The Florida Keys are a string of islands off of the southeastern tip of the U.S. state of Florida. They span over 180 mi (290 km) with over 120 mi (190 km) connected by the highway U.S. 1. The Florida Keys provide tropical environments in the continental U.S. and are home to the only major coral reef system in the continental U.S.
The reef system and tropical waters make the Keys a travel destination for water and outdoor activities like boating, fishing, parasailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. We visited the Florida Keys & Key West in September 2022 and can’t wait to tell you about some of the best Florida Keys snorkeling, restaurants, hotels, and attractions to check out in the Florida Keys and Key West!
The Florida Keys & Key West
The islands of the Florida Keys start just south of Miami and extend in a southwestern arc down to Key West and onward to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas, the home of the amazing Dry Tortugas National Park. Exploring the Florida Keys gives access to amazing water sports, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, sunset views, beaches, food, coffee, bars, and entertainment!
The Florida Keys & Key West weather is generally on the warmer side with highs ranging from 75 F (24 C) in the winter to 90 F (32 C) in the summer. Rainy/hurricane season is approximately from June through November during which you can expect sporadic and afternoon showers. We got lucky with the weather on our visit by having little rain and missing Hurricane Ian by a few weeks.
Getting to the Florida Keys & Key West
Getting to the Florida Keys usually involves driving south on the highway U.S. 1 from somewhere in southern Florida like Miami or Fort Lauderdale. U.S. 1 runs nearly the entire length of the Keys from Key Largo to Key West. It has stunning views and provides access to most of the Keys. Consider stopping for a visit to South Beach Miami on your way in or out of the Keys.
We chose to fly into Fort Lauderdale for our Florida Keys vacation as flights from Boston to Fort Lauderdale are often quite affordable. Fort Lauderdale is also less hectic than Miami airport. We rented a car and drove down U.S. 1. The drive from Fort Lauderdale to Key Largo where U.S. 1 enters the Keys is 1:30 (90 mi / 145 km).
There is a small airport in Key West for airlines providing direct flights to Key West that you could consider flying into if it is served by airlines from your destination. The airport’s website shows cities providing direct access including New York. Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, and more.
If marine travel is more your style, you can sail between Key West and Miami. That’ll let you avoid driving and easily access some of the offshore attractions like the reefs!
Florida Keys map of attractions
Here is a Florida Keys map showing some of the attractions we’ll mention in this post
You can use this map and post for planning a Miami to Key West road trip!
Getting around in the Florida Keys & Key West
If you’re looking to explore multiple keys, we think that renting a car is a good option. U.S. 1 connects most of the islands via an easy gorgeous drive. Those only traveling to Key West may be able to get by without a car. Many hotels provide shuttles that drop off in the walkable downtown. Paired with a few taxis or Uber rides, you could easily get by without a car rental.
Note that parking in popular spots downtown in Key West can be pricey and busy. Further away from attractions like Mallory Square, we found some street parking.
Key West chickens and Key West iguanas
Something I was unaware of was the proliferation of chickens and iguanas throughout the islands. In the cities, especially Key West, chickens roam the streets and public spaces. It’s common to see a vibrantly colored rooster strutting down the road and hens pecking away in yards or wandering underfoot at a restaurant. Feelings are mixed about the chickens’ presence with some calling them a nuisance and some calling them cute. We’re in the cute camp. Regardless, they’re certainly a hallmark of Key West!
Once you go far enough down the keys, you’ll start to see iguanas on the side of the road, in trees, sunning themselves on top of bushes, and in many other places. They’re an invasive species that cause some issues. Nevertheless, we found them cute like little dinosaurs. We had a few iguanas fall from palm trees by the pool at Ocean’s Edge giving us a little surprise.
Things to do in the Florida Keys & Key West
There are amazing things to do in Key West & the Keys that span multiple interest areas.
Florida Keys snorkeling & scuba diving
The coral reef system and nearby shipwrecks make Florida Keys snorkeling & scuba diving excellent. Much of the best Keys and Key West snorkeling and diving is only accessible by boat since the reef is generally 1 mi (1.6 km) or more offshore. There are a few solid Key West snorkeling spots that don’t require a boat like Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park that we detail in our Florida Keys snorkeling guide.
Viewing wildlife
Beyond snorkeling and diving, you have opportunities to see many bird species, mangrove dwellers, and even manatees! We were lucky to see a trio of manatees in the Ocean’s Edge marina and another off the shore right in Key West.
Florida Keys turtle hospital
The Turtle Hospital is a non-profit focusing on rehabbing, releasing, researching, providing education, and protecting sea turtles in the Florida Keys. Their website reports that they’ve rehabbed and released over 2000 turtles as of 2023. The location in Marathon Key provides guided tours to visitors showing a behind-the-scenes look and providing a chance to feed the residents.
Parks, beaches, and lighthouses
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp State Park is in Key Largo close to where U.S. 1 takes you from the mainland to the islands. It is a 1:15 drive from Miami (60 mi / 95 km). The park was the first underwater park in the country and provides attractions like mangroves for kayaking, glass-bottomed boat tours, beaches, tropical hammocks, scuba diving, and snorkeling, of course!
We did a Florida Keys snorkeling tour here and saw some lovely sights. We enjoyed the beautiful mangroves on the boat ride out as well. You’ll find many possible activities at Pennekamp State Park. The park is well-equipped with changing rooms and freshwater showers. The location means that it’s a convenient first or last stop when driving between the Keys and Miami.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and lighthouse
Though not technically part of the Florida Keys, Bill Baggs State Park on Key Biscayne was one of our first stops on the drive from Fort Lauderdale airport to Key Largo. This key is just off the coast of Miami and home to the beautiful Bill Baggs State Park. We enjoyed walking the beach here and seeing the gorgeous Cape Florida Lighthouse! The views here got us in the island mood right away.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is on the southwestern edge of Key West. The park has the beautiful historic Fort Zachary Taylor, amazing Key West beaches, and paddling. It is often cited as having some of the best snorkeling in the Keys without a boat.
The fort began construction in the 1850s after Florida became a state. It saw usage during the American Civil War and the Spanish-American War. It was designated a historic site in 1971. Today it offers the ability to tour the building, learn about its history, and see some of its vast collection of Civil War armaments.
Watching a Sunset at Mallory Square in Key West is a famous activity. The sunset views at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park are equally gorgeous. If you get a chance to visit this park for snorkeling, exploring the excellent beach, or visiting the fort, I’d highly recommend giving yourself time to take in a Key West sunset there. It’s downright lovely (so lovely that it’s the banner on our homepage!)
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach is a park and beach on the southern side of Key West. It provides a nice sandy beach, piers for walking, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and other facilities. This is another beach option to consider during your time in Key West!
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a U.S. national park about 70 miles (112 km) west of Key West in Florida. It is about 100 square miles and is mostly open water along with 7 small islands! It’s home to a 19th-century fort, Fort Jefferson, the site of interesting history, gorgeous clear water, marine life, and bird life. We visited Dry Tortugas as part of our trip. Before Amie told me about it, I had never even heard about this park. Boy, am I grateful she had the idea to take us! The architecture of the fort and the way it intersects with the water is beautiful and the snorkeling was amazing!
Juan Ponce de León named the islands “Tortugas” (Spanish for “turtles”) in the 16th century after catching many turtles there. The moniker “dry” was added later to tell travelers about the absence of fresh water on the islands. A visit requires a boat ferry or seaplane and a U.S. National Parks pass. We think the park is well worth a visit! Read our Florida Keys Dry Tortugas guide for all of the details!
Other Key West activities on the water
Beyond those options, you have so many more water activities to explore!
- Fishing
- Parasailing
- Boat cruises
- Sunset cruises
- Kayaking, paddleboarding
- Jetskiing
Duval Street in Key West
Duval Street in Key West is a famous pedestrian way that I’d consider a must-visit. If you’ve been to New Orleans, I’d liken Duval Street to Bourbon Street but a bit cleaner and less hectic. Pedestrian traffic is always high on Duval Street. It is lined with stores, restaurants, bars, and live music venues. Street vendors and performers regularly stroll around. You’ll be able to find flavors and vibes to suit nearly any fancy! We’re a bit past our partying days, so we didn’t dig into the bar scene too much and don’t have a ton to report there.
Just off Duval Street, you can find many other great establishments and gorgeous homes with trees covered in Spanish moss. We think it’s worth giving yourself some time to explore the beautiful homes and landscapes in the quieter neighborhoods too. We enjoyed strolling around the neighborhoods admiring the homes and trees.
Sunset celebration at Mallory Square
Mallory Square is a square on the water in northwest Key West. The orientation of the square gives amazing sunset views and a view of the aptly named Sunset Key. Sunset at Mallory Square is an event every day! You’ll find artists, vendors, and buskers playing live music to bid farewell to the day. We visited multiple times and found this to be a great stop to start our evening!
The views are stunning. They also have a floating tiki bar boat so you can ride off into the Mallory Square sunset with a tasty beverage in hand! You’ll also see many Key West sunset sails & cruises out on the water around Mallory Square.
Make sure to check the Key West sunset time online before going.
Bars & entertainment
Delicious and refreshing drinks flow freely in the Keys. If you’re in the mood for a frosty beer, a nice glass of wine, a refreshing rum punch, or a piña colada you’ll find plenty of establishments nearby. Duval Street and Key West in general have a plethora of options and are a great place for a stroll!
What to eat and drink in the Keys
The location on the water means lots of fresh seafood. With Cuba only about 100 miles (160 km) off the coast of Key West, the Cuban influence is strong as well in Key West restaurants. You’ll find many cuisines represented in the Keys and alcoholic drinks flow freely. Here are a few of our favorite things we ate.
Cuban coffee!
I loved Cuban coffee in the Keys! Amie had to make me stop talking on a few car rides because I was rambling on in an overcaffeinated craze. It was great!
