Key West is the end of the road: the southernmost city in the continental USA, closer to Cuba than to Miami. Its Old Town is a grid of pastel wooden houses, leafy gardens and lively bars, and every evening the town comes alive as visitors gather to watch the sun go down over the Gulf of Mexico.
With its colourful architecture, tropical atmosphere and fascinating history, Key West feels quite different from mainland Florida. Spend your days exploring historic streets, relaxing on the beach, heading out on a boat trip or sampling fresh seafood. In the evening, enjoy live music, independent bars and restaurants serving the island's famous key lime pie.
Key West is also the final stop on the Overseas Highway, making it a memorable destination for a Florida Keys fly-drive holiday. You can drive down from Miami, stopping at islands such as Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon along the way, or fly into Key West with a connecting flight. We can arrange your flights, car hire and hotels to create a tailor-made itinerary that suits your plans.
Key West is small enough to explore at a relaxed pace, but there is plenty to see and do. Its historic attractions, lively entertainment and access to the surrounding waters make it a rewarding destination for couples, families and friends.
Duval Street is the heart of Key West's social scene, stretching through Old Town with shops, cafés, restaurants and bars along the way. During the day, browse local boutiques, stop for an ice cream or explore the surrounding streets lined with historic wooden houses and tropical gardens. In the evening, the area becomes livelier, with live music and entertainment continuing into the night.
One of the island's best-known bars is Sloppy Joe's, a long-standing Key West institution associated with Ernest Hemingway. It is a popular place to enjoy live music and soak up the island's laid-back atmosphere. For something sweet, make time to try key lime pie, the classic Florida Keys dessert made with tangy key lime filling and a biscuit or pastry base. You'll find it on menus throughout the island, often with each café or restaurant offering its own version.
Key West has accommodation to suit a range of budgets, from relaxed island hotels to stylish resorts close to the beach. Staying in or near Old Town puts you within easy reach of Duval Street, historic attractions and sunset celebrations, while hotels further out can offer a quieter atmosphere and more resort-style facilities.
Set among tropical gardens beside the water, Parrot Key Hotel & Villas offers a peaceful setting away from the busiest parts of Key West. The property features spacious rooms and villas, several swimming pools and a relaxed island feel. It's a good option for couples and families who want somewhere to unwind after a day exploring, while still being within easy reach of Old Town by car or local transport.
Margaritaville Beach House Key West offers a laid-back tropical atmosphere close to Smathers Beach. Guests can enjoy colourful interiors, an outdoor swimming pool and a relaxed setting suited to both couples and families. Its position near the beach makes it a useful choice for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with time by the sea.
For a Florida Keys fly-drive holiday, fly from the UK to Miami International Airport, collect your hire car and follow the Overseas Highway south to Key West. The drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours without stops, although we recommend allowing extra time to enjoy the scenery and visit other islands along the way.
Alternatively, you can take a connecting flight to Key West International Airport, which is convenient if you prefer not to make the full drive. Our travel specialists can help you compare the options and arrange flights, car hire and accommodation as part of a tailor-made holiday.
Allow at least two or three nights to explore Key West's main attractions, enjoy the sunset celebrations and spend time on the water. If you have a week or longer, consider splitting your stay between Key West and another part of the Florida Keys, such as Key Largo or Islamorada. You could also include Miami or Orlando to create a multi-centre Florida holiday with a mix of beaches, city attractions and theme parks.
Yes, Charter Travel can arrange a tailor-made Key West fly-drive holiday, including flights from the UK, car hire and your choice of hotels. You can drive from Miami along the scenic Overseas Highway, stopping at destinations such as Key Largo and Islamorada, or arrange a connecting flight to Key West. We'll help you plan an itinerary around your budget, travel dates and interests.
The drive from Miami to Key West takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours without stops. The route follows the Overseas Highway across a series of bridges, with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. We recommend allowing extra time to stop at scenic viewpoints, explore the islands and enjoy the journey rather than driving straight through.
We recommend spending two or three nights in Key West to explore Old Town, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, enjoy the sunset celebration at Mallory Square and try the island's famous key lime pie. If you have longer, you could add a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park or combine Key West with other Florida Keys destinations for a more extensive road trip.
Yes, Key West works well as part of a multi-centre Florida holiday. You could spend a few nights in Miami before driving down the Overseas Highway, explore the Florida Keys and then continue to Orlando for its famous theme parks. We can arrange your flights, hotels and car hire, tailoring the itinerary to your interests and how long you have available.
Key West is a year-round destination, with warm weather throughout the year. Winter and early spring are popular times to visit, while summer can be hotter, more humid and prone to tropical storms. Booking early is advisable if you want to travel during busy periods or stay at a particular hotel. Contact Charter Travel for a tailor-made quote, and our specialists can help you choose suitable travel dates, accommodation and flights.
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