When walking around in the lower latitudes the sun is [most likely] a LOT stronger than wherever you normally live.
So, to be on the safe side, many people do as the Conchs do, and wear head protection. That head covering should be light and well-ventilated. A straw hat fills the bill.
Key West isn’t the only cool stop in the Florida Keys however. There are several more Keys to be found only a short drive northeast on US Highway 1. You can choose from Duck Key, Cow Key, Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo, with the later three being the larger Keys to visit.
If you have a couple of days in which to explore, head on up Highway 1 to Miami. A hotspot for nightlife, the famous (or is it infamous?) South Beach is where most Miami visitors end up.
Ed. Note: If we had those extra days we would just slow down, kick back and enjoy a leisurely pace in the Keys — saving the Miami area for a “big city” vacation mindset.
Try to avoid Key West in March, when spring breakers line Duval Street — unless you are one of those people who are “on” spring break. The high season is winter and costs are known to nearly triple during some “popular” weeks.
Summer, on the other hand, can be a bargain. Hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and inns drop rates quite a bit in the summer months — often by nearly half the going rate.
The best way to get around in Key West is on the “shoe leather express” - your own two feet. But, instead of shoes, most people use sandals or flip-flops. Other popular means of transportation include the motor-scooter and the bicycle. Scooters, however, can be dangerous to yourself and to others - unless you are an experinced rider. The least favored way of getting around is in your car. Parking is hard to find in Key West and you may have to pay an arm and a leg for an all-day spot. If you’re flying in and plan to focus your vacation in Key West, you won’t need to rent a car. But if you’re planning day trips throughout the Florida Keys, you’ll need to rent one.