Key West

The southernmost city in the continental United States, famous for its laid-back Caribbean atmosphere, colorful architecture, and vibrant arts scene. Visitors enjoy sunset celebrations, snorkeling, diving, and the historic Ernest Hemingway Home.

Things to do

• Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square — Nightly street performance and celebration where locals and tourists gather to watch the sunset with live music, artists, and vendors.
• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum — Tour the historic house where Hemingway lived and wrote, featuring his original furnishings and the famous six-toed cats roaming the grounds.
• Snorkeling at Coral Reef State Park — Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life just offshore, accessible by boat tour or ferry for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
• Dry Tortugas National Park — Day trip via ferry to this remote fort and pristine waters for world-class snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing 70 miles west of Key West.
• Fort Jefferson — Historic Civil War era fort located within Dry Tortugas offering exploration of military architecture and surrounding crystal-clear waters.
• Key West Butterfly Conservatory — Climate-controlled glass habitat housing hundreds of colorful butterflies from around the world in a peaceful garden setting.
• Duval Street Crawl — Walk the famous mile-long downtown street lined with shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants representing Key West's vibrant culture and nightlife.

Food to try

• Conch Salad — Fresh local conch marinated in lime juice, citrus, and spices served ice-cold, a Bahamian-influenced dish reflecting the Keys' Caribbean heritage.
• Key Lime Pie — The iconic dessert made with sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and tangy Key lime juice in a graham cracker crust, born in Key West.
• Grouper Sandwich — Crispy fried or blackened fresh local grouper served on Cuban bread with tartar sauce, representing quintessential Keys seafood cuisine.
• Stone Crab Claws — Steamed or chilled stone crab claws served with mustard sauce, available October through May during season from local fisheries.
• Jerk Chicken — Caribbean-spiced grilled chicken influenced by the Bahamas and Jamaica, reflecting the island's multicultural culinary traditions.
• Cuban Coffee and Pastelito — Strong espresso with steamed milk paired with a flaky pastry filled with guava paste and cheese, reflecting Key West's Cuban immigrant community.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace the 'island time' pace — Key West operates on a relaxed Caribbean schedule where rushing and formality are discouraged; expect slower service and a focus on enjoyment over efficiency.
• Respect the historic LGBTQ+ community — Key West has been a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ visitors since the 1970s and hosts one of America's largest Pride celebrations; the culture is openly inclusive and celebrated.
• Dress casually and prepare for heat — Lightweight, casual clothing is the norm even in restaurants; sun protection, reef-safe sunscreen, and staying hydrated are essential given the tropical sun and humidity.
• Tip generously in service industries — Key West relies heavily on tourism and service industry workers depend on tips; 18-20% is standard practice at restaurants and bars.