Key West isn’t where you go if you want a conventional honeymoon. This four-mile sliver of land at the southernmost tip of the continental United States trades white-tablecloth formality for barefoot elegance, pristine resort beaches for quirky charm, and predictable romance for something far more interesting: genuine character.
Ernest Hemingway called it “the best place I’ve ever been any time, anywhere,” and while he was famously prone to hyperbole, he wasn’t wrong about Key West with its turquoise waters, warm enough for swimming year-round, sunsets that draw nightly applause, streets lined with pastel “Conch houses,” and a cultural mix that feels more Caribbean than mainland American.
Key West is where you can dive a WWII shipwreck in the morning, tour Hemingway’s house (and meet his six-toed cats) in the afternoon, and watch drag queens perform at night – all without ever feeling like you’re ticking boxes on a tourist itinerary.
For US honeymooners seeking something beyond the standard tropical resort experience, Key West offers the rare combination of accessibility (no passport required, direct flights from major US cities) and a relaxing, romantic escape.
If you’re planning a honeymoon in Key West, this comprehensive travel guide for couples covers everything you need to know, from choosing between historic inns and beachfront resorts to timing your visit, what it actually costs, and the very best things for couples to do in beautiful Key West.
Why Key West Works Brilliantly for Honeymooners
Because it’s tropical without leaving the US
You get crystal-clear Caribbean waters, year-round warmth (winter highs around 24°C, summer around 32°C), and palm-lined beaches—all accessible with a quick domestic flight. No passports, no currency exchange, no international data charges.
It rewards curiosity over convention
Key West isn’t about lying on a beach for a week (though you can absolutely do that). It’s about wandering down lanes where roosters roam freely, discovering bars where Hemingway drank, snorkelling over living coral reefs, and finding hidden gardens tucked behind weathered gates. Honeymooners who love exploration over predictability consistently love it here.
The sunsets genuinely deserve the hype
Every evening at Mallory Square, street performers, vendors, and crowds gather to literally applaud the sun as it drops below the Gulf of Mexico. Tennessee Williams supposedly started this tradition, and it continues nightly. It sounds touristy—and it is—but it’s also genuinely lovely.
Key West works for multiple honeymoon styles
Adventure couples can dive shipwrecks, kayak mangroves, and take seaplane trips to remote islands. Relaxation-focused couples can claim beach loungers, book spa treatments, and spend long afternoons over Key lime pie and rum. Food-obsessed couples have Cuban cafés, seafood shacks, and Michelin-key dining. LGBTQ+ couples find one of America’s most welcoming destinations. The island accommodates all of it comfortably.
Related Article: Things for Couples to Do in Key West: Romantic Activities, Beaches, Food & Nightlife
Best Hotels for a Key West Honeymoon
The Marquesa Hotel
The vibe: Intimate, sophisticated, impeccably maintained
Best for: Couples wanting boutique elegance steps from Duval Street
Holding two Michelin keys, The Marquesa Hotel is one of Key West’s finest addresses without feeling stuffy. The 1884 building features dark wood floors, light-filled rooms with classic island furnishings, and a bright blue exterior that matches the nearby sea. The real draw is the sense of calm—tropical gardens, a small pool, and rooms that feel like elegant hideaways rather than hotel boxes.
The on-site Café Marquesa serves upscale cuisine in a lush garden setting. Dishes like shrimp and grits with andouille sausage and crispy pork osso bucco showcase elevated Southern and Caribbean flavours. The location—just off Duval Street—means you’re steps from everything yet removed from the noise.
Book this if: You want refined boutique hospitality with easy access to Key West’s centre without being directly in the chaos.
From: $450/night
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
The vibe: Central, full-service, view-focused
Best for: Couples prioritising location and resort amenities
Ocean Key Resort holds perhaps the most coveted address in Key West: Zero Duval Street. You cannot be more centrally located. Spacious, brightly decorated rooms offer views of either the ocean or Duval Street (request ocean-facing—the street views come with noise). The resort features waterfront dining at Hot Tin Roof, a spa with globally influenced treatments, and a sunset pier where you can watch the nightly Mallory Square celebration from your own quiet vantage point.
