Key West
The southernmost point in the continental US — 90 miles to Cuba, an island that seceded from the United States in 1982 (the Conch Republic) and never quite came back. Hemingway lived here and wrote some of his best work; his six-toed cats still roam his Whitehead Street home. The 1.25-mile Duval Street is the “longest bar in America”, the nightly Mallory Square sunset celebration is a 50-year-old ritual, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is the best beach on the island. Pair Old Town’s Conch architecture with a Yankee Freedom day trip to the remote Dry Tortugas National Park.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Key West
📍 Points of Interest
At a Glance
- Pop.
- 25K
- Timezone
- New York
- Dial
- +1
- Emergency
- 911
Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States — a buoy at Whitehead and South Streets famously marks "90 miles to Cuba" (it is actually about 94 miles, but no one in Key West is correcting the buoy)
In 1982 the city declared itself the Conch Republic in protest of a US Border Patrol roadblock on US-1; it "seceded," declared war on the United States, surrendered after one minute, and applied for $1 billion in foreign aid. The Conch Republic flag still flies all over town and locals still call themselves Conchs
Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West from 1931 to 1939 and wrote To Have and Have Not, A Farewell to Arms, and Green Hills of Africa here. The descendants of his six-toed (polydactyl) cat Snow White still roam his Whitehead Street home — about 60 of them, all named after famous people
Key West has no fresh-water source on the island — all drinking water is piped 130 miles down the Florida Keys from the mainland aquifer at Florida City via the Florida Keys Aqueduct, finished in 1942. Before that, residents collected rainwater in cisterns
The sunset celebration at Mallory Square has happened every evening for 50+ years — street performers, jugglers, fire-breathers, tarot readers, and a few hundred tourists gather at the western seawall to applaud the sun dropping into the Gulf. It is the one Key West ritual nobody skips
Key lime pie originated here — made from the small, tart Key limes that grow on Florida's offshore reefs, condensed milk (because there were no refrigerators or fresh dairy on the keys before 1930), and a graham-cracker crust. The Florida state legislature designated it the official state pie in 2006
Top Sights
Duval Street — The Famous Mile
📌The 1.25-mile spine of Old Town Key West runs north-south from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, lined with bars, T-shirt shops, art galleries, restaurants, and the kind of street life that has earned Duval its reputation as "the longest bar in America" (sometimes counted as 50+ drinking establishments). Walk it once during the day for the architecture and shops, then again after sunset when it transforms into a parade. Sloppy Joe's, Hemingway's old hangout, is at the corner of Duval and Greene.
Hemingway Home and Museum
🏛️Ernest Hemingway's 1851 Spanish Colonial home on Whitehead Street, where he lived for nine of his most productive years. The house is preserved with much of his furniture, his Royal typewriter in the writing studio above the carriage house, and the in-ground pool he installed in 1938 (the most expensive thing on the island at the time). The 60-odd descendants of his six-toed cat Snow White roam freely. Tours are guided and excellent. 9:00–17:00 daily.
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
📌The nightly ritual that defines Key West — every evening, two hours before sunset, street performers set up at the seawall: sword swallowers, fire jugglers, tightrope walkers, escape artists, tarot card readers, and a man whose entire act is a trained cat that jumps through hoops. The crowd applauds when the sun touches the horizon. Free, anarchic, and irreplaceable.
Southernmost Point Buoy
🗼The painted concrete buoy at Whitehead and South Streets marking "Southernmost Point in the Continental USA — 90 Miles to Cuba" is the most photographed object in Key West and possibly all of Florida. Expect a 20-30 minute queue for your photo. Go at sunrise (before 7 AM) or after dinner (after 8 PM) to skip the line. Hurricane Irma damaged the buoy in 2017; the repaired version is the one you see now.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
🏖️A 19th-century coastal fort with the best beach on the island — actual sand (most Key West "beaches" are not), clear water for snorkelling, and shaded picnic areas in the Australian pines. The fort itself was completed in 1866 and was active through WWII. State park entry $8/car. Snorkel rental on-site. Far less crowded than Smathers Beach.
