Florida

Key West

Local Culture

Kick Back in Tropical Key West

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West lies at the tip of the 125-mile Florida Keys island chain and is located just 90 miles from Cuba. With an average temperature of 77 degrees, the island is a popular visitor destination. Attractions include a rich cultural community, historic architecture and a relaxed, laidback charm. (Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau)

Key West, FL, is a tropical resort town with a famously laid-back and quirky vibe. There are so many unique things to do in the Keys.*

The southernmost point of the continental United States is a beautiful place to chill out. Make the most of your time by experiencing a few of its highlights, from six-toed cats with a literary pedigree to incredible sunsets with a celebratory sideshow.

Courtesy Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau

Duval Street

No matter when you stroll Duval Street, expect to encounter a festive, let-your-hair-down atmosphere, along with a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and nightlife hotspots. As the main thoroughfare of Key West, it's packed with historic haunts and intriguing holes-in-the-wall, as well as unique shops, galleries, and people-watching. Don't miss Sloppy Joe's Bar, a favorite hangout of the great American writer Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West from 1931 to 1939.

To experience Duval Street at its most exhilarating, visit Key West during Fantasy Fest, a 10-day street event with extravagant costumes, parades, and unfettered revelry that takes place in late October.

Busker Will Soto walks a tightrope at the sunset celebration in Key West, Fla. The sunset celebration at Mallory Square is a daily ritual for visitors to this subtropical island at the bottom of the Florida Keys island chain.  Photo by Bob Krist/Florida Keys News Bureau
Courtesy Bob Krist/Florida Keys News Bureau

Mallory Square

Mallory Square, located at the western end of Duval Street, is  famous for a Key West tradition: watching the amazing Technicolor sunsets. But another attraction draws equal attention each evening. Watch street performers, musicians, and acrobats perform highly specialized, sometimes mind-boggling acts from sword swallowing to juggling on a high wire. One notable long-term act even incorporates a herd of very impressive cats – but not the ones from this next attraction.

Visitors explore the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West, Fla. Winner of both the Nobel and Pulitzer prizes, the legendary author lived in the Spanish colonial villa with his second wife Pauline and their two children from 1931 to December 1939. Hemingway wrote many of his best-known works in the second-story writing studio, and the grounds are still inhabited by descendants of his six-toed cat. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Photo by Laurence Norah/Florida Keys News Bureau
Courtesy Laurence Norah/Florida Keys News Bureau
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — A cat dubbed Leonardo da Vinci rests atop an antique typewriter at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum on Whitehead Street in Key West, Fla. Hemingway lived and wrote at the home for most of the 1930s, penning some of his best-known works. Now a registered National Historic Landmark, the home is a museum honoring the author — and a haven for several dozen cats, many of them with six toes and descended from a sea captain’s feline given to Hemingway. (Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Courtesy Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau

Hemingway House & Museum

The Hemingway House & Museum is an indoor-outdoor, only-in-Key-West attraction with guided tours offered every 15 minutes. While Hemingway's home is an interesting piece of history, the star attraction for many visitors is its colony of about 60 polydactyl (six-toed) cats, many of them descendants of Hemingway's own feline, Snow White.

A family poses for a photograph at the Southernmost Point marker in Key West, Fla., one of the most photographed icons in the Florida Keys.  The concrete buoy, which commemorates the southernmost spot of land in the continental United States, is painted with letters proclaiming that it stands 90 miles from Cuba and more than 150 miles from Miami. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Photo by Laurence Norah/Florida Keys News Bureau
Courtesy Laurence Norah/Florida Keys News Bureau

Key Lime Pie Tasting

Not surprisingly, there's a lot of great Key lime pie. Though the ingredients are few, the variations are many, in terms of crust, toppings, and sweet-to-sour ratio. A few of the most popular are found at Key Lime Pie Bakery, Key West Key Lime Pie Co., and Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe. One common — and highly recommended — variation is a frozen, dark chocolate-dipped slice on a stick.

