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Key West, FL

Key West is the southernmost city in the continental U.S., known for its vibrant culture, colorful architecture, and stunning sunsets.

About the city

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Historical Names and Nicknames

Key West is known by several unique names, reflecting its colorful history and geography.

Founding Date and Age

Key West's history as a U.S. city began in the early 19th century. The island was sold to American businessman John W. Simonton in 1822, and the U.S. flag was officially planted on March 25 of that year . It was officially incorporated as a city in 1828 . As of 2026, the city is 198 years old.

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Key West is situated at the far southwestern end of the Florida Keys island chain.

Type of City and Economic Specialization

Key West is a premier tourist and resort destination. Its economy is overwhelmingly driven by tourism, attracting millions of visitors each year with its historic charm, nightlife, and water-based activities . It is a major port of call for cruise ships and is renowned for its eco-tourism, including fishing, diving, and snorkeling in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary . It is also an important year-round training site for naval aviation due to its tropical weather .

Population and Demographics

The City of Key West has a population of 25,240 as of 2024, making it a small city . The population within the city limits was 26,444 at the 2020 census . The wider Key West area, including the unincorporated parts of the island, has a population of over 36,000 . It is known as a very diverse and welcoming community, with one of the largest and most prominent LGBTQ+ populations in the country .

"City's Business Card" (Briefly)

Key West is the ultimate island escape, a place where the quirky, artistic spirit of the "Conch Republic" meets the laid-back luxury of the tropics. Famous for its legendary sunsets celebrated nightly at Mallory Square, the literary ghost of Ernest Hemingway, and its vibrant, colorful historic district, it is the southernmost point of the U.S.—a unique blend of American culture with a distinct Caribbean soul .

Geography

Water Bodies (Oceans, Straits)

The defining geographic feature of Key West is its location where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico via the Straits of Florida . The city is surrounded by these warm, clear waters, which are essential to its marine ecosystem and tourist economy. The harbor, located on the island's northwest side, is a busy hub for cruise ships, charter boats, and private vessels .

Beaches and Coastlines

While not famous for expansive sandy beaches, Key West offers unique coastal spots.

Islands and Archipelagos

Key West is the most famous and populous island in the Florida Keys archipelago, a chain of over 1,700 islands stretching about 200 miles from the southern tip of the Florida peninsula . The City of Key West itself encompasses the main island of Key West, as well as parts of Stock Island to the east, and the islands of Fleming Key, Sigsbee Park (Dredgers Key), and Sunset Key (Tank Island) . Fleming Key and Sigsbee Park are part of the Naval Air Station and are not accessible to the public .

National and Natural Parks

The surrounding waters and nearby lands are protected by several significant parks and sanctuaries.

Climate and weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Key West has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen: Aw), which is strongly influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean . It is known for being one of the most consistently warm and sunny cities in the United States, with very little temperature variation throughout the year. The city has two main seasons: a warm and dry season (winter and spring) and a hot and humid season (summer and fall) .

Average Temperatures by Month

Temperatures in Key West are remarkably stable year-round, with average highs ranging from the mid-70s°F (around 24°C) in winter to the high 80s°F (around 31°C) in summer .

Precipitation and Humidity

Key West receives a significant amount of its annual rainfall during the summer and early fall months.

Sunny Days and UV Index

Key West is exceptionally sunny, contributing to its appeal as a year-round destination.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Landmarks

Southernmost Point Buoy

Located at the intersection of Whitehead and South streets, the Southernmost Point Buoy is a iconic, giant concrete buoy painted in the colors of a buoy marker (red, black, yellow, and white). Installed in 1983, it marks the southernmost point in the continental United States, noting that the city of Havana, Cuba, is just 90 miles away . It is one of the most photographed and visited spots in Key West, with visitors lining up daily for a photo in front of this symbolic landmark .

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is a historic Spanish Colonial house located at 907 Whitehead Street. The Nobel Prize-winning author lived and wrote here for most of the 1930s, penning some of his most famous works, including For Whom the Bell Tolls, within its walls . Today, it is a museum filled with his personal belongings and is also famous for its population of approximately 50 six-toed cats, all descendants of Hemingway's original pet, "Snow White" .

