Florida is always a popular vacation spot in the United States, but one of the not-so-hidden gems of the Sunshine State is the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys is split up by the Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and Lower Keys. There are 800 keys in the Florida Keys, but the most popular is Key West. It is also known as the Conch Republic when they tried to secede from the United States in 1982 because the US Border patrol set up blockades to and from Key West to search for narcotics and illegal immigrants. This caused terrible traffic jams and hindered tourism for the island and in response, they declared themselves a micronation and celebrate Independence Day every April 23rd. If you like to look more into the history of the Florida Keys and Key West in particular, you’ll find some funny, yet sobering and interesting information.
When I visit Miami, my husband and I oftentimes take a couple days’ road trip to the Florida Keys. Also with him being born and raised in Miami, visiting the Keys is just a normal weekend getaway that he’s done all his life. We usually visit and stay overnight in Key Largo, Long Key, Islamorada, or Key West. There are many great keys to vacation at and they are also great options if you don’t want to go all the way to Key West. It’ll also be a bit more quiet and relaxing at the other keys.
If you want a relaxing getaway from Miami or even try another tourist scene for partying in Florida, Key West brings a whole different vibe that you’ll love. So if you want to make the most of your time, here’s everything you need to see in Key West, Florida in just 3 days.
Note: There are many news articles saying that parts of the Florida Keys will be underwater by 2025 due to the rising sea levels and it costs too much to take preventative measures. There may eventually come a time where the Florida Keys can only be accessible by boat, but that will be years from now. So take advantage of this island paradise before that happens!
Interesting Facts About Key West
If you’re going to visit Key West, it’s good to know some historical and interesting facts to help you understand the island and why there’s so much significance in the area to the Conch Republic people.
- There are a few theories I found on how Key West was named. 1) Key West was originally named Cayo Hueso (which translates to Key of Bones) by Spanish settlers to describe the bones of the Calusa Indians which were the Native American people of Florida Southwest coast. But the English speakers mistook the name and thought they were saying Key West so the name stuck. 2) Ponce De Leon named it Cayo Hueso for the bleached limestone rock formation. 3) The origin of the name was also to reference the pile of bones scattered around the island of competing Indian tribes, shipwreck victims, pirates being lynched, and the White Plague and other health victims.
- Key West was found by mistake in 1521 during Ponce De Leon’s expedition to look for the Fountain of Youth.
- It is one of the most haunted cities in Florida and it’s said that the dead outnumber the living. They also don’t celebrate Halloween, probably because it’s already haunted enough! From the bars, to the museums and even the beaches. There is so much history in this area and there a lot of haunted stories I don’t want to get into, but if that’s something you like, you can find it all in Key West.
- Key West was a haven for pirates and smugglers and it was once the richest city in the US per capita as locals made their money by salvaging ships that crashed on the reefs. They made money by auctioning off and reselling cargo they found on the ships.
- Key West is home to the 3rd largest barrier coral reef in the world after Belize and Australia, so if you want good diving and snorkeling, this is the place to be
- The locals who are born in Key West are called conchs, but you can’t just move to Key West and be called a conch. If you’re a resident for 7 years you’re considered a freshwater conch.
- The sand in the Florida Keys is mostly natural (but more rocky), but the Key West beaches have sand important from the Bahamas.
Best Time To Visit Key West
Slow season in Key West is June to November because of the hot summer months and hurricane season. If you don’t mind it a little hotter and want to be in the Keys when it’s less busy, June to August is a good time to visit as prices are cheap and water temperatures are great. My husband has been to Key West every month of the year and he likes visiting the Keys in the month of June.
December and January is still pretty busy due to tourists on holidays. I also find that December can be a little chilly at night and the water can get quite cold. When I visit around that time, I actually never go into the water and it’s such a shame because it is really beautiful and I love exploring the sea.
The more popular months are between March to May as it is high season and can get super busy around Spring Break. In certain hotels, the deposits can be higher than normal during Spring Break if you’re under a certain age so it can deter younger guests since it can get pretty crazy around that time. But double check at your hotel since I’m not sure if this is a permanent policy that they have in place.
