--- title: "A Cruiser’s Guide to Key West: What to Do Near the Port + Easy Golf Cart & Scooter Rentals" url: https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/a-cruisers-guide-to-key-west-what-to-do-near-the-port-easy-golf-cart-scooter-rentals/ date: 2025-08-13T16:44:34+00:00 modified: 2026-10-16T21:58:57+00:00 lang: en_US --- # A Cruiser’s Guide to Key West: What to Do Near the Port + Easy Golf Cart & Scooter Rentals # A Cruiser’s Guide to Key West: What to Do Near the Port + Easy Golf Cart & Scooter Rentals **Welcome to paradise!** If your cruise itinerary includes a stop at the **Key West Cruise Port**, you’re in for a day of quirky charm, rich history, delicious Cuban food, and sun-soaked exploration. Whether you’re docking at **Mallory Square**, **Pier B**, or the **Outer Mole**, everything you need is within reach - especially when you rent a golf cart or scooter to cruise the island like a local. ## **What Should Cruise Passengers Know Before Leaving the Key West Cruise Port?** Key West has three cruise piers: - **Pier B** (right next to Mallory Square) - **Mallory Square** - **Outer Mole** (requires a free shuttle to town) All three drop you near the heart of **Old Town Key West**, just steps from famous Duval Street, the Historic Seaport, and dozens of top attractions. From the port, it’s easy to: - Walk to Ernest Hemingway’s House or the Southernmost Point - Explore local shops and galleries - Sample iconic key lime pie at **Kermit’s** or **Blue Heaven** - Visit quirky stops like **Books & Books** or the **Key West Cemetery** ## **Get Around Like a Local: Golf Cart & Scooter Rentals** While Key West is walkable, it can get hot - and fast. Renting a **golf cart or scooter** gives you the freedom to explore the island without sweating through your shorts. ### **[Golf Cart Rentals](https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/key-west-tour/golf-carts-rentals/)** ![Golf cart rental on Key West beach with two passengers enjoying sunny weather.](https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/wp-content/uploads/4-passanger-golf-cart-2.jpg) - Street-legal and available near the cruise port - Great for groups and families (4- and 6-seat options) - Park easily near Duval, Simonton Beach, or Fort Zachary Taylor - Perfect for visiting spots like Smathers Beach or the Key West Butterfly Conservatory ### **[Scooter Rentals](https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/key-west-tour/scooters-rentals/)** ![Conch golf cart and scooter rentals in Key West perfect for exploring the island.](https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/wp-content/uploads/southernmost-point-scooter-rental-768x247.jpg) - Fun, fast, and ideal for solo travelers or couples - Avoid parking hassles - Zip over to local beaches, food trucks, and photo ops in minutes The pickup location is **within walking distance** of Mallory Square and Pier B, and we offer **free pickup** for those staying on Key West. Located at 150 Simonton Street, 8am to 6pm only ## **Quick Itinerary for Cruise Passengers** Here’s a sample day with plenty of time to get back onboard: - **9:30 AM** – Disembark, grab a Cuban Coffee Queen latte - **10:00 AM** – Pick up your golf cart or scooter rental - **10:30 AM** – Explore Fort Zachary Taylor Beach or take the scenic route along South Roosevelt Blvd - **12:30 PM** – Lunch at **Blue Heaven** or **El Siboney** - **1:30 PM** – Snap pics at the Southernmost Point + visit the Butterfly Conservatory - **2:30 PM** – Return your ride and grab frozen key lime pie on a stick - **3:00 PM** – Stroll through Mallory Square or enjoy street performers before boarding See our [Guide to Must-See Stops on a Self-Guided Golf Cart Tour of Key West](https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/must-see-stops-on-a-self-guided-golf-cart-tour-of-key-west/). ## **Beaches & Views Near Port** If you’re craving sand and sea: - **Simonton Beach** – Closest walkable beach to the cruise port - **Fort Zachary Taylor** – Clear water, coral rock shoreline, ideal for snorkeling - **Higgs or Smathers Beach** – Best reached via scooter or cart **Pro tip:** Key West beaches are smaller due to the offshore reef - but the calm, crystal-clear water is perfect for floating, snorkeling, and relaxing ## **Final Tips for Cruise Visitors** - **Book rentals early** during high season (December–April, holidays, and Fantasy Fest) - Bring **reef-safe sunscreen**, water shoes, and comfy sandals - Be back at the port **at least 1 hour before departure** - Save the beach day for another island - Key West is best explored by street! **Ready to roll?