Key West
Travel Guide North America USA Southern United States Florida South Florida Florida Keys Key West
Introduction

Key West
© Utrecht
Key West is a beautiful old city in Florida known for islands and wonderful beaches. It was also home of famous Ernest Hemingway for a while and it is the southwestern terminus of Highway 1. Key West was relatively isolated until 1912, when it was connected to the Florida mainland via the Overseas Railway extension of Henry M. Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway (FEC). The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 destroyed much of the railroad and killed hundreds of residents. The FEC could not afford to restore the railroad. The U.S. government then rebuilt the rail route as an automobile highway, completed in 1938, which became an extension of United States Highway 1. The portion of U.S. 1 through the Keys is called the Overseas Highway.
Modern Key West and the Florida Keys has a Tourist Development Council which collects a surtax on hotel bills to promote more and more tourism in the Keys in an uncontrolled positive feedback loop. Spending a million dollars a month on international travel promotion schemes, the island chain is crowded and expensive. Traffic is slow but the pace is frenetic.
Sights and Activities
- A Key Encounter. A non-profit "museum" that is on the upper level of Clinton Square Market Mall. A Key Encounter features "Nature Theater", a 3 screen movie theater showing the Christian God's creation of the animals and everything He is believed to have made. It also features "The Jungle Walk" that has live animals and animatronic animals including a 22.5 foot stuffed skin of an Anaconda that ate a woman down in Brazil years ago. And "The George M. Kretschmar, Jr. Planetarium". Free.
- Ernest Hemingway House, 907 Whitehead St. 9AM-5PM daily. Hemingway lived and wrote here for a decade. He also raised cats, the descendants of which still roam the grounds and have extra toes. $14.
- Fort Zachary Taylor, 601 Howard England Way (end of Southard Street on Truman Annex), ☎ +1 305 292-0037. 8AM - sundown. The perfect romantic place to cuddle up with someone special, unwind, and watch the sun set as sailboats glide by... all without the crazy circus of Mallory Square. It doesn't get any more romantic in this crowded city. Nature trails, 1866 fort with a real moat, beaches, snack stand. The beach area is the southernmost point in the continental US accessible to the general public, regardless of what the famous buoy at the corner of Whitehead and South Streets says. $2-$4.
- Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front St. A historic retreat used by President Harry S. Truman. Guided tours are available, as well as a gift shop. It's still used as a retreat and place of business by US government officials today. $15.
- Key West AIDS Memorial, White Street and Atlantic Boulevard (on the beach). The City of Key West has lost more than a thousand of its citizens to the AIDS epidemic. Some of their names are inscribed on a memorial near the White Street Pier. The memorial is embedded in the sidewalk near the ocean, and made of flat smooth granite. The memorial was dedicated on World AIDS Day in 1997, and funded entirely through private sources. At the time of dedication, there were 730 names engraved on the memorial. There are spaces for 1,500 names, and each year more are added and dedicated in a ceremony, also on World AIDS Day in December. A group called Friends of the Key West AIDS Memorial takes care of the memorial. Free.
- Key West Art and Historical Society Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd, ☎ +1 305 296-3913. 9:30AM to 4:30PM. Visitors can explore the preserved battlement’s collection of relics from the Civil War, learn about the wrecking and cigar-manufacturing industries which shaped the Florida Keys, view the unique folk art of Mario Sanchez and the imaginative metal sculptures of Stanley Papio, as well as meet the Ghosts of East Martello, including the infamous Robert the Doll. The building, formerly the Fort East Martello, is on the National Register of Historic Places $9.
- Key West City Cemetery. In Key West, burial customs reflect combinations of African, Hispanic, Anglo and other mixed heritages. Due to the water table of the Keys, most burials are in above ground tombs. Grave markers with unusual inscriptions such as I told you I was sick, Devoted Fan of Julio Iglesias and At Least I know where he's sleeping tonight are not unusual. Cemetery maps are available at the front gate.
