
Key West
A quirky, sun-drenched island at the southernmost point of the continental US, where pirate history meets endless margaritas.
Overview
Welcome to the Conch Republic. Key West is a place that firmly refuses to take itself too seriously—and that’s exactly why we love it. Located at the very end of the spectacular Overseas Highway, this island is closer to Havana than to Miami, and it shows in the architecture, the food, and the intoxicatingly laid-back rhythm of daily life. It’s a town where chickens roam the streets, six-toed cats guard Hemingway’s estate, and the sunset is treated as a daily festival rather than just the end of the day. Here, the salty breeze carries the scent of fried conch, Cuban coffee, and the ocean air. Whether you are hunting for maritime treasure history, diving the coral reefs, or simply finding the perfect stool at a Duval Street dive bar, Key West wraps you in its eccentric, tropical embrace. It’s not just a destination; it’s a fiercely independent state of mind where the only rule is to leave your worries on the mainland. Grab a cold beer, embrace your inner pirate, and let the island time wash over you.
Live Conditions
Updated Oct 20Currently in Key West, expect highs in the mid-80s and lows in the upper 70s with mostly sunny skies and a slight chance of showers [Key West, FL 10-Day Weather Forecast | WeatherBug](https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-forecast/10-day-weather/key-west-fl-33040). It is quite breezy, with northeast winds around 20 mph prompting a Small Craft Advisory for coastal waters [Key West, FL](https://www.weather.gov/key/).
Ocean temperatures are a warm 85.3°F, but a Small Craft Advisory is in effect due to 4-6 foot waves and strong winds [Key West, FL Marine Forecast: Wind, Tides & Waves (7-Day) | MyMarineForecast](https://mymarineforecast.com/forecast/key-west-fl). Beachgoers should note low to moderate patchy sargassum seaweed at Smathers, Higgs, and Dog beaches [Key West Beach Conditions Today: Sargassum & Water Clarity Report](https://checkbeachconditions.com/key-west-beach-conditions.html).
- Tutu Pre Party Parade on Duval Street (Oct 20, 2026) [Calendar • Special Events](https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/calend
- Fantasy Fest 5K and 1 Mile Walk (Oct 19-21, 2026) [Calendar • Special Events](https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/calendar.
- Florida Keys Stone Crab Season (Opened Oct 15, 2026) [Things to Do in Key West in October 2026](https://www.furycat.com/
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park [Key West Beach Conditions Today](https://checkbeachconditions.com/key-west-beach-conditi
- Smathers Beach [Key West Beach Conditions Today](https://checkbeachconditions.com/key-west-beach-conditions.html)
- Duval Street [Calendar • Special Events](https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=25)
- Coffee Butler Amphitheater [Calendar • Special Events](https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=25)
The breeze is kicking up some chop on the water, so trade the boat deck for Duval Street today. Plus, stone crab season just opened, meaning it's the perfect time to crack some claws while the Fantasy Fest crowds roll in.
Things to Do
- Watch the street performers at the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
- Tour the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- Take a ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park
- Bar hop down iconic Duval Street
- Take a photo at the Southernmost Point Buoy
- Climb the Key West Lighthouse for panoramic views
Best Beaches
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach
- Smathers Beach
- Higgs Beach
- Rest Beach
Where to Stay
- Historic Old Town Bed & Breakfasts
- Ocean Key Resort & Spa
- Casa Marina Key West
- The Marquesa Hotel
- The Perry Hotel on nearby Stock Island
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