Harry S. Truman Little White House

Located in the Truman Annex, the Harry S. Truman Little White House served as the winter retreat for President Harry S. Truman, who spent 175 days of his presidency here . It is the oldest presidential site in the U.S. open to the public. The house has also hosted many other presidents and world leaders. Tours are available, offering a glimpse into Truman's life and the home's well-preserved history.

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

The Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House is a stunning red-brick building at the foot of Duval Street. It provides a comprehensive overview of Key West's rich and varied history, from its shipwreck salvaging and cigar-making boom to its artsy reinvention during the Great Depression . It also hosts rotating exhibits of works by local and Florida artists .

Key West Cemetery

Established in 1847, the Key West Cemetery is a fascinating and historic 19-acre site in the heart of Old Town. Known for its unusual above-ground tombs and creative, often humorous epitaphs (like the famous "I told you I was sick"), it is a peaceful place to explore . The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable residents, including Cuban revolutionaries from the Ten Years' War and sailors who perished in the 1898 USS Maine explosion .

Mallory Square

Mallory Square is the historic heart of the city's waterfront and the epicenter of one of Key West's most beloved traditions: the Sunset Celebration. Every evening, hundreds of people gather to watch the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico, accompanied by a vibrant festival of street performers, local artists, food vendors, and musicians .

Transport

Main Airports

Key West is served by a small but functional airport, with a major international airport located on the mainland.

Main Highways

The only road into and out of Key West is the famous Overseas Highway, which carries U.S. Route 1 . This 113-mile stretch of highway from the mainland is a spectacular drive, crossing over 42 bridges that leapfrog from island to island, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge . In Key West, U.S. 1 terminates at the corner of Whitehead and Fleming streets, marking the southern end of the longest north-south road in the United States . The city is also the southern terminus for State Road A1A and the East Coast Greenway .

Public Transportation and Getting Around

Key West is a very walkable and bike-friendly city, especially in the compact Old Town area .

Major Ports

Key West Harbor is a significant seaport with a rich maritime history . The Historic Seaport (also known as the Key West Bight) is the center of the working waterfront, home to charter fishing boats, sailing vessels, eco-tours, and waterfront restaurants and bars . The Mallory Square Dock and other nearby piers are the primary terminals for the large cruise ships that visit the city .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Key Lime Pie

No visit to Key West is complete without tasting its most famous dessert, Key lime pie . This iconic treat features a tangy custard made from locally grown Key limes, known for their distinct tartness and aromatic flavor, set in a graham cracker crust and typically topped with a lofty meringue or whipped cream . While its exact origins are debated, the pie is deeply tied to the Florida Keys and was designated the official state pie of Florida in 2006. For the full experience, visitors can embark on a self-guided "dessert crawl" in Old Town. Must-try spots include Kermit's Key Lime Shop, famous for its chocolate-dipped pie on a stick, and Blue Heaven, celebrated for its sky-high meringue-topped version served in a charming, artistic garden setting .

Conch Fritters

Conch fritters are a quintessential Keys specialty, a direct culinary link to the islands' Bahamian heritage . These savory fritters are made by chopping conch meat (a large sea snail), mixing it into a seasoned batter, and deep-frying it until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside . They are a staple appetizer found everywhere from dockside shacks to casual restaurants and are a must-try for any visitor. Popular spots to sample them include Caroline's Cafe, DJ's Clam Shack, and the no-frills El Siboney, where they are often considered the best in town .

Hogfish

Hogfish is the premier local catch and a delicacy for seafood lovers visiting Key West . Prized for its sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture, it's often described as tasting like a cross between scallops and lobster . It appears on menus in various preparations, from simply grilled or blackened to more elaborate dishes like Hogfish Pontchartrain, topped with crawfish and shrimp in a creamy Creole sauce . Due to its popularity, it's frequently featured as a daily special. Visitors can even participate in a "Cook Your Catch" program at some resorts, where chefs will prepare the fish you've caught that day .