- Key West Lighthouse, 938 Whitehead St. Daily from 9:30AM-4:30PM. With a panoramic view of the island. Adults $10, Students/Seniors $9, Children $5, under 6 free.
- McCoy Indigenous Park. Free.
- Shipwreck Museum, 1 Whitehead St, ☎ +1 305 292-8990, fax: +1 305 292-1617. Offers a panoramic view of the island from its observation tower.
- Southernmost Point (Corner of Whitehead and South Streets). A "buoy" (actually an old sewer junction painted to look like a buoy) placed at this point contains a claim that it is the southernmost point in the continental USA, but the claim is inaccurate. The true southernmost point of Florida is on Ballast Key, a privately owned island about 9 miles (14 km) from Key West which includes signage prohibiting unauthorized visitors. The marker is also not the southernmost point on Key West island, a private yard is immediately southeast of the buoy, and the island's true southernmost point is in the Truman Annex west of the buoy, which is U.S. Navy property and can be entered only by authorized Navy personnel. The buoy isn't even the southernmost point that can be accessed by the public, that would be the beach area of Fort Zachary Taylor (see above). Nonetheless, it's one of the city's most visited and photographed spots. Free.
- Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys, Atlantic Boulevard and White Streets. This rescue operation has released more than 2,000 healed animals into the wild since 1993. They take care of any animal that needs attention, from sea birds to raccoons, and at any given time you might see up to 100 creatures healing at the center. They come from all over, from the Seven Mile bridge to the Dry Tortugas. You can visit the patients any day from 9AM to 5PM, and the park is open sunup to sundown. It's free, but they like donations and volunteers.
Events and Festivals
Holidays
- New Year’s Eve - The US celebrates the outgoing of the old year and incoming of the New Year quite dramatically. Every state boasts its own parties to ring in the New Year, but none is more extravagant than New York’s Time Square, which sees people overflowing into the neighboring restaurants, bars, parks, beaches, and neighborhoods.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King's birthday, January 15. The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21. King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.
- St Patrick’s Day - March 17 celebrates the US’s large Irish population. Many cities around the country boast boisterous parades and Irish-themed parties, especially New York and Chicago, where the river is dyed green. Be wary of the drunkenness that dominates as this is definitely a party-day.
- Memorial Day - Memorial Day is an important holiday throughout the United States, but not for crazy festivities. Parades commemorating wartime heroes are often held and the day is also the ‘unofficial’ start of summer. Most visitors follow the crowds to parks and beaches, which are capped off with informal BBQs.
- Independence Day - Also known as the Fourth of July, Independence Day celebrates the US’s break from the British during the 18th century. Barbecues, street parties, beach trips, and weekend getaways are commonplace to appreciate freedom.
- Labor Day is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country. It is the Monday of the long weekend known as Labor Day Weekend. It is recognized as a federal holiday. Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor.
- Halloween - Halloween is a fun holiday on October 31 for all generations to dress up in costumes and relive their youth. Children walk around the neighborhood trick-or-treating for candy, while adults attend parties. Other seasonal events include haunted houses, pumpkin farms and carving, and corn mazes.
- Thanksgiving - On the fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving is held in almost every home in the US. Tourists will have a hard time finding anything to do as the country essentially shuts down in observation. A typical Thanksgiving meal consists of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie commemorating the original Pilgrim’s feast at Plymouth Rock.
- Christmas - On December 25, Christians celebrate Christmas as the pinnacle of their calendar by attending church and opening gifts from Santa Claus. Almost everything shuts down to promote family togetherness. The northern regions hope to experience a “white Christmas,” with trees and festive lights blanketed by snow.
Sport
- Super Bowl Sunday - the world’s most watched sporting event and one of the highest grossing TV days of the year, Superbowl Sunday is a spectacular extravaganza. Held the first Sunday in February, the Superbowl is the final playoff game between the NFL’s top two teams. The venue rotates every year around America, yet the local parties seem to remain. Pubs, bars and restaurants are great places to enjoy the Superbowl or locals throw their own parties with different variations of betting.
