Key West in 3 Days: Hemingway's House and Duval Street
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum · Harry S. Truman Little White House · Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory · Smathers Beach · Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park · Sunset Pier
3-day Key West itinerary. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
Key West trades the sprawling, high-rise resort culture of Miami or Fort Lauderdale for a dense, nineteenth-century street grid shaded by banyan trees. You come here for the decaying maritime architecture and the sensory shift of the Caribbean latitude rather than the manicured beach clubs found in the northern keys. This plan fits those who prioritize slow-moving island rhythms, fresh conch, and historic house tours over high-energy nightlife or expansive white sand dunes.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Day 1 · Historic Sites and Museums
Mallory Square
Day 1 · Sunset Viewpoints
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Day 2 · Waterfront and Nature
Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shop - Elizabeth Street
Day 3 · Culinary and Neighborhood Walks
Higgs Beach
Day 3 · A Secluded Beach Escape
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
Key West stays warm throughout the year, but humidity climbs noticeably during the summer months when afternoon showers become frequent. Plan your outdoor activities for the mornings to beat the heat, and keep a light raincoat handy from summer through early fall.
Best time to go: Late winter and spring
The whole year
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 76°F / 24°C | 64°F / 18°C | 5 | 7:13 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Feb | 78°F / 25°C | 67°F / 19°C | 2 | 7:01 AM – 6:21 PM |
| Mar | 80°F / 26°C | 69°F / 20°C | 2 | 7:36 AM – 7:35 PM |
| Apr | 83°F / 28°C | 73°F / 23°C | 4 | 7:05 AM – 7:49 PM |
| May | 86°F / 30°C (hot) | 75°F / 24°C | 6 | 6:43 AM – 8:03 PM |
| Jun | 89°F / 32°C (hot) | 79°F / 26°C | 11 | 6:38 AM – 8:17 PM |
| Jul | 90°F / 32°C (hot) | 80°F / 27°C | 10 | 6:47 AM – 8:18 PM |
| Aug | 91°F / 33°C (hot) | 80°F / 27°C | 12 | 7:01 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Sep | 89°F / 32°C (hot) | 79°F / 26°C | 14 | 7:13 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Oct | 86°F / 30°C (hot) | 76°F / 24°C | 10 | 7:25 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Nov | 81°F / 27°C | 71°F / 22°C | 6 | 6:43 AM – 5:39 PM |
| Dec | 78°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 4 | 7:03 AM – 5:40 PM |
- Morning
8:00 AM - Arrive at Key West International Airport (EYW)· 1 hr
USD 25Land at EYW. Take a taxi directly to the Historic District (~15 min, $25). Drop off luggage at hotel.
9:30 AM - Breakfast: Cafe Cubano in Old Town· 30 min
USD 4Iconic dish
User:Colinkb7 (CC BY-SA 3.0)Start the day with an authentic, strong espresso shot whipped with sugar, served in a local spot.
Typical USD 2-4
- Afternoon
1:00 PM - Lunch: Hogfish Sandwich in Old Town· 1 hr
USD 22Iconic dishPhoto by Shuvro Mojumder on UnsplashEnjoy a fresh, lightly fried local hogfish filet served on a toasted Cuban bun.
Often found around Old TownTypical USD 18-26
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Stone Crab Claw in Old Town· 1 hr 30 min
USD 35Iconic dish
Photo by César O'neill on PexelsSavor fresh, chilled stone crab claws served with mustard sauce in a relaxed waterfront-style setting.
Typical USD 25-45
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Town
· This area is the heart of Key West and entirely walkable, keeping you within steps of historic landmarks and the harbor.- Morning
- Afternoon
1:30 PM - Lunch: Tostone in Old Town· 1 hr
USD 12Iconic dish
AMartiniouk (CC BY-SA 3.0)Enjoy crispy double-fried plantain slices served as a savory local snack at a quiet eatery.
Typical USD 4-8
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Smoked Fish Dip in Old Town· 1 hr
USD 20Try the dishPhoto by sheri silver on UnsplashSmoked Fish DipShare a plate of local smoked fish dip with crackers while enjoying the cooling ocean breeze in a relaxed setting.
Staying at Old Town since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
1:15 PM - Lunch: Tostones and Maduros in Old Town· 1 hr
USD 15Try the dish
J & E (CC BY 2.0)Tostones and MadurosEnjoy a selection of fried plantains at a casual spot in the heart of the historic district.
3:30 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREEReturn to your hotel in Old Town to settle the bill and pick up your bags before heading toward the airport.
4:00 PM - Depart from Key West International Airport (EYW)· 1 hr
FREEFinal transfer to the airport for your evening flight home.
