Planning your next Key West trip? Scoping out the best places to eat or finding that perfectly, idyllic resort with all the amenities? Well, once you get there, you'll want to document your trip and all that you did and saw. There's nothing like making friends and family envious of your good fortune, while taking a wonderful sailing trip to the tropical oasis of Key West, Florida. To help you in your pursuit of finding that perfect spot, that is that " oh so " Instagram perfect, we have our recommendations on this very important issue!
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Looking for the best beach in Key West?
Whether you're planning a day trip on the Key West Express, a weekend getaway, or an extended Florida Keys vacation, Key West offers beaches for snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, wildlife viewing, and unforgettable sunsets.
This guide highlights the top beaches in Key West, what makes each unique, and which beach is best for families, couples, photographers, and water sports enthusiasts.
Imagine going to work by sitting on a chair with your laptop or notebook in front of you, breathing in the fresh air and overlooking the ocean for inspiration.
A brick fortress, a rocky beach, tropical fish, shady picnic tables and one seriously good sunset spot—all in the same park? That is Fort Zachary Taylor.
Tucked away near Old Town and the Truman Annex, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is the kind of place where a quick visit can easily turn into most of the day. One minute you are wandering through Civil War-era passageways. The next, you are pulling on a snorkel mask, watching birds along the shoreline or settling into the shade with something cold to drink.
It is also an easy adventure for travelers arriving from Fort Myers Beach aboard Key West Express. The park is about 1.8 miles from the ferry terminal, so you can get there by taxi, rideshare or bicycle—or make the roughly 35-minute walk part of the experience.
Take a quick look at the Key West Express Fort Zachary Taylor guide, check the latest details on the official Florida State Parks page, and get ready for a day that can be as active—or as wonderfully lazy—as you want.
There are so many fun, exciting, and historical things to do in Key West, that even despite challenging times, tourism has stable growth!
Few people are more closely associated with Key West than Ernest Hemingway. Long before the island became one of America's most popular tropical destinations, Hemingway helped put Key West on the map through his writing, adventurous lifestyle, and deep connection to the island.
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Spring in Key West doesn't arrive with melting snow and the first signs of green.
It's already green.
March, April and May bring warm tropical days, beautiful water, festivals, live music and some of the best opportunities of the year to spend your vacation outside. As winter crowds begin to change and the island moves toward summer, each spring month brings a different reason to visit.
You can explore Old Town, relax on the beach, snorkel, paddle, wander through tropical gardens or plan your trip around one of Key West's signature spring celebrations.
If you're traveling from Southwest Florida, Key West Express makes getting there part of the getaway. Relax on the ride across the Gulf and arrive near the Historic Seaport, ready to start exploring.
See More of Key West at Island Pace
Key West rewards travelers who slow down. A bicycle lets you move easily between the historic waterfront, quiet Old Town streets, colorful architecture, parks and beaches while still noticing the details that disappear through a car window.
For travelers arriving from Fort Myers Beach aboard Key West Express, a bike tour is also a natural fit. The ferry terminal is near the Historic Seaport, giving you a convenient starting point for either a guided tour or an independent ride. With a thoughtful route and enough time for stops, bicycling can become more than transportation—it can be one of the best experiences of the trip.
Planning the perfect family vacation means finding a destination that offers something for everyone. From exciting outdoor adventures and fascinating history to beautiful beaches and unforgettable sunsets, Key West checks every box.
Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teenagers, grandparents, or the whole extended family, the island offers experiences that bring generations together. Better yet, if you're traveling from Southwest Florida, the vacation begins the moment you board the Key West Express, where the journey is just as memorable as the destination.
If you're searching for the best day trip from Fort Myers Beach, you're spoiled for choice. Southwest Florida offers beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and waterfront towns, but one destination delivers an experience unlike any other—Key West.
Located at the end of the Florida Keys, Key West offers a tropical island experience that's surprisingly easy to reach aboard the Key West Express from Fort Myers Beach. Colorful streets, historic landmarks, tropical scenery, fresh seafood, and a laid-back island atmosphere make it one of Florida's most unforgettable destinations. Better yet, you don't have to spend the day driving to get there.