- The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America, contested since 1903 between the American League (AL) champion team and the National League (NL) champion team. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff, and the winning team is awarded the Commissioner's Trophy. As the series is played during the fall season in North America, it is sometimes referred to as the Fall Classic.
Weather
Key West claims to be the only city in the lower 48 states to have never had a frost or a snowfall. Because of the proximity of the Gulf Stream in the Straits of Florida, about 12 miles (19 km) south and southeast, and the tempering effects of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and north, Key West has a notably mild, tropical climate.
Precipitation is characterized by dry and wet seasons. The period of November through April receives abundant sunshine and slightly less than 25 percent of the annual rainfall. This rainfall usually occurs in advance of cold fronts in a few heavy or light showers. May through October is normally the wet season, receiving approximately 53 percent of the yearly total in numerous showers and thunderstorms. Rain falls on most days of the wet season. Early morning is the favored time for these showers, which is different from mainland Florida, where showers and thunderstorms usually occur in the afternoon. Easterly (tropical) waves during this season occasionally bring excessive rainfall, while infrequent hurricanes may be accompanied by unusually heavy amounts. At any rate, Key West is the driest city in Florida. Summer is generally a few degrees cooler than the interior due to the moderating effects of the water, and with tropical breezes is a welcome relief from the interior's scorching temperatures.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avg Max | 23.8 °C | 24.1 °C | 25.9 °C | 27.6 °C | 29.5 °C | 30.9 °C | 31.7 °C | 31.8 °C | 31.1 °C | 29.1 °C | 26.7 °C | 24.5 °C |
Avg Min | 18.3 °C | 18.7 °C | 20.6 °C | 22.3 °C | 24.5 °C | 25.8 °C | 26.4 °C | 26.3 °C | 25.8 °C | 24.2 °C | 21.8 °C | 19.3 °C |
Rainfall | 51.1 mm | 45.7 mm | 43.4 mm | 44.4 mm | 87.9 mm | 129.3 mm | 91.7 mm | 127.8 mm | 148.6 mm | 112.3 mm | 72.1 mm | 51.3 mm |
Rain Days | 4.5 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 2.8 | 5.8 | 9.4 | 8.3 | 11.1 | 12.1 | 8.3 | 4.9 | 4.5 |
Getting There
By Plane
Key West International Airport (EYW) on Key West is connected to many Florida cities and further beyond. It is located 3.9 mi (6.3 km) southeast of downtown at 3491 S Roosevelt Blvd (FL A1A). The airport terminal is accessed from S Roosevelt Blvd along Faraldo Circle (its own access road). Fares tend to be higher than to and from the large metropolitan airports. A popular alternative is to fly into Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale International Airport, rent a vehicle and drive down the Overseas Highway (US Hwy 1) to Key West (See "By car" in the below). Likewise you may also catch a ride with Keys Shuttle from Miami International and Ft Lauderdale International Airports to your hotel or to any address in Key West and anywhere in the Keys. Call them to schedule pick-up for the return trip back to Miami or Ft Lauderdale (see "By bus" in the below).
Car rental, although unnecessary in small Key West, is available from Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, and Thrifty. Alamo, Enterprise, and National have offices off site, with a free shuttle from the Airport. Parking on Key West can be a challenge in terms of the number of available spaces, and the size of spaces, so smaller cars are popular selections.
By Car
The Overseas Highway terminates in Key West, and links all the towns in the Keys with mainland Florida and links into the US Interstate network. Driving to Key West is straightforward (3 1/2 hours from Miami) and scenic with ocean vistas but driving around town is difficult and parking is expensive.
- From Miami International Airport: Take LeJeune Road south to 836 West. Follow the Florida Turnpike south toward Key West. The Turnpike ends at US 1 in Florida City. Follow U.S. 1 south as far as it goes and you will be in Key West.
- From Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport: Exit the airport and follow the signs for 595 West. Take 595 to the Florida Turnpike and follow the signs for the Florida Keys and Key WEST.
