Travel to Key West is not the first option for Brazilians visiting Florida; instead, most opt for Miami or Disney.
However, before talking about it, it’s essential to understand the Florida Keys, an archipelago consisting of approximately 1700 islands located south of Miami.
Beginning at the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula, roughly 25 km southeast of Miami, the chain extends over several islands (keys) connected by 42 bridges until reaching Key West.
Due to its location in the hurricane belt, the Florida Keys are among the most hurricane-prone areas globally, facing constant threats from storms hitting the southern United States and the Caribbean.
Key West, the southernmost inhabited island in the United States, sits closer to Cuba (150 KM) than to the mainland USA.
It is a subtropical paradise characterized by a unique blend of history, climate, natural beauty, cultural diversity, and architecture.
Aside from its inherent charm, blue seas, and idyllic islands, the island offers breathtaking vistas, stunning beaches, and serves as a haven for water sports enthusiasts, be it fishing, diving, sailing, or simply lounging on a sandbank. Additionally, sunset cruises are a popular choice.
This marks my second trip to Key West. Arriving via Fort Lauderdale, I opted to spend the night in Florida City to shorten the subsequent car journey along the Overseas Highway.
This stopover also facilitates my visit to Everglades National Park.
Overseas Highway, (US Route 1),
The easiest and most comfortable way to travel to Key West is to rent a car.
From Florida City to Key West it is approximately 200 KM, due to the speed limit it takes about 3 hours.
The route is beautiful along the iconic Overseas Highway, (US Route 1), with stunning views of the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
The highway has 42 bridges that connects mainland Florida to the southern tip of the state, Key West.
Key West
How to Park in Key West
The best way to travel is by car but as the island has few places to park without paying, one of them is Nelson English Park, where I parked.
The Park is just a few blocks from the landmark of the southernmost point in the United States.
The vast majority of the island has paid parking
Top 8 Free Parking Spots.
Near Fort Zachary Taylor/Fort Street parking lot
Closest to Key West Express Ferry and Yankee Freedom Ferry/Margaret Street Downtown
City center / Dey Street
City center / Ann Street
Closest to Fort Zachary / Petronia Street
Bahamas Village / Nelson English Park
South Roosevelt Blvd/Smathers Beach
NOTE: It is important to check space availability, and it is advisable to arrive early to guarantee a place.
Also confirm that you can park, as this may change.
If it’s not saying you can’t park, then you can.
Paid Parking
Key West has several parking lots and garages with varying costs and terms, offering short- and long-term parking options. Popular options include Conch Republic parking and ferry terminal parking. Some parking lots near Mallory Square and the historic harbor promenade also charge fees.
On March 24 the average price per hour was US$ 5 to 7.00 with a daily rate of US$ 40.00
If you are paying for a patch, use the Old Town Garage (Park N Ride). See the City of Key West website
With this, you can use the Duval loop (Hop-on, HOP-off) to move around the city
To park on the street (Metered Parking) the price is US$5.00 per hour.
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Book your flight.
Finding cheap flights can be difficult and stressful, but with the tips from the Blog and using Skyscanner or Google flights, the task can even be enjoyable.
Today, these are the most complete tools on the market
Book your accommodation.
With that in mind, it’s time to choose your accommodation.
The best tool is Booking.com.
For those who are going to use hostels, the best tool is Hostelworld.
I have used both very often and always find the best prices.
Get your insurance
Insurance is something we never want to use, but it is traumatic if we need it and don’t have it.
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I have used WorldNomads or Assistcard, which always have the insurance with the coverage that travelers need, in addition to having coverage worldwide.