The full-service approach means everything’s handled—water sports bookings, dinner reservations, tour arrangements—which suits honeymooners who want easy logistics.
Book this if: You want a proper resort experience in Key West’s absolute centre with ocean views and comprehensive amenities.
From: $550/night
Casa Marina Key West, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
The vibe: Historic grandeur, beachfront luxury, old Key West elegance
Best for: Beach-focused couples wanting space and history
Part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, Casa Marina sits on Key West’s largest private beach. Railroad magnate Henry Flagler originally built the 1920 hotel, which maintains its historic character via its original ballroom (now Flagler’s restaurant), Spanish Revival architecture, and grounds that feel genuinely grand rather than generic resort.
The 311 rooms include beachfront suites, two pools, and beach access with complimentary chairs and water sports. Yoga classes run three mornings weekly. The location—at the quieter eastern end of the island—means you’re removed from Duval Street’s intensity while still being a quick drive or bike ride away.
Book this if: You want a proper beach resort with historic character and don’t mind being slightly removed from Old Town’s walkability.
From: $500/night
H2O Suites
The vibe: Modern, adults-only, stylish
Best for: Couples seeking contemporary design and rooftop pools
Located just off Duval Street in Old Town, this all-suite hotel caters exclusively to adults (minimum age 25). Italian marble bathrooms, a rooftop pool, and private plunge pools in half the rooms deliver upscale touches. The design feels sleek and contemporary—refreshing in a town where many hotels lean heavily into tropical kitsch.
Beach access, welcome drinks, and a fitness centre are included in the resort fee. The location means you can walk to everything in Old Town within minutes.
Book this if: You want modern luxury, guaranteed adult atmosphere, and prefer contemporary design over historic charm.
From: $400/night
Southernmost Beach Resort
The vibe: Beachfront, relaxed, end-of-the-island tranquillity
Best for: Couples wanting beach access and distance from crowds
This 261-room beachfront property offers direct access to South Beach at the far southern end of Duval Street. Three pools, complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, and unobstructed ocean views create a proper beach resort atmosphere. The location—at Duval’s terminus—means significantly less foot traffic and noise.
Fair warning: Key West’s famous wild roosters roam the property freely. They crow at dawn. If you are light sleepers, request rooms away from courtyards.
Book this if: You prioritise beach access and quieter surroundings over being in Old Town’s centre.
From: $350/night
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
The vibe: Ultra-luxury, private island, complete seclusion
Best for: Honeymooners treating themselves to the splurge of a lifetime
Accessible only by private boat or seaplane, Little Palm Island sits on its own 2-hectare private island. This is luxury at its most exclusive with divine thatched-roof bungalows, gourmet dining, spa treatments, and service that feels genuinely personalised. No TVs, no phones in rooms, no children allowed (18+ only).
Complimentary boat transfers from Little Torch Key (20 minutes from the welcome station) are included. Meals and activities are à la carte, though inclusive packages are available. The island feels more South Pacific than Florida Keys—genuinely romantic in a way that standard resorts rarely achieve.
Book this if: Budget allows for ultimate splurge and you want complete separation from everything – think of your honeymoon here as a total escape.
From: $2,600/night (room only; budget an additional $400-600/day per couple for meals and activities)
Best Things to Do on a Key West Honeymoon
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
Every evening, Mallory Square transforms into an outdoor festival celebrating the sunset. Street performers juggle fire, tightrope walkers balance between poles, musicians play, vendors sell art, and crowds gather to watch the sun drop below the Gulf of Mexico. When it disappears, everyone applauds. It’s touristy, yes—but also genuinely lovely and quintessentially Key West. The tradition reportedly began when playwright Tennessee Williams applauded the sunset, and it continues nightly.
Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to claim a good viewing spot. The celebration typically runs from about two hours before sunset until 30 minutes after.
Dive or Snorkel the Living Coral Reef
The Florida Keys is home to North America’s only living coral reef, with Key West providing excellent access to it. Popular diving and snorkelling sites include Sand Key (7 miles southeast), Western Sambo Reef (7 miles west), and Rock Key. If you’re fortunate, you might spot moray eels, grouper, parrotfish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations.