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Top 6 dishes to try
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Cafe Cubano
Day 1 · breakfast
Tostone
Day 2 · lunch
Key Lime Pie
Hogfish Sandwich
Day 1 · lunch
Stone Crab Claw
Day 1 · dinner
Picadillo
Where to eat · Bahama Village, Old Town
- Bahama Village · Key West — Casual open-air eateries, authentic Caribbean-influenced seafood, and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.
- Old Town · Key West — Historic cafes, hidden garden courtyards, and the best traditional Cuban coffee shops.
Good to know · meal times, tipping, water, vegetarian, payment, etiquette
- Meal times
- Breakfast 8-10am, lunch 12-2pm, dinner 6-9pm. Many places stay open late for drinks, but food service often ends by 10pm.
- Tipping
- Standard 20% for table service is expected. Check if an automatic gratuity is added for large groups.
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink, though some find it has a slight mineral taste due to the island's water source.
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarians should look for plantain-based sides and black bean dishes. Fish is the primary protein, so ask for meat-free soups if needed.
- Payment
- Cash is king at smaller street stalls and cafes, but cards are accepted at all sit-down restaurants.
- Etiquette
- Expect a very relaxed atmosphere where island time is the norm. Casual dress is acceptable almost everywhere, including nice dinners.
Top 6 souvenirs
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Key West Sea Salt
Ceramic Conch Shell Pottery
Key Lime Rum
Tropical Honey
Custom Leather Sandals
Made-to-order leather footwear fitted exactly to your foot shape.
Hand-Painted Tropical Art
Vivid scenes capturing island life, often painted by residents with local studios.
Where to shop · Bahama Village, Duval Street
- Bahama Village · Key West — Local crafts, handmade jewelry, and unique apparel.
- Duval Street · Key West — Art galleries, souvenir shops, and high-end boutiques.
Good to know · customs, tax refund, payment, bargaining
- Customs
- Standard US customs apply for international travelers; check rules on raw food items if leaving the country.
- Tax refund
- There is no VAT refund system in the United States.
- Payment
- Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere; keep small cash for farmers markets.
- Bargaining
- Prices are fixed in all shops and galleries; do not attempt to haggle.
The big events across the year
Tap any photo for more photos and the story.
Super Bowl
February
Ultra Music Festival
March
NYC Pride March
June
Thanksgiving
Nov 26 – 29
Christmas
Dec 25
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 3 days
USD 1,142Flights from your city not included.
Getting there and betweenUSD 0
AccommodationUSD 360
- Key West · 2 nights1 roomUSD 360
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key West | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
ActivitiesUSD 224
- Day 1 · Arrive at Key West International Airport (EYW)USD 50
- Day 1 · Ernest Hemingway Home and MuseumUSD 36
- Day 1 · Harry S. Truman Little White HouseUSD 44
- Day 2 · Key West Butterfly and Nature ConservatoryUSD 36
- Day 2 · Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State ParkUSD 12
- Day 3 · Key West Lighthouse and Keeper Quarters MuseumUSD 30
- Day 3 · Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shop - Elizabeth StreetUSD 16
FoodUSD 450
- Key West · 3 daysUSD 450
Local transportUSD 108
- Key West · 3 daysUSD 108
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Money tips
Expensive for lodging and dining -- expect $200+/night for basic hotels and $30+ for a standard lunch. Tap water is safe throughout Key West.
Rent bicycles for $15-20 per day to navigate the island; parking fees for cars at popular beaches like Smathers can easily exceed $25 for a few hours.
Skip the expensive private sunset cruises and head to Mallory Square an hour before sundown; the street performers and atmosphere are free and better than a crowded boat deck.
Book a snorkel trip to Fort Jefferson within Dry Tortugas National Park for about $200; the ferry ride takes 2.5 hours but the reef access is pristine.
Avoid weekend rates for hotels if your 3-day window allows; staying Sunday through Tuesday can save you 30-40% compared to Friday-Saturday bookings.
Before you go
Travel and stays
Round-trip flight, Key West International Airport (EYW)
Day 1–3
Hotel in Key West
Nights 1–2 · Old Town · about USD 360 · Comfortable hotel range
Book ahead · most urgent first
Harry S. Truman Little White House guided tour
Day 1 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Tours are small and run on a set schedule; weekend and peak holiday slots fill quickly.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum general admission
Day 1 · Book 7 days ahead · While walk-ups are accepted, buying tickets online helps bypass potential entry lines during peak cruise ship arrivals.
Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters Museum admission
Day 3 · Book 7 days ahead · Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended to ensure entry, as this is a popular historical site with limited capacity.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory admission
Day 2 · Book 3 days ahead · Online tickets offer a slight discount and faster entry during busy mid-day hours.
