Parking in Key West can be a little confusing—especially if it’s your first visit. Between metered street parking, residential spaces, public lots, parking garages, and a few places where you definitely shouldn’t leave your car, knowing the basics before you arrive can save you time and frustration.

The good news? Once you know where to park, you may not need your car very much at all. Old Town is compact, and bikes, scooters, golf carts, walking, and public transportation can make getting around the island part of the fun.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about parking and getting around Key West.

Is it hard to find parking in Key West?

It depends on where you’re going and when.

Parking is generally easier outside the busiest parts of Old Town. Around Duval Street, Mallory Square, the Historic Seaport, and other popular areas, spaces can fill quickly—especially on weekends, holidays, and during festivals and special events.

Instead of circling Old Town looking for a space, consider parking in a public lot or garage and exploring downtown on foot, by bike, scooter, or another form of island transportation.

Where is the best place to park near Duval Street?

There isn’t one parking area that’s best for every part of Duval Street.

For the northern end of Duval, Mallory Square, and the Historic Seaport, you’ll find public lots and garages around the waterfront and Caroline Street area.

One option is the Old Town Parking Garage (Park N Ride) at 301 Grinnell Street, at the corner of Caroline and Grinnell Streets. It has approximately 300 spaces and is within walking distance of the Historic Seaport and Duval Street.

Another convenient option for Mallory Square and the lower end of Duval is the Mallory Square Parking Lot at 412 Wall Street.

How much does parking cost in Key West?

Parking rates depend on where you park.

The City of Key West currently lists the Old Town Parking Garage at $6 per hour plus tax, with a $48 daily rate plus tax.

The City-operated Mallory Square Parking Lot is currently $7 per hour, with a $48 daily rate and a 10-hour maximum.

Other municipal lots and metered spaces have their own rates. Special-event rates may also apply, so always check the signs, meter, or pay station when you park.

Is there free parking in Key West?

Yes—but knowing what you’re looking for is important.

Unmarked parking spaces in historic residential neighborhoods are available to everyone. That can make them a great find, but don’t confuse an unmarked space with one specifically designated for residents.

Spaces marked “Residential” require the appropriate residential parking permit.

There are also free bike racks and designated moped parking areas around town, which is one reason leaving the car parked and using a smaller form of transportation can be so convenient.

Can visitors park in residential parking spaces?

Not in spaces specifically marked for residential permit holders.

Key West reserves marked residential spaces in the Historic District for vehicles with the appropriate permit.

Unmarked spaces are available to everyone, but always look carefully at nearby signs and pavement markings before leaving your vehicle.

How do parking meters work in Key West?

Key West has metered parking throughout busy areas of the city.

Follow the instructions at the meter or pay station where you park. The City also uses the Passport Parking app for mobile payments.

Parking zone numbers are displayed on the pay stations. On-street parking in the downtown commercial area uses Zone 33050.

Rates and restrictions can vary by location, so check the information posted where you actually park rather than assuming the rules are the same throughout town.

Can I park overnight in Key West?

Yes, in certain locations.

Overnight parking is allowed at the Old Town Parking Garage at 301 Grinnell Street, which is open 24 hours except during evacuations.

The garage has a maximum vehicle height of 7 feet 2 inches and maximum vehicle length of 20 feet. RVs, vessels, and trailers aren’t permitted.

If you’re staying somewhere without dedicated parking, a garage can be a much easier option than repeatedly searching for street parking.

Can I park an RV or trailer in Key West?

You’ll need to make other arrangements for oversized vehicles.

The City does not allow boats, trailers, RVs, or vehicles 20 feet or longer to park on City streets or in municipal parking lots.

The Old Town Parking Garage also prohibits RVs, vessels, and trailers.

If you’re coming to Key West with an RV, boat, or trailer, arrange appropriate private parking before heading into Old Town.

Is handicap parking free in Key West?

Vehicles displaying a valid disabled parking placard or plate can park in municipal metered parking spaces for up to four hours without paying under Florida rules.

That applies to municipal metered spaces—not just designated accessible parking spaces.

However, a disabled parking placard does not allow a visitor to use spaces reserved for residential parking permits. Private parking lots can also have different policies and fees, so always check the posted signs.

Where can I park near Mallory Square?

The Mallory Square Parking Lot is located at 412 Wall Street, making it one of the closest parking options for Mallory Square and the nightly Sunset Celebration.