For experienced divers, the Vandenberg shipwreck, a 159-metre former WWII missile-tracking ship, serves as the world’s second-largest artificial reef. Private dive guides help you explore the vessel safely and locate the best spots for marine life.
Most operators run morning and afternoon trips. Book ahead in high season (December-April). Budget $75-120 per person for snorkel trips, $140-180 for two-tank dives.
Take a Seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park
Located 110 kilometres west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is accessible only by seaplane or ferry. The remote cluster of islands centres on Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fortress surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Seaplane trips (40 minutes each way) include about 3 hours on the island for snorkelling the vibrant reefs, exploring the fort, and walking pristine beaches where you’ll likely encounter more sea turtles than people. The ferry (2.5 hours each way) costs less but eats more of your day.
This ranks consistently among honeymooners’ favourite experiences —genuinely remote, stunningly beautiful, and unlike anything else accessible from Key West.
Seaplane: $350-400 per person
Ferry: $190-220 per person
Visit Ernest Hemingway’s House (and Meet the Cats)
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum preserves the author’s residence exactly as he left it in the 1930s. You’ll see the rooms where he wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “A Farewell to Arms,” as well as antique furnishings, personal items, and his writing studio. The lush tropical gardens are gorgeous.
But the real stars are the cats—roughly 50 descendants of Hemingway’s original felines roam the property. About half are polydactyl (six-toed), a genetic trait passed down from Hemingway’s first cat, Snow White. Watching honeymooners try to photograph these cats whilst they nap on Hemingway’s bed is entertainment in itself.
Entry: $17 per person
Pro tip: Go early (opens 9 am) before tour groups arrive.
Related article: The Best Honeymoon Destinations in the US
Kayak or Paddleboard the Mangroves
Key West’s backcountry mangrove islands offer calm, protected waters perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Guided tours wind through narrow channels where you’ll spot herons, egrets, sharks (harmless nurse sharks in shallow water), and occasionally dolphins.
Sunrise tours are particularly beautiful with the calm water, good light, and fewer mosquitoes. Sunset tours offer golden-hour views and the chance to see nocturnal wildlife beginning to stir.
Guided tours: $60-85 per person for 2-3 hours
Rentals: $35-50 for 2 hours
Explore Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Taylor houses the world’s most extensive collection of Civil War armaments and doubles as one of Key West’s best beaches. The fort itself warrants exploration—guided tours explain its role in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. The beach offers excellent snorkelling (artificial reef just offshore), calm swimming, and shaded picnic areas.
The park feels noticeably less crowded than commercial beaches. It’s also where locals actually go to swim, which tells you something.
Entry: $6.50 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2.50 for pedestrians/cyclists
Take a Private Boat Day
Private boat charters (half-day or full-day) offer the freedom to anchor in hidden coves, snorkel secluded reefs, and explore the backcountry islands at your own pace. Captains know where to find the best snorkelling, the quietest beaches, and the spots where dolphins frequently appear.
This consistently ranks among honeymooners’ “best money we spent” experiences. Having a boat entirely to yourselves – exploring at your pace, swimming where you want, avoiding crowds – feels genuinely special.
Half-day (4 hours): $600-800
Full-day (8 hours): $1,200-1,600
Wander Duval Street (at the Right Times)
Duval Street, Key West’s main artery running from the Gulf to the Atlantic, offers everything from art galleries and boutiques to bars and restaurants. The trick is timing: mornings and early afternoons showcase the shopping, architecture and quieter charm. After dark, it transforms into a lively nightlife strip.
Must-stops include Books & Books (an independent bookshop in a nonprofit arts centre, founded by author Judy Blume), Bésame Mucho (a thoughtfully curated boutique), and various galleries featuring local artists.
Experience Key West’s Food Scene
Key West’s culinary identity blends Cuban, Caribbean, and Southern influences with fresh Florida seafood. Beyond the restaurants listed below, consider taking a food tour—Key West Food Tours offers themed experiences including Cuban and Caribbean flavours, seafood tastings, bar crawls, and even a Hemingway-focused tour touching on his favourite haunts and drinks.
