Breeze Flights From Norfolk, VA to Key West, Fl From $81*

Key West isn’t your average beach town. It’s the southernmost point in the continental U.S., a sunny island with a tropical vibe, colorful history, and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see. While you’re here, discover marine life, explore storied landmarks, and catch gorgeous sunsets. Here’s how to make the most of your escape to paradise. 

Soak Up the Sun and Sea 

Start your day beach-hopping. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a local favorite, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply sprawl out on the sand with a good book. Smathers Beach is another great pick for lounging, with palm-lined shores and plenty of space to stretch out. Another option, Higgs Beach offers a quieter vibe, a picturesque pier, and fewer crowds. 

Want to get out on the water? Book a boat tour to the reefs just offshore. These underwater ecosystems are teeming with life. They are a great place to spot sea turtles, exotic fish, corals, fans, sponges, stingrays, starfish, crabs, jellyfish, and friendly dolphins. For a truly unforgettable experience, take a ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park. This remote cluster of islands is home to Fort Jefferson and some of the best snorkeling in the region. 

Prefer to stay dry? Hop on a glass-bottom boat tour or rent a kayak and paddle through the mangroves. Look for herons, egrets, spoonbills, pelicans, and even a manatee or two. 

Dive Into History and Culture 

Key West has stories to tell, and they’re worth hearing. Start with the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the legendary author lived and wrote for over a decade. Take in the Spanish colonial-style architecture and treasures from another lifetime. Keep an eye out for the cats who live on the property, descendants of Hemingway’s own, roaming the grounds like they own the place. 

Next, head to the winter quarters of Harry S. Truman, dubbed the Little White House. The guided tour offers a fascinating glimpse into post-WWII politics and presidential downtime. 

Check out the Key West Shipwreck Museum and learn about all things pirates and treasure. It’s part educational, part immersive experience, with actors in period costume and a lookout tower offering panoramic views of the island. 

If you’re more into nature than nautical history, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a must. Walk through a lush, climate-controlled habitat filled with hundreds of butterflies, tropical birds, and flowering plants. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and a great way to cool off in the afternoon heat. 

Eat, Drink, and Explore 

Key West knows how to have a good time, and it starts with food. Seafood is the star here. Grab a grouper sandwich, conch fritters, or a plate of fresh-caught mahi-mahi at one of the many open-air restaurants around town.  

For a more upscale experience, book a table at a waterfront bistro and enjoy dinner with a view. Feeling romantic? Opt for a sunset dinner cruise and watch the sky transform as you sail along the coast. 

After dinner, head to Duval Street, the island’s main drag. It’s packed with quirky shops, art galleries, live music venues, and bars ranging from divey to dazzling. Whether you’re sipping a mojito or dancing to a local band, there’s no shortage of nightlife here. 

Mallory Square is the place to be for a low-key evening. Every night, locals and visitors gather for the Sunset Celebration, a festive mix of street performers, food carts, and artists. It’s a Key West tradition and a great way to end the day. 

Get Off the Beaten Path 

There’s more to Key West than beaches and bars. Slow down and bike around to get a feel for daily life on the island. Cruise past pastel-colored houses, blooming bougainvillea, and chickens that free range along the streets. Stop by the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum for a climb to the top and a killer view of the island. 

Photographers, don’t miss the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA, a colorful concrete marker showcasing the iconic spot. Early risers will be rewarded with less competition for the perfect shot. 

We also recommend a day trip to the backcountry. Visit a series of uninhabited islands and sandbars accessible only by boat. Enjoy a quiet retreat perfect for splashing in the shallows with stunning, secluded views. 

Book Your Flight to Key West 

Key West is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. It’s warm, welcoming, and wonderfully weird in all the best ways. Whether you’re here for the history, the water, the food, or the sunsets, you’ll find something you love. What are you waiting for? Pack your flip-flops, grab your shades, and fly Breeze to Key West. Paradise is calling.