- From the north: take the Florida Turnpike south and follow the signs for Homestead and Key West. The Florida Turnpike ends at US 1 in Florida City.Follow U.S. 1 south into the Florida Keys.
- From Florida's West Coast: take 1-75 Alligator Alley east to the Miami exit, and south to the Turnpike Extension.
By Bus
Public Buses, The Lower Keys Shuttle operated by Key West Transit provides 9 daily trips between MM 0 in Key West and MM 53.5 (Sadowski & US Hwy 1) in Marathon Key. Cost is $4 for the Lower Keys Shuttle. At MM50 (at Sombrero Beach Rd), you transfer to Miami-Dade bus route 301 Dade/Monroe Express for onwarad service to Florida City (via MM 74 in Islamorada; MM 87 in Tavernier; and MM 98 in Key Largo). The Dade/Monroe bus operates 10 times daily between 7:30am and 11:00pm from Marathon and more frequent from Islamorada. In Florida City transfer to the #38 bus (Busway/Max)to the Dadeland South Metrorail Station where you catch the Metrorail train into Miami. The Dade/Monroe express costs $2.65 each way. Official Key West page on cross keys transit options.
Greyhound, 3535 S Roosevelt, Suite #104 (At airport), ☎ +1 305 296-9072, toll-free: 1 800 231-2222. Buses serve Key West with two departures per day from Miami and Miami International Airport, stopping at Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo in the Keys en route. Journey time is around four and a half hours. Passengers transfer in Miami to continue to other destinations. OW fares to Miami starting from $9.
Miami Info Tours, (Company Office) 2401 Collins Ave Suite #C3; Miami Beach, FL 33140, ☎ +1 305-894-6409. Travel from Miami or Miami Beach to Key West. Hotel pick-up is available from select Miami Beach Hotels and Downtown Miami. Bus Service is available 365 days a year, and rates start from $69.00 for round-trip.
Miami to Key West Bus, ☎ +1 305 423-9045. Motorcoach transportation services and escorted tours to Key West from Miami. (updated Sep 2017 | edit)
Keys Shuttle, ☎ +1 305 289-9997, toll-free: +1-888-765-9997. The company provides door-to-door service between to the Keys from the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airports (and vice versa).
By Boat
- Key West Express, (Terminal) 100 Grinnell St (Grinnell St & Mustin), ☎ +1 239 463-5733. Daily high-speed passenger ferries from Ft. Myers Beach and Marco Island. The ferries dock at the Key West Bight Ferry Terminal. The ferry ride takes approximately 3.5 hours and the Ft. Myers Beach vessels have a capacity exceeding 300 passengers and amenities aboard include; out-door sundecks, flat-screen TV's, galley service and a full bar.
- Private Boaters - Experienced boaters can navigate to Key West along the Atlantic side of the Keys or by traveling on the Gulf of Mexico side. The first part of the trip takes you through the specially-marked Intracoastal Waterway. After Long Key, however, international markers apply. Consult the appropriate Coast Pilot and Light List manuals. Numerous marinas are waiting to entertain you, but you should make reservations ahead. If sailing in from foreign ports in the Caribbean be sure to contact 4 US Custom Border Protection to determine where to sail into prior to travel. Their Key West office is at 301 Simonton St, Simonton & Caroline St in downtown.
- Cruise Ships - In 1969 the Port of Key West received its first regularly scheduled cruise ship. The three docking facilities -- Mallory Square Dock, Pier B (privately owned by Westin), and the Navy Mole -- service over half a million passengers a year. A schedule indicating when a particular cruise ship will be calling on Key West is available at the Port Office and online. See the online docking calendar or the respective website of a particular cruise line.
Getting Around
With many narrow and one-way streets, driving Key West is difficult and parking is expensive. Many visitors choose to rent motor scooters, bicycles, golf carts, explore on foot or use public transportation. When renting a golf cart keep in mind that you have to find parking for this vehicle as well. Scooters and bikes can normally be parked on the sidewalk right outside your destination.
