Key West City Guide
Key West Map: Old Town Landmarks, Beaches & Transit
Our detailed Key West map provides essential orientation across the compact coral island spanning four miles long by two miles wide, with almost all premier historic attractions concentrated within the two square miles of historic Old Town. Navigating between top sights like Mallory Square, the Ernest Hemingway Home, Fort Zachary Taylor, and the Historic Seaport is straightforward when you understand the island's primary street grid. Use this comprehensive map guide to orient yourself across neighborhoods, public beach parks, parking garages, and the free Duval Loop bus line. The wider island directory and travel planner starts on the Key West City Guide homepage.
Quick answer
Key West is a compact 4x2-mile coral island oriented east-to-west, with virtually all premier historic attractions concentrated within the 2 square miles of Old Town. 14-block Duval Street runs north-to-south from the Gulf of Mexico (Mallory Square) down to the Atlantic Ocean (Southernmost Point), walkable end-to-end in 25 to 30 minutes. The free Duval Loop bus circles Old Town every 15 minutes across 18 stops, making a rental car unnecessary.
Key takeaways
- North-to-South spine: Duval Street, Whitehead Street, and Simonton Street run parallel from the Gulf harbor down to the Atlantic oceanfront.
- East-to-West connectors: Truman Avenue (US-1), Southard Street, and Eaton Street connect Old Town directly to New Town and Atlantic beaches.
- Free Duval Loop bus: Circles Old Town every 15 minutes with 18 designated stops, running from 6:00 AM to midnight daily with zero fare.
- Distances: Walking from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point takes roughly 25 minutes (1.2 miles) along scenic Whitehead Street.
- Parking reality: Avoid driving in Old Town; use Old Town Garage ($32/day flat rate) or rent bicycles ($15–$25/day) for effortless transit.
Interactive Key West Island Map & 40 Essential Points of Interest
Explore 40 verified coordinates across Old Town, Truman Annex, Bahama Village, the Historic Seaport, and Atlantic beaches. Filter by category to view historic monuments, lush gardens, swimming shores, iconic dining, and key transport hubs with live navigation links:
Monuments & Heritage 10 pins
- Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum$18 cash on arrivalCheck Availability1851 Spanish colonial limestone estate where Hemingway wrote A Farewell to Arms, featuring 60 polydactyl cats and the island's first in-ground swimming pool.
- Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters$17.00 admissionDecommissioned 1848 lighthouse; climb 88 spiral iron steps for 360-degree panoramic vistas over Old Town, Truman Annex, and the coral reefs.
- Harry S. Truman Little White House$24.25 admissionFlorida's only presidential museum, serving as the Winter White House for Truman across 175 days between 1946 and 1952.
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum$17.50 admissionHouses real 1622 Spanish galleon treasure from Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita, including gold bars, silver coins, and emeralds.
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum$20.24 admissionRe-creates Key West's 1856 wrecking industry golden era; climb the 65-foot observation lookout tower for harbor views.
- Key West Aquarium$21.59 admissionHistoric open-air aquarium built in 1934 under the WPA, featuring nurse shark feedings, stingray touch tanks, and local marine life.
- Audubon House & Tropical Gardens$15.00 admissionRestored 1840s classic captain's home surrounded by lush brick-patio tropical gardens, displaying original 19th-century John James Audubon engravings.
- Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture GardenFree public accessOpen-air memorial courtyard beside Mallory Square featuring 36 bronze portrait busts of influential historical figures who shaped the Florida Keys.
- Custom House Museum (KWAHS)$16.00 admissionImposing 1891 Richardsonian Romanesque red-brick landmark that once served as customs headquarters, now showcasing rotating Florida Keys history exhibits.
- Historic Key West CemeteryFree admission19-acre Victorian necropolis established in 1847 with above-ground whitewashed vaults, USS Maine memorial, and famous humorous epitaphs.
