Answers to the most common questions about Key West
As the official Key West Travel Guide, we receive many often-asked questions about Key West. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions with concise answers.
History
Parking
The small island of Key West can be a challenge for drivers looking for parking. Pay parking lots, both private and public, are available throughout the historic district known as “Old Town.” Many public streets have metered parking, as well. Neighborhood streets have street parking, but many spaces are designated “Resident Only” and visitors must not park in these or risk being ticketed.
More detailed parking information can be found here
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- Do not park in spaces marked “Resident Only,” unless you have a City of Key West Residential Parking Permit, available only to residents of Key West.
- Pay parking meters as per instructions on meters and electronic pay stations.
- Recreational vehicles (RV’s), buses, and campers over 20-feet may not be parked on city streets.
- Boats may not park on city streets.
- Cars may not occupy the same parking space for more than 3-days in a row.
- Parking regulations are enforced every day from 8am until midnight.
- More detailed parking information can be found here.
There is free street parking on many residential Key West streets, although they are usually occupied as free parking is generally scarce. However, do not park in the “Resident Only” parking spaces, each of which is clearly marked.
More detailed parking information can be found here
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Travel Questions
There are numerous options to get to Key West from Miami.
- Drive: the distance is approximately 160 miles and, without traffic, normally takes 3 hours. Use caution on the Overseas Highway, obey speed limits, and only pass other vehicles where permitted.
- Fly: American Airlines offers daily non-stop, direct service between Miami (MIA) and Key West (EYW) airports. Direct flight time is typically 45 minutes. Delta and United offer non-direct service between these airports.
- Bus: Greyhound and GO Bus offer affordable daily service between Miami and Key West airports.
- Shuttle: Keys Shuttle offers daily service between Miami and Key West, with six departures each day.
There are numerous options to get to Key West from Fort Lauderdale.
- Drive: the distance is approximately 187 miles and, without traffic, normally takes 4 hours. Use caution on the Overseas Highway, obey speed limits, and only pass other vehicles where permitted.
- Fly: Silver and United Airlines offers daily non-stop, direct service between Fort Lauderdale (MIA) and Key West (EYW) airports. Direct flight time is typically 1 hour. Delta, Jet Blue, and American Airlines offer non-direct service between these airports.
- Bus: Greyhound and GO Bus offer affordable daily service between Fort Lauderdale and Key West airports.
- Shuttle: Keys Shuttle offers daily service between Fort Lauderdale and Key West, with six departures each day.
There are numerous options to get to Key West from Tampa.
- Drive: the distance is approximately 430 miles and, without traffic, normally takes 7.5 hours. Use caution on the Overseas Highway, obey speed limits, and only pass other vehicles where permitted.
- Fly: Silver and United Airlines offers daily non-stop, direct service between Tampa (TPA) and Key West (EYW) airports. Direct flight time is typically 1 hour 20 minutes. Delta and American airlines offer non-direct service between these airports.
- Bus: Greyhound daily service between Tampa and Key West airports, but be aware that trip times are very long – at least 15 hours.
Since the island of Key West is relatively tiny, the first step in planning a trip to Key West is to secure a hotel reservation. Choices range from luxury resorts to quaint B&B’s. Next, we suggest you find a flight to a South Florida airport. Options include flying directly into Key West (EYW), or alternatively and usually more affordably, one of the regional airports (Fort Lauderdale (FLL), or Miami (MIA)) and drive down from there. Last, make reservations for activities you would like to experience on your vacation. Many activities sell-out in advance, especially trips to theDry Tortugas National Park.
Yes, you can get to Key West by car via the Overseas Highway, a roadway that was originally built for trains a century ago. Part of US Highway 1, this two-lane road spans the Florida Keys for 113-miles and crosses 42 bridges and is considered one of the most memorable drives in the United States. Typical driving times: Miami to Key West – 3 hours; Fort Lauderdale to Key West – 4 hours. Please obey speed limits, especially in the Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine and nearby islands (from mile markers 29 to 35). Also, drive defensively and do NOT pass except where permitted.
More information about where Key West is located, including maps
In general, you don’t need to rent a car in Key West, especially if you are staying in Old Town, the historic district, where most everything you’ll want to see will be within walking distance. Plus, parking in Key West is a challenge. Even if you don’t stay in Old Town, taxis, ride-share services (Uber & Lyft), rental bicycles, and city bus service make it easy to get around the small island.