The local seafood – Florida lobster, hogfish, yellowtail snapper – is quite different from what you’ll find elsewhere in the US. And Key lime pie isn’t just tourist kitsch here – when done properly (Kermit’s Key Lime Shop is the gold standard), it’s truly excellent.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Florida Honeymoon Adventures
Best Restaurants for Honeymooners in Key West
Latitudes on Sunset Key
For the splurge-worthy occasion dinner
Accessible only by a 10-minute boat ride (complimentary from Hilton Key West Resort), Latitudes sits on Sunset Key, a private island with manicured gardens, swaying palms, and ocean views in every direction. The restaurant serves elevated coastal cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Menus change regularly, but expect dishes like grilled Florida lobster tail, Wagyu beef, and fresh local fish prepared with Caribbean influences.
The setting – candlelit tables overlooking the water, a gentle sea breeze, the lights of Key West twinkling across the bay – delivers the romantic occasion that honeymooners want at least once. Book sunset reservations well ahead.
Mains: $45-85
Café Marquesa
For intimate, elegant dining
Set in a lush garden just off Duval Street, Café Marquesa (attached to The Marquesa Hotel) offers refined New American cuisine with Southern and Caribbean touches. The dining room feels intimate—only about 50 seats—and the menu showcases dishes like shrimp and grits with andouille, crispy pork osso bucco, and locally caught fish prepared with seasonal ingredients.
The wine list is thoughtfully curated, service strikes the right balance between professional and warm, and the overall atmosphere feels special without being stuffy.
Mains: $35-55
Blue Heaven
For legendary breakfast and laid-back charm
Blue Heaven’s reputation precedes it, and both locals and visitors queue (sometimes for 45+ minutes) for breakfast. The restaurant occupies a colourful compound with roosters wandering through, live music drifting across the courtyard, and an atmosphere that feels more backyard party than formal restaurant.
The pancakes—made from scratch in plain, banana, pineapple, pecan, or blueberry—are legitimately excellent. The shrimp and grits come with Betty’s Banana Bread. Lunch and dinner blend Caribbean spices with Keys flavours: jerk chicken, fresh seafood, filet mignon. Save room for the famous “Mile-High” Key lime pie.
Go early (opens 8 am) or expect to wait. It’s worth it.
Breakfast: $12-18, Dinner mains: $25-40
Little Pearl
For seafood-focused tasting menus
This intimate fish house and wine bar serves a four-course chef’s tasting menu six nights weekly (closed Tuesdays). Little Pearl only offers three seatings each night (5 pm early bird, then 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm), so reservations are essential.
The menu changes regularly but showcases creative dishes like lobster vichyssoise, “octodogs” (octopus hot dogs—better than they sound), American Kobe sirloin, and whatever’s been caught that day. The wine list is excellent, and the light, airy dining room feels modern yet comfortable.
Prix fixe: $85 per person (5 pm seating), $95 per person (later seatings)
El Siboney
For authentic Cuban food
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you—El Siboney serves some of Key West’s best Cuban food at prices that feel almost too reasonable. Whole fried fish, garlic chicken, ropa vieja, and picadillo arrive in generous portions. Order a pitcher of house-made sangria, settle into the casual dining room, and enjoy food that tastes like it’s come from someone’s abuela’s kitchen.
This is where locals go for Cuban food. It’s not romantic in a candlelit sense, but it’s delicious, authentic, and a welcome break from tourist-focused restaurants.
Mains: $14-22
A&B Lobster House
For classic fine dining with marina views
Operating since 1947, A&B Lobster House occupies a prime spot overlooking Key West’s marina. The wraparound balcony offers views of boats coming and going, whilst inside, it maintains old-school elegance with its lovely white tablecloths, professional service, and classic cocktails.
The menu leans traditional fine dining: Caribbean lobster thermidor, grouper Oscar, strip steak au poivre. The wine list is extensive, and the overall atmosphere feels like a proper occasion—ideal for honeymooners wanting one elegant, traditional dinner.
