Key West Winter Packing for a Rental Week

A Key West winter week is mostly about days out: a state park beach on the south edge of the island, and a day trip by boat or seaplane to Dry Tortugas. This guide helps you choose a pin on the Key West hub, then book on the property’s own site. It does not replace the Key West first-time checklist, things to do, or area facts for renters.

Quick answer

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is open 8 a.m. until sundown every day; the fort itself closes at 5 p.m. Entry is $6 per vehicle. Dry Tortugas National Park is about 70 miles west, reachable only by boat or seaplane, and the park does not accept cash. Check FL511 for the drive down the Keys. We do not invent brand packing lists, water temperatures or tour prices.

What to pack around the rental (not a brand list)

Beach and snorkel basics: you can bring your own, or rent chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear and bikes at Fort Zachary Taylor’s chickee hut
A card or phone wallet for Dry Tortugas: the park does not accept cash
Supplies for a remote day: NPS says services at Dry Tortugas are limited and to plan ahead before leaving Key West
A light layer: for evenings and boat rides
House logistics: get the rental’s parking and bike rules in writing

Fort Zachary Taylor (official Florida State Parks page)

From Florida State Parks’ Fort Zachary Taylor page (read October 30, 2026):

Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. The fort closes at 5 p.m.
Fee: $6 per vehicle. Address: 601 Howard England Way.
On site: the beach, a café, restrooms and a shower station. Local re-enactors give historic demonstrations on the third weekend of each month.

Dry Tortugas day trip (official NPS pages)

From the National Park Service directions and basic information pages (read October 30, 2026):

Getting there: about 70 miles west of Key West, with no roads. Visitors arrive by ferry, seaplane, private boat or permitted charter. Ferry and seaplane visitors land at Garden Key, home of Fort Jefferson.
Payment: the park does not accept cash.
Plan ahead: services are limited, so check current conditions before you go.

Road checks: FL511

For the Overseas Highway (US 1) and other Florida roads, check FDOT’s FL511 before you leave (site checked October 30, 2026).

Rental filters that matter in winter

Off-street parking or a permit plan from the host (see Key West beach parking)
Bikes or bike storage, if you plan to ride instead of drive
Whether a pool is heated, if that matters to you (confirm with the host)
Map distance to Old Town, the ferry terminal or the beach you will use most

What you pack can depend on the home. If you have not booked yet, start with these Key West and Florida Keys pages; each lists only rentals whose own listing title or website mentions that feature: Key West and Florida Keys rentals with a pool (12), Oceanfront rentals in Key West and Florida Keys (11), Waterfront rentals in Key West and Florida Keys (10), Key West and Florida Keys condo rentals (15).

How to decide on BnB Search

Open Key West vacation rentals and filter by bedrooms, pets and amenities, then check map distance.
Check the park pages and your boat or seaplane operator for your dates before you book.
Book on the property’s own site from the listing. We do not take booking fees.

Sources checked October 30, 2026: Florida State Parks (Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park), National Park Service (Dry Tortugas directions and basic information), FL511. Hours and fees change, so check the linked pages before you travel.