Key West cab and taxi fares are regulated by the City of Key West and are as follows:
- Meter rates: $2.95 for the first 1/5th of a mile; $0.70 for additional 1/5’s of a mile; $0.70 for 50 seconds of wait time
- Zone charges (4 or more passengers): Zone 1: $3.50; Zone 2: $4.50; Zone 3: $5.00; Zone 4: $6.50
- Airport rates (multiple passengers): Zone 1 (South of White Street) $9.00/pp; Zone 2 (White Street to Kennedy Ave) $8.00/pp; Zone 3 (North of Kennedy Ave) $7.00/pp; Zone 4 (Stock Island) $8.00/pp
- Airport rates (single passenger): $2.95 for the first 1/5th of a mile; $0.70 for additional 1/5’s of a mile; $0.70 for 50 seconds of wait time
- more information about Key West taxi services
Geography
Getting around the small island of Key West is easy with numerous options, including walking, bicycles, cars, mopeds (which we generally do not recommend), taxis, ride-share services, tourist trolleys, hotel shuttles, public buses, and pedi-cabs. Locals often rely on bicycles – known as “Conch cruisers.”
You do not need a car to get around Key West. Bicycles are the most popular option, especially for locals, and let you experience authentic Key West life. Other options include: walking, bicycles, cars, mopeds (which we generally do not recommend), taxis, ride-share services, tourist trolleys, hotel shuttles, public buses, and pedi-cabs.
If you are staying within Old Town, riding a bicycle or walking in the historic district is the best way to get around. You’ll have the opportunity to see the charming neighborhoods and experience Key West at the slower pace locals are accustomed to and visitors seek. If your destination is further, taxis, ride-sharing services, and buses are your best bet.
Key West is located off the southern tip of Florida and at the end of the Florida Keys island chain. Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States and is the starting point for US Highway 1. The island is considered between two bodies of water: the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, and is only 90 miles from Cuba. The coordinates for Key West are: Latitude 24.5551° N, Longitude 81.7800° W.
More information about where Key West is located, including maps
Mile maker 0 of US 1 is located in Key West at the intersection of Fleming Street and Whitehead Street.
To travel to Key West, visitors have the choice of air, land and sea transportation. Daily flights are available to Key West International Airport, located directly on the island. Alternatively, many visitors fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and drive to Key West from there. Highway US 1 spans the Florida Keys and is the only road to and from mainland Florida. Also, a high-speed boat ferry operates from Fort Meyers to Key West.
Yes, you can drive to Key West from mainland Florida. Highway US 1 spans the Florida Keys and is the only road to and from mainland Florida. The distance is approximately 160 miles from Miami, normally a 3-hour, and 4-hours from Fort Lauderdale. Use caution on the Overseas Highway, obey speed limits, and only pass other vehicles where permitted.
Key West is located off the southern tip of Florida and at the end of the Florida Keys island chain. Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States and is the starting point for US Highway 1. The island is considered between two bodies of water: the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, and is only 90 miles from Cuba. The coordinates for Key West are: Latitude 24.5551° N, Longitude 81.7800° W.
More information about where Key West is located, including maps
There is an airport located directly on the island of Key West, known as the Key West International Airport. This is the only airport in the Florida Keys served by airlines. The airport code is EYW. Other options include flights to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, a 3-4 hour drive to Key West.
Nearly all the beaches in Key West are on the southern shore of the islands. The two main beaches in Key West:
- Smathers Beach, the largest, is located on South Roosevelt Blvd (address for navigation is 2601 S. Roosevelt Blvd)
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park’s beach is located at the end of Southard Street (it’s official address is 601 Howard England Way, although this address is locally unused).
- More information about Key West beaches
Yes. Key West largest beaches are Smather’s Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Other beaches include Higg’s Beach, Simonton Beach, and Dog Beach.
The beaches in Key West range from soft sand to coral rubble. Smathers Beach is soft sand. Fort Zachary Taylor is mostly coral rubble, with some sandy areas. Most have snorkeling opportunities just offshore.
Yes, there are public beaches in Key West, including Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, Rest Beach, Simonton Beach, and Dog Beach. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park also has a nice beach, but there is an admission fee for the public to use it.
