Ultimate Florida Keys & Key West Guide: Homejourney Travel Insights
This is the definitive Florida Keys and Key West guide crafted by Homejourney, Singapore's trusted real estate platform prioritizing user safety, transparency, and verified insights. Whether you're a Singaporean planning a Keys road trip along the iconic Overseas Highway, exploring Key Largo dives, or considering property diversification from Florida islands to Singapore, this 2025 pillar covers every detail exhaustively. From insider tips to Singapore-specific travel hacks, we ensure confident, secure decisions.
Homejourney verifies all recommendations, drawing from official sources and local expertise to create a safe environment for your journey—just like we do for Singapore property transactions.
Table of Contents
- 1. Destination Overview
- 2. Getting There from Singapore
- 3. Best Time to Visit
- 4. Top Attractions & Experiences
- 5. Ultimate Keys Road Trip Guide
- 6. Practical Travel Tips
- 7. Accommodation Guide
- 8. Food & Dining
- 9. Sample Itineraries
- 10. From Florida Keys to Singapore: Investment Opportunities
- 11. FAQ
1. Destination Overview
The Florida Keys stretch 120 miles from Key Largo to Key West, a chain of Florida islands connected by the Overseas Highway (US-1), offering pristine beaches, coral reefs, and laid-back vibes.[1] Key West, the southernmost point, blends history, culture, and adventure—perfect for kicking back amid conch houses and Hemingway lore.[3]
Why visit? Escape Singapore's hustle for world-class snorkeling, sunset celebrations, and fresh seafood. Homejourney travelers appreciate the trust in verified spots, much like our Property Search for secure Singapore buys.
Key Stats Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 120 miles (Overseas Highway) |
| Population (Key West) | ~25,000 |
| Currency | USD (1 SGD ≈ 0.75 USD) |
| Avg. Temp | 24-32°C year-round |
2. Getting There from Singapore
Fly from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Miami (MIA) via Qatar Airways or Emirates (20-24 hours, SGD 1,500-3,000 return). Rent a car at MIA for the 4-hour drive south via Overseas Highway, or fly direct to Key West (EYW) seasonally.[1]
Insider tip: Book Bank Rates on Homejourney for competitive SGD-USD exchange rates before your trip, ensuring safe currency handling like our property financing tools.
3. Best Time to Visit
December-April offers dry weather (25-29°C), ideal for Keys road trips. Avoid June-November hurricane season. Singaporeans love December for post-Christmas escapes, aligning with school holidays.[1][2]
4. Top Attractions & Experiences
Key highlights include Ernest Hemingway Home (polydactyl cats, $17 entry), Mallory Square sunsets, and Fort Zachary Taylor (snorkeling, $6 entry).[1][2][3]
Top 10 Attractions List
- Dry Tortugas National Park: Ferry ($200, book ahead) to Fort Jefferson; snorkel pristine reefs. 70 miles from Key West.[1][2]
- Key West Lighthouse: Climb 88 steps for panoramic views ($12).[1][2]
- Fort Zachary Taylor: Historic fort, beach, snorkeling ($6).[1][3]
- Duval Street: Bars, shops, events like Food & Wine Festival.[1]
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo): Dive Spiegel Grove shipwreck.[1]
- Seven Mile Bridge (Marathon): Iconic photo spot.[1]
- Hemingway Home & Museum: Literary history, cats ($17).[3]
- Mallory Square: Sunset performers, market.[2]
- History of Diving Museum (Islamorada): Artifacts, exhibits.[1]
- Crane Point Museum (Marathon): Trails, wildlife.[1]
Local insight: Visit Dry Tortugas early; ferries sell out a year in advance.[2] Homejourney verifies these for safety, prioritizing trusted experiences.
