Best Things to Do in Key West, Florida - Best Places to Visit in Key West, FL
Best Things to Do in Key West, Florida - Best Places to Visit in Key West, FL.
10 Best Things to Do in Key West, Florida, USA. 10 Best Places to Visit in Key West, FL. The best outdoor activities in Key West. What is Key West best known for? Why do people visit Key West? How do you spend 5 days in Key West? Key West snorkeling coral reef tour. What is the best month to go to Key West? Is Key West tourist friendly? Key West fishing charters. Key west kayaking. 10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Key West & the Islands. Unique things to do in Key West. Things to do in Key West with family. Things to do in Key West for couples. Things to do on Key West for adults. Free things to do on Key West. Key West things to do in summer, winter and monsoon?
Top 10 things to do in Key West, Florida
1. Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum
2. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
3.. Mallory Square - Key West Sunset Celebration
4. Duval Street - Bars, Restaurants, Nightlife Hotspots
5. Key West Aquarium
6. Key West Boat Trips
7. The Southernmost Point
8. Dry Tortugas National Park
9. Smathers Beach
10. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Welcome to Key West, one of the most beloved vacation destinations in the United States. Located in the heart of the Florida Keys archipelago, this island paradise boasts breathtaking natural beauty and endless opportunities for adventure. As the southernmost point in the continental USA, Key West is home to a rich and colorful history that dates back to the Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and even pirates. Today, it is a vibrant port town and thriving tourist destination, where visitors can explore idyllic beaches, lush tropical gardens, and stunning national parks. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Key West has something for everyone. So, join us on this travelogue journey as we explore the 10 best things to do when visiting Key West, Florida.
1. KEY WEST LIGHTHOUSE & KEEPER'S QUARTERS MUSEUM
The Key West Lighthouse is an iconic landmark that has helped countless ships navigate the dangerous reefs of the island since 1825. Visitors can climb the 88 iron steps to the top of the tower to get a bird's eye view of the beautiful Key West and the Atlantic Ocean. The Keeper's Quarters Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history of the Keys. The quarters date back to 1848 and have been converted into a museum that exhibits nautical artifacts, antique furnishings, and vintage photos. The lighthouse and museum are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a single ticket gives you access to both. With its historical significance and breathtaking views, the Key West Lighthouse is a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Key West.
2. ERNEST HEMINGWAY HOME AND MUSEUM
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a must-visit attraction for literature buffs in Key West. The grand French Colonial-style estate was built in 1851 by a wealthy marine architect and later occupied by Hemingway and his wife in the 1930s. Today, the house is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and contains memorabilia about Hemingway's life and work, including the room where he wrote parts of "A Farewell to Arms" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls." Visitors also enjoy perusing the gardens and learning about Hemingway's wife, Pauline, who contributed to the distinctive design of the property. Despite the crowds, we recommend a visit to the museum and praise the knowledgeable tour guides who bring Hemingway's time in Key West to life.
3. MALLORY SQUARE - SUNSET CELEBRATION
Mallory Square is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Key West for catching a stunning sunset. Located at the northwest tip of the island, this spot offers a breathtaking view of the sun's last moments and is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the end of the day during the Sunset Celebration. This free, nightly arts festival starts about two hours before sunset and offers a unique experience of local culture and entertainment. However, the popularity of the spot also means that it can get extremely crowded, particularly with cruise ship passengers. You will love the street performers and musicians, however the shops and restaurants around the square are overpriced and a bit touristy. Nevertheless, Mallory Square remains a must-visit spot for all travelers. So, don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of Key West's sunset at Mallory Square, and the best part is that access to this fantastic destination is free!
4. DUVAL STREET - BARS, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE HOTSPOTS
Duval Street is undoubtedly the liveliest and most well-known street in Key West. The vibrant thoroughfare is a hub of activity, brimming with an impressive array of bars, restaurants, and nightlife hotspots. This mile-long thoroughfare is lined with a wide range of dining options, watering holes, art galleries, and souvenir shops, making it a must-visit for all types of travelers. Take a break and indulge in a slice of the city's famous Key Lime pie from Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe, join a ghost tour to explore the area's haunted history, or catch some live music at the iconic Sloppy Joe's bar. The best part? People-watching here is absolutely free! Visitors compare the vibe of the street to the lively atmosphere of New Orleans' Bourbon Street. As the sun sets, Duval Street transforms into an epicenter for bar hoppers, so families may want to book their dinner reservations elsewhere.