By Car
If you plan to rent a car be aware that the Enterprise and Alamo desks are not located at the airport. You have to call the shuttle bus and wait for 12 minutes to catch a ride to the Truman Ave location. Budget is the only car rental agency in Key West that does not charge additional fees (usually $10/day from anyone else) for a second driver. Renting a car is more necessary if you plan to travel extensively or point to point in different parts of the Florida Keys then if you're staying exclusively on Key West where you won't need a car at all. If your lodgings are in Old Town you can more easily walk or bike to all the attractions.
Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.
For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.
By Public Transport
Key West Transit offers a fairly comprehensive bus system for local travel in and around Key West and up to MM 53 on Marathon Key in the Lower Keys.
For taxi you may contact One Key West at +1 305-295-5555 to arrange for a pick-up or a ride share service such as Uber or Lyft.
Taxis and ride share services are plentiful and affordable.
Eat
- Conch Republic, 631 Greene St. Enjoy their spacious waterfront setting where the atmosphere is like a trip back in time to the way Key West used to be. Enjoy fresh fish and a raw bar. Feel like you are dining outside with the large windows that remain open during the day. A great place for a drink & some snacks specially during football season.
- El Siboney, 900 Catherine St, ☎ +1 305 296-4184. This Cuban restaurant, tucked into a quiet residential intersection, flies well below the tourist radar. Delicious food at very reasonable prices. To sum it up, this is where the locals go for Cuban.
- Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, 500 Duval St, ☎ +1 305 292-1435. Key West is pretty close to paradise, so you might as well have a cheeseburger while you're there. Prices are kind of high: 11 bucks for a Cheeseburger in Paradise.
- Schooner Wharf, Caroline Street. A surprising choice for breakfast, this rough and ready landmark has a three-egg seafood omelette that, coupled with a bloody mary or two, will shock you back to life from a throw down night on Duval.
- A & B Lobster House, 700 Front St. The main dishes are mid-range in price, and paired with great tasting appetizers and salads it will be hard to forget your meal here. While Key West is warm and the porch may seem like a good idea make sure the ladies have jackets. It is right on the water and with the fans on high blast it can get a little chilly.
- Mangia-Mangia Pasta, 900 Southard St, ☎ +1 305 294-2469. Every day 5:30PM-10PM.
- El Meson de Pepe, 410 Wallstreet (Mallory Square), ☎ +1 305 295-2620. If you want authentic, delicious Cuban food look nor further. I have been visiting this place for about the last 5 years when I drive down to Key West. Be ready for a special treat on the days that Pepe himself takes over the kitchen and creates his delectable masterpieces. The prices are very reasonable and their Mojitos have a kick. Everynight at Sunset, they have a band playing and enough space for dancing and having a couple of drinks at the bar.
- Roof Top Cafe. Exactly what the names suggest, this is a restaurant situated on the roof top of a building. Overlooking Mallory square this place is perfect for dining during sunset or under the stars. As well as dinner they also serve Breakfast and lunch. Nothing is too expensive and the food is of good quality.
8 The Half Shell Raw Bar, Margaret St, ☎ +1 305 294-7496 231. A Taste of Old Key West! Traditional Key West Raw Bar & great Key West seafood restaurant! Oysters, clams, shrimp, more! A low key restaurant for casual lunch or dinner. Settle down to an informal atmosphere, local characters, great bar and waterfront dining. It's a little piece of Old Key West on the historic Key West Bight. Drop in! Enjoy a frosty drink and the freshest seafood this side of the reef!
- Upper Crust restaurant. A local favorite right on Duval Street next door to Antonia's, they serve what is called "not your average pizza." Unlike other pizzerias, this place serves very thin crust pizza that can be made with or without tomato sauce. Also serves salads and even a few types of sea food as well.
- Nine One Five, 915 Duval St. Dinner served from 6PM-11PM. With weather so nice you want to spend as much time outside as possible. So why not take your dining outside.or as close as possible? Join others on the porch of this dignified Victorian home. Similar to tapas dining, everything is intended to be shared and mixed and matched.
