KEY WEST 2-DAY ITINERARY: HOW TO SPEND THE BEST TWO DAYS THERE!
If you’re looking for a great Key West 2-day itinerary, you’re in the right place!
South Florida is one of the most magical places you can visit, and every time I go, it reminds me why I love it so much. Key West is one of the most popular destinations in South Florida, and you can easily spend 2 perfect days in this little slice of paradise. While we’ve visited Key West before, this itinerary is all about how we spent our most recent 2 days there, so use it to help plan your own trip!
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WHERE IS KEY WEST?
Key West is the southernmost town in the continental United States, located in the gorgeous Florida Keys. It’s especially known for being just 90 miles north of Cuba, and it’s really easy to reach from Miami. The island is small, but it’s full of history, lively nightlife, and gorgeous beaches, which makes it such a fun and unique place to visit. We once came here on a quick day trip, but this time we decided to spend two full days in this charming little town to experience more of what it has to offer.
IS KEY WEST WORTH VISITING?
Yes, Key West is absolutely worth visiting. It has this amazing mix of history, culture, and natural beauty that you really won’t find anywhere else in the United States. The island has a peaceful atmosphere, with colorful architecture, visitors strolling around and enjoying their time, and charming streets that are easy to explore on foot. You can spend your days snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, or just wandering around the many attractions and enjoying the lively nightlife on Duval Street. It doesn’t matter if you’re there for history, outdoor adventures, or relaxing by the ocean, Key West has a little bit of everything.
HOW TO REACH KEY WEST?
You can get to Key West in a few different ways, depending on where you’re coming from and whether you want to get there quickly or enjoy the scenery along the way:
BY CAR
The easiest and most comfortable way to reach Key West is to drive from Miami along the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1). This is a scenic route that crosses dozens of bridges and islands, and it takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful drives you can do in the United States. This is how we got to Key West, and we made several stops along the way. You can check out our Miami to Key West road trip guide for more details!
BY PLANE
If you want the easiest and most luxurious way to get to Key West, you can fly directly into Key West International Airport (EYW) from cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and more. The flights are very short, but they can also be quite expensive. The airport is right in Key West, only a couple of minutes from Old Town.
BY BUS
This is the most popular way to get to Key West if you don’t want to drive yourself. Several companies run shuttle buses or vans between Miami and Fort Lauderdale and Key West. It’s super convenient because you can just relax, enjoy the scenery, and be in Key West in about 4–5 hours. Check out the bus options here!
WHERE TO STAY IN KEY WEST?
There are plenty of places to stay in Key West. Most people tend to stay in the historic district or just outside of town. We stayed at Parrot Key Hotel & Villas this time, and it was absolutely incredible. It’s located just outside the main area, but you can easily get to town on foot or by bike. Staying outside the historic district can also be a great choice if you want a quieter atmosphere, more space, and easier parking.
If you are still deciding where to stay in Key West, each area offers something different. The Old Town is perfect for first-time visitors. You can do everything on foot and you can stay at some really charming inns or B&Bs. If you want to be right in the center of the action, stay near Duval Street where you’ll find lively nightlife and a social atmosphere. South Duval is a bit quieter but still central, so it’s a great choice for couples and families.
For a more local and colorful experience stay at Bahama Village. If you are traveling on a budget or don’t mind staying a bit out of town, New Town is more affordable and less touristy. Finally, if you are looking for something truly exclusive, Sunset Key offers private island luxury nearby.
KEY WEST 2-DAY ITINERARY:
This 2-day itinerary is perfect if you are planning a quick weekend getaway to Key West. While you would need more time to fully experience the beaches and water activities, two days are just right for exploring the town, enjoying its charm, and getting a real taste of what makes this little island so special.
DAY 1 IN KEY WEST:
RENT BIKES
One of the first things I’d do is rent bikes to get around Key West. The island is small and easy to explore, and biking is such a fun way to see everything. You won’t really need a car here, and parking can be a pain anyway, so it’s best to just leave it at your hotel. There are bike rental spots all over town, so it’s super easy to find one and start exploring. We rented our bikes at SunShine Scooters. You can find them in the old town and outside the old town, and ours were $47 (2 bikes for 24h).