Key West Cemetery
🗼A 19-acre above-ground cemetery (water table is too high for traditional burial) in the heart of Old Town with grave markers ranging from 1840s wooden crosses to elaborate Victorian mausoleums to legendary Conch wisecracks ("I told you I was sick" being the most famous). Free self-guided tour map available at the sexton's office. Quiet, atmospheric, and uniquely Key West.
Dry Tortugas National Park
🗼70 miles west of Key West, a remote cluster of seven small islands centred on the massive 19th-century Fort Jefferson — the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, built of 16 million bricks on a coral reef in the middle of the Gulf. Reachable only by ferry (Yankee Freedom, 2.5 hr each way, ~$220 round trip including lunch and snorkel gear) or seaplane (~$435). Day trip is doable but tight; campers can stay overnight. The snorkelling is among the best in Florida.
Off the Beaten Path
Blue Heaven — Brunch in the Chicken Yard
A Caribbean-influenced restaurant in Bahama Village (the historically Black Bahamian neighbourhood) serving the best breakfast in Key West — banana pancakes, lobster benedict, and the legendary Key lime pie with three-inch meringue. Outdoor seating in a sand-floored courtyard where free-roaming roosters and chickens wander between tables. Hemingway used to box in the upstairs room. Cash and card accepted; expect a 30-60 minute wait at brunch.
The chickens are descended from birds released after the 1959 Cuban revolution by Cuban refugees who couldn't keep them. They are now protected by city ordinance. Eating banana pancakes while a rooster pecks at your shoe is the most Key West breakfast experience available.
Garbo's Grill — Cuban Mix Sandwich
A bright-orange food truck (now with multiple locations) serving the best Cuban sandwich in Key West — Cuban bread, slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mustard, pressed crisp on a plancha. Around $13 and significantly better than the famous Cuban sandwich at El Siboney down the street. The truck format means low overhead and high quality.
Key West's Cuban heritage runs deep — the city was 25% Cuban-born by the late 1800s when the cigar industry relocated here from Havana. A great Cuban sandwich is the test of any Key West kitchen, and Garbo's wins with most locals.
Captain Tony's Saloon
The original Sloppy Joe's — Hemingway's actual bar from 1933 to 1937, before the establishment moved across the street and took the name with it (Captain Tony's kept the building). The interior is unchanged in 90 years: low ceilings, dollar bills stapled everywhere, the original tree growing through the building, the trapdoor where bodies were once dropped to a basement morgue. Cheaper, dirtier, and more authentic than its famous neighbour.
When Hemingway and his cronies talked about "Sloppy Joe's," this is the bar they meant. The new Sloppy Joe's is a gift shop with beer; Captain Tony's is the real thing.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
A glass-domed conservatory with 50–60 species of butterflies (around 1,500 individual butterflies at any time) flying freely through tropical plants, plus flamingos, finches, and tortoises. Climate-controlled, peaceful, almost spiritual in atmosphere — the polar opposite of Duval Street energy. Excellent for travellers needing a calm hour.
The conservatory is owned and operated by a local family (the Wares) who manage it as a passion project, not a corporate attraction. The butterflies will land on you; bring a brightly coloured shirt to maximise the chances.
Climate & Best Time to Go
Key West has a tropical savanna climate moderated by surrounding water — temperatures stay narrowly between 18°C (winter low) and 32°C (summer high) all year. There is a wet season (May–October, with afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane risk) and a dry season (November–April, which is also peak tourist season). Hurricane risk is real — Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused major damage to the Lower Keys.
Winter (Dry Season Peak)
December - February64 to 79°F
18 to 26°C
Peak tourist season — perfect weather, low humidity, no rain, packed Duval Street, and the highest hotel prices of the year. Snowbirds from the northern US and Canada fill the island. December–February sunsets are spectacular.
Spring
March - May70 to 86°F
21 to 30°C
Excellent — warmer than winter but still dry, with the spring break crowds peaking in March. April and May are the sweet spot: hot enough for the beach, dry enough for outdoor dining, and crowds tapering before summer.
Summer (Wet Season)
June - August77 to 90°F
25 to 32°C
Hot and humid with daily afternoon thunderstorms (typically 2-4 PM, lasting 30-45 minutes). Sea temperatures hit 30°C — bathwater conditions, ideal for snorkelling. Hurricane season starts June 1 but the peak risk is August–October. Hotel prices drop significantly.
