Key West Travel Guide 2026 | Things to Do, Beaches & Hotels

Key West Travel Guide

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another sunset on Mallory Square, this guide brings together our favourite places, local tips, and photography from one of Florida’s most iconic key.

Getting to Key West

Wondering whether to drive or fly? We’ve driven to Key West the past two years, and we highly recommend making the road trip. While you can fly directly into Key West, the drive along the Overseas Highway is one of the most scenic in the United States and becomes part of the vacation itself.

If you’re renting a car, leave early to avoid traffic and give yourself plenty of time to stop at the overlooks, restaurants, and small Florida Keys towns along the way. We also recommend skipping the EZ Toll Pass and using Bill by Plate if you’re only driving to Key West and back.

Our Tip: Plan to arrive in Key West by early afternoon so you have time to check in, relax, and enjoy your first sunset on the island.

Planning to stop along the way? Be sure to check out our Florida Keys Guide for recommendations, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge.

Our Local Tips for Staying in Key West;

Don’t stress too much about choosing the “perfect” hotel. Key West is a small island, and most accommodations are only minutes from the main attractions. If your hotel offers a shuttle, or you plan to rent a golf cart or bikes, getting around is easy. (FREE PARKING IN KEY WEST WITH A MOPED)

Our accommodations while in key west;

Margaritaville Beach HousePROS:Easy access to the beach Great layout with beach showersVery clean + excellent service More laid back (excellent for families and low key couples)shuttle is excellent CONS:Not walkable to most restaurants and downtown key west

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Best Things To Do In Key West

You'll have endless possibilities.

Grabbing a margarita at 10 am.. Walking along Duval street Checking out the fun / historic attractions or just sight seeing! Waking up and hearing the roosters is honestly the best part , so iconic to Key West. A simple stroll along Duval street can last all day.

🏖️ Best beaches in Key West

Looking for a relaxing beach day? Key West isn’t known for huge beaches like Destin or Clearwater, but it has a few great spots depending on what you’re after.

🌴 Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

⭐ Our Top Pick

Clear water
Best snorkeling in Key West
Shaded picnic areas
Beautiful sunsets
Historic fort to explore

Pro Tip: Bring water shoes—the shoreline is rocky. Sandy past the shore

🌊 Smathers Beach

Perfect if you want:

Soft sand
Chair & umbrella rentals
Jet ski rentals
Volleyball
Long walks

Best in the morning before it gets busy. Right across the street from our margaritaville beach house

🌅 Higgs Beach

A quieter local favorite.

Pier
Restaurant nearby
Great for families
Less crowded

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🍴 Best Restaurants in Key West

One of the questions we’re asked most is, “Where should we eat?”

After several trips to Key West, we’ve enjoyed everything from casual Cuban cafés and waterfront seafood restaurants to upscale dinners overlooking the marina.

Rather than listing every restaurant on the island, we’ve chosen the places we’d genuinely return to ourselves. Whether you’re looking for breakfast before visiting Fort Zachary Taylor, an unforgettable sunset dinner, or authentic Cuban cuisine after exploring Duval Street, these are our personal favourites.

Shark Feeding at the stoned crab, key west florida

We enjoyed a delicious lunch and was treated to the complimentry shark feeding

☕Coffee & Breakfast

⭐ Sandy’s Café

★★★★★

Our favourite spot for an authentic Cuban sandwich and coffee.

Simple, affordable, and full of local character, Sandy’s feels like the kind of place locals actually visit. It’s also well known for its Cuban coffee and late-night food.

Our favourites

✔ Cuban Sandwich
✔ Café con Leche
✔ Breakfast Burrito

❓Frequently Asked Questions

We spent 4 nights the first time and it was PERFECT. Second time we went we did 3 nights.

For most visitors, 3–4 nights is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to explore Old Town, relax on the beaches, enjoy a sunset at Mallory Square, visit nearby attractions like Fort Zachary Taylor, and still leave time to experience the island’s laid-back atmosphere.

We went beginning of December and 2nd week of January. Weather was beautiful! he best weather is typically December through April, with warm temperatures, low humidity, and little rainfall. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting in May or November.

Key West can be one of Florida’s more expensive destinations, especially for accommodations. Booking early, staying slightly outside the busiest areas, and enjoying free attractions like sunsets, beaches, and walking Duval Street can help keep costs down.

Not really. Once you arrive, most attractions are within walking or biking distance. Parking can be limited, so many visitors park once and explore the island on foot, shuttle, moped, golf cart, or bicycle.

Absolutely. it's a unique mix of Caribbean charm, historic architecture, local food, and relaxed island atmosphere. If your not sure, READ our guide above, and if you dont think so, then move on to another travel guide.

Inspired by Key West?

Whether you’re planning your getaway, exploring the island, or reminiscing about your trip, our Key West Collection celebrates the places and moments that make the Key West unforgettable.

Explore the Key West Collection

Your Journey Doesn’t End Here

Key West may be the southernmost point of your adventure, but the Florida Keys are much more than one destination. Every island has its own personality, hidden beaches, local restaurants, and unforgettable views waiting to be discovered.

Explore the Florida Keys Travel Guide

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Key West Travel Guide

Getting to Key West

Where to stay in Key West?

Old Town

Mid Town