VISIT HEMINGWAY’S HOME
Start your day with one of Key West’s most famous landmarks, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. This beautiful 1851 Spanish Colonial-style house was where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote for nearly a decade in the 1930s. If you love history, literature, or just want to see something unique, it’s a fascinating place to explore. You can wander through the incredibly preserved rooms filled with antiques, stroll through the gardens, and meet the museum’s famous six-toed cats. It’s right in the heart of Old Town, and it’s absolutely worth a stop. Tickets are $19 per person.
TAKE A PHOTO AT SOUTHERNMOST POINT
The Southernmost Point Buoy is one of the most photographed spots in the U.S., so it’s a must during your time in Key West. This colorful buoy marks the southernmost point of the continental United States, just 90 miles from Cuba, and it’s been standing here since 1983. You’ll find it at the corner of Whitehead and South Street (currently at the end of Duval!), only a few minutes from the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.
It’s a fun place to grab a photo, but keep in mind that waves sometimes crash hard here, so you might get a little splash while taking your picture. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds, then enjoy wandering the nearby streets for unique shops and amazing cafés!
EXPLORE THE KEY WEST BUTTERFLY AND NATURE CONSERVATORY
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Key West is the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. As soon as you step inside, you’re surrounded by hundreds of colorful butterflies flying through gardens filled with orchids, waterfalls, and tropical plants. You’ll also spot a few exotic birds, which give the place a magical atmosphere altogether. Although it’s right next to the famous buoy, it feels like stepping into a completely different world, far away from the busy streets of Duval Street. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss. The entrance tickets are $15 per person!
GRAB LUNCH AT DUVAL STREET
After visiting the Conservatory, make your way down Duval Street, the most popular street in town. It’s colorful, lively, and full of character, with bars, quirky shops, art galleries, and great restaurants all lined up in one place. It’s the perfect spot to pause for lunch, do a bit of people-watching, and try local favorites like Conch fritters, fish tacos, and Key lime pie.
EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN
After seeing the main attractions in the morning, there’s still plenty to explore in Old Town. I’d suggest grabbing your bike and cycling through the charming streets of Key West. Beyond Duval Street, you’ll find hidden bars, local shops, and even some designer outlets perfect for evening shopping. When you’re ready to take a break, stop at one of the bars for a cocktail or a drink and just relax while enjoying the atmosphere.
DAY 2 IN KEY WEST:
GRAB BREAKRAST AT BLUE HEAVEN
If you’ve heard of one foodie spot in Key West, it’s probably Blue Heaven. This popular restaurant serves amazing Floridian-Caribbean cuisine. You can visit for any meal, but I’d recommend starting your day with breakfast here. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for a full day of exploring, and if you go for breakfast, you’ll also beat the crowds that come later in the day!
RELAX AND ENJOY THE BEACH AT FORT ZACHARY TAYLOR STATE PARK
Day two should definitely focus on the beach and the ocean, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is the best spot for that. It’s at the southern tip of Key West and perfect for anyone who loves both history and the beach. You can explore the fort, built in the mid-1800s, which now houses the largest collection of Civil War cannons in the U.S.
Beyond the fort, the park is home to one of Key West’s best beaches, Fort Zach, which is great for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing in the sun. If you don’t feel like swimming, you can explore the nature trails, spot wildlife like iguanas and tropical birds, or have a picnic at one of the many tables and grills. Entrance is very affordable, it’s $6 per vehicle or $2.50 for cyclists and pedestrians. It’s one of the cheapest things to do in Key West and definitely worth a visit.
SEE THE SUNSET AT MALLORY SQUARE
Mallory Square is one of the best spots to spend the evening, thanks to the Sunset Celebration. Every night at sunset, crowds gather to enjoy a lively atmosphere with jugglers, musicians, magicians, and local artisans showing off their crafts. Food vendors sell treats like conch fritters and Key lime pie, while performers entertain until it gets dark. It’s a special spot where you will definitely enjoy a memorable sunset, so I would highly recommend stopping, at least for a few minutes!
KEY WEST 2-DAY ITINERARY: CONCLUSION
Key West is such a fun and easy place to explore, and two days is just enough to get a real feel for the island. Enjoy the sun, the sights, and the relaxed vibes, and don’t forget to take it all in at your own pace, you’re on island time here!
