Key West: 12 Tips For Your First Visit
Located four hours from Miami by car, Key West is the southernmost place in the continental USA. This tropical island feels less like Florida and more like a Caribbean island to me.
Home to beautiful white sand beaches, delicious seafood, great bars, wild roosters and plenty of sunshine!
If you’re looking for a good tropical vacation without leaving the USA, Key West might be just right for you.
Check out my recap video here:
1. Not A Budget Destination
Key West is tropical paradise, a super fun place to visit but not a budget destination, especially during peak season.
Be prepared for hotel rooms to cost several hundred dollars a night.
Book things in advance and try to travel in the shoulder season.
2. Drive the Overseas Highway If You Have Time
The Overseas Highway is a 113 miles of roadway built over the water connecting each of the islands. Allowing you to roadtrip from Miami to the southernmost key, Key West!
The full drive will take about 4 hours excluding stops.
There is also an airport in Key West you can fly into directly. If you plan to drive, I suggest going for more than one night or it is a lot of time spent in the car. By the time we stopped for lunch, gas and a few sights along the way, it took a lot more than 4 hours to actually arrive in Key West.
3. Feed The Tarpons At Robbie’s
As you drive down, stop at Robbie’s marina where you can feed the tarpons off the dock or rent kayaks etc.
They also have a restaurant and souvenir shops.
4. Cruisin’ Tikis
When you arrive, Cruisin’ Tikis is a super fun way to see Key West.
Bring your own drinks and snacks.
They provide a driver, ice, a cooler, cups and a sound system you can hook up to.
Sunset is a great time to go. Or if you go during the day, you can wear your suit and do swim stops!
5. Key West Is Home To Many Wild Roosters
Wild roosters freely roam the island and make a racket at sunrise!! You might be woken up by these Key West natives.
But they are a beloved part of the island and you’ll find them on t-shirts, magnets and everything in between!
6. Sunrise at Ponce De Leon Fishing Pier
Don’t miss sunrise at Ponce De Leon Fishing Pier in Duval Street Pocket Park! It’s absolutely stunning. And it’s a great time to watch the birds swooping for fish or other marine life surfacing.
There is a little coffee shop right by the pier as well.
And for sunset, head to Mallory Square. It’s a lively boardwalk along the water where people gather each night to watch sunset. There are street artists, performers, musicians and food stands in the square
7. Stand At The Southernmost Point Of The Continental USA
The Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A. is a historic landmark and popular photo op!
Yes, it’s a cheesy tourist stop but there are some interesting signs around the landmark detailing the history of Key West.
8. Duval Street
Stay near Duval Street to be in walking distance to most everything! This is the busy, main street lined with restaurants and bars.
If you’re wanting to party, you’ll have no trouble finding a spot here. It’s the best area for nightlife and bar hopping.
If you want a quiet, relaxing vacation then avoid this area at night, especially during spring break season.
9. The Angelina Guest House
Accommodation in Florida Keys is expensive but The Angelina Guest House is a really great option for something less expensive. And the heated pool is amazing! It’s like a giant hot tub tucked in a garden of palm trees.
Since we were visiting in January, the ocean was still a bit cold to swim in. But a highlight of our trip was having nightly and morning swims in this great pool!
The rooms are super basic. But the location and the pool made this a worthwhile stay for us.
10. Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is a beautiful (free!) public beach with swimming, restrooms and water sport rentals. Umbrellas and chairs will cost you $50 though so pack a towel yourself.
11. Margaritaville Beach House
If you’re looking for a great food spot/bar by Smathers Beach, check out Tin Cup Chalice in Margaritaville Beach House.
It’s the closest place to Smathers Beach for alcohol and food. Plus you don’t have to be a guest to use the amenities.
The pool is open and FREE to anyone, no day pass required!
12. 90 Miles From Cuba
Just 90 miles from Cuba, this island is home to amazing Cuban cuisine & culture. Enjoy!
Shop my favorite Key West looks:
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