- Seven Fish, Truman Avenue at Packer Street, ☎ +1 305 296-2777. This mod-style restaurant has good seafood and a large colorful aquarium. The staff is intelligent and polite. The fish dishes are usually fresh and innovative. Reservations a must.
- Square One, 1075 Duval St # C12, ☎ +1 305 296-4300. They serve breakfast lunch dinner and even Sunday brunch. The menu is very similar to many other restaurants. A lot of fish and seafood. A lot of "tropical' flavors and many fruits are included in the ingredients of their dishes.
- Louie's Backyard, 700 Waddell Ave. This high-end establishment sells "dining with a view," and this is what you get because food is unremarkable.
Drink
- Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval St, ☎ +1 305 294-9354. Part of the gay-oriented Bourbon St. Complex on the 700 block of Duval.
- Captain Tony's Saloon, 428 Greene St. Ernest Hemingway's old stomping grounds. Pirate's Punch in a 22 oz cup.
- Fat Tuesdays, 305 Duval St, ☎ +1 305 296-9373. So you're not in New Orleans.who says that means you can't have Mardi Gras! Featured on MTV's Real World Key West here it is Mardi Gras everyday.
- Hog's Breath Saloon, 400 Front St, ☎ +1 305 292-2032, e-mail: [email protected]. Take a peek at the "hog cam" on their website.
- Irish Kevin's Pub, 211-C Duval St, ☎ +1 305 292-1262. Webcams here, too. Can be a lively place at times.
- Rick's/Durty Harry's Entertainment, 202 Duval St, e-mail: [email protected]. Club w/ 6 different venues & 10 bars. Live entertainment, VIP bar overlooking the action, famous juice & premium spirits bar, dance club, adult entertainment, & live Rock & Roll!
- Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St, ☎ +1 305 294-8759. Ernest Hemingway's "new" stomping grounds. Sloppy Joe's used to sit at the current location of Captain Tony's, but the landlord raised the rent on the owner back in 1937. Legend has it that upon hearing the news, the bar owner and his customers (including Hemingway) moved the bar, barstools, alcohol, etc. across Duval Street to a former restaurant - its current location.
- Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead St, ☎ +1 305 294-6133. The last (or first, depending on your direction of travel) bar on US 1. Not your typical trop-rock bar, the Green Parrot leans more toward blues. Great bands, and an unbelievable selection of blues on the jukebox. Just remember, no snivelers.
- Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St, ☎ +1 305 294-3302. A last little piece of Old Key West, Schooner Wharf is an open air bar that sits on the Key West Bight. Grab a brew and watch the yachts.
- Finnegans Wake, 320 Grinnell St. Celebrate life in true Irish Style.
- Bogarts Irish Pub, 900 - 904 Duval St, ☎ +1 305 296-0815. An Irish pub and restaurant attached to a bed and breakfast located right on Duval Street. Daily happy hour specials offered as well as great Irish food. Come in and say hi and enjoy a nice cold pint.
Sleep
- Angelina Guesthouse, 302 Angela St, ☎ +1 305 294-4480. Check-out: 11AM. Clean rooms, shared and private baths, pool, complimentary breakfast, wi-fi. Friendly and helpful staff knowledgeable of the city. $77+.
- At Home In Key West, 905 Truman Ave, ☎ +1 305 296-7975, toll-free: +1-888-374-7975. Villa and condo rentals in the historic Old Town.
- Atlantis House, 1401 Atlantic Blvd (1 block from the White Street Pier), ☎ +1 305 292-1532. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. 40 yds from the Atlantic Ocean and Rest Beach. Beautiful landscaping with only 2 private Jacuzzi Suites. Complimentary Wi-Fi, off-street parking and bikes. $149-$275.
- Casablanca Bed and Breakfast (Bogarts Irish Pub), 900 - 904 Duval St, ☎ +1 305 296-0815. Family run bed and breakfast located right on Duval Street just steps away from Old Town. Swimming pool and restaurant/bar located on the premises. Each room has its own private porch and private bathroom. Family friendly.