How Long To Stay In Key West
When we visit the Keys, we usually stay around 2 to 3 days. In that time you can relax, visit beaches, explore Key West and surrounding State Parks and tourist areas as well. If you want to extend your trip a bit, I think 4 to 5 days is the maximum amount of time you need. And that’s if you want to visit every museum, beach, restaurant, or have excursions planned such as diving which you’ll want to at least a day or two for.
How To Get To Key West
For us, the best way to get to Key West is driving. You get to be on of the most beautiful road trips to get to your destination. You’ll see the vibrant ocean for miles (on a good day) during the drive and there are also areas where you can pull off to the side and stop to admire the scenery or spend the day fishing or having a BBQ. The Seven Mile Bridge also runs parallel to the Overseas Highway for some part of the drive into Key West and it has recently reopened so that you can actually walk or bike across it now. There is one way in, one way out on the Overseas Highway to get to Key West.
If there is no traffic whatsoever, it’s just over a 3 hour drive to get to Key West from Miami. For us, it’s usually about a 4.5 hour drive when we leave around 7 AM in the morning. But when there is traffic, it could be 5 to 6 hours or more. If you’re going to visit Key West on Fridays and the weekend, definitely leave earlier to avoid the traffic! It gets jam-packed after 10 AM, but to us, that’s already a little bit too late. If you’re going to visit during the weekday, rush hour starts around 3 PM.
Another way to get to Key West is by flying. It’s about a 45 minute flight from the Miami International Airport (MIA) or you can fly in directly or from a connecting flight with participating airlines.
The last option is a bus tour from Miami, but I wouldn’t recommend this unless you really don’t want to make the drive and you have time for it. My husband worked hospitality in South Beach for over a decade and although guests love visiting Key West, they say it takes too long and there are too many stops, and not enough time to spend there. Miami tours to Key West is around $80 USD and it’s an all day tour which starts at 7 AM. They will be picking up different hotel guests along the way and have short stops at random places. Each company provides different types of tours but you’ll get around 2 to 4 hours in Key West and it’ll be an all-day affair. It’s better to rent your own car and do the trip yourself so you can go anywhere you want and not have to rush or wait for other people.
How To Get Around Key West
Once you’re in Key West, walking around town is the best option. Biking works as well, but parking is very hard to find especially during high season.
There is a free Duval Loop bus that runs every 15 to 20 minutes and takes you around town as well so it’s very convenient to get around Key West and it will take you to the most popular areas and the maint street that is full of restaurants, shops, and more.
You can also take the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour if you want a quick tour around town and learn some Key West history. It takes you to 13 different spots and is fun and educational.
Where To Stay In Key West
The best area to stay in as on Duval Street. This is the most convenient place to be and is in the middle of everything so it is a little pricier. If you stay here, you can park and not have to drive to get around during your stay in Key West.
If you stay in hotels further away (which means it’ll also be cheaper), they offer shuttle service to and from the center of Key West up to a certain time.
I like using Hotels.com to book my stays since I can find a lot of great deals here and can earn rewards to get a free night’s stay. Here are also the Best Ways To Save Money On Hotels For Your Next Vacation.
Best Things To Do In Key West
There are plenty of things to do in Key West, and below are some of the most popular and best thigns to do in Key West that you shouldn’t miss!
Duval Street
This is the main street of Key West and where all the restaurants, bars, and shops are. Duval Street is a mile long road with 43 bars and you can do the Duval Crawl here. It is basically the party epicenter of Key West and comes alive at night. I somewhat get New Orleans (but much cleaner) vibes here, but my husband says being here reminds him of just being on an island – which it technically is!
Mallory Square
Address – 400 Wall St
Mallory Square is a waterfront square full of restaurants, food vendors, musicians, acrobats, and street performances. Don’t miss the Sunset Celebration for its nightly celebrations as it is the most colorful and beautiful time of the day in Key West!