Mains: $40-75
Kermit’s Key Lime Shop
For the obligatory Key lime pie
No Key West honeymoon is complete without authentic Key lime pie. Kermit’s, which started as a roadside stand, now operates two locations and ships pies across the continental US. The traditional Key lime pie is tart, creamy, and properly balanced. They also offer variations like strawberry Key lime and coconut Key lime, plus Key lime pie bars for easier eating.
Get a whole pie to take back to your hotel. Eating Key lime pie in bed is peak honeymoon behaviour.
Slice: $7, Whole pie: $30
Cuban Coffee Queen
For morning fuel and Cuban pastries
“`With five locations, Cuban Coffee Queen serves exactly what the name promises: excellent Cuban coffee plus classic pastries and pressed sandwiches. Try the guava and cream cheese on pressed Cuban bread—sweet, buttery, and perfect with strong coffee whilst you plan your day.
Coffee and pastry: $8-12
Best Nightlife for Honeymooners in Key West
Capt. Tony’s Saloon
For a historic bar atmosphere
Dating to 1851, Capt. Tony’s Saloon claims fame as the original location of Sloppy Joe’s (Hemingway’s favourite bar before it moved down the street). The tree growing through the middle of the bar was once used for hangings. The building served as Key West’s first morgue. Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Jimmy Buffett all drank here. Bras hang from the ceiling. Memorabilia covers every surface.
It’s touristy, sure—but also genuinely atmospheric and worth at least one drink for the history and character.
The Green Parrot
For local music and mixing with residents
One of Key West’s oldest bars (opened in 1890), The Green Parrot is where locals actually drink. Live music most nights ranges from blues to rock to folk. The crowd skews older and more local than Duval Street’s tourist bars. Don’t come hungry—they only serve snacks—but do come for stellar drinks and an authentic Key West atmosphere.
Aquaplex
For drag shows
Key West has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, and Aquaplex showcases some of its best drag performances. Shows run Monday and Tuesday at 9 pm, and Wednesday through Sunday at 7 pm and 9 pm. The performers are talented, the atmosphere is inclusive and fun, and it’s a quintessentially Key West experience.
The Bull and Whistle Bar
For open-air drinking with options
This three-storey venue on Duval Street offers different vibes per level. Ground floor (The Bull) features a small stage for local acts and plenty of seating. The second floor (The Whistle) has pool tables. The rooftop—called Garden of Eden—is clothing-optional (no photos allowed up there for obvious reasons).
Most honeymooners stick to the Bull and Whistle’s first two floors, where you can enjoy Key West’s balmy weather over cocktails whilst local musicians play.
McKee’s Tiki Bar at The Capitana
For sunset drinks
Set just steps back from The Capitana resort’s beach, McKee’s offers one of Key West’s best sunset views. The astroturf lawn features oversized games (giant Jenga, cornhole), plenty of seating under fans and shade, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sundowners.
How to Budget for a Key West Honeymoon
Key West can swing from laid-back to luxe pretty quickly, so it helps to have a realistic sense of what things actually cost before you start planning. Flights into Key West (EYW) aren’t always cheap, so many couples cut costs by flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and making the scenic drive down the Overseas Highway instead.
Once you’re on the island, accommodation will be your most significant variable — mid-range hotels hover around $250–400 a night, while the boutique and resort favourites sit closer to $450–600. Little Palm Island is in its own league altogether, and very much a once-in-a-lifetime splurge. Day-to-day spending is manageable if you mix Cuban cafés, seafood shacks, and casual lunches with the occasional special dinner at places like Latitudes or Little Pearl. Bikes are the cheapest and easiest way to get around, and most of the best activities don’t require much more than entry fees or a snorkel trip.
If you’re planning a week, most couples fall naturally into one of three spending brackets. A “comfortable but careful” honeymoon sits around the $3,500–$5,000 mark for two, depending on your hotel choice and activity mix. A mid-range stay with a few standout meals and a snorkel or dive trip usually lands between $5,500 and $8,000.
