Key West
America's southernmost city — Hemingway bars, snorkelling reefs, and the most laid-back vibe in the U.S.
Overview
Key West is like nowhere else in America. A tiny island at the end of the Florida Keys, it has the atmosphere of a Caribbean town with the practicality of a U.S. port. Duval Street is legendary — stretching from the Atlantic to the Gulf, lined with bars, restaurants, and galleries. The coral reef offshore is the third-largest in the world. And Hemingway's house, the Southernmost Point buoy, and the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square are all walking distance from the pier.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Climate
- Subtropical. Warm and sunny. Mild winters. Hurricane season June–November.
- Best Months
- November–May
- Pier to Town
- Cruise ships dock at Mallory Square or Pier B — both are immediately in the heart of Old Town.
Top Beaches
Smathers Beach
Key West's longest beach — calm Gulf water, 2 miles from Duval Street. Good for paddleboarding.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach
The best swimming beach. $4 entry. Rocky seabed good for snorkelling — bring your own gear.
Higgs Beach
Local favourite. Calm water, volleyball courts, great for people-watching.
Must Eat
Key Lime Pie
Non-negotiable. The authentic version is pale yellow (not green), tart, and dense. Try Kermit's or Blue Heaven.
Conch Chowder
Creamy, peppery, and loaded with fresh conch at Half Shell Raw Bar on the harbour.
Cuban Coffee
Key West has a strong Cuban heritage — cafecito (sweet espresso) at any Cuban café for $1.50.
💡 DIY Tip
Everything in Key West is walkable from the pier. Duval Street, the Hemingway House ($20), the Southernmost Point, and Mallory Square are all within 15 minutes on foot. Rent a beach cruiser bike ($15/day) to cover more ground faster.
🚢 Ship Excursion Verdict
Key West is the ultimate DIY port — everything is walkable. The only excursion worth booking is a glass-bottom boat reef tour or a snorkel trip to the coral reef offshore. Skip all city/historical tours; just walk.