Snorkeling and Boating

Get out on the water for the full Key West experience. This small island sits near the equator, smack dab in the middle of some of the most clear-blue water in the country. Key West is perfect for snorkeling, diving, boating, and sailing. There are plenty of charters and tours available too. You’ll find everything from excursions to explore North America’s only living coral barrier reef to breathtaking sunset sails.

Come to Key West and choose from three Hyatt Vacation Club® resorts. Wherever you stay, you’ll be in the heart of Florida’s atmosphere, pulsing with culture, excitement, and entertainment.

Where To Stay

Hyatt Vacation Club at Windward Pointe

Rediscover the power of vacations at this beautiful resort conveniently located in the heart of it all. Take a walk to mile-long Smathers Beach or snap an obligatory social media photo in at the nearby Southernmost Point landmark buoy. Explore the island by bicycle, kayak, paddleboard, or sailboat . And when you’re ready to relax with the family, Windward Pointe will rise to the occasion with amenities and activities** for everyone.

Inspired Activities & Experiences

Join our Around the Town Scavenger Hunt, explore one of the island’s famous beaches on a guided walk to collect sea glass, engage in poolside games with live music, or express your creativity by painting a canvas art keepsake.

Swim and Relax

Take a dip in the infinity-edge pool surrounded by lush tropical foliage, unwind in the hot tub, or hit the beach and bask in warm sea breezes.

Eat and Enjoy

Have a poolside lunch or dinner at Abbey Road Snack Shack (operated by a third party) or gather your party for a cookout around the grills.

Take in the Outdoors

Unwind with a delightful book in a shaded hammock overlooking the ocean, head to the beach for a friendly volleyball game, or play shuffleboard.

Hyatt Vacation Club at Beach House**

Situated on Key West’s northeastern corner, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the crystal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find villas with all the comforts of a personal beach house. You’re also close to the 200-acre Key West Golf Club with its 18-hole par-70 course.

Inspired Activities & Experiences

Join our Around the Town Scavenger Hunt, take part in a locally focused Daily Ritual, or participate in a Giving Back activity to show your appreciation to this warm and welcoming community. Get creative with coconut painting or take part in a ghost tour. 

Swim and Relax

Take an invigorating dip in the zero-entry lagoon pool with its breathtaking views. Afterward, get comfortable, soothe your muscles, and unwind in the hot tub. 

Eat and Enjoy

Grab a bite at Jimmy’s Ocean Blue Tiki Bar (operated by a third party), serving burgers, sandwiches, tacos, wings, salads, and more. Or gather the family and cook out on the grill. You’ll see for yourself — al fresco meals in Key West just taste better.

Take in the Outdoors

Cast a line off the fishing pier, rent a kayak and use the dock for your water adventures, or lounge on the sand under azure skies. 

Hyatt Vacation Club at Sunset Harbor**

Imbibe the relaxed Key West lifestyle from a coveted location in the heart of Old Town. Perfectly situated on the western side of the island, this gracious retreat overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, with magnificent water views.

Inspired Activities & Experiences

Join our Around the Town Scavenger Hunt, enjoy a lively evening beginning with the sunset at Mallory Square celebration, or let your creative side out with canvas painting.

Swim and Relax

Take a refreshing dip in the picture-perfect pool, surrounded by majestic palms. Afterward, get comfortable, soothe your muscles, and unwind in the hot tub. 

Eat and Play

Get the party together at the grill and have a cookout. Then get your game on with cornhole, ring toss, and Jenga®. Games are available at the front desk. 

Take in the Outdoors

You’ll be close to Key West favorites like fishing, sailing, biking, and hanging out at the beach. Later, relax by the fire pit and share vacation stories. Don’t forget the s’mores! 

A subtropical paradise, year-round sunshine, a unique blend of history, architecture, climate, and iconic romantic appeal — enjoyed from one of the distinctive Key West Hyatt Vacation Club resorts.

Choose your resort and book your next vacation now.

* No inquiry has been made into the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, or the qualifications, safety, or quality of the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, and WHV Resort Group, Inc. and HV Global Group, Inc. (collectively, “HVC”) make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of such off-site locations, activities, events, or service providers listed herein. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the off-site locations, activities, services, events, or providers. Neither WHV Resort Group, Inc. nor HV Global Group, Inc. assumes liability for attendance at, or visits to, any off-site locations, or the products, activities, or services furnished by independent service providers. Additional fees and costs may apply. Activities and events are subject to change. Some activities or events may require the participant to be in good health and have a certain level of skill.

