Snowbird’s Guide to the Best in Key West

Key West is a stunning destination to visit any time of year, with gorgeous white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. It’s an especially popular choice for snowbirds fleeing to Florida! Are you searching for the perfect place to call home for the winter months? Our snowbird’s guide to Key West will help you find the best activities to partake in during your stay.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into our snowbird’s guide to Key West.

What is the Weather Like in the Winter in Key West?

It’s no wonder people choose Key West for their winter home—the weather is beautiful in the winter. The average temperatures in winter in Key West are:

December: Highs 78° /  Lows 68°
January: Highs 76° /  Lows 65°
February: Highs 78° /  Lows 67°

With such temperate weather, you can enjoy outdoor activities any time of year. You couldn't ask for a better place to be a snowbird!

Try Some Local Restaurants

While you’re staying here in Key West, you’ll, of course, want to know all the best places to eat. The good news is that we made a blog post about the Best Restaurants in Key West recently! Key West is home to a number of amazing restaurants, from mouthwatering seafood to Cuban fare. Check out all of our recommendations in our blog!

Winter Festivals and Activities in Key West

Since Key West is such a popular winter destination, there are plenty of activities to explore. This includes a number of annual festivals in the area!

One cherished annual festival in Key West is the Florida Keys Seafood Festival. Not only can you revel in the freshest seafood in the area; you can also enjoy cooking competitions, demonstrations, live music, art vendors, and more! It’s a perfect way to spend a winter day in Key West.

For a low-key way to get involved in the local economy, check out the Key West Farmers Market. It happens every Thursday from 2:00-7:00 PM! Browse local produce, souvenirs, and artisan crafts selections—the perfect way to memorialize your time in Key West. It’s also a great way to save money at the grocery store, all while supporting local businesses!

To get immersed in the Key West art scene, attend the Walk on White Monthly Art Walk. Occurring every third Thursday of the month, this local art walk is a must-see during your winter months. Over 25 local businesses take place regularly; you never know just what you’ll see! Just imagine strolling through the art walk as you sip on complimentary drinks and listen to live music. We can think of worse ways to spend a Thursday night!

Popular Snowbird Activities in Key West

The neat thing about Key West is that you can explore activities year-round here. It doesn’t get cold enough to stay off the beach, which is why we love it so much!

What are you searching for during your Key West Stay? There are so many activities to explore, whether you’re seeking the thrill of water sports or just want to relax on the beach.

Many people love exploring outdoor spots like Dry Tortugas National Park or Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden. Dry Tortugas is an island, so you must get there by ferry or seaplane. Getting there is already an adventure! Then, once you land (or dock!), you can tour historic Fort Jefferson, take time to learn about the marine life or snorkel if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden is the smallest parrot sanctuary in the United States. It’s a great stop to try something new and different during your snowbird stay in Key West. Visit anytime from 10 AM to 3 PM, and listen in on a talk from Nancy herself, if you’re lucky!

Explore Local Key West Landmarks

Key West is quite the historical city. Did you know famous Americans like Harry Truman and Ernest Hemingway once called it home? You can explore their homes, amongst other famous Key West landmarks and historical sites, while you’re here.

Both Hemingway’s and Truman’s houses have been turned into museums open to the public. Stop into the Ernest Hemingway House & Museum to see where he wrote “The Old Man & The Sea,” amongst other renowned works.

Truman spent a whopping 175 days of his presidency at his Key West residence. Now, visiting Harry Truman's "Little Whitehouse" feels like a time capsule back to the 1940s and 50s, with its original décor (including Christmas decorations around the holidays) still intact. Take a museum tour to see where Truman lived, worked, played, and even held important government meetings during his presidency. It’s a fascinating look into how a US president spent much of his days!

Lastly, if you really want to indulge in the tourist spirit, head to the Southernmost Point for an iconic Key West photo op. This buoy marks—you guessed it—the southernmost point in the continental United States, and it’s become quite the popular tourist destination over the years. Come make your own mark!

Book Your Snowbird Stay in Key West Directly with Dwell!

Enjoy a cozy cup of coffee in the kitchen here at the Inn on Fleming.

With so many options for things to do in Key West, it’s high time you booked your snowbird stay! You don’t want to miss out on the best snowbird activities in Key West while you wait to book your vacation rental.

Lucky for you, you’re in the right place! Dwell Key West is the perfect place to stay for snowbirds. With top-notch amenities and utmost attention to detail, our boutique hotel near Duval Street provides everything you need for a happy time in Key West.

You can choose from several styles of boutiques when you stay at Dwell. Explore the charmingly historic Scarlet Mango Inn or our newest acquisition, the Inn on Fleming. All our vacation rentals are located conveniently close to Duval Street and all its exciting activities and restaurants.

Browse our available vacation rentals now and book your trip to Key West directly with Dwell Key West!