Autumn (Hurricane Season Peak)
September - November73 to 88°F
23 to 31°C
Hurricane season peaks September–October — major storms can necessitate mandatory evacuations and close businesses for days. November dries out and starts to cool. Travel insurance with hurricane coverage is wise for trips in this window.
Best Time to Visit
Mid-March to early May for peak weather without peak crowds and rates. December–February has the best weather but highest prices and biggest snowbird crowds. June–November is the rainy/hurricane season with excellent value but real risk of storm disruption.
Winter Peak (December–February)
Crowds: Very high (peak)The high season — flawless weather, no rain, packed Old Town, holiday lights, and the Conch Republic Independence Celebration in late April. Hotel rates 2-3x summer prices. Book 2-3 months ahead for Christmas/New Year and Presidents Day weekend.
Pros
- + Perfect weather (75°F days, dry)
- + No hurricanes
- + Lively Duval Street
- + Holiday atmosphere
Cons
- − Most expensive period
- − Restaurant waits long
- − Hotels book months ahead
- − Crowded
Spring Sweet Spot (March–May)
Crowds: Moderate to highMarch is spring break (busy and party-heavy through mid-March); late March through May is the ideal window — warm, dry, slightly fewer tourists than peak winter, and rates dropping by April. The Conch Republic Independence Festival in late April is a delightful, weird, locally beloved event.
Pros
- + Warm but not hot
- + Less rain than summer
- + Spring break energy if you want it (early March)
- + Lower rates than winter
Cons
- − Mid-March can be drunk spring breakers
- − May humidity rises
Summer Wet Season (June–August)
Crowds: Low to moderateHot, humid, with daily afternoon thunderstorms (typically brief) and great snorkelling conditions in 30°C water. Hotel rates drop 30-50% from peak. Hurricane season is technically June 1 onward but real risk peaks in August. June–July are usually fine; August is the gamble.
Pros
- + Lowest hotel prices of the year
- + Bathwater snorkelling
- + Long daylight
- + Locals' favourite season
Cons
- − Heat and humidity heavy
- − Daily thunderstorms
- − Hurricane risk increases
- − Mosquitoes
Hurricane Peak (September–October)
Crowds: Very lowThe riskiest months for travel — recent major storms (Wilma 2005, Irma 2017) caused mandatory evacuations and weeks of closures. Travel insurance with hurricane coverage is essential. November dries out and starts to feel like winter — the best value/weather balance of the year.
Pros
- + Cheapest rates
- + Empty restaurants and beaches
- + Fantasy Fest in late October if you're into it
Cons
- − Real hurricane risk
- − Some restaurants/businesses close in September
- − Insurance complications
🎉 Festivals & Events
Fantasy Fest
Late OctoberA 10-day adults-only Mardi Gras-style street festival with body-painted parades, drag pageants, masquerade balls, and the Goombay Festival in Bahama Village. Family travellers should avoid these dates; party travellers should book 6 months ahead.
Conch Republic Independence Celebration
Late AprilA week-long beloved local festival commemorating the 1982 secession, featuring a "Great Battle" naval skirmish in the harbor, parades, drag races, and the Pridefest week. Quirky, locally beloved, and a great window into Key West culture.
Hemingway Days
Mid-JulyA week celebrating Ernest Hemingway with a look-alike contest at Sloppy Joe's (typically 100+ bearded white-haired men competing), short-story competition, marlin tournament, and 5K run. Hot but distinctive.
Goombay Festival
October (during Fantasy Fest)A celebration of Bahama Village's Bahamian heritage — junkanoo parades, conch fritters, Bahamian music, and crafts; the most authentic cultural event of the Key West calendar.
Safety Breakdown
Moderate
out of 100
Key West is generally a safe small city for tourists. Old Town is well-policed and busy; the main risks are alcohol-related incidents (Duval Street late-night), aggressive scooter rentals on busy streets, sun exposure, and the seasonal hurricane risk. Petty theft from rental scooters and unattended beach belongings does occur. The island's relaxed, party-oriented culture means common sense is your best safety tool.
