Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Key West (Monroe County, Florida; pop. 25,755) sits at 1 m (3 ft) elevation near Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, with regional transit access via Key West International Airport (2.3 km). Visitors pair Key West landmarks with signature Florida specialties including Key West pink shrimp & Florida stone crab claws and Authentic Cuban sandwich & ropa vieja.
Within Florida, Key West (Key West, FL) serves as a us city in florida. Travelers exploring Florida often combine a stop in Key West with state highlights such as Miami South Beach Art Deco, Everglades & Dry Tortugas National Parks, Florida Keys Overseas Highway, Orlando Theme Parks, Kennedy Space Center & St. Augustine.
| Fact | Details for Key West (Key West, FL) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Key West, FL |
| County & Role | US City in Florida |
| State & Major Hubs | Florida (Miami, Orlando & Tampa) |
| Population | 25,755 residents |
| Elevation | 1 m (3 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Key West International Airport (2.3 km) |
| Coordinates | 24.5552°N, 81.7816°W |
Getting to Key West & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Key West International Airport (2.3 km)): Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA); Brightline high-speed trains linking Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach & Orlando.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into MIA, MCO, FLL & TPA Airports + Brightline High-Speed Rail (Miami–Orlando)? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Key West includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Key West (Florida)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Key West (Monroe County, Florida), local tables feature: Signature Florida dishes—Key West pink shrimp & Florida stone crab claws, Authentic Cuban sandwich & ropa vieja, and Authentic Key lime pie with graham cracker crust.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Key West and across Florida, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Florida: Fresh Florida Valencia orange juice & Mojitos, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Key West (Florida), look for: Local specialties across Florida: Grouper sandwich & conch fritters, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Florida dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In a mid-sized city like Key West (pop. 25,755), visitors will find independent coffee roasters, craft taprooms, regional steakhouses or seafood shacks, and weekend growers markets showcasing Florida producers.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 1 m (3 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Key West International Airport (2.3 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (1.0 km) · Smathers Beach (1.3 km) · Key West National Wildlife Refuge (21.2 km) · Sugarloaf Beach (23.6 km) · Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge (26.9 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Historic Downtown Key West, Monroe County District
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Stock Island, FL (4.6 km)
- Big Pine Key, FL (45.1 km)
- Marathon, FL (72.1 km)
- Islamorada, FL (123.5 km)
- Key Largo, FL (147.1 km)
Regional Specialties Across Florida
- Key West pink shrimp & Florida stone crab claws — a signature specialty across Florida.
- Authentic Cuban sandwich & ropa vieja — a signature specialty across Florida.
- Authentic Key lime pie with graham cracker crust — a signature specialty across Florida.
- Grouper sandwich & conch fritters — a signature specialty across Florida.
- Fresh Florida Valencia orange juice & Mojitos — a signature specialty across Florida.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Key West
Best time to visit Florida: Nov–May.
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Key West exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Key West; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Key West (Key West, FL) located in the United States?
Key West (Key West, FL) is a us city in Florida, United States (coordinates: 24.5552°N, 81.7816°W, elevation: 1 m (3 ft)). It has a population of approximately 25,755.
How do I get to Key West by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Key West via Key West International Airport (2.3 km). Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA); Brightline high-speed trains linking Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach & Orlando. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Key West and Florida known for?
In Key West and across Florida, signature regional dishes include Key West pink shrimp & Florida stone crab claws, Authentic Cuban sandwich & ropa vieja, Authentic Key lime pie with graham cracker crust, as well as Grouper sandwich & conch fritters and Fresh Florida Valencia orange juice & Mojitos. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Key West?
Best time to visit Florida: Nov–May. Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: