Where to stay

Key West's cultural pursuits range from touristic to historic. Stay in Bahama Village to stand in line for a photo at the marker for the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S. The same neighborhood has the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Book a hotel along the northern part of Duval Street to be near the Truman Little White House, a maritime museum, and some of the city's oldest homes. The Key West Historic District is another good place to stay to view historic homes and visit the Historic Seaport. Reflect on the establishment of the city soon after Ponce de Leon's visit in the early 1500s.

Florida's southernmost city is a great place to enjoy nature activities. Book a hotel along Duval Street and walk to its southeastern end for a good sunrise view near the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Walk northwest to Mallory Square for spectacular sunsets. Bahama Village is a perfect central location to stay to visit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Accommodations in the Casa Marina neighborhood are near Higgs Beach and Smathers Beach as well as two piers with fishing opportunities. The Historic Seaport area in the Key West Historic District is the place to stay to catch a ferry for touring Dry Tortugas National Park, with history, nature, snorkeling, and bird-watching activities.

Sunny weather and a laid-back ambiance make Key West a great place to enjoy casual dining and mingling over cocktails. Book accommodations along Duval Street, which is lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops. Then explore, heading northwest or southeast, to find souvenirs and select a different spot to eat for every meal. Stay in the Key West Historic District to be near Mallory Square, the perfect spot to view the sunset and look for the green flash at the horizon. Before, during, and after the moment the sun sets, buy food and drink and watch street entertainers in this lively neighborhood. If you want to stay closer to mainland Florida, consider accommodations in Key Largo or Islamorada and then take the 2-hour drive south to Key West to see the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S., have a delicious brunch or lunch, visit several historic spots, and enjoy a cocktail at sunset before heading home.