About Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a coral cay archipelago off the southern coast of Florida, forming the southernmost part of the continental United States. They begin at the southeastern coast of the Florida peninsula, about 15 miles (24 km) south of Miami and extend in an arc south-southwest and then westward to Key West, the westernmost of the inhabited islands, and on to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas. The islands lie along the Florida Straits, dividing the Atlantic Ocean to the east from the Gulf of Mexico to the northwest, and defining one edge of Florida Bay. The southern part of Key West is 93 miles (150 km) from Cuba. The Keys are located between about 24.3 and 25.5 degrees north latitude.
Places to visit in Florida Keys
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Southernmost Point Buoy
Landmark · 18 mi from centreA large striped concrete marker in Key West that claims the southernmost point of the continental United States. Lines for photos can be long, so visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
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Ernest Hemingway House
Museum · 18 mi from centreThe Spanish Colonial home where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote in Key West, now known for its many six-toed cats. Guided tours run frequently, but you can also explore the gardens on your own.
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Mallory Square
Viewpoint · 18 mi from centreA waterfront plaza in Key West known for its nightly sunset celebration with street performers and vendors. Arrive about an hour before sunset for a good spot along the water.
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Duval Street
Neighborhood · 18 mi from centreKey West's main street, lined with bars, restaurants, shops and historic buildings. It is easy to explore on foot or by bike, and is liveliest in the evening.
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Seven Mile Bridge
LandmarkA long bridge connecting the Middle and Lower Keys, with an older parallel bridge open to walkers and cyclists. Walk or bike the restored section of the old bridge for views of the water.
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Park · 78 mi from centreThe first undersea park in the United States, protecting coral reefs off Key Largo. Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours leave from the visitor center, so book in advance.
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Bahia Honda State Park
Beach · 18 mi from centreA state park with some of the best natural beaches in the Keys, plus a section of old railroad bridge. Arrive early, since the park closes when it reaches capacity.
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Dry Tortugas National Park
Park · 84 mi from centreA remote national park west of Key West centered on Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fort. Reach it by ferry or seaplane, and book well in advance, as spaces are limited.
Things to do in Florida Keys by type
13 tours, tickets and experiences across 4 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Gastronomy & nightlife 3 experiences Hard Rock Cafe Key West -
City tours 3 experiences Conch Tour Train -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 2 experiences Parasailing Experience in Key West -
Cruise & Water Tours 2 experiences Dolphin Watching Cruise with Snorkeling and Drinks
- 1-3 hours 4
- Up to 1 hour 1
- 3-6 hours 1
- Families 5
- Couples 5
- Youth 5
- Senior 5
- Shore excursions 6
Top experiences in Florida Keys
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 13 available.
Conch Tour Train
From $39 per adult
Old Town Trolley
From $47 per adult
Key West Aquarium
From $19 per adult
Shipwreck Treasure Museum
From $17 per adult
Ghosts and Gravestones
From $34 per adult
Secret Food Tours Key West - Old Town
From $96 per adult
Key West Southernmost Sweet Treats Tour
From $57 per adult
Dolphin Watching Cruise with Snorkeling and Drinks
From $78 per adult
Parasailing Experience in Key West
From $89 per adult
Snorkeling Experience with Unlimited Drinks
From $59 per adult
Where to stay in Florida Keys
Popular hotels in Florida Keys, out of 175 properties you can book.
Parrot Key Hotel & Villas
From $175 per night
Southernmost Beach Resort
From $234 per night
The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
From $365 per night
Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
From $501 per night
Havana Cabana Key West
From $182 per night
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
From $332 per night
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
From $233 per night
Faro Blanco Resort Marathon CurioCollection Hilton
From $171 per night
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West
From $146 per night
La Concha Key West Autograph Collection
From $485 per night
Winslows Bungalows
From $285 per night
Paradise Inn Adult Only Hotel
From $256 per night
Best time to visit Florida Keys
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Florida Keys is February to April and November to December, when average daytime highs are around 74–78°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Florida Keys weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 83° 73° 19%
- Thu 22 Oct 80° 77° 24%
- Fri 23 Oct 81° 77° 44%
- Sat 24 Oct 79° 75° 59%
- Sun 25 Oct 79° 77° 49%
- Mon 26 Oct 81° 78° 35%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Florida Keys
These are the airports closest to central Florida Keys. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- NQX Naval Air Station Key West11 mi (18 km) from the city centre
- EYW Key West International Airport16 mi (25 km) from the city centre
- MTH Florida Keys Marathon Airport31 mi (50 km) from the city centre
Getting around Florida Keys
The Keys (at least the accessible, commercial islands) are connected by US Highway 1. A useful and interesting "quirk" about the linearity of the Keys (and US-1) is that directions to establishments and attractions are locally described by the "Mile Markers" along US-1.
Florida Keys travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Florida Keys?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Florida Keys is February to April and November to December, when average daytime highs are around 74–78°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Florida Keys?
August is usually the warmest month in Florida Keys, with average highs of 87°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 67°F (20°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 192 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Florida Keys?
Naval Air Station Key West (NQX) is the closest airport, about 11 miles (18 km) from the centre of Florida Keys. Other nearby airports include Key West International Airport (EYW, 16 mi) and Florida Keys Marathon Airport (MTH, 31 mi).
What time zone is Florida Keys in?
Florida Keys uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Florida Keys?
The Keys (at least the accessible, commercial islands) are connected by US Highway 1. A useful and interesting "quirk" about the linearity of the Keys (and US-1) is that directions to establishments and attractions are locally described by the "Mile Markers" along US-1.
What are the best places to visit in Florida Keys?
Top sights in Florida Keys include Southernmost Point Buoy, Ernest Hemingway House, Mallory Square and Duval Street. A large striped concrete marker in Key West that claims the southernmost point of the continental United States. Lines for photos can be long, so visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
What are the top things to do in Florida Keys?
Popular experiences you can book in Florida Keys include Conch Tour Train, Old Town Trolley and Key West Aquarium. Destina Holidays offers 13 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Florida Keys?
The most popular types of experiences in Florida Keys are gastronomy & nightlife (3), city tours (3), outdoor activities & adventure (2) and cruise & water tours (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Florida Keys?
Popular areas for hotels in Florida Keys include Key West and Marathon. Well-reviewed options include Parrot Key Hotel & Villas and Southernmost Beach Resort.
How many hotels can I book in Florida Keys?
Destina Holidays currently lists 175 properties in and around Florida Keys, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
