Key West City Guide
New Town Key West: Modern Resorts, Shopping & Coastline
New Town Key West encompasses the eastern two-thirds of the island, beginning east of 1st Street and stretching to the entrance of the island at Cow Key Channel. Developed primarily after World War II, New Town is defined by wide modern boulevards, major grocery and shopping centers, residential canals, and full-service waterfront resort hotels like the Key West Marriott Beachside and 24 North. For travelers, New Town offers substantial value: hotel rooms are larger, resort pools are expansive, on-site parking is often included, and Smathers Beach is right at your doorstep. The wider island directory and travel planner starts on the Key West City Guide homepage.
Quick answer Old Town vs New Town comparison, hotels, and transit
Read on 10 September 2026: New Town is the modern, car-friendly half of Key West. Staying here saves 20% to 40% on hotel rates compared to Old Town, with the bonus of large lagoon-style pools and free hotel shuttle buses to Mallory Square. Top highlights include Smathers Beach, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, and local Cuban bakeries like 5 Brothers.
Key takeaways
- Lower lodging rates: New Town resort hotels provide larger rooms and lower nightly rates than cramped Old Town bed-and-breakfasts.
- Hotel shuttles: most major New Town hotels operate complimentary scheduled shuttles directly to Mallory Square in Old Town.
- Easy access to Smathers Beach: stay minutes from Key West's two-mile soft sand Atlantic beach.
- Convenience shopping: home to Publix supermarkets, pharmacies, dive shops, and boat charter supply stores.
Compare key differences between Key West's two main districts when planning your stay:
| Feature | Old Town | New Town | Winner For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging style | Historic Victorian B&Bs | Modern full-service resorts | Personal preference |
| Average room size | 180 - 280 sq ft | 350 - 550 sq ft | New Town (space) |
| Parking availability | Scarce ($35-$45/day) | Ample (often included/free) | New Town (drivers) |
| Walkability | 100% walkable | Requires bike, shuttle or car | Old Town (walkers) |
| Nightlife & dining | Step out your front door | 10-15 min shuttle ride | Old Town (nightlife) |
| Beach proximity | Small pocket beaches | Bordering Smathers Beach | New Town (beach lovers) |
Use hop-on hop-off trolleys and boat excursions linking New Town and the historic seaport.
from $48.50
Key West: Old Town Trolley 13-Stop Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Full-day transport covering 13 stops across the entire island from Mallory Square to New Town. Ideal for travelers visiting Key West without a rental car or avoiding costly Old Town parking.
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from $183.00
Key West: 90-Minute Island Jet Ski Tour with Sandbar Stop
High-octane 28-mile lap around the entire perimeter of Key West. Guides throttle up in open ocean zones and slow down for dolphin sightings and historical views near Fleming Key and Sunset Key.
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from $74.00
Key West: Parasailing Flight Over the Island & Waters
Fly 300 feet over the boundary where the Gulf meets the Atlantic. Look down on stingrays gliding over the flats and spot the distinctive tin roofs and lighthouse of Old Town from the sky.
Check AvailabilityPrices, ratings and details are the platform's own, checked in Q3 2026; dollar figures are the listed prices — the platform bills in your account's currency.
Why smart travelers choose to stay in New Town
While Old Town gets all the postcard glory, New Town solves the practical challenges of a Florida Keys vacation. If you are driving a rental car down the Overseas Highway, trying to park in Old Town is an expensive nightmare: street spaces are permit-only, and parking garages charge $32 to $40 per day. In New Town, resorts feature spacious surface parking lots that are frequently complimentary or low-cost.
Families with children also appreciate New Town's modern amenities: massive resort swimming pools with poolside tiki bars, multi-room suites with kitchenettes, direct access to the Overseas Heritage Trail bike path, and proximity to grocery stores like Publix for stocking snacks and beach drinks.
Getting from New Town to Old Town without driving
Staying in New Town does not mean you are stranded from Old Town's nightlife and museums. You have four convenient options:
- Hotel Shuttle Vans: Nearly every major resort along North Roosevelt Boulevard operates a private air-conditioned shuttle running every 30 to 60 minutes directly to Mallory Square.
- Old Town Trolley Tour: The green-and-orange trolley has stops in New Town (including Stop 8 at Key West Welcome Center and Stop 9 at Roosevelt Blvd), providing seamless hop-on sightseeing into Old Town.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): A standard rideshare from New Town to Duval Street takes 8 to 10 minutes and typically costs $12 to $18.
- Bicycle Promenade: A scenic, flat, paved multi-use bike path runs along North Roosevelt and South Roosevelt Boulevards, allowing an easy 20-minute pedal along the water into Old Town.
Hidden gems of New Town
New Town is where local Conchs actually live, shop, and eat. Essential local stops include:
- Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden: Located on College Road, this is the only frost-free, subtropical botanical garden in the continental United States, featuring 11 acres of endangered native flora, freshwater ponds, and walking boardwalks.
- Sandy's Cafe at the M&M Laundry: A 24-hour Cuban window serving the island's crispest Cuban sandwiches and cafe con leche.
- Kim's Kuban: Famous for authentic Cuban picadillo, fresh guava pastries, and breakfast sandwiches served with local flair.
New Town landmarks and beaches
Explore top recreational sites situated in New Town:
Smathers Beach
Two-mile sandy Atlantic beach with palms, watersports, and calm wading.
South Roosevelt BlvdOld Town Key West
Historic 19th-century district with Hemingway Home, museums, and Duval Street.
10 minutes by shuttle or bikeHistoric Seaport
Working harborwalk marina with raw bars and catamaran reef tour departures.
10 minutes driveFrequently asked questions about New Town Key West
How far is New Town from Old Town in Key West?
New Town is approximately 3 to 4 miles east of Old Town. Driving or taking a hotel shuttle takes roughly 8 to 12 minutes depending on traffic along Roosevelt Boulevard.
Is it cheaper to stay in New Town than Old Town?
Yes, hotel rates in New Town are generally 20% to 40% lower than comparable properties in Old Town, and rooms are typically larger with more modern amenities.
Can you walk from New Town to Duval Street?
While physically possible, walking takes about 50 to 65 minutes along Roosevelt Boulevard. Most visitors cycle (20 minutes), take their hotel shuttle (10 minutes), or use Uber/Lyft.
Is New Town good for families?
Yes, New Town is exceptionally family-friendly because of its spacious hotel rooms, large swimming pools, easy parking, and immediate access to Smathers Beach.
Where are the grocery stores in Key West?
The island's major full-service grocery stores—including two large Publix supermarkets and Winn-Dixie—are all located in New Town along North Roosevelt Boulevard.
Key West on video: New Town
Verified video walkthroughs and footage of New Town, providing visual perspective before your visit.
Stop Only Looking at Old Town. These 4 Key West Neighborhoods May Be Better
Walkthrough of New Town by Living In Key West & The Florida Keys.
Video: living in key west & the florida keysWhat They’re NOT Telling You About Living in New Town, Key West, Florida
Walkthrough of New Town by Living In Key West & The Florida Keys.
Video: living in key west & the florida keysLong drive in Key West, Old Town to New Town
Walkthrough of New Town by DylanRX89.
Video: dylanrx89Reviewed Q3 2026 (July–September 2026); next review Q4 2026. Prices, hours and terms are set by the venue or operator and confirmed at checkout.
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