Key West

State: Florida. Type: island city at the southern end of the Florida Keys in Monroe County, on a coral cay in the Straits of Florida. The southernmost city in the contiguous United States, roughly 95 miles north of Cuba and about 130 miles southwest of Miami. About 4 miles long and 1 mile wide; 2020 census population: 26,444. Connected to the mainland by the Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1). Known for its historic district, Duval Street, the Southernmost Point marker, Ernest Hemingway's home and nightly sunset celebrations.

Key West is a tropical island city at the far end of the Florida Keys, the southernmost city in the contiguous United States and closer to Cuba than to mainland Florida. Settled and mapped in the 1820s, it grew rich in the 19th century, first through 'wrecking' (salvaging cargo from ships that foundered on the surrounding reefs) and later through cigar manufacturing driven by Cuban immigration, at one point ranking among the wealthiest cities per capita in the United States. Today Key West is a compact, walkable destination famous for its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, pastel conch-style architecture, and a lively main street, Duval, lined with bars, restaurants, galleries and shops. Visitors come for the historic Old Town, the Hemingway Home, the Truman Little White House, Fort Zachary Taylor, and the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, where street performers and vendors gather as the sun drops over the Gulf. The surrounding warm, clear waters, among the warmest on the U.S. mainland in winter, support snorkeling, diving, fishing and boating. Reached by the scenic Overseas Highway across a chain of islands and bridges, or by air and cruise ship, Key West blends maritime history, literary heritage and an outdoor, water-oriented lifestyle.

Key West is a coral-cay island and city at the southwestern end of the Florida Keys archipelago, in Monroe County, southern Florida, sitting in the Straits of Florida between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. It is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States, roughly 95 miles north of Cuba and about 130 miles southwest of Miami. The island is small, only about 4 miles long and a mile wide, with a dense, walkable Old Town at its western end. It is linked to the Florida mainland by the Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1), which crosses the island chain via a series of bridges.

Key West has a tropical climate, kept mild year-round by surrounding warm waters and trade winds. Winters are warm and among the most pleasant on the U.S. mainland, with nearby ocean waters staying around 75-77 degrees Fahrenheit from December through February. Summers are hot and humid but moderated by sea breezes. Key West is the driest city in Florida, averaging just over 40 inches of rain a year, much of it in the wetter summer-to-fall months. The island lies squarely in the Atlantic hurricane season (June through November) and has been struck by major storms, including Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The winter and early spring dry season, roughly December through April, is the most popular time to visit, offering warm, sunny, low-humidity weather that draws visitors escaping colder climates; this is also the peak season for crowds and prices, including special events. Late spring and early summer can offer warm weather with somewhat thinner crowds before the peak of hurricane season. The late-summer-to-fall months are hotter, more humid and carry the greatest hurricane risk, though they can bring lower rates. Sunset year-round is a nightly highlight regardless of season.

The island's Spanish name, Cayo Hueso ('bone cay'), was anglicized to Key West. The U.S. flag was raised over the island in 1822, and after it was mapped and platted in 1829 Key West grew quickly, becoming for a time the largest and, in the 1830s, reportedly the richest city per capita in the United States, its wealth built on 'wrecking', the lucrative business of salvaging ships wrecked on the nearby reefs. Later in the 19th century, cigar manufacturing boomed as Cuban immigrants arrived following the Ten Years' War that began in 1868. Key West was connected to the mainland in 1912 by Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad; after a devastating hurricane in 1935 destroyed much of the railway, it was rebuilt as the Overseas Highway (completed 1938), now part of U.S. Route 1. The island's character was shaped by figures such as writer Ernest Hemingway, who lived there in the 1930s, and it served as a naval station and, for President Harry Truman, a working retreat known as the Little White House. Preservation efforts, formalized in 1960 with the Old Island Restoration Foundation, protected much of the historic architecture that defines Old Town today.

Visitors stroll and dine along Duval Street, tour historic sites such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Truman Little White House, and gather for the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, where arts-and-crafts vendors and street performers set up about two hours before sunset every day of the year. The Southernmost Point marker is a popular photo stop. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park offers a Civil War-era fort and one of the island's favorite beaches for swimming, snorkeling and picnicking. The warm surrounding waters make snorkeling, diving (including trips toward the reef and to nearby Dry Tortugas), fishing charters, sailing and other watersports central to a visit, alongside the island's museums, galleries and famously lively nightlife.

Key sights include Duval Street, the roughly mile-plus main strip of bars, restaurants, galleries and shops running between the Gulf and Atlantic sides; Mallory Square, the waterfront plaza in Old Town famous for its sunset gatherings; and the Southernmost Point buoy marker (with an official full-scale replica displayed at Duval Pocket Park while the original corner undergoes seawall and street-end reconstruction). Historic attractions include the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, a National Historic Landmark with a state-park beach. The Key West Historic District's conch-style architecture and Old Town streets are attractions in themselves.