The Southernmost Point Of The Continental US – 90 Miles To Cuba
Address – Whitehead St and South St
Key West is also the Southernmost part of the United States and is only 90 miles from Cuba. It was originally a small sign but they have now made it concrete buoy to mark the significance of this location. It is also one of the most visited and most photographed attraction of the United States.
The Hemingway Home And Museum
Address – 907 Whitehead St
Admission – $17 USD for adults, cash only
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Description – This French-colonial style home was the house of the famous writer, Ernest Hemingway, from 1931 to 1939. After his death, the house was auctioned off and turned into a museum for the public to visit. It is a designated National Historic Landmark. Hemingway was also given a 6 toed cat and the offspring of this cat lives on the property so you’ll see a lot of them here.
US 1 – Mile Marker 0
Address – 501 Whitehead St – at the corner of South St and Whitehead St
Another one of the most popular places to snap a photo in the US is Mile Marker 0 in Key West. It is basically the end of the road on US 1, also known locally as the Overseas Highway, which connects most of the Eastern US major cities. A local t-shirt shop across the street also trademarked the name after a million dollar court battle.
Truman Little White House
Address – 111 Front St
Admission – $28.30
Time Spent –1.5 hours
Description – The Little White House was originally built for naval officers but it became President Truman’s winter White House for 175 days over 11 visits. He first visited Key West after getting a cold and being told by the doctor to rest (if only we got that kind of prescription these days!). The Little White House is also Florida’s only presidential site.
Key West Ghosts And Gravestones Trolley Tour
Address – 501 Front St
Admission – There are 3 tours to choose from at different prices
Time Spent – About 1 hour
Description – You can explore some of Key West’s most haunted sites and if you go on the later tours, you’ll get to visit these locations and have it all to yourselves. You’ll also be equipped with a ghost meter and can check the readings at each site as well. Your Ghost Host will also be roleplaying as historical characters and dressed for the part to tell you of the haunted tales that go with each location.
Key West Shipwreck Museum
Address – 1 Whitehead St
Admission – $15.47 USD for adults if you purchase online, otherwise it is $17.19 in person
Time Spent – About 1.5 hours
Description – If you take the Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour, this location is a part of the package. Key West at one point had over 100 ships sail there per day and there tended to be a lot of shipwrecks. You’ll learn all about the history at this interactive re-creation of a 19th century warehouse and see actual artifacts, including the cursed silver bar. There’s also a very haunting tale that comes with the Observation Tower on site.
Key West Cemetery
Address – 701 Passover Lane
Time Spent – About 30 minutes to an hour
Description – This 90 acre cemetery has about 100,000 people buried here including many American veterans and other interesting characters, which is more than the residents who currently live in Key West. You can take yourself on a self-guided tour hunting for these graves, and although a bit morbid, you’ll see some very interesting dates, artistic headstones, and famous last sayings engraved on them. For the earlier Ghosts and Gravestones tour times, you’ll also be able to visit this cemetery.
Key West First Legal Rum Distillery
Address – 105 Simonton St
You can get a free historic tour at Key West’s first legal rum distillery since Prohibition every day from noon until 5pm every 20 minutes and get free samples too. Their award-winning rums are aged in Salt Cured Barrels and uses local and naturally-sourced food flavors like Key Lime, Coconut, Madagascar Vanilla crème brulee and Florida demerara sugar. They’re also Mojito Masters as they’re the first Americans to run rum to Cuba and the Cubans ended up teaching them how to make Cuban Mojitos.
Smathers Beach
Address – 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd
Located near Mile Marker 0, Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West and is about half a mile long. Although Key West isn’t known for their beaches, if sand and water is what you’re looking for during your Florida Keys getaway, this is great option. The beach is pretty clean and peaceful unless it’s during Spring Break. Parking is about $5 an hour, compared to around $1.50 for 1.5 hours in the North Miami Beach area.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Address – 601 Howard England Way
Admission – $6 USD per vehicle
Time Spent – If you’re going to be spending time at the beach, I’d give it at least 3 hours here.
