VerdictDestinations 🛡️ Independent — no pay-to-rank🔎 Graded for who you are✓ Verified 2026-06-17How we grade → The verdict
Who it's worth it for
Great for
- Travellers on a budget
- Couples
- Solo travellers
- Photographers
- Adventurers
Depends
- If you've only got a day
- Anyone here to unwind
- Night owls
- Local-life seekers
Worth it for travellers on a budget, couples and solo travellers; not for families with kids.
Why we say this
Insider secrets & local vibes
The Seven Mile Bridge and turquoise straits drive is unforgettable, capped by Hemingway's house and Mallory Square sunsets.
Not independently verified — estimatedIt's about 3.5 hours each way, so a day-trip means most of your day in the car for only a few hours there.
Not independently verified — estimatedDuval Street's bar scene and the sunset celebration are a draw — but you'll miss the evening on a same-day return.
Not independently verified — estimatedWhat it feels like
Reading the room, traveller by traveller
As a couple
Iconic and scenic, but it really wants an overnight to do it justice.
With friends
A big road-trip day; the drive and Duval are the payoff if you stay over.
Solo
A long but rewarding drive for the scenery and quirky town.
Good to know
Before you go
Cost
Gas/tolls or tour ~$70+; do as overnight ideally
Time
Full long day (12+ hrs)
- Best time
- Leave at dawn to maximize hours there; ideally make it an overnight.
- Getting there
- ~160 miles / 3.5 hrs via the Overseas Highway; drive or take a day-tour bus.
- Booking
- If touring, ~$70+ per person; book the Hemingway Home online.
- Accessibility
- Old Town Key West is mostly flat; the long drive is the main barrier.
Alternatives
If it's not your thing, try
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🛡️ Independent — no pay-to-rank🔎 Graded for who you are✓ Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →