What are the best things to do in Key West?
Top picks in Key West include Duval Street, Southernmost Point Buoy, Mallory Square sunset celebration, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. See the full list and itinerary on this Key West travel guide.
🇺🇸 United States travel guide
North America · North America
Key West Travel Guide
Key West, United States
Photo: Radomianin · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Key West
Travel guide for Key West, United States — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Key West is a stop in United States, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Duval Street, Southernmost Point Buoy, Mallory Square sunset celebration instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 130–270 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures
Weather
Diverse — temperate to subtropical
Experiences
Things to do in Key West
1
Duval Street
2
Southernmost Point Buoy
3
Mallory Square sunset celebration
4
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
5
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
6
Dry Tortugas National Park day trip
7
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
8
Truman Little White House
Budget travel
Free things to do in Key West
Mallory Square sunset celebration
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Dry Tortugas National Park day trip
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Key West itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Fort Zachary Taylor
- Visit Key West AIDS Memorial
- Visit Key West Art and Historical Society Museum
- Eat at Conch Republic
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit McCoy Indigenous Park
- Eat at El Siboney
Budget
Key West trip cost
Budget
USD 60–100
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 130–270
per person / day
Luxury
USD 310–515+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Key West, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Key West
Estimated total (USD)
$3,300
≈ $1,650 per person · $471 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $200/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Key West mid-range ground costs (budget 60–100 · mid 130–270 · luxury 310–515+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Conch Republic
El Siboney
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
Schooner Wharf
A & B Lobster House
Mangia-Mangia Pasta
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Curry Mansion Inn
Doubletree Grand Key Resort
Angelina Guesthouse
At Home In Key West
Atlantis House
Shopping
- Blue
- Bare Bones Beach Shop, inc.
Nightlife
- Bourbon Street Pub
- Captain Tony's Saloon
- Hog's Breath Saloon
- Irish Kevin's Pub
- Rick's/Durty Harry's Entertainment
- Sloppy Joe's Bar
Museums & culture
- Key West Art and Historical Society Museum
In pictures
Key West gallery
Photos: Radomianin, Florida Keys--Public Libraries, Unknown authorUnknown author or not provided, Larry D. Moore, Averette (Marc Averette) — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Key West travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Key West?
Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures.
How many days do I need in Key West?
Plan at least 2 days in Key West for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Key West?
Popular stays in Key West include Curry Mansion Inn, Doubletree Grand Key Resort, Angelina Guesthouse. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Key West cost?
On the ground in Key West (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 60–100 per person per day, mid-range about 130–270, and luxury about 310–515+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Key West, United States. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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