Key West Pink Shrimp

Key West pink shrimp are a local treasure, harvested year-round from the waters surrounding the island, with peak seasons in spring and winter . These shrimp are celebrated for their exceptionally sweet, succulent flavor and firm texture, best enjoyed simply prepared to let their natural taste shine. They are often steamed with a light seasoning, like Old Bay, and served on a paper plate at casual spots, or grilled or sautéed at seafood counters throughout Old Town . The working waterfront of nearby Stock Island is home to shrimpers who supply this local delicacy .

Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)

Key West's proximity to Cuba has deeply influenced its food culture, with the Cuban sandwich being a prime example . A classic Cubano is a grilled masterpiece consisting of crusty Cuban bread layered with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard . The key is the perfect press, which melts the cheese and crisps the bread to a delightful crunch. For an authentic and affordable taste, head to a local institution like 5 Brothers Grocery and Sandwich Shop or the take-out counter at Sandy's Café, often located next to a laundromat, where the sandwiches are as genuine as they come .

The Mojito

While not a food, the mojito is the signature cocktail of Key West, inextricably linked to the spirit of the island and its most famous literary resident, Ernest Hemingway . This refreshing blend of white rum, mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water is the perfect accompaniment to a tropical evening. For a special experience, visit the bar Tropicado at the historic La Concha Hotel. At 4:30 p.m. sharp, a mojito cart is rolled out, and expert bartenders craft the drink with precision using Papa Pilar's Blonde Rum, a sugarcane stalk, and a bouquet of fresh mint .

Museums

Hemingway Home & Museum

Arguably Key West's most famous literary landmark, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is where the legendary author lived during his most prolific writing period in the 1930s . Located at 907 Whitehead Street, it was here that Hemingway wrote much of For Whom the Bell Tolls, To Have and Have Not (his only novel set in the United States), and The Green Hills of Africa in his upstairs writing studio . The house is a Spanish Colonial-style villa, and the lush grounds are equally famous for being home to approximately 50 six-toed cats, all descendants of Hemingway's original pet, Snow White . Guided tours offer entertaining anecdotes about Hemingway's life in Key West .

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Housed in a striking red-brick building that once served as the island's custom house and post office, this museum at Mallory Square offers a comprehensive look into Key West's rich past and creative spirit . Its collection is notable for featuring the painted relief woodcarvings of Mario Sanchez, a folk artist who vividly depicted island life in the 1930s . It also holds a surprising collection of haunting, surrealist paintings created by playwright Tennessee Williams in the 1970s, providing a unique insight into his creative practice beyond the stage . The museum's exhibits cover local history, including Henry Flagler's Overseas Railway and the WPA artists who came to Key West during the Great Depression .

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

For a taste of swashbuckling adventure and real-life treasure hunting, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is a must-visit. This museum showcases the incredible wealth recovered from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, which sank in a hurricane near Key West in 1622 . Mel Fisher and his team spent decades searching for the shipwreck, finally discovering its legendary treasure in 1985. On display are stunning artifacts, including gold and silver bars, intricate jewelry, emeralds, and coins, offering a tangible connection to the age of sail and the perils of the sea .

Tennessee Williams Museum

Celebrating the life of one of America's greatest 20th-century playwrights, the Tennessee Williams Museum on Truman Street offers an intimate look at his connection to Key West . Williams first visited the island in 1940 and eventually bought a home on Duncan Street in 1950, where he lived on and off for three decades. The museum contains a wealth of photographs, personal memorabilia, and newspaper clippings that detail his prolific career and his time in the Keys. A highlight is the actual typewriter he used while living in Key West, a poignant artifact of his creative process .

Gallery on Greene

For those interested in the visual arts, Gallery on Greene, run by the prominent local curator Nance Frank, is a cornerstone of the Key West art scene . The gallery represents dozens of local artists and offers a curated perspective on the island's artistic output. Its collection features works by the celebrated folk artist Mario Sanchez, the impressionistic island scenes of Peter Vey, and mixed-media pieces by Suzie de Poo . The gallery also maintains a strong connection with Cuban art, reflecting Key West's geographic and cultural ties .

Sports and Sporting Legends

Rex Weech Field (Southernmost Baseball Field)

Key West is home to the southernmost baseball field in the continental United States, Rex Weech Field . Located at 14th Street and Northside Drive, this irregularly-shaped field is unique because it's also used for football by the local high school, with outfield dimensions that stretch over 400 feet in the alleys . The stadium is the home of the Key West High School Conchs, a team with a storied history. The Conchs have won 11 Florida high school state baseball titles and boast several high-profile alumni, including major league All-Star and World Series champion Boog Powell and former MLB infielder Khalil Greene .

