Cruise port · United States · Western Caribbean
Key West cruise port guide
Key West, at the end of the Florida Keys, is one of the easiest cruise ports anywhere: ships dock downtown, steps from Duval Street, and the whole historic Old Town is walkable or bikeable. Top things to do include the Hemingway Home with its six-toed cats, the Southernmost Point buoy, snorkel trips to the reef and a slice of Key lime pie.
- Walkable history
- Food and bars
- Snorkeling
- Easy port days
Photo: Tore Sætre, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Western Caribbean
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- English.
- Currency
- U.S. dollar. Cards are accepted everywhere.
- Best time to visit
- January–December
- Average highs
- 74–86°F through the year
About Key West
Key West is a small island town with a big personality, closer to Havana than to Miami. Its Old Town is a grid of tin-roofed Conch cottages, gingerbread mansions, banyan trees and roosters roaming the streets, with Duval Street’s bars, galleries and shops at its heart. The island has long drawn writers, artists and free spirits, and its motto, One Human Family, sums up its easygoing, inclusive vibe.
It’s a fantastic port for walkers, history buffs, foodies and bar-hoppers, and it’s easy for first-time cruisers since it’s part of the U.S. Beaches are small and not the main reason to come. Duval Street can feel touristy and boozy, especially on busy days, but a few blocks away you’ll find quiet, shady streets and some of the prettiest architecture in Florida.
Where cruise ships dock in Key West
Ships tie up at one of three downtown spots: Mallory Square, Pier B or the Navy’s Outer Mole. Mallory Square and Pier B are a few minutes’ walk from Duval Street; the Mole, on Navy property, is a longer walk or a short shuttle ride. Old Town is compact, about 1 mile (1.6 km) across, so you can walk to most sights, rent a bike, or take the hop-on, hop-off trolley or Conch Tour Train. Taxis and pedicabs are also available. The Hemingway Home and Southernmost Point are about 15 to 20 minutes’ walk from the piers.
Best things to do in Key West on a cruise
- 1
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
history
The Spanish Colonial house where Hemingway lived and wrote in the 1930s, now a museum with guided tours of his study, gardens and the first in-ground pool in Key West. Dozens of cats roam the grounds, many descended from his six-toed cat and with extra toes themselves. Allow about an hour.
- 2
Southernmost Point buoy
culture
A giant striped concrete buoy marks the southernmost point of the continental U.S., with Cuba about 90 miles (145 km) away. It’s a classic photo stop, so expect a line on busy days; early morning is best.
- 3
Snorkeling the reef
wildlife
Key West sits near the only living barrier coral reef in the continental U.S., protected within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Catamaran trips leave from the Historic Seaport for reef snorkeling with tropical fish, rays and corals, often with a sunset sail option.
- 4
Harry S. Truman Little White House
history
President Truman spent many working vacations at this house in the former naval station, and it’s now a museum with original furnishings and guided tours. Other presidents also stayed here. It’s a short walk from Mallory Square.
- 5
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
beach
A Civil War-era fort and the island’s best beach, with shady picnic areas and good snorkeling off the rocky shore. There’s an entrance fee. Water shoes are helpful, as the beach is coarse and rocky. It’s near the Outer Mole.
- 6
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
nature
A glass-domed tropical garden filled with hundreds of butterflies from around the world, plus colorful birds. It’s a calm, air-conditioned break from the heat at the southern end of Duval Street.
- 7
Mallory Square and the Historic Seaport
culture
Mallory Square is famous for its nightly sunset celebration with street performers, though ships often leave before sunset. The nearby Historic Seaport, or Key West Bight, has waterfront restaurants, bars and charter boats. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum displays treasure from Spanish galleons.
Key West weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 7423 | 7524 | 7625 | 7926 | 8228 | 8429 | 8630 | 8630 | 8630 | 8328 | 8026 | 7625 |
| Low °F (°C) | 7121 | 7222 | 7424 | 7725 | 8027 | 8328 | 8529 | 8529 | 8429 | 8127 | 7825 | 7423 |
| Rain in (mm) | 1.744 | 1.333 | 1.127 | 2.461 | 4.3108 | 8.4213 | 5.3135 | 8.2208 | 9.1230 | 4.1103 | 2.769 | 2.563 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 |
What to eat and drink in Key West
Key lime pie is mandatory; try a classic slice or a chocolate-dipped version on a stick. Conch fritters, Key West pink shrimp, grouper sandwiches and smoked fish dip are local favorites. Stone crab claws are a treat in season, mid-October to early May. Cuban influence is strong: grab a Cuban sandwich and café con leche from a walk-up window. Many bars serve rum runners and other tropical drinks, and Sloppy Joe’s is famous for its Hemingway connection.
Tips for your port day
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; the best way to see Key West is on foot or by bike.
- Rent a bike for a few hours to cover more ground; Old Town is flat and bike-friendly.
- Ships usually leave before the Mallory Square sunset celebration, so check your all-aboard time before planning around it.
- Visit the Hemingway Home and Southernmost Point early to beat crowds and heat.
- Key West is a U.S. port, but carry your ship card and photo ID to reboard.
Cruise lines that visit Key West
Often on the same itinerary
Key West cruise FAQs
Can you walk around Key West from the cruise ship?
Yes. Ships dock downtown, and Duval Street, the Hemingway Home and most sights are within walking distance. Old Town is only about a mile (1.6 km) across.
Where do cruise ships dock in Key West?
At Mallory Square, Pier B or the Navy’s Outer Mole. Mallory Square and Pier B are steps from Duval Street; the Mole is a longer walk or short shuttle ride.
Do you need a passport to get off in Key West?
No. Key West is in the U.S., so you only need your ship card and photo ID to go ashore. Your cruise as a whole may have other document requirements.
Does Key West have good beaches?
They’re small and not the main draw. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park has the best beach for swimming and snorkeling, while Smathers Beach is the largest.
What is the best excursion in Key West?
Many visitors enjoy a reef snorkel trip or a trolley tour followed by the Hemingway Home. Independent walking or biking is also an excellent way to see the island.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.