Down at the end of the Florida Keys, Key West shines like a hidden gem, tied to the mainland by a long, thin road and a spirit all its own. It’s the southernmost spot in the U.S., just 90 miles from Cuba, where the ocean’s beauty mixes with tales of shipwrecks, writers, and free spirits. The streets buzz with stories of people who made money from storms and others who found inspiration in the colorful sunsets. Today, Key West calls to visitors—not just for its beaches, but for a place where time feels slow and the horizon seems close.
Fun Fact: In 1982, Key West jokingly called itself the “Conch Republic” after a hassle with a U.S. checkpoint annoyed the locals. They raised a flag and sent out fishing boats as a pretend navy. It’s a funny piece of history people here still love to talk about over a drink.
Places to Visit: An Overview
Key West is full of special spots, blending nature, history, and a bit of weirdness. Start at the Southernmost Point Buoy, a big red-and-yellow sign where people line up for pictures at the edge of the country. The sea rolls out beyond it, making you wonder what’s over there. Close by, Duval Street is the heart of the island, packed with old wooden buildings, shops, and bars where music plays late. For a calm stop, Ernest Hemingway’s Home lets you peek into the famous writer’s life—cats with six toes, related to his own, wander around where he wrote his books.
Head out to Dry Tortugas National Park, a 70-mile boat ride to an old fort surrounded by clear water and coral. Back in town, the Key West Lighthouse offers a climb—88 steps—to see the whole island and the waves. At night, Mallory Square comes alive with the Sunset Celebration, full of jugglers, fire tricks, and a sun dropping into the sea.
How to Reach
Getting to Key West is part of the adventure. From Miami to Key West, the Overseas Highway runs 113 miles, connecting the islands with bridges—like the famous Seven Mile Bridge—surrounded by water. It’s about a four-hour drive from Miami, with car rentals easy to find at the airport, though weekends can get busy.
If driving’s not for you, Key West International Airport has flights from places like Miami or Charlotte. Small planes land near downtown, but tickets cost more in winter. Another option is the Key West Express Ferry from Fort Myers Beach—a three-hour trip across the Gulf, sometimes with dolphins swimming alongside. Book early, especially when it’s cold up north. Once you’re there, walking, biking, or the Conch Tour Train’s ride through town works best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Key West Weather
People often ask about the weather here, a mix of sun and storms. Here’s what you need to know:
When’s the best time to go?
November to April is nice—around 77°F and not too muggy. Summer gets hot, up to 90°F, with rain, but fewer people and cheaper stays.
Does it rain a lot?
June to October is hurricane season, with short afternoon rains. Big storms don’t hit often, but check the weather if you’re coming then.
How’s the sun?
Strong and bright. Bring sunscreen and a hat—it can burn even on cloudy days. Early or late in the day is better for being outside.
Is it always warm?
Pretty much. Winter stays in the 60s°F, so you can swim anytime. Breezes might cool things off a bit.
What about hurricanes?
Hotels and locals know what to do—plans are ready if a storm comes. Stay updated, but don’t worry too much; the island’s tough.
Experiencing Key West
Key West isn’t just about places—it’s about moments. Walk through Bahama Village, where roosters roam past old houses and you can almost smell the cigars once made there. Grab conch fritters at BO’s Fish Wagon, a little shack with fishnets on the walls, or sip a drink at sloppy joes key west, where Hemingway used to hang out. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum shows off treasure from a sunken ship—gold and jewels from long ago.
At Smathers Beach, rent a kayak or swim in calm water, or dive to see fish and coral. After dark, the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour takes you through quiet streets with stories of pirates and ghosts under big trees. Every bit of it feels like Key West’s past and present rolled together.
Where to Stay and Eat
You’ve got options for resting up. The Old Town Manor is a cozy old house with pretty flowers. For something fancier, Ocean Key Resort sits by the water, with balconies perfect for watching boats at sunset. On a budget? NYAH has shared rooms and pools near the action.
Food here is a mix of flavors. Blue Heaven serves key lime pie under trees, with chickens nearby. Latitudes, on a tiny island nearby, has seafood with great views. For something fast, Garbo’s Grill makes tasty tacos from a food truck locals love.
Final Thoughts
Key West is more than a place to visit—it’s a feeling. From Miami to Key West, it sits where two oceans meet, a spot once home to pirates and later to writers like Hemingway. Its streets hold memories—of people pulling treasures from wrecks, of typewriters clicking, of horns blown in a fake rebellion. Coming here is like stepping into a story that’s still going, with the sea whispering ideas and every sunset promising you’ll be back. At the edge of America, it’s small but opens up to something huge.