Gardens & Nature Parks 6 pins
- Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory$17.50 admissionClimate-controlled glass solarium housing 50 to 60 live tropical butterfly species, flowering orchids, cascading waterfalls, and two resident flamingos.
- Fort Zachary Taylor Nature Trails$2.50 pedestrian / $6 carCoastal hammocks and shaded woodland paths lined with native gumbo limbo and sea grape trees leading to Civil War gun emplacements.
- West Martello Tower & Garden ClubFree (donations welcome)Civil War-era brick fortress ruins maintained by volunteer arborists, filled with rare tropical palms, blooming orchids, and Atlantic ocean lookouts.
- Key West Wildlife Center (Indigenous Park)Free admissionSeven-acre forested wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center with a freshwater pond, native birds, hawks, and migratory warblers.
- Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden$10.00 admissionOnly frost-free subtropical arboretum in the continental US, featuring two rare freshwater ponds, butterfly gardens, and canopy boardwalks on Stock Island.
- Truman Waterfront Park & PromenadeFree public accessBreezy waterfront greenspace with open piers, splash pad, shaded pedestrian promenade, and unobstructed sunset views over Key West Harbor.
Beaches & Waterfront 7 pins
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park & Beach$2.50 walking / $6 carKey West's best natural swimming and snorkeling beach; rocky limestone seafloor teeming with yellowtail snapper, parrotfish, and living coral.
- South BeachFree public accessPocket beach situated at the southern terminus of Duval Street; gentle Atlantic shallows, cafe chair service, and easy walking access.
- Higgs Beach & Wooden PierFree parking & accessSpacious Atlantic park with white sand, volleyball courts, historic African Slave Cemetery memorial, and long wooden fishing pier.
- Rest BeachFree public accessQuiet sandy cove neighboring Higgs Beach with a scenic wooden yoga deck overlooking the morning Atlantic sunrise.
- Smathers BeachFree public accessThe island's premier two-mile sandy beach lined with coconut palms, restroom pavilions, food trucks, and watersports rental concessions.
- Mallory Square Sunset Celebration PierFree public accessIconic waterfront promenade hosting nightly sunset celebrations two hours before dusk with jugglers, musicians, food vendors, and harbor vistas.
- Key West Historic Seaport Harbor WalkFree public accessRestored timber harbor boardwalk encircling the historic Key West Bight; departure pontoons for tall ships, catamaran snorkel tours, and raw bars.
Iconic Food & Cafes 10 pins
- Blue Heaven$16–$35 casual diningLegendary Bahama Village courtyard with roaming roosters and dirt floor, famous for Jamaican jerk chicken and towering mile-high Key lime pie.
- El Siboney Restaurant$14–$28 Cuban comfortAuthentic neighborhood Cuban institution serving roast pork, yellow rice with black beans, sweet plantains, and genuine pale-yellow Key lime pie.
- Half Shell Raw Bar$18–$42 seafoodOld-school seafood raw bar in a former shrimp-packing warehouse along the Historic Seaport, famous for fresh oysters and peel-and-eat pink shrimp.
- Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe$6.50 slice / treatsWorld-famous Key lime dessert bakery on Elizabeth Street, inventing the frozen chocolate-dipped Key lime pie on a stick.
- B.O.'s Fish Wagon$15–$22 fresh catchOpen-air shack built from driftwood and license plates serving fried grouper and diver-speared hogfish sandwiches with Key lime remoulade.
- Green Parrot Bar$5–$12 drinks & beerOperating since 1890 at Whitehead and Southard; iconic dive tavern with live funk and blues music, parachute ceiling, and root beer barrel shots.
- Sloppy Joe's Bar$14–$26 food / drinksErnest Hemingway's legendary Duval Street watering hole, established in 1933; live music, Sloppy Joe sandwiches, and memorabilia.
- Pepe's Cafe$12–$32 breakfast/dinnerOldest eating house in the Florida Keys (established 1869); famous for fresh-squeezed orange juice, hearty breakfasts, and steak dinners.