In general, you do not need a car while in Key West. The island is small, only 4-miles wide by 2-miles wide, and the historic quarter known as Old Town is all within a 1-mile radius. Taxis, ride-sharing services, bicycles, walking, and city buses are plentiful and a convenient way to get around.
The drive time to Key West is 3-hours from Miami and 4-hours from Fort Lauderdale.
Miami is 160 miles away from Key West, a drive of 3-hours without traffic.
Airlines
Depending on where you depart from, the following airlines offer direct flights to Key West:
- Delta Airlines – direct flights available to/from Atlanta (ATL)
- American – direct flights available to/from Miami (MIA), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Washington DC (DCA)
- United – Chicago (ORD), Newark (EWR)
- Silver Airways – Ft. Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Tampa (TPA), Orlando (MCO)
Key West International Airport (EYW) is only airport in the Florida Keys that is serviced by major airlines. It is located on the island of Key West. Private flights can also fly into Marathon Airport. Many visitors to the Florida Keys fly into the mainland Florida airports and drive to Key West.
Key West International Airport is located directly on the island of Key West. The Miami Airport is located 160 miles from Key West. The Fort Lauderdale Airport is located 188 miles from Key West
No. Southwest Airlines no longer flies to Key West.
Tourism Statistics
In 2016, approximately 366,000 tourists arrived in Key West by airplane, 700,000 tourists visited Key West by cruise ship, and 94,000 visited by boat ferry. In addition, hundreds of thousands have arrived by car.
4 million tourists visited the Florida Keys in 2016.
On any given day, there are typically between 10,000 and 15,000 tourists in Key West. This compares to 29,000 residents of the island.
What to Pack
With its warm and humid weather and laid back lifestyle, pack casual lightweight cotton clothing for a visit to Key West. Shorts, short-sleeved shirts, sandals, bathing suits, brimmed hat, and sunglasses are basic necessities. In the cooler winter months, also pack a pair of jeans or pants and a light jacket or sweatshirt.
Key West Travel Guide suggests the following for a seven-day trip to Key West: 7 short-sleeved shirts, 2 long-sleeved shirts, 7 pairs shorts, 1 pair of sandals, 1 hat, 1 sunglasses, 2 nicer shirts, 1 pair pants or jeans, sunscreen & toiletries.
Key West is very casual and bohemian, and your dress can reflect that. Feel free to wear comfortable clothes, as you will be welcome in the finest restaurants in shorts and short-sleeves. If you do dress up, strive for an island-casual look, with linen, cotton, and other cool fabrics. Shoes should be comfortable and made for walking.
Most residents and visitors to Key West wear comfortable, casual clothing at night. Dressing up often means switching from t-shirts to button-up shirts. Ladies will be most comfortable in loose fitting cotton clothes and lightweight sundresses. High-heels and heavy make-up are not comfortable or common in Key West, though if that is your preference, feel free; that is what Key West is all about.
In December, January, February, temperatures in Key West typically average between 65-75 degrees(Fahrenheit). And, if a cold-front comes through, it can be ten degrees cooler. Key West Travel Guide suggests wearing shorts during the day and jeans at night. Also, bring a long-sleeved sweatshirt or jacket in case of a cold-front. Hats and sunglasses are always recommended.
Women typically wear casual, modern, island-wear, including: lightweight blouses, dresses, and shorts. Feel free to dress casually as Key West is very informal and laid back.
Budget at least $200 per day, per person for your visit to Key West. You can certainly have a smaller budget, but nice dinners average at least $50 per person. Most watersports cost $45-$150 per activity. Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, so feel free to bring only a portion of your budget in cash.
Dry Tortugas National Park & Fort Jefferson
To get to the Dry Tortugas, our suggested method is by seaplane. Daily seaplane flights are available only from Key West, Florida. The journey is 70 miles each way.
More information about the Dry Tortugas seaplane
The Dry Tortugas is a group of small, low-lying islands located 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. These islands are the true end of the Florida Keys, a chain of islands extending off the southern coast of Florida. The Dry Tortugas are located at Latitude 24.6333° North, Longitude -82.9200° West.
Fort Jefferson is located on Garden Key among the group of islands known as the Dry Tortugas, approximately 70 miles west of Key West. The navigational co-ordinates for Fort Jefferson are 24.627390 North, -82.872305 West.
There is no cheap way to get to the Dry Tortugas. Distance alone, 70 miles from Key West, makes getting to the Dry Tortugas costly. Daily seaplane flights from Key West, again the only departure point, costs $342 per person, plus park admission fee.