Things to Know
- •Duval Street late-night (after midnight) gets messy with drunk tourists — most issues are alcohol-fuelled fights or accidents, not predatory crime; pace yourself if you're bar-hopping the full mile
- •Scooter and moped rentals are popular but Key West has a high scooter accident rate — narrow streets, distracted drivers, and inexperienced renters create a dangerous combination; consider bicycles instead
- •Sun exposure at this latitude (24.5°N) is intense even in winter; wear reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory in some Florida Keys areas to protect the reef), a hat, and reapply after swimming
- •Hurricane season (June–November) is real — monitor the National Hurricane Center if travelling in August, September, or October; mandatory evacuations of Monroe County are issued for significant storms
- •Mosquitoes can carry Zika and West Nile virus in summer; use DEET repellent at dusk, especially near mangroves and standing water
- •Stinging jellyfish (Portuguese man-of-war) occasionally wash up on beaches; check daily beach conditions before swimming
- •Key West has an active LGBTQ+ scene and is one of the most welcoming destinations in the US — same-sex public affection is normal and generally safe
Emergency Numbers
Emergency (all services)
911
Key West Police (non-emergency)
305-809-1000
Lower Keys Medical Center
305-294-5531
Coast Guard Sector Key West
305-292-8856
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayBackpacker = hostel dorm + street food + public transit. Mid-range = 3-star hotel + neighbourhood restaurants + transit cards. Luxury = 4/5-star + fine dining + taxis. How we calibrate these numbers →
Quick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$140-200
Hostel dorm or shared house rental, food truck and casual restaurant meals, bicycle transport, free Mallory Square sunset, Fort Zachary state park beach — Key West is genuinely expensive even on a budget
mid-range
$280-450
Boutique hotel or guesthouse private room, sit-down restaurant meals (one nice, one casual), Hemingway House and one paid attraction, Duval Street bars in the evening
luxury
$600-1,200+
Marquesa Hotel or Ocean Key Resort, fine dining (Michael's, Latitudes), Dry Tortugas day trip ($220), private sailing charter, top-shelf Duval Street nightlife
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed (NYAH Key West, Seascape) | $50-90/night | $50-90 |
| AccommodationMid-range guesthouse double (Marrero's, La Te Da) | $220-380/night | $220-380 |
| AccommodationLuxury hotel (Marquesa, Ocean Key Resort) | $450-900+/night | $450-900 |
| FoodCuban sandwich at Garbo's Grill | $13-15 | $13-15 |
| FoodSlice of Key lime pie at Kermit's | $7-9 | $7-9 |
| FoodSit-down dinner with drinks (mid-range) | $45-75 | $45-75 |
| FoodCocktail on Duval Street | $12-16 | $12-16 |
| FoodBeer in a bar | $6-10 | $6-10 |
| TransportBicycle rental per day | $15-25 | $15-25 |
| TransportUber EYW airport to Old Town | $12-18 | $12-18 |
| TransportDuval Loop bus | Free | $0 |
| AttractionHemingway Home and Museum | $18 adult | $18 |
| AttractionFort Zachary Taylor State Park entry | $8/vehicle | $8 |
| AttractionDry Tortugas Yankee Freedom ferry day trip | $220 (incl. lunch + gear) | $220 |
| AttractionSunset sail / snorkel charter (group) | $60-120 | $60-120 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Visit in May (after spring break, before hurricane season peak) for the best balance of weather, crowds, and rates — you can save 30-40% off winter peak hotel prices
- •Stay in a guesthouse or B&B in Old Town rather than a chain resort — the Conch houses are charming and run by locals at fair rates compared to corporate hotels
- •The Key West free Duval Loop bus genuinely saves Uber money over a multi-day stay
- •Mallory Square sunset is free and is the iconic Key West experience — no need for a sunset cruise unless you want one
- •Eat Cuban — Cuban sandwiches at Garbo's, El Siboney, or Sandy's Cafe (drive-thru ventana) are filling, authentic, and cost a third of a sit-down restaurant
- •Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is the best beach on the island and entry is just $8/vehicle (vs free city beaches that are inferior)
- •Most Duval bars have happy hours 4-7 PM — drinks half off; pre-game then move to the late-night spots
United States Dollar
Code: USD
Key West uses US dollars exclusively. ATMs are everywhere on Duval Street and in hotels (some Duval ATMs charge $5+ surcharges; use a bank ATM at First Horizon, Truist, or Centennial Bank for free withdrawals with most US debit cards). Foreign visitors should exchange at major banks rather than the airport. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) accepted virtually everywhere. Tap-to-pay is universal in restaurants and bars.