- Sandy's Cafe$6–$12 takeout window24-hour Cuban takeout window attached to a laundromat on White Street; serves hot pressed Cuban sandwiches and cafe con leche.
- Captain Tony's Saloon$6–$14 drinksOriginal location of Sloppy Joe's (1933-1937), built around an 1850s icehouse and hanging tree; adorned with business cards and brass barstools.
Transit, Piers & Parking 7 pins
- Key West International Airport (EYW)Commercial FlightsPrimary commercial gateway with daily flights to major airline hubs; rental car desks, taxis, and rideshare pickup bays.
- Old Town Garage (Park & Ride Terminal)$4.00/hr or $32/dayPrimary covered public parking facility (200 spaces) located at Grinnell and Caroline streets; serves as Duval Loop Stop #1.
- Key West Ferry Terminal (Dry Tortugas)Ferry DeparturesDeepwater boarding terminal for the daily Yankee Freedom III ferry to Fort Jefferson and the Key West Express ferry to Fort Myers.
- Simonton Street Ferry DockHarbor FerriesWater taxi dock and boarding terminal for sunset catamarans and private boat charters overlooking Key West Harbor.
- Mallory Square Parking Lot$5.00/hr meteredConvenient open-air municipal parking lot directly beside the sunset pier and museums; 90 public parking stalls.
- Truman Waterfront Bus Transfer HubFree Duval Loop BusDuval Loop Stop #15 with sheltered benches, serving Truman Waterfront Park, amphitheater events, and Fort Zachary Taylor entry.
- Eaton & Whitehead Bus StationFree Duval Loop BusCentral Old Town transfer point (Duval Loop Stop #4) connecting Duval Street's nightlife, theater district, and historic inns.
Duval Street forms the 1.25-mile north-south commercial and cultural spine of Old Town Key West, connecting the Gulf of Mexico at Mallory Square to the Atlantic Ocean near the Southernmost Point Buoy.
Measure walking distances and times from the northwestern hub of Mallory Square to top sights across Old Town:
| Landmark | District | Distance from Mallory Sq | Walking Time | Duval Loop Stop | Local Insider Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ernest Hemingway Home | Old Town (South) | 0.9 miles | 18 minutes | Stop 12 (Whitehead & Julia) | Walk down shaded Whitehead Street instead of noisy Duval to admire 19th-century conch architecture. |
| Southernmost Point Buoy | Old Town (South) | 1.2 miles | 24 minutes | Stop 13 (Simonton & South) | Arrive before 8:30 AM to photograph the painted concrete buoy without 45-minute cruise ship lines. |
| Key West Lighthouse | Old Town (South) | 0.9 miles | 18 minutes | Stop 12 (Whitehead & Julia) | Directly across Whitehead Street from Hemingway Home; combine both tickets on the same morning visit. |
| Truman Little White House | Truman Annex | 0.3 miles | 6 minutes | Stop 17 (Front & Caroline) | Enter through the gated Truman Annex pedestrian archway on Front Street; 5-minute stroll from Mallory. |
| Historic Seaport Harbor Walk | Historic Seaport | 0.5 miles | 10 minutes | Stop 1 (Old Town Garage) | Follow Greene Street east to the harbor; ideal route for 4:30 PM happy hour peel-and-eat pink shrimp. |
| Fort Zachary Taylor Beach | Fort Zach Park | 1.1 miles | 22 minutes | Stop 16 (Southard & Thomas) | Bike or walk past the residential Truman Annex gate; bring hard-soled water shoes for the rocky reef floor. |
| Key West Butterfly Conservatory | Upper Duval (South) | 1.1 miles | 21 minutes | Stop 13 (Simonton & South) | Located at 1316 Duval Street; best visited during midday heat when the climate-controlled solarium is refreshing. |
| Mel Fisher Maritime Museum | Mallory Precinct | 0.1 miles | 2 minutes | Stop 18 (Whitehead & Caroline) | Right across Greene Street from the Custom House; displays genuine Atocha emeralds and heavy gold bullion. |
| Historic Key West Cemetery | Old Town (Central) | 0.8 miles | 16 minutes | Stop 8 (Simonton & Fleming) | Pick up a free paper walking map at the cemetery office gate to find the famous humorous epitaph gravestones. |
| Smathers Beach | New Town / Atlantic | 2.8 miles | Bike (15 min) / Taxi | City Bus Route Green | Do not walk in afternoon heat; rent a cruiser bicycle ($15/day) and follow the flat Atlantic Boulevard path. |
The anatomy of Key West: Old Town vs New Town
Key West is geographically divided into two sharply contrasting environments by White Street and First Street, creating distinct travel experiences:
Old Town (Western Island): The Historic 19th-Century Epicenter
Old Town occupies the western two square miles of the island and contains the largest historic preservation district on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. Nearly 3,000 historic wooden structures—ranging from classical Greek Revival mansions and Bahamian eyebrow cottages to delicate Victorian gingerbread villas—line leafy, shaded brick lanes. Old Town is almost entirely pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, with flat terrain and short blocks.