** Availability of activities and amenities may vary and is subject to change without notice. A reservation, fee, and/or waiver may be required for some activities and amenities.

wheel icon wheel icon 1

Where to stay.

Escape to a vibrant island paradise. Bask in sun-soaked beaches, savor fresh seafood delights, embrace lively street festivals, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this unique tropical haven.

All Vacation Offers
Hyatt Vacation Club at Beach House

Hyatt Vacation Club at Beach House

Experience a tropical getaway designed in classic Key West style, offering manicured gardens and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Luxurious touches include a magnificent free-form pool, white-sand beaches and lush surroundings, with water sports, boating and fishing just minutes away at nearby private marinas.
See Resort Details
next section

Where to stay.

Escape to a vibrant island paradise. Bask in sun-soaked beaches, savor fresh seafood delights, embrace lively street festivals, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this unique tropical haven.

All Vacation Offers
Hyatt Vacation Club at Sunset Harbor

Hyatt Vacation Club at Sunset Harbor

With a coveted location in the heart of Old Town and magnificent views of the Gulf of Mexico, Sunset Harbor is the ultimate island retreat. Mere minutes from iconic area attractions, it’s also a haven for relaxation with its tranquil pool and whirlpool spa. And with our Inspired Experiences program, you can leave Key West feeling fulfilled. Off-site, vacationers can embrace the tropical destination by lazing on one of the stunning beaches or cruising around on a bicycle or scooter. Famed Duval Street and Mallory Square are nearby, and perfect for people-watching or joining the crowds to view the sunset. Regardless of how you define paradise, Sunset Harbor helps you experience it to the fullest.
See Resort Details
next section

Featured Vacation Offer

Give Ownership a try by taking advantage of these special vacation offers.

All Vacation Offers
Hyatt Vacation Club at Windward Pointe

Hyatt Vacation Club at Windward Pointe

Entire stay from $  Go to back
trip-advisor rating

Read 1,038 Reviews

Where to stay.

Escape to a vibrant island paradise. Bask in sun-soaked beaches, savor fresh seafood delights, embrace lively street festivals, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this unique tropical haven.

All Vacation Offers
Hyatt Vacation Club at Windward Pointe

Hyatt Vacation Club at Windward Pointe

Whether you choose to spend your days simply relaxing by the infinity pool or setting off on a dive adventure, Key West delivers a dream vacation of your own design. Your island home is just minutes away from celebrating the sunset each evening at Mallory Square and taking in the renowned dining, shopping, and nightlife of Duval Street. Hyatt Vacation Club at Windward Pointe offers an ideal respite from reality. Located on the southeast end of Key West, this seaside resort will immediately capture your soul and transport you to the casual comfort of the islands.
See Resort Details
next section

More Travel Inspiration

Poolside view with palm trees and ocean at a Key West resort
Key West
Local Culture

Three Amazing Key West Resorts

When it comes to southernmost Florida, Owners have access to not just one, or even two, but three distinctive resorts when heading to unforgettable Key West. The resorts include Beach House, Sunset Harbor, and Windward Pointe, all set on the endless sandy coastline in the year-round sunshine of Key West’s subtropical paradise.
Poolside view with palm trees and ocean at a Key West resort
Key West
Local Culture

Key West + Bonita Springs = Paradise

A trip to Florida can give you a serene and restful break from the modern world or an exciting and spirited adventure that’ll leave you energized and ready to take on just about anything. With a little planning, your Florida getaway can even give you the best of both worlds!
1154893066
Key West
Food and Drink

Where to Eat in Key West

From strong Cuban coffee to fresh seafood, Key West offers dining that’s a little bit Southern, a little bit Caribbean, yet always quintessentially Floridian. Beautiful sunsets, pirate museums, wandering chickens, and six-toed cats come to mind when thinking of Key West.