Payment Methods
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Cash useful for tips, beach vendors, and the food truck circuit. Mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) widely accepted. Never give your card to someone who walks it away from your table without an open device — request the device come to you (standard practice in Florida).
Tipping Guide
20% is now standard at sit-down restaurants in Key West; 18% is acceptable but lower will be noticed. Florida tipped minimum wage is below federal minimum, so tipping matters more here than in many countries. Many bills include "automatic gratuity" of 18-20% for parties of 6+ — read the bill before adding more.
$1-2 per drink at standard bars; 15-20% for tabs. On Duval Street the bartenders work hard for tourist dollars and the tip culture is established.
15-20% of fare; round up at minimum. Tip drivers in cash or via app.
$10-20 per person for half-day tours; $20-40 per person for full-day boat tours, snorkel trips, or fishing charters. Charter captains and mates are tipped 15-20% of trip cost.
$3-5 per night left in the room daily (not at end of stay).
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Key West International Airport(EYW)
4 km / 2.5 mi east of Old TownUber/Lyft to Old Town in 10 min (~$12-18). Some hotels run airport shuttles. Public bus does not directly serve the airport. EYW is small — one terminal, mostly American Airlines, Delta, and United regional jets from MIA, FLL, ATL, DFW, IAH, and seasonal direct service from BOS, ORD, LGA.
✈️ Search flights to EYWMiami International Airport (then drive 160 mi / 3.5 hr)(MIA)
160 mi northeastFor international visitors, MIA is the practical entry — full international service, then rent a car for the iconic 3.5-hour drive down US-1 through all the Florida Keys. Greyhound/Keys Shuttle bus runs Miami–Key West (4-5 hr, $35-60).
✈️ Search flights to MIA🚆 Rail Stations
No rail service
There is no passenger rail to Key West. Henry Flagler's famous Overseas Railroad operated 1912–1935 but was destroyed by the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane and the route became US-1 highway instead. Brightline rail service from Orlando ends at Miami Central Station; from there bus or car.
🚌 Bus Terminals
Greyhound — 3535 S Roosevelt Blvd
Greyhound operates one daily round trip Miami–Key West via Florida City and the length of the Keys (about 4.5 hours, $35-60 one way). The Keys Shuttle (private operator) runs door-to-door Miami airport to Key West on a similar schedule for $90-110. The drive itself, especially Seven Mile Bridge, is part of the destination — most visitors prefer to rent a car.
Getting Around
Key West Old Town is small (about 2 miles by 4 miles total island) and the historic centre is almost entirely walkable. Bicycles are the favourite local transport — flat terrain, dedicated bike lanes, and bike racks everywhere. The Duval Loop bus is free; Uber and Lyft operate but are more expensive than in Miami. Renting a car for the week is unnecessary unless you're visiting other Keys; parking in Old Town is scarce and expensive ($4-8/hour, $25/day in city lots).
Walking
FreeOld Town is a 1-mile square — Duval Street, the harbor, Hemingway House, Mallory Square, Southernmost Point, and most restaurants are within a 20-minute walk of each other. Walking is the best way to experience the architecture (1840s–1920s wood-frame Conch houses).
Best for: Old Town exploration, Duval Street, Mallory Square sunset, restaurants
Bicycle Rental
$15-25/day rentalThe favoured local mode — flat terrain, beach cruisers ubiquitous, and most destinations within a 15-minute pedal. Rentals from We-Cycle, Eaton Bikes, or many hotels: ~$15–25/day. Bring lights for night riding; bike theft does happen so always lock up.
Best for: Whole-island access including Smathers Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor, Higgs Beach
Duval Loop (Free Bus)
FreeThe free Duval Loop bus runs every 15-20 minutes in a continuous loop through Old Town — Mallory Square, Truman Waterfront, Southernmost Point, Higgs Beach, then back via the cemetery. Operates 9 AM–10 PM. Genuinely useful for hopping the length of Duval without walking it.
