Old Town, the historic heart of Key West, boasts a central business district and numerous tourist attractions. Explore the Key West Aquarium, Ernest Hemingway House, Mallory Square, and more in this vibrant area.
New Town gives you a quieter slice of Key West living away from the tourist crowds. This peaceful residential area offers wide streets for strolling and a glimpse into authentic island life. Nearby Smathers Beach and the Key West Tropical Forest provide natural escapes when you need a break from the bustle. Budget-friendly chain hotels and vacation rentals make this area wallet-friendly for longer stays. Cuban-American eateries and family restaurants offer affordable meals, while shopping plazas with grocery stores help you feel right at home. A car is handy, but free parking is plentiful throughout the neighborhood.
Old Town Key West boasts a rich history with 2485 historic buildings, and is home to popular attractions like Ernest Hemingway House and Mallory Square. Enjoy the lively atmosphere in the central business district.
Downtown Key West dazzles with its historic charm and non-stop energy. Wander Duval Street's lively scene, visit Hemingway's famous six-toed cat sanctuary, or catch the sunset celebration at Mallory Square where fire-breathers and musicians perform against stunning Gulf backdrops. The neighborhood's Victorian mansions with gingerbread trim and weathered coral stone churches create a unique tropical atmosphere. The area serves up fresh seafood from casual waterfront joints to upscale restaurants. Most attractions sit within a walkable six-block radius, though you can hop on the Conch Tour Train when your feet need a break. Boutique hotels and historic inns with tropical courtyards offer charming places to crash after experiencing the legendary bar scene.
Key West's Uptown - Upper Duval neighborhood has a host of places to visit such as Southernmost Point and Duval Street.
Hemingway's ghost still haunts the bars where he once drank, while roosters strut through streets with more confidence than tourists. At Mallory Square, sunset becomes theater as fire-jugglers and troubadours compete for attention. The Southernmost Point buoy draws selfie-seekers, though locals know the actual southernmost spot lies elsewhere. Tour the author's six-toed-cat-filled home before cooling off with key lime pie that sparks debates about meringue versus whipped cream. Snorkel at Fort Zachary Taylor, then wander Duval Street where T-shirt shops give way to sophisticated galleries. The Truman Little White House reveals presidential history, while the nightly parade of characters proves that in Key West, being normal is the only real sin.