Events
Key West’s calendar is packed with events throughout the year, including these monthly highlights:
- Key West Literary Seminar (January)
- Old Island Days Art Festival (February)
- Conch Shell Blowing Contest (March)
- Conch Republic Independence Celebration (April)
- Key West Song Writers Festival (May)
- PrideFest (June)
- Hemingway Days (July)
- Lobsterfest (August)
- Womenfest (September)
- Fantasy Fest (October)
- Key West World Championship (November)
- Lighted Boat Parade (December)
More Key West Calendar of Events
The table below displays the Key West sunset times throughout the year.
| Month | 15th | 30th |
| January | 6:00 | 6:11 |
| February | 6:22 | 6:30 |
| March | 7:36 | 7:43 |
| April | 7:49 | 7:56 |
| May | 8:04 | 8:11 |
| June | 8:17 | 8:20 |
| July | 8:18 | 8:12 |
| August | 8:01 | 7:47 |
| September | 7:31 | 7:15 |
| October | 7:00 | 6:48 |
| November | 5:40 | 5:38 |
| December | 5:41 | 5:49 |
Key West’s has more than one gay-pride week. These include Key West Pridefest, scheduled for June 6-10, 2018; Tropical Heat, scheduled for August 15 – 19, 2018; and Womenfest, scheduled for September 5 – 9, 2018
Key West does not have a true Mardi Gras celebration, although a few bars mention it. But Key West is famous for a Mardi-Gras-style celebration, known as Fantasy Fest. This week-long party culminates the last Saturday of October and features a large parade with revelers throwing strands of beads.
Fantasy Fest occurs at the end of October, culminating with a large parade on Duval Street on the final Saturday of the month.
Famous People
There were seven cast members of the MTV show Real World Key West, which originally aired in 2006, including Svetlana Shusterman, John Devenanzio (aka Bananas), Paula Meronek, Tyler Duckworth, Zach Mann, Jose Tapia, Janelle Casanave. Today, Svetlana is an artist after her attempts at modeling and acting. John Devenanzio continues to appear on MTV challenge shows and also owns an online t-shirt business. Paula Meronek appeared on nearly a dozen Challenge shows, and today is busy as a mom. Tyler Duckworth appeared on numerous The Challenge TV shows, and today is a freelance-digital consultant. Zach Mann currently works in radio and also as an executive producer of films. Jose Tapia is now an actor and cinematographer. Janelle Casanave is a vegetarian body builder who continues to compete in MTV challenge shows.
The Hemingway House, the Key West home of writer Ernest Hemingway, is located at 907 Whitehead Street. This is on the corner of Whitehead Street and Olivia Street, in the historic quarter of Key West known as Old Town.
Approximately 75,000 people are buried in the 160-year-old Key West cemetery. Some of the most notable people buried here include: two-dozen sailors that died when the ship USS Maine was sank by explosion in Havana Harbor; Sloppy Joe Russell, Hemingway’s fishing guide and barkeep; William Curry, Florida’s first millionare; B.P. Pearl Roberts, who tombstone declares I Told you I was Sick; and numerous others.
Mel Fisher was a marine salvor who for decades searched for the wreckage of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha, laden with gold, silver, gemstones, and treasures. The ship sunk off Key West during a hurricane in 1622. Mel Fisher famously declared each morning of the search, Today’s the day. Finally, in July of 1985, Mel Fisher’s team discovered the shipwreck and its bounty, today known as the most valuable shipwreck discovery in history. In July, a celebration of the man and his discovery, Mel Fisher Days, is held in Key West.
More about Mel Fisher and the museum documenting his discovery
Climate
The average air temperature in Key West in December is: 77°(F)/25°(C) high, 67°(F)/19.5°(C) low. The average ocean-water temperature in December is 72°(F)/22°(C).
More about average Key West air and sea temperature, rain, and climate
Tourist Traps
Key West is a very safe and fun community. Nevertheless, we suggest you avoid the following businesses that unscrupulously prey upon tourists: the crass t-shirt shops famous for overcharging customers; the cruise-ship-port jewelry shops with their overpriced and low-quality gemstones; the shady factory art galleries with high-pressure sales; and most of all, the cosmetic shops on Duval Street – known for their high-pressure sales tactics and wildly-overpriced, over-promised merchandise.