There are many reasons to book a trip to Key West. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant atmosphere and historic charm, it’s no wonder why it's a popular warm-weather destination. Taking a road trip to the Florida Keys is a great way to explore Key West on a budget, but there are some other cost-saving methods that you can use to save money on the trip so you can relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about your wallet.
1. Visit During the Off-Season
Avoid the bustling crowds and travel off-season Key West from April to May and October to November. These months are the cheapest time to visit Key West — hotels typically have lower rates to accommodate the slowness of the season, which can help you explore Key West on a budget and the city’s offerings at your own pace. You’ll still run into other visitors and travelers, but the crowd sizes will be substantially smaller than they are during peak season. Many Key West restaurants also offer deals and specials during shoulder season, helping your budget further.
2. Cut Costs with Transportation
Depending on where you live, you might decide to drive to Key West for your vacation. Although you'll need to pay for gas expenses, this will likely be less than the cost of flying and might be the best way for you to visit Key West.
If you decide to drive or rent a car while in the area, consider where your vehicle will end up, as free parking in Key West is limited. (In downtown, you’ll find some metered street parking.) Whenever possible, plan to walk, ride-share or rent a bike for roughly $18 a day. Another option, the Conch Train, costs more but takes visitors to various attractions in a hop-on, hop-off fashion. You’ll see fun places to go, but avoid the hassles of parking.
3. Get Discounts on Accommodations
Hotels aren’t cheap, but budget-friendly hotels can help you save on overall costs when staying in Key West. AAA members can also save on accommodations in preferred hotels and select dining options, cutting costs even further. Look out for hotels near Mallory Square, for convenience, and be sure to book in advance when you can for the best prices. Also consider venturing out of Old Town. The tradeoff is that you're not in the middle of the action; however you may get even more bang for your buck. Around New Town, one AAA inspector recommends The Laureate, an all-suite property said to feature some of the largest guest rooms in the area with nautical Key West décor.
Other great AAA Diamond hotels include:
- The Gates Hotel Key West
- Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
- Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott at The Keys Collection
4. Dine on Budget-Friendly Options
You don’t need to spend a fortune on food to enjoy the best restaurants in Key West. Stay cost-conscious by finding restaurants with specials and deals (like discounted appetizers or BOGO meals) — Key West has plenty of dining options, so finding the right deals shouldn’t be hard. If you want to enjoy alcoholic beverages while vacationing, research restaurants or bars offering happy hour deals.
Another budget-friendly dining option is to visit local food trucks throughout the city. Key West’s food truck scene is lively, and with different options like American, Jamaican and Cuban, there’s sure to be something to satisfy every member of your party. Key West hosts several food truck festivals throughout the year, giving you ample opportunity to sample different cuisines on a budget.
Some popular Key West restaurants include:
5. Save With Affordable Activities
Just because you’re visiting Key West on a budget doesn’t mean you should stay cooped up in your hotel room. Visit the city and have an adventure with these affordable activities.
Tour Key West
Tours are a great way to see a destination, but you don’t have to pay a lot in Key West if you create your own. Duval Street is always a popular choice to wander, with bars, shops, galleries and restaurants competing for your attention (People-watching is free, at least.) And if bar crawling is your thing, you cannot miss the Duval Crawl.
Then there’s centrally located Key West Cemetery, where you’ll find the well-known headstone of B.P. “Pearl” Roberts, which reads, “I Told You I Was Sick.” If you’re not hunting for spirits of a different nature, take a detour to First Legal Rum Distillery (105 Simonton St.). This former saloon offers tastings, mojito classes and complimentary tours. (Kids and pets are allowed with an adult.)
Plan a Beach Day
It’s no secret why Key West is one of the top pet-friendly vacation spots in the South — there are plenty of beaches for pets and their owners to relax and roam. Near Duval Street, you’ll encounter parking for Higgs Beach, a sandy, pet-friendly location with bathroom and shower facilities, a boardwalk and even a playground. Get there before dawn to avoid the crowd and partake of one of Key West’s famous sunrises.
Smathers Beach receives raves for its convenience and gentle waves, making it another family-friendly option. Want to rent a chair or umbrella? Vendors congregate nearby, making renting beach gear and planning activities a breeze. Look for metered street parking on nearby South Roosevelt Avenue.
Snap Pictures at the West Martello Tower
Surround yourself with beauty at West Martello Tower — an especially photographic paradise at 1100 Atlantic Blvd. Amid the remains of the unfinished Civil War fort are flowering tropical plants and visiting butterflies. Though open to the public, donations are appreciated. The historical site is maintained by the Key West Garden Club, whose members provide gardening and other educational programs. Note: There’s parking, but visitors are encouraged to walk since it’s close to nearby attractions.
Revel in the Key West Sunset Celebration
Locals and vacationers alike celebrate the sun’s descent into the horizon by gathering at Mallory Square (400 Wall St.). Said to have been inspired by the applause that late playwright Tennessee Williams once gave at sundown, the event draws revelers daily. Though it’s one of the best cheap things to do in Key West, you’ll want to bring some spending money as there are food carts, vendors, street performers and other live entertainment on-site. If you drive, expect to pay for a spot in the city-owned lot or to search for street parking.
Stop By Key West Eco-Discovery Center
If you’re interested in learning about the marine life of the Florida Keys in-depth and for free, you should visit the Key West Eco-Discovery Center. This destination presents a variety of exhibits and videos about the marine ecosystem as well as a 2,500-gallon coral reef tank, perfect for an afternoon activity on a budget. Take a guided tour, sit in on a lecture or attend workshops to learn more about the marine life of Key West.
Explore Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
This Civil War site, which charges a small entrance fee, features demonstrations and armaments like cannons as well as outdoor activities like fishing, swimming and snorkeling. View the 19th-century fort on-site used during the Civil War. Walk or bike on the nature trails through the tropical forests. And take in the beautiful views of the ocean during a budget-friendly picnic, keeping your trip money-conscious.
Plan Your Next Vacation to Key West with AAA
Planning your trip to Key West on a budget doesn’t have to be complicated. With AAA Travel Benefits, you can find the best hotel, flight, and rental car rates, keeping you within your allotted budget. Take the trip without breaking the bank by finding the cheapest time to stay in Key West and the different ways to cut costs overall.