Key West
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Key West

Coral waters, palm-lined streets, and sunset views set the pace at the end of the Florida Keys.

Arrival airport
EYW
Airport drive
6 min · estimate
Suggested stay
3–4 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
A car is essential for the Lower Keys, but a liability in Old Town; check for narrow-street rental restrictions.
Black Friday sale: save up to 35% off motorhome rentalsBlack Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.

Top tour

Most popular experience near Key West

Know before you go

Old Town Constraints

Parking in the historic district is strictly regulated with limited residential permits and paid lots. Confirm if your lodging provides off-street spots before arrival.

Marine Sanctuary Rules

Use reef-safe sun protection and never touch coral formations within the sanctuary. Specific snorkeling zones may be closed for restoration or weather.

Overseas Highway Service

Fuel is available at major keys like Big Pine and Marathon, but stations are spaced out. Check levels before starting a Lower Keys loop.

Dry Tortugas Departure

Ferry check-ins typically begin very early at the terminal. Missing the strict departure window will result in a forfeited reservation.

Remote Keys Coverage

Expect intermittent cellular service in the remote parts of the Key Deer Refuge and on the open water. Download offline maps for Lower Keys navigation.

Check current conditions:Florida State Parks

2RVs, campervans & cars near EYW

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Air Transat (3647835069) (2).jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to EYW

Check on Aviasales
©
2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at EYW
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at EYW

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at EYW
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at EYW
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at EYW

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at EYW
©

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Key West

  1. 01

    Old Town Immersion and Sunset Waterfront

    Suggested: 2 PM from Key West International Airport (EYW)

    • Duval Street Historic District

      Walk the primary cultural artery to observe preserved Victorian architecture and local galleries.

    • Mallory Square

      Join the community gathering for the sunset view, a traditional first-evening transition to island time.

    Allow 15 minutes; island traffic and pedestrian zones vary

    Most Old Town attractions are manageable on foot; bicycles are a local alternative.

    Pick up your vehicle at EYW →
  2. 02

    Coastal Heritage and Coral Reefs

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from the Historic Seaport

    • Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

      Depart via licensed charter to snorkel the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.

    • Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

      Explore the Civil War-era masonry fort before visiting the park's specific rocky beach zone.

    Walking or local transfer suggested; parking is highly limited

    Marine visibility and boat departures depend entirely on wind and sea states.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Lower Keys Ecology and Overseas Vistas

    Suggested: 9 AM from Old Town Key West

    • Bahia Honda State Park

      View the historic Over-the-Sea Railway bridge and access the park's natural sandy shorelines.

    • National Key Deer Refuge

      Observe the endangered subspecies from official viewing areas on Big Pine Key; never feed wildlife.

    Allow 2 hours round trip; conditions on the Overseas Highway vary

    Drive cautiously through Big Pine Key to protect active wildlife crossings.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Moderate

Historic Old Town and Marine Reserve Reservations

Access to Dry Tortugas National Park requires ferry or seaplane bookings months in advance; this is distinct from local reef charters or state park entry. State parks like Fort Zachary Taylor and Bahia Honda use day-use fees, while specialized marine excursions have limited capacity. Verify all systems via official NPS and Florida State Parks portals.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

EYWKey West

Key West International Airport · 6 min drive

Find flights to EYW

Plan your road trip

From Key West International Airport

6 min

about 2 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Key West

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Key West on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

RV parks near Key West on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Key West

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Key West

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Key West

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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