Fodor’s has been providing travel advice through its guidebooks since 1937, and in more recent years, through online articles as well. Its “Go List” is a relatively new concept, an annual list of recommended travel destinations worth exploring in the coming year. Featuring a mix of familiar favorites ripe for a fresh look, along with more off-the-beaten-path gems, it’s a great way to reconnect with the joys of travel and discover new experiences.
The 2026 Go List highlights one of our favorite destinations in the U.S. for a Caribbean vibe without the need for a passport: Key West. The island sits at the southern end of the Florida Keys, which is the southernmost point of the continental U.S., a place that “feels far more Caribbean than it does continental,” as Fodor’s notes.
What to Do
There are many things to see and do in Key West, with highlights including activities like paddleboarding, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and sailing. A sunset cruise is a must for watching the sun melt into the turquoise waters of the Gulf, but sunset watching from Mallory Square is also a popular vantage point. Of course, you’ll want to spend time relaxing on one of the beaches like Smathers with its half-mile of soft, white sands.
In town, history enthusiasts can visit the Civil War-era fort at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park and the home of Ernest Hemingway, and the dozens of descendants of his white six-toed cat. Duval Street serves as the heart of nightlife in Key West and includes the famous Green Parrot. An institution since 1890, pool, darks, and pinball are all available along with live music on the weekends.
When to Go
Many feel the best time to visit Key West is from December through March, when the weather is mild, at its driest, with temperatures pleasantly warm, right around the mid-70s. In December, the holiday spirit is felt throughout the island, with a parade and many special events, culminating with New Year’s Eve fireworks over Key West Harbor. A visit in late January brings the chance to enjoy one of the biggest annual events: Key West Food & Wine Festival.
Of course, winter is the high season and the busiest time to visit Key West. If you want to avoid the crowds and good weather, consider April or May (outside of spring break), or mid-November through about mid-December when the highest risk for storms has passed.
How to Get There
While it’s possible to fly to Key West, why miss one of the country’s most scenic drives? Traveling 113 miles south from Miami on the Overseas Highway adds to the adventure with endless views of the aquamarine water on either side. The islands are connected by 40 bridges, with Seven Mile Bridge the longest, linking Little Duck and Knight’s Key, showcasing panoramic vistas of coastal flats and islets.