The City currently lists the lot at $7 per hour or $48 per day, with a 10-hour maximum.

It’s a popular location, particularly around sunset, so arriving a little earlier can save you from hunting for a space at the busiest time of day.

What is the Key West Park N Ride?

The Old Town Parking Garage, commonly called the Park N Ride, is located at 301 Grinnell Street at Caroline and Grinnell Streets.

The garage has approximately 300 spaces and is open 24 hours except during evacuations.

It’s a convenient choice if your plan is to park the car and spend the day exploring Old Town rather than moving your vehicle from place to place.

Should I drive around Key West once I’ve parked?

Usually, you don’t need to.

Old Town Key West is compact and very walkable. Once you’ve found a good parking spot, repeatedly moving your car can create more hassle than convenience.

Depending on where you’re staying and what you want to see, walking, biking, taking a scooter, renting a golf cart, or using public transportation can all be easier ways to explore.

If you’re spending most of your day in Old Town, parking once and leaving the car there is often the simplest strategy.

Do I need a car to get around Key West?

Not necessarily.

If you’re staying in or near Old Town, you may be surprised by how little you use your car. Restaurants, attractions, bars, galleries, shops, the Historic Seaport, and many historic sites are relatively close together.

For visitors who want to explore more of the island without continually moving their car, bikes, scooters, and golf carts are popular alternatives.

Are bikes a good way to get around Key West?

Absolutely—especially if you’re staying in Old Town and are comfortable riding.

Bikes give you the freedom to explore at your own pace without having to search for a full-size parking space every time you stop. You’ll also find bicycle parking near many popular attractions.

OurKeyWest can arrange Key West Bike Rentals, making it easy to have bikes ready for your stay.

Biking is particularly convenient for exploring Old Town, but remember that you’re sharing the streets with cars, delivery trucks, scooters, other cyclists, and pedestrians. Ride defensively and follow local traffic rules.

Are scooters easy to park in Key West?

One of the biggest advantages of a scooter is its combination of range and easy parking.

A scooter can take you beyond the immediate Old Town area without having to move a full-size vehicle around the island. They’re especially practical for one or two people who want to visit beaches, attractions, and different neighborhoods during their stay.

OurKeyWest can help arrange Key West Scooter Rentals with one- and two-passenger options.

Rental scooters cannot park in spaces marked “Residential,” so pay attention to parking signs just as you would with a car.

Is a golf cart a good way to get around Key West?

For families and groups, a golf cart can be a convenient way to explore more than just Duval Street.

Everyone can travel together, and they’re particularly helpful for families, groups, seniors, or anyone who doesn’t want to spend the entire day walking or biking.

You can explore Key West Golf Cart Rentals through OurKeyWest, with options for different group sizes.

Just remember that renting a golf cart doesn’t eliminate parking rules. You’ll still need to park legally and follow posted restrictions while you’re exploring.

Should I rent a bike, scooter, or golf cart?

It really depends on how you’re traveling and what you want to do.

A bike may be best if: you’re staying primarily in Old Town, you’re comfortable riding, and you want a simple way to explore at your own pace.

A scooter may be best if: there are one or two of you, you want to cover more of the island, and you’re comfortable operating one in traffic.

A golf cart may be best if: you’re traveling with family or friends, want everyone together, or have someone in your group who doesn’t want to do a lot of walking or biking.

There’s no reason to rent something you don’t need. If you’re not sure which option makes sense, tell our local concierge team where you’re staying, how many people are traveling with you, and what you’d like to do. We can help you figure out the easiest way to get around.

What is the easiest parking strategy for a first-time visitor to Key West?

If your hotel or vacation rental includes parking, take advantage of it. You may be able to leave your vehicle there for much of your vacation.

If you’re driving into Old Town for the day, consider using a public garage or lot rather than spending your vacation circling blocks looking for the perfect street space.

Then explore from there.

The most important rule is simple: read the signs before you park. Metered, residential, unrestricted, loading, and other specially designated spaces can be located very close to one another in Key West.

Can OurKeyWest help me figure out transportation before I arrive?

Yes. Sometimes the easiest solution to Key West parking is simply planning ahead.

OurKeyWest can help you arrange a bike, scooter, or golf cart rental based on where you’re staying, the size of your group, and how you want to spend your time on the island.

We’re local, so if you’re not sure whether you even need a rental, ask us. We’ll help you figure out what makes the most sense for your trip.

Plan Your Key West Vacation and let our local concierge team help with the details.