Here you will find the world-famous commercial spine of Duval Street, the historic Cuban enclave of Bahama Village, the cultural complexes of Truman Annex, and the waterfront schooner slips of the Historic Seaport. If you stay in Old Town, you do not need an automobile; you can walk or pedal to every museum, raw bar, and sunset celebration in under 15 minutes.
New Town (Eastern Island): Modern Commercial Hub & Atlantic Resorts
New Town encompasses the eastern half of the island, developed primarily through post-World War II dredging and suburban expansion. It is characterized by wider multi-lane boulevards (North Roosevelt Boulevard and South Roosevelt Boulevard), larger brand-name resort hotels, shopping centers, grocery supermarkets, car rental depots, and Key West International Airport (EYW).
While New Town lacks the architectural charm and intimacy of Old Town, it offers lower nightly accommodation rates, spacious hotel rooms, free surface parking, and direct frontage on the sandy expanse of Smathers Beach. Commuting between New Town accommodations and Old Town attractions requires an 8-to-12-minute rideshare ($14–$20), a 15-to-20-minute bicycle ride along the coastal promenade, or the municipal bus line.
Intermediate Districts: Bahama Village, Truman Annex & The Meadows
Between the bustling tourist corridors of Duval Street and the residential perimeter sit several micro-neighborhoods with rich local character. Bahama Village covers a sixteen-block grid southwest of Whitehead Street, settled in the 1800s by skilled Afro-Bahamian spongers and shipwrights. Centered around Petronia Street, it remains the soul of the island with pastel-painted cottages, community churches, and open-air courtyards like Blue Heaven.
Truman Annex is a park-like, master-planned residential redevelopment of the former naval station, featuring manicured brick walkways, towering banyan trees, and strict vehicle access control. The Meadows is a tranquil residential neighborhood east of White Street, filled with historic shotgun homes draped in blooming bougainvillea, offering peaceful strolls far removed from cruise ship traffic.
The Free Duval Loop Bus: Complete 18-Stop Route & Schedule
The Duval Loop is a complimentary hop-on hop-off public transit service funded by the City of Key West to reduce vehicle congestion in the historic district:
Operational Schedule, Headway & Real-Time Tracking
The Duval Loop operates seven days a week, 365 days a year, with completely zero passenger fares. From 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM, buses run every 30 minutes; from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (peak touring hours), headway tightens to every 15 minutes; from 8:00 PM to midnight, buses run every 30 minutes.
The clean, air-conditioned mini-buses are equipped with low-floor passenger ramps for wheelchair accessibility and front-mounted bike racks capable of holding two bicycles. Passengers can track live bus locations and arrival estimates in real time using the free Key West Transit mobile smartphone app or by scanning the QR codes posted on each designated pink bus stop sign.