Description – This Florida State Park is also a National Historic Landmark centered on a civil war era where you can walk through the fort, see the cannons and gun ports up close, and see the largest collection of seacoast guns and take a daily tour at 11 AM or take a self-guided one. I think this one of the most interesting State Parks as it offers a variety of activities from hiking, touring, swimming, snorkeling, the ability to immerse yourself in history while you’re at it, and more.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Accessible only by seaplane or boat from Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park has a 19th century fort (Fort Jefferson) and perfectly clear waters for snorkeling and diving, and not to mention amazing marine life. It is 113 kilometres from Key West and has 7 small islands for you to explore. It is a beautiful and more secluded area, but it is definitely worth visiting for its unique history and marine landscape.
Where To Eat In Key West
Key West is known for their fresh seafood and key lime pies. I find that everyone does their own take on these pies and they do taste quite different from each other. There are many good restaurants, but here are few of the top must-visit restaurants when you visit Key West.
1 – Two Friends Patio
Cuisine – American
Price Range – $$
Address – 512 Front St
Two Friends has an old-school American menu with live music all day long and was voted to have the best Bloody Mary in Key West with the best Happy Hour, best mojito, and best breakfast. It originally started as a saloon before the 1886 fire and is now a Traveller’s Choice on Trip Advisor.
2 – DJ’s Clam Shack
Cuisine –Seafood
Price Range – $$
Address – 629 Duval St
DJ’s Clam Shack offers some of the best and freshest seafood in the area. It is also featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and have locations in both Florida and New York. They’re known for their conch fritters, lobster rolls, and clams. I have to say, I absolutely loved their lobster rolls and have been my favorite so far. They do not skimp and the portions are large. There is also usually a line as well and there are only a couple outdoor tables so you’ll either have to eat while you walk or take it back to your accommodations.
3 – Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant
Cuisine – Dessert
Price Range – $$
Address – 926 Simonton St
This dessert bar offers the most decadent and luxurious desserts in a dimly lit and intimate setting. This is a perfect date spot and a sweet haven for dessert lovers like me. They also have many unique drinks to choose from. The desserts here are absolutely delicious and it gets very busy so make a reservation before you go!
4 – Conch Republic Seafood Company
Cuisine – Seafood
Price Range – $$
Address – 631 Greene St
Conch Republic offers fresh dock-to-dish dining and it actually used to be a fish house where local shrimpers processed and shipped Key West Pink Shrimp. You’ll see some of the original architecture here as well. The menu is large as well as the portions and you can choose from a variety of fresh seafood. Their Strawberry Tempura dessert also won the People’s Choice Award for Best Dessert. Conch Republic has beautiful views of the water here and has a fun atmosphere where you can choose indoor or outdoor dining. It gets extremely busy here so come early, or make a reservation!
5 – El Siboney Restaurant
Cuisine – Cuban
Price Range – $
Address – 900 Catherine St
At El Siboney you’ll find traditional Cuban food at budget-conscious prices. It’s been opened for over 40 years and this is where locals can find homemade food. Some of their favorite dishes are the roast pork and Siboney steak. They were also featured on Man v. Food Season 8 and voted as a Traveller’s Choice on Trip Advisor.
6 – Sunset Pier
Cuisine – Seafood
Price Range – $$
Address – 0 Duval St
Right in Mallory Square, you can enjoy fresh seafood on the pier by the water while you enjoy live music and people watch. With tropical culinary menus, island drinks, and beautiful sunsets, this is one of the best places to be for the scene and the food in Key West.
The Best Keepsake Souvenir You Can Get In Key West
If you loved your experience in Key West, get your very own Conch Republic passport! It’s an international-quality, thread-sewn document with a linen cover and is personalized with your photo and information. It’s also hand-embossed and signed by the Secretary of State with the Official Seal of the Conch Republic and you can get it for $100 USD.
If you get the passport with the party combo, you can get it stamped around the Conch Republic and get over $600 in Diplomatic Discounts at restaurants, bars, and other attractions. So it might be good to order this before your trip to Key West if you want discounts everywhere you go!
Ready to explore more of Florida? Here are The Best Things To Do In Miami, Florida – Recommendations By A Local!