** A golf cart or scooter rental is the perfect way to unlock everything Key West has to offer in just one unforgettable day. ## See our Golf Cart Rentals and Scooter Rentals ![Golf cart rental on Key West beach with two passengers enjoying sunny weather.](https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/wp-content/uploads/4-passanger-golf-cart-2.jpg) ### Golf Cart Rentals A fun way to cruise around Key West and see the sights [Golf Cart Rentals](https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/key-west-tour/golf-carts-rentals/) ![Red and white scooter rentals on the beach in Key West, offering convenient transportation options.](https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/wp-content/uploads/vespa-scooter-rental-2-768x576.jpg) ### Scooter Rentals Enjoy the freedom of cruising Key West in Style [Scooter Rentals](https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/key-west-tour/scooters-rentals/) ![Conch golf cart rental on sandy beach with ocean background and blue sky.](https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/wp-content/uploads/key-west-electric-car-1.jpg) ### Electric Cart Rentals A fleet of eco-friendly electric cars to cruise Key West [Electric Cart Rentals](https://www.conchrentalskeywest.com/key-west-tour/electric-golf-carts-rentals/) ## FAQ: Key West Cruise Ship Guide #### **Where is the Key West cruise port located?** There are three cruise docks in Key West: **Mallory Square**, **Pier B**, and **Outer Mole (Navy Mole)**. Mallory and Pier B are right in the heart of Old Town. Ships docking at Outer Mole offer a **free shuttle to Mallory Square**. #### **Can I walk to attractions from the cruise port?** Yes—if you’re docked at Pier B or Mallory, Duval Street, the Historic Seaport, and major attractions like **Hemingway House**, **Butterfly Conservatory**, and **Southernmost Point** are all walkable. If you’re at Outer Mole, you’ll need to take the shuttle into town. #### **Is it easy to rent a golf cart or scooter near the cruise port?** Very! The pickup location is within **a 2–5 minute walk** of the port at 150 Simonton Street, 8am to 6pm only. #### **Do I need a driver’s license to rent a scooter or golf cart in Key West?** Yes, a valid driver’s license is required for all rentals. You must be **18+ for scooters**, and most golf cart rental companies require **21+ with a credit card**. #### **Can I drive golf carts and scooters anywhere in Key West?** Golf carts are **street-legal** on all roads with speed limits under 35 mph. Scooters can go anywhere full-size vehicles can. Both must obey local traffic laws and **paid parking rules apply**. #### **How long should I rent a cart or scooter for if I’m only in port for the day?** Most cruise visitors rent for **4 to 6 hours**, which gives you time to explore beaches, Old Town, photo stops, and grab lunch comfortably. #### **Which beach is closest to the cruise port?** **Simonton Beach** is the closest (0.5 miles), followed by **Fort Zachary Taylor Beach**, which is a 15–20 minute walk or a quick golf cart ride. #### **Is Key West safe to explore on my own?** Yes! Key West is a very safe and welcoming destination. Solo travelers and small groups can easily explore the island on foot or with a rental. #### **Do I need a reservation for a golf cart or scooter rental in Key West?** While walk-up rentals are sometimes available, it’s **highly recommended to make a reservation in advance** - especially if you’re arriving by cruise ship. Inventory can sell out quickly during **high season, weekends, and port days**, and we offer **[online booking with guaranteed availability](https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/hydrothunderofkeywest/?full-items=yes&asn=acuitycreative&branding=no&u=390415a9-49fc-4776-b9db-39d50a9e104e&from-ssl=yes&ga4t=&g4=no&cp=no&csp=no&back=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conchrentalskeywest.com%2F&language=en-us)**.