It turns out that there’s a downside to having limited real estate and narrow streets. Key West is an old town on a small island, so guess what? Key West parking can be a bit of a nightmare!
Here’s your guide to getting it right, without having to make it step one on your Key West scavenger hunt. So go find that primo spot that’s so good you’ll want to stay in town longer because you can’t bear the thought of giving it up!
Tips for Finding the Best Parking in Key West
Everyone has their technique. Maybe yours is to snag the first spot you see, even if it means a walk. Perhaps you decide to park far away to avoid the traffic and get a little exercise.
Or maybe you start looking at the best spots up close and work out from there in ever-increasing circles.
Doing it that way can take forever, though, what with the walkers and the scooters and the bicycles. And the cruise ship just unloaded. Good grief!
If you’re from Florida, you might like to stalk people walking to their cars. You do it in a creepy way, too, to make sure they notice. When they look like they’re leaving, you put on your blinkers and block traffic while waiting for them to drive away.
But then the bastards just sit there, talking on their phone or something. The guy behind you honks, so you give him the finger.
Ah, searching for a parking space in Key West can be so much fun!
#1 — Avoid Parking in Key West
If there’s a number one tip (and look, there is!), it’s to avoid parking in Old Town, especially when the island is busy. In old town you will find that many people ride scooter, bicycles, or e-bikes to avoid parking all together.
Many of the best resorts in Key West offer shuttle service to Duval, so check with yours to see if it’s offered. It’s well worth it to avoid the hassle of driving to and from Old Town on a busy evening. Plus, someone else gets to be the DD!
If you’ve got no shuttle, call up a ride share. Make some other driver suffer. At least they’re getting paid!
#2 — Street Parking is Best
Nearly every street in Old Town has parking on the side. Street parking is usually a no-brainer when you go in for lunchtime on a quiet afternoon. If you’re heading in for Fantasy Fest or something, forget about it.
Be careful to obey all laws, don’t block drives, and ensure those fire hydrants are clear. And pay for it, because they’re watching. The city police are no joke when it comes to parking enforcement!
Street parking costs $5 per hour and can be paid on ParkingApp.com. There are a few free spots here and there, but good luck finding one. Most are marked for residents with permits only — as in, people who live right there, not just on the island.
#3 — Beware Private Lots when Parking in Key West
There are parking lots in Key West. But they’re a bit like some of those t-shirt shops, a bit shady. I’m pretty sure that money leaves the country quickly, but for what I am uncertain.
The problem, of course, is that they’re a rip-off. Notice how the signs are confusingly similar to the City of Key West’s Public Parking signage.
And, if I may be allowed a Seinfeld reference, some unsavory locals may be turning tricks in your vehicle after you leave!
Stick to the street parking, or head to the city garage.
#4 — Find the Daily Rate for Parking in Key West
The city’s Old Town Parking Garage is on the corner of Caroline and Grinnell, across from the marinas. From the garage, it’s a ten-minute walk to Duval.
The garage is open 24 hours and allows overnights, but has a height limit so no RVs. You can pay a daily rate of $48, which isn’t bad considering the garage is centrally located. If you pay for parking, you get free transport on the city bus’s City Routes and Duval Loop, so you don’t even have to walk! Bonus!
Where You Gonna Park in Key West?
If you’re staying in Key West, ask your hotel where to park and how much it costs. Most hotels in Old Town have their own parking lot, or some deal going on. If you’re on the other side of the island or enjoying one of the fabulous Key West beach hotels, see if they’ve got their own Old Town shuttle.
Once you're parked...
When you’ve got that parking sorted, give up that primo spot and head over to Stock Island. That’s where you’ll find me and the Casual Monday, ready to whisk you off to the magical Key West sandbars — the island’s best beaches.
The dolphins are leaping, the fish are jumping in the boat, and the water is warm. So where are you?
