Plan a spring trip to Key West. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Key West — TL;DR
Key West has a long history of attracting people to fish, write, carouse, and rejuvenate, with famous residents including Ernest Hemingway, John J. Audubon, and Tennessee Williams.
Key West at a glance
What are the best things to do in Key West? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Key West trip feel like more than a checklist.
How many days do you need in Key West? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Key West — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a…
When is the best time to visit Key West? December to April offers the most comfortable weather, avoiding hurricane season and peak summer humidity.
Where should I stay in Key West for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
How do you get around Key West? Key West rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network.
Key West overview
December to April offers the most comfortable weather, avoiding hurricane season and peak summer humidity.
Key West's Old Town, including Duval Street, is compact and entirely walkable, with bicycles a popular alternative.
US Dollar (USD)
English. Spanish is widely spoken.
EST (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Key West's Duval Street nightlife continues to light up with vibrant bars and iconic saloons featuring live music from local talents playing island tunes to rock and blues, with happy hour spots like Martin's, Boat House, and Half Shell Raw Bar repeatedly highlighted for their deals and ambiance.
Where to eat, drink & do in Key West
Key West neighborhoods
Duval Street World-famous for restaurants and bars, offering locally caught seafood and ethnic flavours.
Old Town The historic heart of Key West, home to Hemingway's residence and the Marquesa Hotel.
Sunset Key Home to Latitudes, famous for romantic sunset dinners.
Practical info for Key West
Getting around in Key West? Key West's Old Town, including Duval Street, is compact and entirely walkable, with bicycles a popular alternative.
When to go in Key West? December to April offers the most comfortable weather, avoiding hurricane season and peak summer humidity.
What's changing now in Key West? Key West's Duval Street nightlife continues to light up with vibrant bars and iconic saloons featuring live music from local talents playing island tunes to rock and blues, with happy hour spots like Martin's, Boat House, and Half Shell Raw
Seek out Sunset Key's Latitudes in Key West? A restaurant reachable by boat on Sunset Key, offering a quieter, more romantic counterpoint to Duval Street's bustle.
Base yourself in Duval Street in Key West? World-famous for restaurants and bars, offering locally caught seafood and ethnic flavours. Known for famous street, nightlife.
Frequently asked questions about Key West
What are the best things to do in Key West? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Key West trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Key West tends to reward.
How many days do you need in Key West? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Key West — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
When is the best time to visit Key West? December to April offers the most comfortable weather, avoiding hurricane season and peak summer humidity.
Where should I stay in Key West for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
How do you get around Key West? Key West rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network. Rideshare and taxis fill the gaps for late-night moves or trips outside the centre.