Travel tips
When visiting Mallory Square on day 1 for the sunset celebration, arrive at least an hour before sunset to secure a good viewing spot near the street performers.
At Smathers Beach on day 2, utilize the mobile pay stations for parking instead of trying to find change for the physical meters.
The walk from the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is best done via bike rental, as it is a significant distance in the island heat.
When visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper Quarters Museum on day 3, climb the stairs early in the morning to beat the afternoon humidity and crowds.
At Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shop, the Elizabeth Street location is quieter than the main Duval Street store, making it a better spot for a relaxed afternoon treat.
Be aware of local street solicitors near Mallory Square who offer 'free' trinkets; politely declining with a simple no thank you is standard practice here.
Key West bus routes are excellent for connecting the residential areas like Higgs Beach to the downtown district if you prefer not to use ride-hailing apps.
Sun protection is vital; the reflection from the white sand at Smathers Beach can lead to rapid sunburn even on cloudy days.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get USD cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for United States
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Pen for arrival forms
The three days follow a logical descent from activity to stillness. Day one front-loads the historic district and the Mallory Square sunset, forcing you to navigate the busier, tourist-dense streets while your energy is high. Day two shifts toward the island perimeter and natural spaces to provide a necessary buffer from the downtown noise.
By day three, the plan collapses the schedule entirely, ensuring you leave at a pace that matches the local speed limit. This trip prioritizes the central island core and local maritime history. It skips the hour-long ferry trek to Dry Tortugas National Park, which would swallow an entire day in travel time and rigid tour schedules.
You also miss the deep-sea wreck diving off the outer reefs. This structure suits those looking for a walkable, low-friction escape; avoid this itinerary if you require expansive wilderness or challenging physical excursions. Swap one day of coastal relaxation for a ferry excursion to Dry Tortugas.
You will spend the morning walking the massive nineteenth-century brick walls of Fort Jefferson and snorkeling in the shallow, clear water surrounding the moat.
Interest coverage
2 of 3 coveredEntry and safety
| Visa & entry | US, UK, EU, and Australian citizens usually enter via the ESTA visa waiver program for up to 90 days. Indian citizens require a B1/B2 visa obtained at a US Embassy. All travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure. |
|---|---|
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911911 for all emergencies. Text-to-911 available in many areas. |
Money and tipping
| Tipping: restaurants | 18–20% (before tax) |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | 15–20% |
| Tipping: hotels | $2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping |
| Cards | Universally accepted |
| Contactless | Common but not universal |
| Cash | Cash accepted but cards preferred everywhere |
| Payment tip | Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available. |
Plugs
| Plugs | Type A, B120V · 60Hz |
|---|
Staying connected
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo eSIM | $5 to $26 for 7 to 30 days | Airalo app |
| T-Mobile physical SIM | $30 to $50 for 30 days | Any T-Mobile retail store |
Roaming charges are very high. Buy a local eSIM or prepaid SIM immediately.
About USD 1,142 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 3 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
The United States maintains strict entry requirements. Most international travelers from countries like the UK, Australia, or India require a visa or an approved electronic travel authorization before arrival. Check your specific country's status with the nearest U.S. embassy well before your travel date.
Key West is generally safe and friendly. Use standard precautions you would use in any popular tourist area, such as locking your hotel room and keeping an eye on your belongings at the beach. Avoid walking alone in unlit areas at night.
The currency is the U.S. Dollar. Most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards and mobile payment services, so you rarely need much physical cash. Carry a few small bills if you plan to use local transit or tip on smaller purchases.
Tipping is standard practice in the United States. In restaurants, a tip of 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill is expected for good service. It is also polite to leave a few dollars a night for hotel housekeeping and tip your bartenders per drink.
Pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. The tropical climate means it is warm year-round, so bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A light rain jacket is helpful for sudden afternoon showers, but you will not need winter gear.
The winter months offer the most pleasant, dry weather, though crowds are larger. Summer is significantly hotter and marks the peak of hurricane season, which can bring unpredictable weather. Plan for mid-spring or late autumn if you prefer warm days with fewer tourists.
Skip the rental car if you plan to stay in the historic district. The streets are narrow, one-way, and difficult to navigate, and parking is expensive or non-existent. Most visitors prefer bicycles, golf carts, or simply walking to get around.
Key West International Airport is located just a few miles from downtown. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available right outside the terminal and take about 15 minutes to reach the city center. Some hotels also offer shuttle services, so check with your accommodation before you fly.
These 3 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
A Romantic Sunset Sailing Cruise
e.g., Sebago Watersports Sunset Sail, Fury Catamaran Sunset Sail
A Fine Dining Seafood Experience
e.g., Latitudes, A and B Lobster House
A Live Music and Cocktail Venue
e.g., Green Parrot Bar, Sloppy Joes Bar
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