Key West Florida, USA Travel Guide
The surrounding the water is perfect for a variety of aquatic adventures.
World-class opportunities on the Florida Reef Tract, the third largest barrier reef. Boat tours daily. Tours offer Snorkeling gear. Bring Reef-safe defogger for visibility.
Numerous shipwrecks, including the Vandenberg (a former military transport ship intentionally sunk), attract experienced divers. Unique exploring underwater opportunities.
West is world-renowned for sport fishing. Charters offer half-half-day or full-day-day trips targeting species like marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi. A Travel fishing scale might interest keen anglers.
Respect marine life and local regulations during all outdoor activities. Always check weather forecasts before water excursions.
West has a lot of avenues to immerse yourself in its unique culture.
Features performers on the street, musicians, and artists daily. A free, dynamic cultural performance.
Abundant in bars and restaurants, especially on Duval Street. Genres range from reggae to rock, folk, and blues.
Supporting small, independent businesses, guesthouses, restaurants, and tour operators directly benefits the West community.
Fantasy Fest (October): A 10-day costuming and parade festival, drawing large crowds. Hemingway Days Festival (July): Celebrates the life and work of Ernest Hemingway with various events.
West Literary Seminar (January): Attracts writers and readers for lectures, panels, and classes. West Food & Wine Festival (January): A gastronomic event demonstrating local flavors, chefs, and wine pairings.
Conch Republic Independence Celebration (April): Celebrates West's tongue-in-cheek secession from the U.S. With parades, parties, and events.
West offers opportunities to rejuvenate and focus on well-being.
Many hotels and vacation spots have pools for guests, often with poolside service.
Some bars on the beach or resorts offer daily tickets for pool or beach access to non-guests.
Smathers, Higgs, Fort Zachary Taylor beaches are free and open to all for sunbathing and swimming.
Duval Street bars have live music from afternoon into night. Sloppy Joe's, Green Parrot Bar, Captain Tony's Saloon are popular.
Waterfront Playhouse, Red Barn Theatre, Tennessee Williams Theatre offer plays, musicals, concerts. Clubs like Bourbon St. Pub and Aqua Nightclub for dancing.
Duval Street is the main bar district. Pub crawls are popular, often organized by local companies for guided tours of famous watering holes.
West offers diverse shopping, from bazaars to unique artisan crafts.
Lime products (pies, candies, lotions, rum). Conch shells/art. Local art. Sponges/sea shells. Hemingway-related items. A copy of Islands in the Stream is a literary souvenir.
Avoid illegally harvested conch or real coral. Choose artificial or sustainably sourced alternatives.
Prioritize buying from local artisans, independent shops, and small businesses rather than large chain souvenir stores.
U.S. Customs regulations apply for travelers from other countries departing with purchases. Keep receipts for all significant purchases. Declare items as required from your home country's customs laws.
