Your Guide to Key West MWR: Programs, Eligibility and Ticket Information

The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program is a quality of life and readiness program designed to support the needs of the military community, including Veterans, civilian employees, retirees, and, of course, Servicemembers and their families. The mission of the program is to help Servicemembers relax, have fun, and form bonds with their families in an effort to help maintain work-life balance and mission readiness, as well as provide emotional support for military personnel. One of these benefits is discounted rates, special perks, and offers on travel and lodging. Certain destinations offer military-only rates, tickets to attractions and theme parks, and special recognition days for military members. Key West, Florida, a popular vacation destination, has several Key West MWR programs, with discounted MWR Key West tickets to many destinations, that military families might want to consider for their next vacation.

Key West MWR: What It Offers and Why It Matters

MWR programs, which include recreation, family and youth programs, and entertainment on top of travel and leisure activities, all seek to serve military families by providing discounted access to relaxing, enjoyable activities to connect with their families. You can read more about MWR in general at this link. As a result, many areas around the country offer special deals and discounts to military families and those who qualify for MWR programs, as a means of giving back to those who serve the country.

Key West offers many opportunities, especially at Naval Air Station Key West (Key West NAS MWR), where authorized patrons might participate in activities, see live shows, and participate in games for the whole family. Key West NAS MWR includes:

• Fitness and sports: Includes the Boca Chica Fitness Center
• Tickets and travel: Offers discounted tickets to local attractions, theme parks, cruises, hotels, and flights.
• Social and community activities: Includes food tours, walking tours, and cocktail crawls. 

These important programs not only benefit military personnel stationed in Key West, but Key West MWR programs also benefit the community. Key West NAS MWR programs bring revenue to the island and encourage military families to vacation in Key West, which boosts the economy.

Eligibility Requirements for Key West MWR

Key West MWR activities are available to anyone who qualifies for MWR programs. Furthermore, Key West NAS MWR programs are not limited to just those stationed at the Naval Air Station but also to anyone who participates in MWR programs. MWR is available to active duty military, reservists, retired military, eligible Veterans, and current and retired DoD civilians. The MWR Administrative Office can provide more information on authorized use. There are certain restrictions when accessing the MWR facilities at Naval Air Station Key West (NAS Key West) including:

• Only authorized military personnel and their dependents can use the facilities.
• Certain dog breeds are prohibited (Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Akitas, and American Bulldogs).
• Guests may need to be escorted depending on the activity.

Tickets & Activities Offered by Key West MWR

The MWR program encourages military families to spend time together doing memorable activities and connecting as a family. For Servicemembers who are frequently deployed, forming these bonds and spending quality family time boosts morale and improves mission readiness. There are many options for these opportunities in Key West. MWR Key West tickets include options for:

• Charters and boat rentals
• Bicycle rentals
• Scuba excursions
• Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and other Florida Theme Park Attractions
• Tickets to special events and local museums

You can find the most current pricing and options at this link. Excursions are not the only activities offered by Key West MWR. The NAS also offers leisure classes, youth programs, picnic and camping areas, fitness centers, and many other recreational options.

Where to Buy MWR Key West Tickets?

MWR Key West tickets to various Key West attractions can be had at discounted prices from the Key West NAS MWR base office or from your own military installation MWR office. You can contact the Tickets & Travel Office at (305) 293-4173, located on Sigsbee Park. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Visit this link or call (305) 293-4173 to learn more about booking reservations to use Naval Air Station facilities or services or buying MWR Key West tickets to surrounding attractions.

You can also make reservations for recreational lodging at NAS Key West by going online to DoDLodging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions people have about Key West MWR in Key West or in general.