Best for: Old Town loop, hopping between Duval activities
Uber / Lyft / Pink Taxi
$2.50 base + $2.50/mile, surge pricing commonUber and Lyft are reliable in Key West and serve the airport. Pink Taxi (305-296-6666) is the local company. Old Town to airport: $12-18 by Uber. Avoid unmarked "pedicabs" who quote inflated prices to drunk tourists late on Duval.
Best for: Airport transfers, late nights from Duval, beach trips with gear
Scooter / Moped Rental
$45-80/dayWidely available rental scooters (~$50/day) are a Key West staple but have a notoriously high accident rate — narrow streets, distracted drivers, and pedestrians stepping off curbs. If renting, wear the helmet (legally required in Florida only for under 21, but wear it anyway), drive defensively, never drink and ride.
Best for: Whole-island day trips if you're a confident rider; otherwise stick to bikes
Walkability
Old Town is one of the most walkable small-city centres in America — flat, compact, shaded by tropical canopy, and full of architectural detail. The full Duval Street walk takes 25 minutes end to end. Bicycles extend the comfortable range to the entire island.
Travel Connections
Marathon (Middle Keys)
The middle Florida Keys town built around the Seven Mile Bridge — one of the great American drives. The Turtle Hospital here rehabilitates injured sea turtles and offers tours; the Dolphin Research Center has swim-with-dolphins programs. A practical and less hectic base for exploring the Keys, with better-value accommodation than Key West.
Key Largo
The first and largest of the Florida Keys, gateway to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — the first underwater park in the United States, with snorkel and glass-bottom boat tours over living coral reefs. The Christ of the Abyss bronze statue submerged on the reef is the iconic sight. Catch the Keys vibe without the Key West crowds.
Miami / South Beach
The drive up US-1 through all the Keys is a destination in itself — Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, the long stretch over open water. Miami at the end has South Beach Art Deco, Wynwood street art, world-class Cuban food in Little Havana, and the international airport for getting home.
Havana, Cuba
Cuba is closer to Key West than Miami is — but no direct ferry or flight currently operates. Reaching Havana requires backtracking to Miami for a flight. The political relationship is complex and US travel restrictions apply (general license for one of 12 categories required, leisure tourism is not permitted for US citizens).
Dry Tortugas National Park
Massive 19th-century Fort Jefferson on a coral reef island in the Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by some of Florida's clearest water and best snorkelling. Day trip via Yankee Freedom is the standard; campers can stay overnight on the small island. One of the most remote US national parks.
Entry Requirements
Key West is in the United States — entry rules are the standard US rules. Most Western European, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, and South Korean passport holders qualify for visa-free entry under ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) for stays of up to 90 days. Other nationalities need a B-1/B-2 tourist visa applied for at a US embassy.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | Unlimited (domestic travel) | No documents required for travel within the US. Domestic flights to EYW require a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport (Real ID enforcement begins May 7, 2025). |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa-free | 6 months in any 12-month period | No visa required. Passport required (NEXUS card sufficient by land but not air). Standard CBP entry questioning at airport. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days under ESTA Visa Waiver Program | ESTA application required online before departure ($21, valid 2 years for unlimited entries up to 90 days each). Approval usually instant. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days under ESTA | Apply for ESTA ($21) at least 72 hours before departure at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Approval usually instant. Croatia and Bulgaria added to VWP recently. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days under ESTA | Same ESTA process. Australian passport meets all requirements. |
| Other nationalities | Yes | Per visa terms | B-1/B-2 visitor visa applied for at US embassy in home country. Process can take weeks to months depending on embassy backlog. Check travel.state.gov for current wait times. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •ESTA must be approved BEFORE you board your flight to the US — apply at least 72 hours ahead even though approvals are usually instant
- •CBP officers may ask about your itinerary and accommodation; have your hotel address and return ticket details ready
- •Customs allows $800 of goods duty-free per person; declare all items honestly — Cuban cigars are NOT permitted to be brought into the US even from third countries (yes, including from Mexico)
- •There is no border control between Florida and the Keys — US-1 is just a highway; the only "passport" you need is for entry into the US itself
- •If you're considering a "Cuba day trip" from Key West: there is currently no passenger ferry, US travel restrictions to Cuba are complex and leisure tourism is technically not authorized for US citizens (12 specific permitted categories)
Shopping
Key West shopping is concentrated on Duval Street and ranges from kitschy T-shirt shops and shell stands to high-quality local art galleries (Key West has a substantial artist community), Cuban cigars, and specialty food (Key lime everything). Bahama Village has crafts and Bahamian-influenced goods. Avoid the cheap "souvenir" shops in favour of the artisan galleries and food specialists.
