About Key West
There is no doubt about the fact that Key West is one of the United States’ great vacation destinations. The nation’s southernmost city feels a lot like a Caribbean getaway but mixed with a healthy amount of eclectic charm.
It is warm and sunny year-round, there are tons of great water activities to enjoy and the city itself is filled with attractions. Key West has a little something for everyone yet it has a style all its own.
However, like many other destinations, it is sometimes difficult to know the best way to get to the city or the best places to stay. Never fear, we’ve got you covered!
How to Get to Key West
Probably the most difficult thing about getting to the island is the fact that there is only one airport and it is small. Key West International has just one runway and two terminals, meaning there aren’t many flights in or out each day.
A few major cities on the east coast have direct flights to and from Key West all year while some are only offered during peak tourist season.
However, vacationers from most places in the U.S. and abroad will have to find a connecting flight to visit.
There are a few flights each day to and from Miami, making that a good choice for a layover. Another option is to drive through the picturesque Florida Keys.
Driving directly from Miami to Key West takes about four hours. However, one fairly popular option is to take your time and visit a few places in the Keys on your way down.
Be careful of the speed limits if you do decide to drive as they are strictly enforced. This is especially true in the Big Pine Key area as that is a Key Deer refuge.
Where to Stay in Key West
Something else that can be difficult about planning your vacation is deciding where to stay. There are a lot of options, so it is impossible for one single hotel or resort to be perfect for everyone.
If you want to be at the center of the action, consider the Gulf of Mexico side of the island. This encompasses the western end of the city and has many restaurants, shops and museums.
In this part of town, you can find Mallory Square, home to the famous nightly sunset celebration. This is a very popular and busy part of the city and many of the water activities can be accessed here.
Not far from here is a place called the Old Town. This encompasses the Key West Historical District and is surrounded by culture and plenty of tourist attractions, but is a bit quieter than Mallory Square.
Because both of these sections of the city are so near to so many activities, it is a great option for vacationers who don’t want to travel far to enjoy everything the island has to offer.
The Atlantic side of the island, known as New Town, is a bit quieter and more secluded. It would require some travel to get around but the island is very small.
This part of the city is much more residential than the western side of town but is still fairly close to Old Town and Mallory Square. Therefore, if you just want to rest, relax and unwind this may be a great option.
For those searching for the cheapest accommodations, look near the airport. This part of the island is fairly far away from the action, however, so be ready to rent a car, pay for taxi rides or perhaps even rent a bike.
Planning your next trip? Search on KAYAK.