Essential Duval Loop Route Stops for Visitors
The circular route winds counter-clockwise through Old Town, connecting remote parking facilities directly to major landmarks without navigating through congested Duval Street:
Stop 1 (Old Town Garage / Park & Ride): Corner of Grinnell and Caroline streets. The primary boarding terminal for motorists leaving vehicles in covered municipal parking. Stop 4 (Eaton & Whitehead): Heart of the theater district and two blocks from Custom House and Audubon House. Stop 6 (Caroline & Duval): Access to Lower Duval Street saloons, Captain Tony's, and Historic Seaport harbor walks. Stop 12 (Whitehead & Julia): Direct drop-off at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Key West Lighthouse. Stop 13 (Simonton & South): Southern terminus, located two short blocks from the Southernmost Point Buoy and South Beach. Stop 15 (Truman Waterfront Park): Entrance to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, splash pads, and the Key West amphitheater. * Stop 17 (Front & Caroline): Direct connection to Mallory Square, Little White House, and Key West Shipwreck Museum.
Getting around by bicycle and walking: paths, rentals, and Florida laws
Because Key West measures only 2 miles across and features zero topographic hills, walking and cycling are the fastest and most enjoyable transportation methods:
Bicycle Rental Economics, Locks & Theft Prevention
Cruiser bicycles equipped with wide balloon tires, cushioned saddles, front baskets, and coaster foot brakes are the undisputed kings of island transit. Rental shops (such as Island Bicycles, We Cycle, and Eaton Bikes) offer standard single-speed cruisers for $15 to $22 per 24 hours, or $75 to $95 for a full week, with complimentary delivery and pickup to your guesthouse.
Bicycle theft is common in Old Town due to transient foot traffic. Always secure your frame and rear wheel to an official city bicycle rack using a sturdy U-lock or heavy steel cable. Never leave an unlocked bicycle unattended on a sidewalk or porch, even for a five-minute visit to a coffee window.
Florida Cycling Statutes: Lights, Sidewalks & Helmets
Cyclists in Key West are subject to Florida State Traffic Statutes (F.S. 316.2065). Key legal regulations every visiting rider must observe include:
Night Lighting Law: Bicycles operated between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with an active white front headlight visible from 500 feet and a red rear reflector or active red taillight visible from 600 feet. City police actively issue $45 traffic citations to unlit night cyclists. Sidewalk Riding Restrictions: Biking on sidewalks is legal across residential Key West, provided cyclists yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal (bell or verbal call) before passing. However, cycling on sidewalks along commercial Duval Street is strictly prohibited by municipal ordinance. * Helmet Laws: Under Florida law, bicycle helmets are mandatory only for riders under 16 years of age. While adult helmets are optional, wearing one is advised when navigating narrow streets alongside delivery vans and tour trolleys.
Low-speed vehicles (golf carts) and scooters: realities and parking traps
Street-legal golf carts and motor scooters are heavily advertised across the island, but they carry significant legal restrictions and parking limitations:
Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs): Rules of the Road & Child Restraints
Rental golf carts in Key West are classified under Florida law as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs). They are fully titled motor vehicles equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, and windshield wipers, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 25 mph. Drivers must possess a valid driver's license and proof of insurance.
LSVs are legally permitted to operate only on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. Because the speed limit on North Roosevelt Boulevard exceeds 35 mph in commercial sectors, LSVs cannot legally cross the entire northern island corridor. Furthermore, Florida child restraint statutes strictly apply: children under age 4 must sit in an approved crash-tested car seat, and children ages 4 and 5 must use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt, making LSVs impractical for families with toddlers.
The Golf Cart Parking Trap in Old Town
The greatest hidden downside of renting a golf cart in Key West is parking. By municipal law, an LSV is treated exactly like an automobile: it must park entirely within a designated four-wheel parking stall and pay standard municipal meter rates ($4.00–$5.00/hour). Golf carts are strictly banned from parking in bicycle racks, motorcycle/scooter slots, or on public sidewalks.
