Key West is famous for its warm beaches and eccentric denizens (The locals including people like me born in Key West are called Key West Conchs).
From guided tours around Ernest Hemingway’s old home to stops at Duval Street Bar or a shop in Mallory Square, there are several places you can visit in Key West.
Once I am in Key West, I forget about any prior plans made and just enjoy the experience as it comes!
I can take a walk, grab a drink, observe the people around, snap pictures and have fun.
Is there crime in Key West?
Key West is a safe place to stay.
Asides the unfortunate Hurricane Irma that affected this area in 2017, Key West has gotten even better with beautiful places to see and an endless list of activities to engage in.
Is there crime in Key West?
Yes, although the rate of crime in Florida Key Is significantly low, it is still important to take caution while exploring the city especially at night and along Mallory Square and Duval Street.
Also, you need to be very careful while going into the water.
Make sure that you take note of all the warnings from the authorities.
Generally, vacations are periods where people relax and worry less about the stress of life.
As such, people may be less attentive than normal and may forget that crimes, while rare in some areas, still happen.
Even in Key West, you have to prioritize your safety during your stay.
Below are some of the ways you and your belongings can remain safe on your trip:
Always keep your doors locked:
Make sure that the doors to your car and vacation rental are always locked especially when you’re going out or when you’re inside.
Keep your windows locked before leaving your rental or car.
This way, you can be rest assured that you and your properties are safe at all times
Keep your valuables hidden:
If you’re going on the trip with any valuable item like your laptop, jewellery, tablet or other expensive or precious items, make sure that you keep it in a safe place.
Preferably, leave them in your rental home instead of your car.
Inform someone of your plans:
Before going on your vacation, make sure that your friends and family back at home are well informed of the company you’re with and where you’re staying.
This will help your people know your location in case of an emergency situation and also assure them of your safety while you’re on the vacation.
Wear Sunscreen
Even if you’re not spending the day at the beach, the sun in Key West is quite hot and will require you to wear sunscreen regularly.
You may even need to apply sunscreen multiple times throughout the day.
Before going out in the morning, make sure that you wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
Also reapply the sunscreen if you are
- spending your day around the town
- out in the water or
Hydrate properly:
Drinking water is a basic part of life but you’ll need to drink more water than average while in Key West.
The chances of beat strike or dehydration is very high while in Key West because the sun is very hot and may cause you to sweat out profusely.
Keep your water bottle close to you while exploring the city and always take water with your drink to keep your body healthy and strong.
Be Safe on Two Wheels:
Exploring Key West is better on a scooter or bike.
However, you must always adhere to the rules of the road and keep a helmet on while on your bike.
Also make sure you are cautious of the other drivers and pedestrians around you while you’re on the road.
Wear Bug Repellent:
In Key West, bugs can be quite a menace.
Make sure you protect yourself against mosquitoes and other insects.
While there are measures that naturally keep mosquitoes away, you can still wear repellent when you’re around town to keep yourself safe.
Keep Your Distance From Animals:
Even though it can be quite exhilarating to see chickens and iguanas, make sure you do not get too close to those animals as they are wild and can become frightened easily.
Stay Safe in the Water:
During any activity in the water such as swimming, diving or snorkeling, make sure that you stay in the shallow part of the water and always look at the signs around.
It is more advisable to go to beaches that have lifeguards available.
Consider the current tide cautions and safety concerns.
Do not neglect the advice of your guide while going on a snorkeling trip.
Know Boat Safety:
As a boater, it is very important to follow all the rules of the water and avoid going into shallow waters.
Also consider the swimmers, kayakers, snorkel era and paddle boarders around you.
In the case where you need medical assistance, fire rescue or law enforcement, kindly contact 911.
You’ll get an immediate response and help in the best possible way.
Safety is a topmost priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Key West walkable?
Among the amazing things Key West has to offer, one of them is that you can literally walk to anywhere in Key West.
Some of the best spots in this city are located along Duval and Whitehead Streets, around Mallory Square and towards the Southernmost Point.
You can even use the Key West Trolley as a hop on hop off bus to move easily around Key West.
Where do you fly in for Key West?
If you want to get to Key West, the closest airport is the Key West International Airport located in the City of Key West in Monroe County, Florida, United States.
What airline do you fly into for Key West?
A list of major airline carriers which Key West International Airport serves includes:
- Delta Airlines
- American Airlines
- Continental Airlines
- US Airways
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson Airport and other major Florida airports also offer direct flights to Key West.
