historic Old Town, take a snorkeling or diving excursion to the coral reef, visit the historic museums, and enjoy the vibrant dining and nightlife.
Key West is famous for being the southernmost point in the continental United States, its historic Ernest Hemingway Home, wild free-roaming chickens, spectacular sunsets, and world-class Key lime pie.
Yes, Key West is a very safe and welcoming destination, though visitors should remain aware of their belongings in crowded places like Duval Street or Mallory Square at night.
- Key West does not have wide, powdery natural sandy beaches; due to the protective coral reef offshore, most beaches are narrow, rocky, and consist of crushed coral.
- Hundreds of wild chickens roam completely free all over the island, and they will crow at all hours of the day and night, even right outside hotel windows.
- Parking in Old Town is extremely scarce and expensive, with street spots costing up to 5 USD per hour and private lots charging up to 40 USD per day.
- The "Duval Crawl" is real—Duval Street becomes incredibly rowdy, loud, and crowded with nightlife crowds after dark, which may not suit travelers looking for a quiet escape.
- True, authentic Key lime pie is never green; it is actually a light, creamy yellow color due to the natural color of Key lime juice and egg yolks.
