Question 1

How do I get to Key West?

Accepted Answer

Three ways: drive the Overseas Highway (US-1) — a spectacular ~3.5–4 hour, 113-mile trip over 42 bridges from Miami across the island chain; fly into Key West International (EYW); or take the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers Beach (~3.5 hours). The drive is the classic experience — plan stops in Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon along the way.

Question 2

Do I need a car in Key West?

Accepted Answer

To get there overland, yes — US-1 is the only road and there's no transit between the Keys. But once in Key West, no: the island is tiny and Old Town is best explored on foot, by bicycle or by rented scooter/golf cart. Many visitors who fly in or take the ferry skip a car entirely and park the one they drove down.

Question 3

What should I do in Key West?

Accepted Answer

Stroll Duval Street's bars and shops, watch the sunset spectacle at Mallory Square, snap the Southernmost Point buoy, tour the Hemingway Home (meet the six-toed cats), visit the Truman Little White House and Fort Zachary Taylor's beach, and get on the water — snorkeling the reef, sunset sails or fishing. A Conch Train or Old Town Trolley tour is a good orientation.

Question 4

When is the best time to visit Key West?

Accepted Answer

December–April brings the best weather — warm, dry and sunny — and the biggest crowds and prices (plus Fantasy Fest in late October and various festivals). Summer is hot, humid and stormy with hurricane risk August–October, but cheaper and still fun. The water is warmest May–October. Book well ahead for any winter or festival dates — the island is small and fills up.

Question 5

Is Key West a good day trip from Miami, or should I stay over?

Accepted Answer

Stay over if you can. A day trip means ~7–8 hours of round-trip driving for a few hours on the island — doable but rushed. An overnight lets you experience Key West's magic hours: the Mallory Square sunset, Duval after dark and a quiet early morning before the day-trippers and cruise crowds arrive. Two nights is ideal to also get on the water.

Question 6

Is Key West safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's a small, walkable, easygoing island town, safe to wander day and night, though Duval Street gets rowdy late (normal bar-strip common sense applies). Watch your step and belongings in the crowds. Natural cautions: strong sun, boating and snorkeling safety, and hurricane season. Emergency number: 911.

Question 7

What food and drink is Key West known for?

Accepted Answer

Key lime pie above all (the real thing is pale yellow, not green — beware bright-green versions), fresh conch fritters, pink Key West shrimp, fresh-caught fish, and a serious drinking culture on Duval Street — Sloppy Joe's and Captain Tony's trade on their Hemingway ties. Grab a slice of pie and a sunset cocktail and you've done it right.

Question 8

What is the Conch Republic?

Accepted Answer

In 1982, in protest at a US Border Patrol roadblock that snarled traffic out of the Keys, Key West jokingly declared independence as the "Conch Republic," symbolically seceded, and immediately surrendered. The playful spirit stuck — you'll see Conch Republic flags and passports everywhere, and locals proudly call themselves "Conchs." It sums up the island's cheerfully rebellious vibe.

Question 9

When was Key West established?

Accepted Answer

Key West was founded around 1828.

Question 10

What languages do people speak here?

Accepted Answer

English; Spanish is spoken by 40+ million people — dominant in parts of Miami, LA, Texas and the Southwest.

Question 11

What is Key West known for?

Accepted Answer

Key West is known as: The end of the road at the southernmost point of the US — Duval Street, Hemingway's home, Mallory Square sunsets and Conch Republic quirk.

Question 12

What is the nearest major airport?

Accepted Answer

Key West International Airport (EYW) — about 2 km away.

Question 13

What timezone is it in?

Accepted Answer

Key West is in the UTC-5 to UTC-10 timezone.

Key West

Airports near Key West

Key West International Airport

Key West at a Glance

Nearby places to explore

Famous Places Near Key West

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