Duval Street
main shopping streetThe 1.25-mile pedestrian-heavy street has dozens of art galleries, jewellery shops, T-shirt warehouses, Cuban cigar shops, sandal stores (Kino Sandals are the legendary local brand), and specialty boutiques. The northern end (near Mallory) is more touristy; the southern end (toward Southernmost Point) is more artistic.
Known for: Art, T-shirts, Cuban cigars, Kino Sandals, Key lime products
Bahama Village
historic neighbourhoodThe historically Black Bahamian neighbourhood west of Duval has small craft shops, the Bahama Village Market on weekends, and the Caribbean-influenced restaurants and bars (Blue Heaven). Look for Bahamian-style art, conch shell crafts, and locally made jewellery.
Known for: Bahamian crafts, weekend market, local art
Mallory Square / Sponge Market
tourist marketplaceThe waterfront plaza at the end of Duval has the Sponge Market (yes, real natural sponges, harvested from the Florida Keys reef), souvenir kiosks, and the famous sunset celebration vendors. Quality is mixed — choose the natural sponges (a Key West specialty) over the mass-produced trinkets.
Known for: Natural sponges, sunset memorabilia, T-shirts
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Kino Sandals — handmade leather sandals ($14-25) crafted at the Kino factory on Fitzpatrick Street since 1966; iconic Conch footwear and excellent value
- •Cuban cigars (legal Florida-rolled) — Key West has a 150-year cigar-rolling tradition; Rodriguez Cigar Factory and El Original on Duval are the legitimate makers
- •Key lime everything — pie, juice concentrate, marmalade, candy, soap, lip balm; Key Lime Republic and Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe are the standards
- •Conch Republic flag, passport, or T-shirt — buy from the Conch Republic store or any Old Town gift shop; the kitsch is the point
- •Hemingway House cookbook — the home's gift shop has cookbooks, cat-themed merchandise, and signed editions
- •Local art from Duval Street galleries — Wyland Gallery, Lucky Street Gallery, and Stone Soup Gallery feature serious Key West-based artists
Language & Phrases
English is the dominant language in Key West but Spanish is genuinely widely spoken — Key West's Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage runs deep, and a third of restaurant/service workers are bilingual. Bahamian-influenced English (with rolled R's and Caribbean cadence) is heard in Bahama Village among older Conchs. Key West has its own slang vocabulary worth knowing.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Conch (a native Key Wester) | Conch | KONK (silent CH — like the shellfish) |
| A non-native who lives here | Freshwater Conch | fresh-water KONK |
| Hello (Spanish, used colloquially) | Hola | OH-la |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRA-syas |
| Cuban sandwich (the local pronunciation) | Cubano | koo-BAH-no |
| A small Cuban coffee | Cafecito | kah-feh-SEE-toh |
| Cuban-style coffee with milk | Cortadito | kor-tah-DEE-toh |
| "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" (the Margaritaville spirit) | It's 5 o'clock somewhere | a state of mind, not a phrase |
| The Conch Republic motto | We Seceded Where Others Failed | wee se-SEE-ded where uh-thers fayld |
| Goodbye | Adios / Bye now | ah-dee-OHS / by now |
| Where is...? | ¿Dónde está...? | DOHN-deh es-TAH? |
| Cheers! | Salud! | sa-LOOD |
If you like Key West, you'll love…
4 cities with a similar vibe, outside of the same country.
Ireland · OVR 77
easy to live online · eminently walkable core
France · OVR 76
compact, pedestrian-first layout · easy to live online
Puerto Rico · OVR 75
you barely need transit · vibrant after-dark energy
Israel · OVR 77
nomad-ready infrastructure · eminently walkable core