Key West is reached by car via the scenic Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1), which runs about 100-plus miles from the Florida mainland across the island chain and its bridges from the Miami area. Key West International Airport (EYW) offers commercial flights and sits close to town, with ground transportation including shuttles, rideshare, taxis and rental cars; many visitors also fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and drive or take a shuttle down. Key West is a popular cruise-ship port of call, and passenger ferry service connects it with the southwest Florida coast. Within the compact island, walking, cycling and small vehicles are common ways to get around.

Key West is a city rather than a single gated attraction, so there is no single opening time; public streets, Duval Street and Mallory Square are accessible around the clock, with the Sunset Celebration beginning roughly two hours before sunset daily. Individual attractions, museums and parks, such as the Hemingway Home, the Truman Little White House and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, keep their own hours that vary by site and season. Check each specific venue for current hours before visiting.

There is no charge to enter the city, walk Duval Street, or attend the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, though parking is generally paid. Individual attractions set their own admission: sites such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Truman Little White House charge separate entry fees, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park charges a Florida state-park entrance fee (typically assessed per vehicle). Boat tours, snorkeling and diving trips and fishing charters are priced individually. Because these fees vary by operator and change over time, confirm current prices with each venue; this draft does not quote specific figures.

Many visitors spend two to four days to combine Old Town sightseeing, the sunset celebration, beach time and at least one on-the-water activity such as snorkeling, diving or a fishing charter. A day trip is possible for those focused on Duval Street and a couple of landmarks, while divers, anglers or travelers adding a Dry Tortugas excursion may want longer.

Lodging is concentrated in and around Old Town and along the island's shores, ranging from historic bed-and-breakfasts and guesthouses in restored conch houses to boutique inns and larger beachfront resorts, plus vacation rentals. Because the island is small and popular, especially in the winter high season and during major events, rooms can be limited and pricey, so booking well ahead is advisable. Additional lodging is available up the Keys along the Overseas Highway for visitors willing to stay outside the city.

Key West's dining scene leans heavily on fresh seafood and a tropical, Caribbean-influenced style, with local specialties including conch (as in conch fritters) and the island's signature Key lime pie. Restaurants, bars and cafes cluster densely along and around Duval Street and the waterfront, ranging from casual open-air spots to upscale dining. Historic bars tied to the island's literary and maritime lore are part of the experience. Because options are concentrated in a walkable area, many visitors dine on foot without needing a car.

Up the Overseas Highway, the rest of the Florida Keys, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo, offer reefs, state parks and more watersports on the drive to or from the mainland. Dry Tortugas National Park, home to Fort Jefferson, lies about 70 miles west of Key West and is reached by boat or seaplane, making a popular day trip. The reefs and waters around the lower Keys are prime snorkeling and diving grounds. Farther afield, Everglades National Park and greater Miami are within a longer drive to the northeast.

Key West International Airport (EYW) is the island's own airport, close to town, with shuttles, rideshare (including Uber and Lyft), taxis and rental cars available for ground transport; Miami and Fort Lauderdale international airports are the nearest large hubs, several hours away by car up the Overseas Highway. Shuttle services connect the Keys with the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports, and passenger ferry and cruise services also serve Key West by sea. On the island itself, walking, cycling, scooters and small electric vehicles are common given the compact size.

In the water, respect currents, boat traffic and posted conditions, and use reputable operators for snorkeling, diving and fishing trips. The strong subtropical sun and heat call for sunscreen, hydration and shade, especially in summer. Key West's nightlife is lively, so use normal precautions in crowded bar areas, watch your belongings and arrange safe transport. During the June-through-November hurricane season, monitor forecasts and heed any evacuation orders, since the low-lying Keys are highly hurricane-vulnerable and evacuation routes are limited to the single highway. For any emergency, dial 911.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water for the strong sun, plus swimwear, a towel and water shoes if you plan to snorkel or hit Fort Zachary Taylor's beach. Comfortable walking shoes suit the compact, walkable Old Town, and a light layer helps on breezy evenings and boat rides. Carry a card or cash for parking and attraction fees, and a portable charger for long days out. A small dry bag is handy for on-the-water excursions.

Book accommodations well ahead for the December-through-April high season and major events, when the small island fills up and prices climb. Because Old Town is compact and parking is limited and paid, consider getting around on foot, by bike, scooter or the local trolley/shuttle rather than driving once you arrive. Plan to be at or near the waterfront for sunset, a nightly highlight, and consider at least one on-the-water activity to make the most of the surrounding reefs. If driving the Overseas Highway, allow ample time and watch for traffic, and always monitor weather during hurricane season.

For any emergency, dial 911, the nationwide U.S. emergency number, which reaches police, fire and medical services in Key West and Monroe County. During hurricane season, follow official evacuation guidance from local authorities, since the Keys rely on the single Overseas Highway for evacuation. This draft does not publish a specific non-emergency city or police phone number, which should be confirmed from an official City of Key West or Monroe County source before use.

Florida Keys & Key West (official Monroe County Tourism site) - https://fla-keys.com

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.