{"id":63349,"date":"2024-03-22T22:24:56","date_gmt":"2024-03-23T05:24:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=63349"},"modified":"2025-08-19T12:35:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T19:35:11","slug":"key-west-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/key-west-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KEY WEST, FLORIDA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Key West is a tiny island located at the southern tip of the famed archipelago known as the Florida Keys. Renowned for its coral reefs, diving, snorkeling, and laid-back, vacation mode mentality, Key West attracts sun seekers from all over the world.<\/p>\n

Key West is approximately 100 miles from Miami, and is only 90 miles to Havana, Cuba. Known as the southernmost city of the continental United States, Key West offers crystal clear waters, great weather, an array of watersports, excellent seafood, and a vibrant bar scene.<\/span><\/p>\n

With Jimmy Buffet’s iconic song “Margaritaville” playing in my mind as the theme song, I had been dreaming of visiting this seemingly carefree destination for years. Key West is a perfect relaxed beach destination for couples, group trips, and families. It is truly a little island paradise, and and is easily accessible by car from Miami.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s my ultimate guide to Key West with the best hotels, tours, beaches, nightlife, picturesque locations, hidden gems, and more!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Key<\/p>\n

My Experience In Key West<\/h2>\n

I once saw a photo of a chicken standing on a white sand beach next to a palm tree, with crystal blue water in the background. That image stuck in my mind as epitomizing Key West. I want to go there<\/em> I said to myself. I want that laid-back island vibe to soak into my soul.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ten years later, in February 2024, I arrived in Key West in the pouring rain. It was cold, overcast, and windy but the moment I stepped inside a colorful restaurant on Duval Street and saw frozen margaritas and shrimp and grits on the menu, all my worries began to fade away. <\/p>\n

Key West is the opposite of pretentious. The vibe in Key West is: flip flops, beach bars, live music, chickens, cats, and horses in the street, salt in your hair, sun on your skin, the friendliest people, and the prettiest aqua-green ocean washing your worries away. <\/p>\n

Key West is a destination centered around fun. It’s a tiny 2 x 4 mile island and yet there are over 300 bars to choose from! Around every turn, there is some new variation of fun going on and you can’t help but get caught up in the blissful mentality.<\/p>\n

There are so many places to visit in the world, but Key West is a place I know I will return to. I love the laid-back island vibe it exudes and I can’t wait to visit in the balmy heat of summer when it’s so warm a bikini is the only thing I will need to pack. Paradise found.<\/p>\n

\"Vanessa<\/p>\n

Where I Stayed In Key West<\/h2>\n

Ideally situated, overlooking Sunset Pier and the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Ocean Key Resort & Spa<\/a> is one of the island’s top luxury destinations. Raked ‘Top 10 Resorts in the Florida Keys’ by Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler<\/em> and ‘Top 15 Resorts in Florida’ by Travel + Leisure <\/em>for 2023, Ocean Key Resort has been a favorite of locals and tourists for years.<\/p>\n

Located next to Mallory Square in historic Old Town Key West, Ocean Key Resort provides the ideal home away from home to explore everything Key West has to offer. From the resort, you can easily explore downtown Key West on foot or walk down the street to Key West Harbor where an array of water tours await you.  <\/p>\n

All the rooms at Ocean Key Resort<\/a> feature local art and eclectic hand-painted furnishings. Each room comes with a private balcony and view of the Gulf of Mexico or Key West\u2019s historic Duval Street. Highlights include Sunset Pier, a high-end spa, the cute mini Rum Bar in the lobby, oversized showers, and delicious daily breakfasts. I loved how spotlessly clean the rooms and property were.<\/p>\n

I also loved the dreamy Liquid Pool Bar & Lounge<\/a> overlooking Sunset Pier and the ocean. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon enjoying cocktails in the sunshine with a stunning view of the aqua sea. The decadent dinner I experienced at Ocean Key Resort’s upscale, romantic, oceanfront restaurant, Hot Tin Roof<\/a>, was top-notch and not to be missed. <\/p>\n

I would definitely stay at Ocean Key Resort & Spa<\/a> again next time I visit the Keys. I highly recommend it as an ideal hotel to book for a special occasion and for exploring the best of Key West.<\/p>\n

\"Ocean<\/p>\n

The Best Key West Hotels<\/h2>\n

There are a handful of upscale resorts in Key West, along with more affordable accommodations, making it an ideal destination for any budget. Here are 10 of the best hotels in and around Key West<\/strong> organized by luxury, mid-range, and budget-friendly.<\/p>\n

Luxury Key West Hotels<\/h3>\n