Because four-wheel parking stalls in Old Town are notoriously scarce, drivers frequently spend 30 to 45 minutes circling historic blocks searching for open spaces, entirely negating the convenience of the vehicle. For local commuting within Old Town, bicycles or the Duval Loop are significantly faster and stress-free.
Parking in Key West: garages, metered rates, and residential tow zones
Parking enforcement in Key West is aggressive and operates seven days a week. Understanding curb colors and signage is crucial to avoid heavy fines:
Public Garages vs Street Meters: ParkMobile App Rates
On-street parking in Old Town is metered from 8:00 AM to midnight daily (Monday through Saturday) and from 12:00 PM to midnight on Sundays. Meter rates range from $4.00 to $5.00 per hour, payable via electronic street kiosks or the ParkMobile smartphone app (Zone 9200 series).
For stays exceeding three hours, covered parking garages provide the most cost-effective solution:
Old Town Garage (Park & Ride): Located at 300 Grinnell Street. Rates are $4.00 per hour with a maximum daily cap of $32.00. Board the free Duval Loop bus directly at Stop 1 at the garage entrance. Mallory Square Parking Lot: Located at 412 Wall Street. Rates are $5.00 per hour with no daily discount cap; ideal for quick museum visits or sunset viewing. * Simonton Street Waterfront Lot: Located at 0 Simonton Street beside the harbor; convenient for deep-sea charter boats and catamaran excursions.
The Feared 'Residential Permit Only' Parking Trap
Throughout Old Town, residential curb parking spaces are marked with white letters painted directly on the asphalt pavement spelling 'RESIDENTIAL' or with green-and-white metal signs reading 'Residential Permit Parking Only.' These spaces are strictly reserved for local Monroe County residents displaying a valid municipal Monroe County permit decal.
Visitors without a residential permit who park in these stalls—even for fifteen minutes—face an immediate $50 municipal parking fine, and during peak holiday weekends, their vehicle will be towed immediately to Stock Island, costing over $250 in impound and recovery fees. Always verify that a street space displays a ParkMobile zone number before parking.
Key West transportation comparison matrix: speed, costs, and parking ease
Evaluate all transit modes available across the island to determine the most practical choice for your daily itinerary:
Compare pricing, speed, and parking convenience across each travel method:
| Transit Mode | Daily Cost (2026) | Speed & Range | Parking Difficulty | Best Use Case | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Duval Loop Bus | $0.00 (Zero fare) | Moderate (15-min headway) | None (Hop on/off) | Old Town sightseeing & transit from Park & Ride garage | Operates only within the historic Old Town perimeter |
| Rental Bicycle | $15.00–$22.00 / day | Fast (8–12 mph island-wide) | Very Easy (Abundant racks) | Exploring all neighborhoods, Atlantic beaches & trails | Requires night lights (F.S. 316.2065) & sturdy U-lock |
| Walking on Foot | $0.00 | Slow (2.5–3.0 mph) | None | Strolling historic Duval, Whitehead & Seaport lanes | Summer heat & humidity limit walking to under 1.5 miles |
| Rideshare (Uber / Lyft) | $12.00–$22.00 / trip | Rapid on-demand | None (Driver parks) | Airport transfers & late-night New Town commutes | Surge pricing during cruise departures & New Year's |
| Golf Cart (LSV) | $140.00–$220.00 / day | Max 25 mph (Restricted roads) | Extremely Difficult | Novelty cruising with older guests or luggage | Must park in full car spaces & pay $4–$5/hr meters |
| Rental Automobile | $65.00–$120.00 / day | Full highway range | Severe in Old Town | Day trips to Bahia Honda & Seven Mile Bridge | Total liability in Old Town; garage costs $32/day |
Cruise ship navigation and avoiding peak waterfront congestion
Key West accommodates cruise ships at three deepwater berthing piers, dramatically influencing pedestrian density across the historic district:
The Three Docking Berths: Pier B, Mallory Square & Outer Mole
Cruise vessels call at three separate points on Key West Harbor:
Pier B (Opal Key Resort & Marina): The primary private pier handling the highest volume of cruise liners, located two blocks north of Mallory Square. Mallory Square Pier: Municipal docking pier used for select daytime calls; ships must depart at least two hours before sunset to allow the Sunset Celebration to take place unobstructed. * Outer Mole (Navy Pier): Located inside the secured Truman Annex naval perimeter. Passengers disembark onto military property and are shuttled by commercial tram into Old Town.