And for couples wanting the full Key West fantasy — seaplanes, private boats, tasting menus, top hotels — the splurge bracket starts around $12,000 and climbs from there. The good news? Small tweaks make a big difference: visit outside the peak season, stay slightly off Duval Street, book group tours instead of private charters, and use bikes instead of cars or scooters. You won’t lose any of the magic, but you’ll feel far more in control of the spending.
Key West Honeymoon Itineraries
5-Day Quick Honeymoon Getaway
Base: One hotel (Ocean Key Resort or Casa Marina)
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, sunset at Mallory Square, dinner at Blue Heaven
Day 2: Morning snorkel trip, afternoon at Fort Zachary Taylor beach, evening on Duval Street
Day 3: Rent bikes, explore Old Town, Hemingway House, lunch at El Siboney, beach afternoon
Day 4: Kayak tour through mangroves, spa afternoon, splurge dinner at Latitudes
Day 5: Leisurely breakfast, last beach time, depart
7-Day Classic Honeymoon
Base: Split stay (Casa Marina 4 nights + Little Palm Island 3 nights)
Day 1: Arrive Key West, settle into Casa Marina, beach time, sunset celebration
Day 2: Dry Tortugas seaplane trip (full day)
Day 3: Dive/snorkel morning, Duval Street shopping afternoon, Capt. Tony’s Saloon evening
Day 4: Fort Zachary Taylor, Hemingway House, dinner at Café Marquesa
Day 5: Transfer to Little Palm Island, settle in, pure relaxation
Day 6: Spa treatments, beach time, resort activities
Day 7: Leisurely breakfast, boat transfer back, depart Key West
10-Day Key West Honeymoon
Base: Split between Key West and day trips to other Keys
Day 1: Arrive, settle into Ocean Key Resort, orientation walk
Day 2: Snorkel trip, Mallory Square sunset
Day 3: Rent scooters, explore the island, beach hopping
Day 4: Dry Tortugas day trip
Day 5: Kayak mangroves, food tour evening
Day 6: Day trip to Bahia Honda State Park (1.5 hours north—stunning beaches)
Day 7: Transfer to Casa Marina, beach day, spa
Day 8: Private boat charter (full day)
Day 9: Hemingway House, shopping, farewell dinner at Little Pearl
Day 10: Final beach morning, depart
Key West Honeymoon FAQs
Is Key West good for a honeymoon?
Yes, if you want tropical warmth without international travel, quirky character over resort predictability, and a mix of beach time with cultural experiences. Not ideal if you wish to experience traditional luxury resort pampering, consistent fine dining, or pristine/quiet beaches (Key West’s beaches are decent but not Caribbean-level spectacular).
What is the best month for a Key West honeymoon?
April offers the sweet spot: excellent weather (26°C average), lower crowds than February-March, reasonable rates, and calm seas. January-March provide perfect weather but higher costs and crowds. May-June offer good value with warm conditions. Avoid September-October (hurricane risk) unless the budget is the primary concern.
How many days do you need for a Key West honeymoon?
Minimum 5 days to experience highlights without rushing. Seven days is ideal for a mix of beach time, activities, day trips, and relaxation. Ten days allows adding other Florida Keys or splitting time between Key West proper and a splurge stay at Little Palm Island.
Do I need a car in Key West?
No. The island is only 4 miles by 2 miles. Most honeymooners rent bikes ($12-20/day) or walk. Uber/taxis cover longer distances cheaply. Only rent a car if you plan day trips to other parts of the Florida Keys. Parking in Old Town is limited and frustrating.
Is Key West LGBTQ+-friendly for honeymoons?
Absolutely. Key West has been a welcoming LGBTQ+ destination for decades, with vibrant drag shows (Aquaplex), inclusive bars and restaurants, and a culture that’s been openly accepting since long before it became mainstream elsewhere. Many hotels specifically market to LGBTQ+ travellers. It’s one of America’s most comfortable destinations for same-sex couples.
Can you do day trips from Key West?
Yes. Dry Tortugas National Park (seaplane or ferry), Bahia Honda State Park (1.5 hours north, stunning beaches), and Little Palm Island (private island resort allowing day visitors for spa/dining) all work as day trips. The drive up the Overseas Highway through the other Florida Keys is scenic and worth doing at least once.