5. Ultimate Keys Road Trip Guide
Drive the Overseas Highway from Key Largo (coral reefs) to Islamorada (fossil reefs), Marathon (bridges), Lower Keys (kayaking), ending in Key West. Allow 4-5 days; fuel up often as stations are sparse.[1]
Road Trip Stops Table
| Key | Highlights | Drive Time from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Key Largo | Pennekamp Park, diving | Start |
| Islamorada | Diving Museum, fishing | 20 min |
| Marathon | Seven Mile Bridge | 30 min |
| Lower Keys | Big Pine Key snorkeling | 20 min |
| Key West | Lighthouse, Duval St. | 45 min |
6. Practical Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Singaporeans get 90-day ESTA visa waiver ($21 online). Carry passport valid 6 months.[1]
Transportation
Rent cars (Hertz at MIA, from $50/day); bikes in Key West ($10/hour). Duolingo bus connects islands ($4-8).[2]
Safety
Low crime, but watch for hurricanes and rip currents. Use reef-safe sunscreen. Homejourney emphasizes safety—check our verified guides like Projects Directory for secure planning.
Money-Saving Tips
- Stay mid-week for 20% hotel discounts.
- Pack water shoes for rocky beaches.[2]
- Use Homejourney's Bank Rates for best USD rates.
7. Accommodation Guide
Best areas: Old Town Key West (vibrant), Key Largo (budget dives). Budget: HI USA Hostel ($40/night); Mid: Parrot Key ($250); Luxury: Ocean Key Resort ($500+).[3][4]
Budget Breakdown Table
| Budget | Recommendation | Price/Night (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Key West Hostel | $40-80 |
| Mid-Range | Amigo Inn (Key Largo) | $150-250 |
| Luxury | Casa Marina (Key West) | $400+ |
8. Food & Dining
Try key lime pie, conch fritters, stone crab. Duval Street spots: Blue Heaven (breakfast, $20); Garbo's Grill (tacos, $12).[2][3]
- Insider: Fresh lobster at Key West Bight Marina stalls.
- Vegetarian: Lotus Café (vegan bowls).
For Singapore palates, the seafood rivals Sentosa—check Homejourney for similar trusted dining in our Projects insights.
9. Sample Itineraries
3-Day Key West Focus
- Day 1: Arrive, Duval Street, Mallory sunset.
- Day 2: Hemingway House, Fort Zachary snorkel, lighthouse.
- Day 3: Kayak mangroves, Dry Tortugas day trip.[2]
5-Day Keys Road Trip
- Day 1: Key Largo diving.
- Day 2: Islamorada to Marathon.
- Day 3-4: Lower Keys to Key West attractions.
- Day 5: Depart.[1]
10. From Florida Keys to Singapore: Investment Opportunities
Many Florida Keys visitors from Singapore explore property diversification. Singapore's stable market offers high yields (3-5% rental), contrasting Key West's vacation homes. Use Homejourney's Property Search for verified listings and Bank Rates for mortgages.
Expats from Florida islands appreciate Singapore's safety—similar to our Keys guides. For post-move maintenance, see Aircon Services . Compare via for regional insights.
Currency tip: Convert Keys earnings seamlessly on Homejourney, supporting USD-SGD for second homes.
11. FAQ
What is the best way to drive the Overseas Highway?
Start early from Miami, stop at scenic overlooks; 4-5 hours to Key West. Rent convertibles for views.[1]
Is Key West safe for Singapore families?
Yes, family-friendly with beaches and museums. Watch water currents; Homejourney verifies kid-safe spots.[3]
How much does a Keys road trip cost from Singapore?
SGD 3,000-5,000 pp (flights, car, stays). Save with mid-week bookings.[1][2]
Best snorkeling in Florida Keys?
John Pennekamp (Key Largo) or Dry Tortugas. Water shoes essential.[1][2]
Can I invest in Singapore property after visiting Key West?
Yes, foreigners can buy condos. Explore Projects Directory on Homejourney for safe, verified options with financing via Bank Rates .
References
Explore Related Topics
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general reference only. For accurate and official information, please visit HDB's official website or consult professional advice from lawyers, real estate agents, bankers, and other relevant professional consultants.
Homejourney is not liable for any damages, losses, or consequences that may result from the use of this information. We are simply sharing information to the best of our knowledge, but we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability of the information contained herein.