- Crowne Plaza La Concha, 430 Duval St, ☎ +1 305 296-2991. Built in 1926 and home of Key West's highest sunset celebration.
- Curry Mansion Inn, 511 Caroline St, toll-free: +1-800-253-3466. A small hotel just steps from Duval on Caroline, plenty of free parking, open bar cocktail party with piano player every afternoon, breakfast buffet with cooked to order eggs.
- Doubletree Grand Key Resort, 3990 South Roosevelt Blvd, toll-free: +1-888-844-0454, e-mail: [email protected]. The newest resort-style property among luxury Key West hotels. This place has a good rooftop view of the water. However, book early as the place is popular and there is limited space available.
- Douglas House, 419 Amelia St, ☎ +1 305 294-5269, e-mail: [email protected]. This hotel offers a pool-side setting with swimming pool and heated jacuzzi, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
- Eden House, 1015 Fleming St (In Old Town), ☎ +1 305 296-6868. Key West's original guest house. Fully renovated, lush grounds.
- Garden House Inn, 329 Elizabeth St (parking across st. at church for $10/day), toll-free: +1-800-695-6453. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A fun and relaxed B&B, with 10 rooms, all with private baths. Amenities include a heated lagoon style pool with spa jets and a cascading waterfall, surrounded by tropical gardens that weave throughout the inn grounds. Along with a nightly happy hour, a continental breakfast is available each morning. $149 - 299.
- Heron House Bed & Breakfast, 512 Simonton St, ☎ +1 305 294-9227, toll-free: +1-888-861-9066. In the heart of the historic district, 23-room bed and breakfast. Complimentary breakfast is served in the mornings and a wine and cheese tasting each night.
- Historic Key West Inns, 725 Truman Ave, ☎ +1 305-294-5229, toll-free: +1-800-549-4430, e-mail: [email protected]. Offers 6 different boutique hotel options in the Old Town.
- Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa, 601 Front St (One block from Duval Street). Newly renovated. Intimate resort with casually elegant Floridian touches, combined with sumptuous, rich fabrics and stunning ocean views. Private marina to fish, scuba, snorkel, parasail, waverunners, or sail on the “Floridays,” the resort's 60-foot Irwin sailboat which offers daily sunset cruises and private charter trips. Exercise studio, private beach, pool with oversized whirlpool. Indoor and outdoor dining is available at two restaurants, where guests can watch the sunset.
- The Inn at Key West, 3420 N. Roosevelt Blvd (US 1). Accommodations feature a king or double queen size beds some with oversized bathrooms. Freshwater pool, tiki bar and poolside restaurant.
- Island City House Hotel, 411 William St, ☎ +1 305 294-5702. Charming and historical hotel offering 24 suites for lodging outside of Old Town.
Key West Bed and Breakfast, 415 William St, toll-free: +1-800-438-6155. This three-story Victorian in the heart of old town is full of color and art.
- The Marker Resort Key West, 200 William St (On the seaport), toll-free: +1-855-969-3206. Waterfront resort offering spacious accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary parking and three tree-lined pools.
- Ocean's Edge Key West, 5950 Peninsular Avenue (Stock Island neighborhood), ☎ +1 305-809-8204, toll-free: +1-877-935-0862, e-mail: [email protected]. Deep-water access, an onsite marina, onsite access to fishing charters and six oceanfront pools. Oceanfront rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows with full ocean view and a private balcony. Also features seafood dining at the onsite Yellowfin Bar & Grill.
- Pelican Landing of Key West, 915 Eishenhower Dr, ☎ +1 305 296-0500, e-mail: [email protected]. Complete with rooms, suites, retreats and penthouses, this lovely building has an enjoyable pool, a free boat slip when you check in (subject to availability), maid service, friendly staff, and beautiful decor. The boat slip is a manatee area: Feel free to search and see the beautiful animal, but be careful not to harm them. There is free parking and free bike racks. Elegant flowers grow in the gardens along with the palm trees. Prices range from $150-$550/per night.
- Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa, One Duval St (On the corner of Duval and the Gulf of Mexico), ☎ +1 305 296-4600, toll-free: +1-800-327-8340. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 11:00. Pier House completed an 11 million dollar renovation in 2008. Elegant accommodations, lush gardens, a private beach, a selection of restaurants and bars, a full-service spa.
- Reach Resort, 1435 Simonton St (in Old Town), ☎ +1 305 296-5000, toll-free: +1-888-318-4316. With the only natural beach on the island as a backyard, this hotel is a block away from Duval Street.
- Key West Bayside Inn & Suites, 3444 N. Roosevelt Blvd, ☎ +1 305 296-7593.
There is no camping in Key West, but you can find expensive campgrounds outside the City limits on Stock Island. Within Key West itself, parking is very limited and RV's are generally discouraged, so your best shot is to stay somewhere outside the city and drive a smaller vehicle into town.
- Boyds Key West Campground, 6401 Maloney Ave, ☎ +1 305 294-1465.
- El Mar RV Resort, 6700 Maloney Ave, ☎ +1 305 294-0857.
- Leo's Campground & RV Park, 5236 Suncrest Rd, ☎ +1 305 296-5260.
There are a few more a little ways up the Keys that cater to RVs. The number of campsites are limited, so try not to be too shocked by the prices. Make your reservations well in advance six months to a year so you are sure to get your spot. You will notice the use of "MM" or "Mile Marker" in the addresses. This is how US 1 is marked. MM 0 is in Old town Key West and the beginning of US 1. The numbers go up, so you can tell just how far an address is from Key West.
- Bluewater Key - Clark's RV Lot Rentals, Mile Marker 14.3, Sugarloaf, ☎ +1 305 744-0999.
- Bluewater Key RV Resort, MM 14.3 U.S. 1 Sugarloaf Key, ☎ +1 305 745-2494.
- Geiger Key Marina and RV Park, 5 Geiger Rd, Big Coppitt Key, ☎ +1 305 296-3553.
- Sugarloaf Key Resort KOA Kampground, MM 20 Summerland Key, ☎ +1 305 745-3549, toll-free: +1-800-562-7731.
Keep Connected
Internet
There is a very small internet bar/cafe culture in the USA. Even then most of the internet bars/cafes tend be located in major urban centers. Accessible WiFi networks, however, are common. The most generally useful WiFi spots are in coffee shops, fast-food chains, and bookshops, but also restaurants and hotels more and more have a network to connect on. Some of them might require you to buy something and you might need a password too, especially in hotels.
Phone
See also International Telephone Calls
The general emergency phone number is 911. The USA has a great landline phone system that is easy to use. The country code for the U.S. is +1. The rest of the telephone number consists of 10 digits: a 3-digit area code, and a 7-digit number. Any small grocery store or pharmacy has pre paid domestic or international phone cards. These phone cards are very cheap and offer good rates. The once ubiquitous pay phone is now much harder to find. Likely locations include in or near stores and restaurants, and near bus stops. The cellphone network in the states is slowly getting better but is still not as good when compared to other western countries. Cell phones tend to operate using different frequencies (850 MHz and 1900 MHz) from those used elsewhere in the world (2100 MHz). This used to prevent most foreign phones from working in America. Phones must be tri- or quad-band to work in the U.S. Fortunately, technology has meant that most phones should now be able to pick up one of the U.S. networks. Prepaid phones and top-up cards can be purchased at mobile phone boutiques and at many discount, electronics, office supply and convenience stores. A very basic handset with some credit can be had for under $40.
Post
The US Postal Service is a very good and well priced mail system. There are post offices in every small and large town for sending packages internationally or domestically. Although some might keep longer hours, most are open at least between 9:00am and 5:00pm. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. First-class international airmail postcards and letters (up 28.5 grams) cost $1.10. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS, TNT and DHL, which might be better value sometimes and are generally very quick and reliable too.
Accommodation in Key West
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This is version 25. Last edited at 10:04 on Jun 14, 19 by Utrecht. 8 articles link to this page.
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