Crowd Avoidance Strategy: The 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM Window
When two large cruise ships dock simultaneously, up to 6,000 day visitors pour into Old Town between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM. During this five-hour window, pedestrian traffic along lower Duval Street, the Hemingway Home, and the Southernmost Point Buoy peaks dramatically, with lines at the buoy stretching 45 minutes.
To optimize your time, visit the Hemingway Home and Southernmost Point between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. When the midday wave crests, retreat into the quiet residential blocks of the Meadows, explore Fort Zachary Taylor's shaded pine forest, or head out on a morning reef snorkeling catamaran. By 4:30 PM, cruise passengers re-board their vessels, returning Old Town's atmosphere to its relaxed local rhythm.
Sit back and let local conductors navigate the historic streets while sharing island folklore.
from $42.95
Key West: Conch Tour Train 75-Minute Sightseeing Tour
The quintessential 75-minute loop through Old Town operating since 1958. Best for orientation and first-timers who prefer continuous live storytelling over walking in midday Florida heat.
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from $48.50
Key West: Old Town Trolley 13-Stop Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Full-day transport covering 13 stops across the entire island from Mallory Square to New Town. Ideal for travelers visiting Key West without a rental car or avoiding costly Old Town parking.
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from $43.00
Key West: Ghosts & Gravestones Guided Evening Trolley Tour
Key West's premier theatrical ghost excursion. A 60-minute journey through the island's darkest folklore, macabre grave robberies, and unsolved deaths guided by costumed 'Gravediggers'.
Check AvailabilityPrices, ratings and details are the platform's own, checked in Q3 2026; dollar figures are the listed prices — the platform bills in your account's currency.
Frequently asked questions about navigating Key West
How long does it take to walk across Key West?
Walking north-to-south across the island along Duval Street (from Gulf to Atlantic) takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes (1.2 miles). Walking east-to-west across the entire island spans about 4 miles and takes 75 to 90 minutes.
Where can you pick up a physical paper map in Key West?
Complimentary printed island maps and Duval Loop route brochures are available at the Visitor Information Center at 402 Wall Street (Mallory Square) and at Old Town Garage.
Is Key West completely flat for cycling?
Yes, Key West is entirely flat with an average elevation of just 5 feet above sea level. Solares Hill, the island's highest natural point, rises only 18 feet.
What is the best street to walk down in Key West?
Duval Street is the main commercial and nightlife artery, but Whitehead Street offers a quieter, shaded route past top historic sites like the Hemingway Home, Lighthouse, and Green Street theater.
How do you get from Key West Airport to Old Town?
Key West International Airport (EYW) is located on the southeast side of the island. A rideshare (Uber or Lyft) or taxi to Old Town takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $15 to $22.
Do I need a rental car in Key West?
No. Having a car in Old Town is an expensive hassle due to scarce $4–$5/hour street parking, $32/day garage rates, and strict residential permit zones. Bicycles, walking, and the free Duval Loop bus easily cover all historic sights.
Is the Duval Loop bus really free?
Yes, the Duval Loop is 100% free with zero fares. It runs every 15 minutes during peak daytime hours (10:00 AM to 8:00 PM) across 18 designated stops, connecting major parking garages, museums, and waterfront piers.
Can golf carts park in motorcycle or scooter parking spots in Key West?
No. Low-Speed Vehicles (golf carts) are legally classified as automobiles. They must park in full-sized four-wheel parking stalls and pay standard meter rates. Parking in scooter bays or on sidewalks results in an immediate $50 ticket.
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