Key West is colourful, eclectic, beachy and a little bit quirky, which also makes it a fun place to shop for souvenirs.
And there is much more to bring home than a Key West magnet or t-shirt.
Whether you want something that reminds you of your trip or you are looking for gifts for friends and family, there are some souvenirs that feel particularly connected to the Florida Keys. Think Key lime treats, locally made sandals, Cuban coffee, art and, of course, rum.
If you are wondering what to buy in Key West, here are some of the best souvenirs to keep an eye out for.
If Key West is just one stop on a longer Florida trip, you can also find plenty of hotels in Florida to use as a base while exploring different parts of the state.
Best Souvenirs From Key West
Cuban Cigars
Key West’s connections to Cuba run deep, and cigars are part of that history.
Rodriguez Cigars has been making cigars in Key West for generations, and you can visit the factory to learn more about the process. If you have someone at home who appreciates cigars, a box makes a distinctly Key West gift.
Just make sure you know the customs rules for bringing tobacco products back into your home country before you buy.
Kino Sandals
If you want a souvenir you can actually use when you get home, look for a pair of Kino Sandals.
Kino has been making sandals in Key West since 1966. The sandals are still handmade using leather uppers and rubber soles, and there are styles for women, men and children.
Instead of something that ends up sitting on a shelf, you get a little piece of Key West that you can wear all summer.
A Bottle of Rum
Rum and the Florida Keys seem to go hand in hand.
If you enjoy bringing home local spirits, look for rum produced in the Keys or something you tried during your trip. It is an easy way to recreate one of those tropical Key West cocktails once you are back home.
Just remember that bottles will need to go into your checked luggage, and check your alcohol allowance if you are crossing an international border.
Key Lime Pie and Key Lime Treats
You cannot talk about Key West without talking about Key lime pie.
Taking an entire pie home might not be practical depending on how far you are traveling, but there are plenty of other options. Look for Key lime cookies, candy, sauces and other packaged treats that are much easier to fit into your suitcase.
If you really want the pie, some Key West shops also offer shipping.
This is one of my favourite types of souvenir because you get to enjoy it rather than finding somewhere in your house to store it forever.
Key West Pottery and Local Art
If you want something more unique, look for pottery and artwork made by local Key West artists.
The Keys provide plenty of inspiration. You will find pieces featuring everything from colourful roosters and tropical plants to mangroves, sea life and the ocean.
Small ceramics and art prints are particularly good souvenirs because they can remind you of a specific place rather than simply having “Key West” stamped across them.
Check galleries, markets and independent shops rather than limiting your shopping to traditional souvenir stores.
Cuban Coffee
If you fall in love with Cuban coffee while you are in Key West, bring some home with you.
Cuban coffee is typically dark, strong and served in much smaller portions than the giant coffees many of us are used to drinking at home.
Pick up a package of coffee from a local café or shop and you can recreate at least a little bit of your Key West morning routine when your vacation is over.
Coffee also makes an easy gift because it is relatively inexpensive, lightweight and actually gets used.
Artisan Jewelry
Jewelry is one of my favourite souvenirs to buy while traveling because it takes up almost no room in your suitcase and you can enjoy it for years.
Key West has plenty of local artists and jewelry makers, with pieces inspired by the ocean, tropical landscapes and island life.
Look for something handmade rather than the mass-produced jewelry sold in traditional souvenir stores. A necklace or pair of earrings made by a local artist feels much more connected to your trip.
Nautical Gifts
Considering you are surrounded by water in Key West, it is not surprising that nautical souvenirs are everywhere.
You will find artwork, bags, hats and home decor inspired by boats, fishing and the ocean.
Rather than buying something simply because it has an anchor on it, look for locally made pieces or something connected to an experience you actually had in Key West.
Hand-Blown Glass
If you love bringing home art from your travels, keep an eye out for hand-blown glass.
The bright colours work perfectly with Key West’s colourful personality, and each handmade piece is a little different.
Small glass ornaments or decorative pieces are much easier to transport than large pieces. Ask the artist or shop to wrap anything fragile well before putting it into your luggage.
Key West Art Prints
Key West is one of those destinations that translates particularly well into art.
Look for prints featuring the colourful homes of Old Town, Mallory Square sunsets, roosters, boats or the turquoise water surrounding the Keys.
A small print is easy to slide into your luggage and can be framed when you get home.
I particularly like buying art directly from local artists because you are bringing home something connected to the destination while supporting someone who lives and creates there.
Where to Buy Souvenirs in Key West
You will have no trouble finding souvenir stores in Key West, especially around Duval Street and Old Town. But if you want something more memorable than a generic t-shirt or magnet, there are a few shops worth seeking out.
Kino Sandals is one of my favourites because the souvenir itself is actually made in Key West. The company has been making its handmade leather sandals here since 1966.
Rodriguez Cigars is another distinctly Key West stop. You can shop for cigars or take a factory tour to learn more about how they are made.
Kermit’s Key Lime Shop is an easy stop for Key lime treats. In addition to pie, you can pick up candies, sauces and other Key lime products that are easier to bring home.
For something completely different, Mel Fisher’s Treasures sells authentic shipwreck treasure and jewelry connected to the famous Atocha discovery. Even if authentic treasure is well outside your souvenir budget, it is a fascinating place to browse.
And if you prefer boutiques to traditional souvenir shops, Besame Mucho in Bahama Village carries jewelry, clothing, fragrances and other gifts in a beautiful little Key West shop.
Key West Souvenirs I’d Skip Next Time
With so many locally made products available in Key West, I would skip most of the generic plastic souvenirs you can find in every tourist destination.
I would also avoid buying shells, coral or other natural souvenirs unless you know exactly where they came from and that they were legally and responsibly sourced. An art print, piece of pottery or locally made ocean-inspired jewelry gives you the same connection to the Keys without removing something from the natural environment.
And as always, think about getting your souvenir home before you buy it. That enormous piece of pottery or blown glass might look amazing in the shop, but a small print, pair of sandals or package of Cuban coffee is much easier to fit into your suitcase.
Related Souvenir Posts: If you are planning on traveling around the United States, check out some more posts in the souvenirs series! Alaska Souvenirs, California Souvenirs, Hawaii Souvenirs, Las Vegas Souvenirs, New York Souvenirs, Minneapolis Souvenirs, San Francisco Souvenirs