Key West is not primarily a sauna destination. The culture here runs more toward guesthouse pools, clothing-optional outdoor spaces, and the open social atmosphere of the bar strip than toward the traditional bathhouse format. That said, there are options for those who want them.

Guesthouse pools as social scenes

The most distinctly Key West version of the cruise-and-socialise experience is the guesthouse pool. Several of the gay guesthouses in Old Town have clothing-optional pools that function as social hubs throughout the day. You do not need to be a guest to use some of them — some offer day passes. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, somewhere between a private pool party and a public space. This is different from a sauna in format but serves a partly similar social function for the Key West crowd.

What is available

Any formal saunas or bathhouses operating in Key West tend to be smaller operations than you would find in a major city. The island's size limits the market for large-scale commercial facilities. What exists is worth knowing about if that is specifically what you are looking for, but do not arrive expecting the kind of established multi-venue sauna scene you find in Chicago or San Francisco.

    • Island House — Ok, ok, we’re kinda cheating with this one, as it’s more of a gay resort than a sauna. But hey, with a heated pool, outdoor shower, indoor or outdoor Jacuzzis, steam room, dry sauna, sundeck, 24-hour gym and all-men policy, it’s basically a huge, fancy spa – and as far as we’re concerned, easily one of the best gay saunas in the USA. Except here, you get to sleep over! Bedrooms are cosy and modern, with TVs that stream non-stop adult films. When you’re not busy doing the deed, you’ll want to

Practical notes

If a sauna is a priority and the Key West options feel limited, Fort Lauderdale is about four hours north and has a more developed scene. That is a long way to go for a sauna, but if you are combining a Key West trip with a stop in Fort Lauderdale it is worth factoring in.

For the full Key West picture, see the Gay Key West Guide.