Cuban coffee is made with richly roasted coffee often including a mix of arabica and robusta beans that have a rich deep flavor. Their espresso analog, called a colada, is rich and thick and brewed with sugar when ordered sweetened. They’ll mix in some steamed milk to make a cortadito for a creamier drink that maintains a rich coffee flavor. Some of my favorite Florida Keys & Key West coffee shops were:
- Cuban Coffee Queen is a popular spot for Key West Cuban coffee
- Harbor Cafe 90 had great coffee and pastries
- Sandy’s Cafe had great coffee and Cuban sandwiches
- Mrs. G’s Gourmet Ice Cream and Cuban Coffee had great ice cream and coffee
- Ocean’s Edge poolside cafe
- Funky Rooster Coffee House & Wine Bar had great coffee and a great wine selection. The decor and ambiance were also fantastic.
Cuban food
The Cuban influence is common in the Keys’ cuisine. There are many great Cuban-focused cafes and restaurants like Sandy’s Cafe and El Siboney Restaurant. Guava is in so many dishes here. We loved a simple Cuban toast with guava or guava and cheese to start the day (obviously with Cuban coffee). Guava pastries are also all over the place. Among the other things I’d recommend trying are yucca fries (yucca frita), pork in its many forms, beans and rice, shrimp and seafood, and the ever-classic ropa vieja (stewed beef).
Seafood
Being this close to the water, fresh seafood is in abundance in the Keys. Some of our favorites were blackened grouper and local shrimp. We enjoyed Half Shell Raw Bar for the peel-and-eat shrimp. We also had their oysters but weren’t thrilled with them compared to what we have in New England. The Conch Shack is a great counter-serve place for conch fritters.
Some of our favorite Key West seafood options are
- grouper
- shrimp
- conch
- snapper
Rum drinks & cocktails
Rum punch seems to be in a similar supply to water in the Keys. We were offered some immediately upon checking in at our hotel, on our snorkeling tours, and found it at nearly every establishment. Some of the top-rated and popular bars in Key West include
- Green Parrot Bar
- Sloppy Joe’s
- The Rum Bar
You’ll find many more strolling down Duval Street.
Key lime pie & other treats
The Keys are home to many places to find a sweet, sometimes cold treat. Ice cream shops abound. We had a particularly good stop at Mrs. G’s Gourmet Ice Cream and Cuban Coffee with a nice cortadito on the side!
Key lime pie is a must-eat in the area! We tried Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe and the Key Lime Pie Co. and greatly preferred Kermit’s. Amie and I both loved the plain key lime pie. I also loved key lime pie with shaved coconut. We had to go to Kermit’s at least a few times to confirm that this was our favorite Key West key lime pie.
Where we stayed in Key West
We settled on Havana Cabana after researching Key West hotels. The hotel greets you with a classic car at the entry along with nice decor and a rum punch at the desk! Our room was spacious with a nice shower. It had a small outdoor sitting area facing the parking lot. The AC exhausts into this area making it noisy and hot. Throughout the day, refreshments are served including coffee, delicious small churros, and fruit water. I spent a lot of time in the shared outdoor sitting area as I had to do some work on the trip.
Havana Cabana provided a shuttle that dropped off downtown that we relied on to avoid dealing with parking during busy times like sunset.
Our stay included breakfast vouchers. We generally enjoyed the breakfasts, though things were quite slow to come out of the kitchen. The hotel also seemed to be lacking a good area to dry wet clothing after days out snorkeling.
During our stay, the pool was closed so they provided access to their sister property Ocean’s Edge. We spent a full day at their marina-side pool lounging in cabanas and enjoying the view of the marina. During a few walks, we saw multiple cute nurse sharks in the marina and a group of 3 manatees! The poolside service was attentive with great food and drinks. Their tuna sashimi nachos were incredible. We had to come back a 2nd day just to get those again! There’s also a coffee shop that’s open in the morning. I liked their Cuban coffee and guava toast. Amie enjoyed their vanilla lattes.
If you get a chance, we’d recommend checking out Ocean’s Edge. We can’t speak to the accommodations but the pool area by the marina was great.
What did we think of our time in the Florida Keys & Key West
Our time in the Keys was filled with sun, beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and delicious food! I appreciated the Cuban coffee and food. We both loved being outdoors and in the ocean so much. Our visit to Dry Tortugas National Park is a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Though neither of us is very much into the bar scene, we still appreciated being out in Key West at night and seeing the sights. The ease of access of the Keys from Miami and Fort Lauderdale makes them a great option to consider for a taste of the tropics in the U.S.
Wrapping up
What do you think? Are you interested in visiting the Florida Keys and Key West? Have you? Tell us below!
I love Florida for the warmth and nice beaches. Recently came back from Pompano Beach. Floida Keys in on my list of places to visit in the sunshine state ?. From your blog, it looks like a fun and adventurous place to visit. The Food Explora in me appreciate you sharing about the food culture. In the keys. Thanks for sharing your travel journey in the Florida Keys.