The best traffic-free bike rides around Key West

There are 6 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in Key West featured in this guide. All of them are rated as easy, making them accessible for a wide range of cyclists.

Key West's no-traffic cycling routes offer a unique blend of stunning coastal scenery, lush tropical gardens, and serene mangrove forests. You'll enjoy refreshing sea breezes along paths that often provide ocean views, particularly on sections of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.

Yes, all the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Key West featured in this guide are rated as easy, with minimal elevation changes and relatively short distances. This makes them ideal for families looking for a relaxed and safe cycling experience away from vehicle traffic.

Many routes pass by or lead to significant historical and cultural landmarks. You can cycle past the iconic Southernmost Point Buoy, explore the area around the Key West Lighthouse, or discover the charm of The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Other notable spots include Duval Street and the Key West Shipwreck Museum.

Key West offers a moderate tropical climate, making it suitable for cycling year-round. However, the cooler, drier months from November to April are generally considered the most pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. The summer months (June-September) can be hot and humid with a higher chance of rain, but early mornings or late afternoons can still be enjoyable.

Yes, all the routes in this guide are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. For example, the St. Pauls Episcopal Church – Fort Zachary Taylor State Park loop from Key West offers a scenic round trip.

Key West is generally dog-friendly, and many outdoor areas welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs. While the routes themselves are car-free, specific rules for parks or beaches along the way may vary. It's always best to check local signage or park regulations for the specific areas you plan to visit with your pet.

The komoot community highly rates cycling in Key West, with an average score of 4.44 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the island's flat terrain, the abundance of scenic coastal paths, and the ability to easily explore historical sites and natural beauty without the hassle of vehicle traffic.

Key West is compact and bike-friendly, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops easily accessible from or near the no-traffic routes, especially in the Historic Old Town and around Duval Street. You'll find plenty of opportunities to stop for a meal or a refreshing drink.

Beyond the stunning ocean views, you'll encounter lush tropical flora, including vibrant gardens and palm-lined streets. Sections of the routes may also offer glimpses of Key West's unique ecosystem, such as mangrove areas, which are vital to the local environment and home to various bird species.

The no-traffic cycling routes in this guide vary in length, with the shortest being around 4.3 kilometers (2.7 miles) and the longest extending to about 10.3 kilometers (6.4 miles). This range allows for rides of different durations, from quick spins to more extended explorations.

Key West is a small island, and many of the no-traffic cycling routes are centrally located or easily accessible from various points within the city. While there isn't specific public transport directly to the start of every bike path, the island's bus system (Key West Transit) can get you close to many areas, and the compact nature of Key West makes cycling to a route's starting point very feasible.