Getting to Key West
By Air:
Key West International Airport (EYW) receives direct flights from major US cities, including Chicago, Dallas, New York, Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami. The airport sits just 5 kilometres from Old Town—a quick 10-minute taxi/Uber ride.
By Car:
The drive from Miami to Key West via US Highway 1 (Overseas Highway) spans 257 kilometres and takes approximately 3.5-4 hours without stops. The route crosses 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, with ocean views nearly the entire way. Many couples fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale (often cheaper than a direct flight to Key West), rent a car, and make the scenic drive part of their honeymoon.
Pro tip: Stop at Bahia Honda State Park (roughly halfway) for lunch and a swim at one of the Florida Keys’ best beaches. Alabama Jack’s (just south of Homestead) offers waterfront conch fritters and cold beer—a perfect first or last stop.
Getting Around Key West
Walking: Old Town is highly walkable. Most hotels, restaurants, bars, and attractions sit within a 1-2 kilometre radius.
Bicycles: The most popular transport method. Flat terrain, bike lanes, and short distances make cycling ideal. Most hotels offer complimentary bikes, or rentals run $12-20/day. Eaton Bikes and Key West Bike Rentals both maintain good reputations.
Scooters: Fun, but traffic can be heavy, especially on Duval Street. Only recommended if you’re comfortable riding in urban conditions. Rentals: $40-65/day.
Uber/Taxis: Readily available. Most trips within Key West cost $8-16. Uber operates throughout the island.
Pedicabs: Bicycle rickshaws operated by local drivers who often double as tour guides. More expensive than taxis ($12-20 for short trips, $40-60 for extended tours) but entertaining. You can flag them down or book ahead for narrated tours.
Car: Unnecessary for Key West proper. Parking is limited in Old Town, and you’ll spend more time finding spaces than enjoying the island. Only rent a car if planning day trips to other Florida Keys.
Day Trips from Key West Great for Honeymooners
Dry Tortugas National Park
Distance: 110 kilometres west
Access: Seaplane (40 min) or ferry (2.5 hours)
Why go: Remote islands, Fort Jefferson, spectacular snorkelling, pristine beaches
The park receives only about 60,000 visitors annually (compared to millions at other national parks), making it genuinely remote. Seaplane trips include about 3 hours on the island. Ferry trips (Yankee Freedom III) include 4-5 hours at the park plus breakfast and lunch. Both include snorkel equipment.
Bahia Honda State Park
Distance: 60 kilometres north
Drive time: 1 hour
Why go: Arguably the Florida Keys’ most beautiful beach, excellent snorkelling and kayaking
Bahia Honda offers what Key West’s beaches don’t: genuinely spectacular white sand, clear shallow water perfect for swimming, and far fewer people. The old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge provides iconic photo opportunities. Arrive early (gates open 8 am) as the park reaches capacity and closes to new arrivals by mid-morning in peak season.
Little Palm Island
Distance: 45 kilometres north
Access: Private boat from Little Torch Key
Why go: Ultra-luxury spa, gourmet lunch, private beach
Non-guests can book spa treatments or lunch reservations. The boat transfer, tropical surroundings, and service levels make it feel like you’ve escaped to the South Pacific for an afternoon. It’s expensive but delivers genuine luxury.
The Middle Keys
Distance: 65-80 kilometres north
Highlights: Marathon (fishing, sea turtle hospital), Key Colony Beach, Curry Hammock State Park
The Middle Keys feel less developed and more authentically local than Key West. Marathon offers excellent fishing charters, the Turtle Hospital (a rescue and rehabilitation centre worth visiting), and long stretches of quiet shoreline. Perfect for a scenic drive day with stops for swimming and seafood.
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Tanya co-founded Holidays for Couples with her mother Rhonda in 1996. For more than 25 years, the magazine defined romance travel in Australia before Tanya reimagined it as a digital platform with a strong SEO and social media presence. Tanya has lived in Canada, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Macao and now Saudi Arabia. When not in the office working on Holidays for Couples magazine, she is either planning her next trip or already boarding the plane.
