8 Places You Have to See in Key West
Key West is only about four miles long, but it packs a lot onto one small island. There’s history, sunsets, a few good beaches and a party street that never seems to sleep, all a short bike ride apart.
In this guide
- 1. The Southernmost Point buoy
- 2. Mallory Square at sunset
- 3. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- 4. Duval Street
- 5. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
- 6. The Key West Lighthouse
- 7. Dry Tortugas National Park
- 8. The Truman Little White House
- How to get around
- When to visit
- What to eat while you’re there
- Where to stay
- Common questions
If it’s your first visit, these are the eight places you really shouldn’t leave without seeing.
1. The Southernmost Point buoy
The big striped concrete buoy at the corner of Whitehead and South Streets marks the southernmost point in the continental United States. A sign on it says Cuba is just 90 miles away.
Yes, it’s a photo op, and yes, there’s usually a line. It moves quickly, though, and people take turns snapping each other’s pictures. Go early in the morning for the shortest wait and the softest light.
2. Mallory Square at sunset
Every evening, people gather on the waterfront at Mallory Square to watch the sun go down. It’s called the Sunset Celebration, and it’s part show, part street fair, with jugglers, musicians, food carts and the occasional cat act.
Arrive about an hour before sunset to find a spot along the edge. It’s free to watch, though the performers appreciate a few dollars in their hat. When the sun finally drops, the crowd usually claps.
3. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Hemingway lived and wrote in this Spanish Colonial house in the 1930s, and you can tour his home and the studio where he worked. The guides are funny and full of stories, and the tour takes about half an hour.
The real stars, though, are the cats. Around 60 of them live on the grounds, and many have six toes, descended from a cat said to belong to Hemingway. They nap on the furniture like they own the place, which they basically do.
4. Duval Street
Duval Street runs right across the island from the Gulf to the Atlantic, and it’s the heart of Key West nightlife. It’s full of bars, souvenir shops, galleries and restaurants, and it gets loud after dark.
Honestly, it’s best in small doses. Walk it in the morning, when it’s quiet, to see the old buildings. Come back at night for a drink at Sloppy Joe’s or the Green Parrot, a locals’ favorite just off Duval with great live music.
5. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
This brick fort dates to the 1800s and played a role in the Civil War. You can wander its walls and cannons on your own, or join a free guided tour included with park entry.
Most locals come here for the beach, though. It’s the best one in Key West, with clearer water than the others and good snorkeling just offshore. Bring water shoes, since it’s rocky, and pack a picnic to eat under the trees.
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6. The Key West Lighthouse
The Key West Lighthouse sits right across the street from the Hemingway Home, so it’s easy to do both on the same morning. Climb the 88 steps to the top for one of the best views over the island’s rooftops and trees.
The keeper’s quarters below have been turned into a small museum about the lighthouse and the people who lived here. It’s a quick visit, and a nice break from the heat if you go early.
7. Dry Tortugas National Park
About 70 miles west of Key West, out in the open Gulf, sits Fort Jefferson, a huge six-sided brick fort on a tiny island. It’s the centerpiece of Dry Tortugas National Park, and it’s one of the most remarkable places in Florida.
Getting there takes a little over two hours on the Yankee Freedom ferry, which includes breakfast, lunch and snorkel gear. Seats sell out, so book weeks ahead. If you have the budget, a seaplane gets you there in 40 minutes with views of the reefs below.
8. The Truman Little White House
President Harry Truman spent 175 days of his presidency in this white house on the old naval station, and he called it his winter White House. Guided tours walk you through the rooms, which still look much as they did in the 1950s.
It’s a calm, interesting hour, and the grounds around it are lovely to stroll. Afterward, walk over to nearby Mallory Square if the timing works for sunset.
How to get around
Rent a bike or walk. Key West is flat and compact, and most places on this list are within a mile or two of each other. Parking is limited and pricey, so if you drove down, leave the car at your hotel. The Duval Loop is a free bus that circles the main sights.
When to visit
December through April is peak season, with dry, warm weather and higher prices. Summer is hot and humid, and late summer into fall is hurricane season. May and early November are sweet spots, with fewer crowds and decent weather.
What to eat while you’re there
You can’t leave without key lime pie. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe sells it by the slice, and some places dip frozen slices in chocolate on a stick, which is better than it sounds. For something savory, try conch fritters, Cuban sandwiches and fresh pink shrimp, which Key West is famous for.
Blue Heaven, in the Bahama Village neighborhood, is a local institution with tables in an open courtyard and chickens wandering between them. Breakfast there is a classic. The wait can be long, so put your name in and wander around nearby.
Where to stay
Old Town puts you within walking distance of nearly everything on this list. It’s the priciest area, but you’ll save on taxis and parking. Guesthouses in old conch houses have a lot of charm. New Town, closer to the airport, is cheaper, though you’ll need a bike or the bus.
Common questions
How many days do I need in Key West?
Two to three days covers all of this, with one day saved for the Dry Tortugas.
Can you drive to Key West?
Yes. The Overseas Highway from Miami takes about three and a half hours without stops.
Is the Hemingway Home worth it?
Yes. The tour is fun, and the six-toed cats make it memorable.
Does Key West have good beaches?
A few. Fort Zachary Taylor is the best, and Smathers Beach is the biggest.
Do I need a passport for the Dry Tortugas?
No. It’s a US national park, though you’ll need ID for the ferry.
