Find cheap flights to Key West (EYW), United States

Key West International Airport (EYW) allows you to fly directly in and out of Key West, but since it is a smaller airport that can only accommodate small planes and moderate traffic, these flights tend to be expensive and only originate from a handful of airports in the Southeast. AirTran, American Eagle, Continental, Delta and US Airways are among the carriers that fly to Key West.

A common and usually more economical alternative is to take a flight to Miami International Airport (MIA), rent a car and drive the scenic route through the Florida Keys, a trip of about three and a half hours. A few shuttle companies also provide rides along this route. Nonstop flights to Miami originate from more than 50 cities nationwide and cheap flights are often available through American Airlines, which uses Miami as a main air traffic hub.

The locals in Key West tend to take life a little less seriously, and their attitude is contagious. Even if you arrive prepared with a detailed itinerary, the temptation to simply while away the days on the beach may be too great. This is time well spent in Key West, of course, but if you want to enjoy the island with more of a sense of purpose, there are plenty of things to do.

While exploring the area on foot or by bicycle, you can tour the Ernest Hemmingway Home and Museum, the Key West Aquarium and the historic Audubon House and Tropical Gardens. Diving, snorkeling and fishing excursions are a breeze to arrange, and you can catch live music at almost any hour in local bars like Sloppy Joe’s and Durty Harry’s. A must-see is the Sunset Celebration, a nightly spectacle that takes place in Mallory Square on the waterfront. Two hours before sunset, an enormous party featuring musicians, street performers and local craftspeople starts up and carries on until dark.

Keep in mind Key West’s major annual events, such as the Hemmingway Days Festival in July and Fantasy Fest, a risqué ten-day festival of costumes and adult parties held in October. Hotels in Key West fill up early for all of the island’s major events.