Key West Conchs (Minor League History)

Baseball in Key West has a professional history that predates the current high school field. In the 1950s and 1970s, minor league teams played at the now-demolished Wickers Stadium . These teams, most often referred to as the Key West Conchs (though also known as the Sun Caps), were part of leagues like the Florida International League and the Florida State League. This history underscores the deep-rooted love for baseball in this small island city .

Boog Powell (MLB All-Star)

One of the most famous athletes to come from Key West is Boog Powell . Born in Key West in 1941, Powell went on to become a dominant power hitter in Major League Baseball. Primarily playing for the Baltimore Orioles, he was a four-time All-Star, won the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1970, and was a key member of two Orioles World Series championship teams (1966 and 1970). His success on the national stage is a source of pride for his hometown .

Fishing Charters (The Sport of the Sea)

While not a traditional stadium sport, fishing is the lifeblood of recreational activity in Key West, a true local sporting passion. The waters surrounding the island are a world-class fishery, making Key West a premier destination for sportfishing enthusiasts . The Gulf Stream provides opportunities to catch a wide variety of game fish, including marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo. Numerous experienced charter operators, such as Screaming Lines Adventures, Captain Conch Charters, and Rusty's Bucket Charters, offer trips for both novice and experienced anglers, making it an accessible sport for all visitors .

Universities and Academic Institutions

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK)

The primary institution of higher education in Key West is The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) . This public college, with its main campus located at 5901 College Road, provides a comprehensive educational experience under the motto "Island Living, Island Learning" . It offers a range of programs including Associate in Arts degrees for university transfer, as well as Bachelor's degrees and professional certificates. Reflecting its unique location, CFK has notable programs in Marine Environmental Technology, Diving Business and Technology, and Marine Resource Management . With a total enrollment of around 2,400 students, the college fosters a small and engaging learning community . The College also has a swim team, the Tuga Swim Team, representing it in intramural sports .

Key West Golf Club (Collegiate Proximity)

While not a university itself, the Key West Golf Club is worth mentioning for its connection to the broader academic community. It is the course where the College of the Florida Keys' golf teams, the Tugas, play their home matches. This par-70 course is Florida's southernmost 18-hole golf course and adds an athletic dimension to the island's educational landscape .

Nearby Universities (Miami Area)

For students seeking a wider range of university choices, the Miami metropolitan area, located about a 3.5-hour drive from Key West, offers numerous options . These include major research institutions like the University of Miami, a top-ranked private university, and Florida International University (FIU) , a large public research university . Public community college options closer to Key West include the CFK itself, which is the closest community college to the island .

Medical Institutions and Healthcare

Mount Sinai Primary Care, Walk-in Clinic and Diagnostic Center Key West

For primary care and non-emergency medical needs, Key West is served by the Mount Sinai Primary Care, Walk-in Clinic and Diagnostic Center Key West . Located at 2506 N. Roosevelt Blvd, this facility is part of the larger Mount Sinai Medical Center network, Florida's largest private, independent, non-profit teaching hospital. The Key West center provides essential healthcare services to the community, including primary care, walk-in urgent care, and diagnostic services. It is staffed by experienced physicians, such as Dr. Gannon Dudlar and Dr. Kellee Reed, ensuring residents and visitors have access to quality medical attention .

Fishermen's Community Hospital (in nearby Marathon)

For comprehensive hospital services, including emergency care and surgery, residents of Key West utilize Fishermen's Community Hospital, located about 50 miles up the Keys in Marathon . This 22-bed, state-of-the-art facility is built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane and is an anchor of health for the entire Florida Keys community . Originally founded in 1962 and completely rebuilt after being severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017, the hospital offers 24/7 emergency care with telestroke services, an on-site helipad, intensive care beds, diagnostic imaging, and surgical services including endoscopy. It also functions as the southernmost branch of Baptist Health's Miami Cancer Institute, providing oncology care close to home for Keys residents .

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