5. KEY WEST AQUARIUM
If you're traveling with little ones, the Key West Aquarium is a must-see. Located in the heart of Mallory Square, this family-friendly attraction is home to a diverse range of marine life, from menacing barracudas and moray eels to playful sea turtles and jellyfish. One of the most exciting experiences at the aquarium is the Sea Turtles Conservation Tour. The Atlantic Shores Exhibit is a fascinating glimpse into the local marine ecosystem, complete with a living mangrove forest. Meanwhile, the Shark Exhibit offers visitors a chance to come face-to-face with the Nurse Shark, one of the most common species found in the waters surrounding the Florida Keys. The guided tours allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the aquarium's conservation efforts and interact with some of its most fascinating marine creatures.
6. KEY WEST BOAT TRIPS
Key West is a popular destination in Florida that offers a variety of ocean activities. Boat tours are a great way to explore the area, with Key West Boat Trips offering snorkeling, sandbar hopping, and private dinners onboard for as little as $350 for six people. There are also several companies offering sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, sunset cruises, and fishing charters, including Danger Charters, Classic Harbor Line, and Sebago Key West. For dolphin watching, Wild About Dolphins and Honest Eco are recommended. A snorkeling tour will take you to the Florida Keys Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in North America, which is ideal for beginners. Kayaking tours are also available to explore the uninhabited mangrove islands in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Prices vary by company, time of day, and tour length, but expect to pay at least $40 per person. With so many options to choose from, Key West has something for everyone looking to experience a memorable day on the water.
7. THE SOUTHERNMOST POINT
The Southernmost Point of the continental United States, located in Key West, is a must-visit for travelers. Situated at 24 degrees 33 minutes north latitude and 81 degrees 45 minutes west longitude, this monument is one of the most photographed locations in Key West, and for good reason. Standing just 90 miles from Cuba, the buoy-like marker is an iconic symbol of Key West's geographic location. Visitors flock to the site to snap a photo with the colorful marker, but be warned - lines can get long, particularly during peak travel season. The best time to beat the crowds is either early in the morning or during low tide, when you'll be able to get the perfect shot without too many other people around.
8. DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK
Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Boasting crystal-clear waters, the park offers some of the best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys, with a maximum depth of only 15 feet. The islands' proximity to the mainland and surrounding reefs led to numerous shipwrecks, but they also played a vital role in US history as a strategic harbor. Explore the area's history by touring Fort Jefferson, a Civil War-era fort located on Garden Key, and visit the bird nesting grounds that are home to over 300 species of birds. Don't miss the chance to dine with a view at one of the park's picnic tables. For those feeling adventurous, camping on Garden Key is also an option. Access to Dry Tortugas National Park is possible by seaplane, ferry, or private charter.
9. SMATHERS BEACH
Nestled in the heart of the sun-kissed Key West, Smathers Beach may not have the same reputation as some of the Caribbean's stunning stretches of sand, but its tranquil atmosphere and gorgeous scenery more than make up for it. This beach is a favorite among both tourists and locals alike, especially during the raucous spring break season. With its soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters, Smathers Beach is a haven for those looking to soak up some sunshine, swim in the ocean, or enjoy a game of beach volleyball. And if you're in the mood for some thrills, there are Jet Ski rentals available on site. Smathers Beach is conveniently located on the southern shore of Key West, just a mile away from the city's bustling center. The beach offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is well-equipped with amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and food trucks, making it an ideal destination for a full day out. Visitors can also rent chairs and umbrellas to relax under the shade and take in the beautiful scenery.
10. FORT ZACHARY TAYLOR HISTORIC STATE PARK
Located at the westernmost point of Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park offers visitors an array of activities, including sunbathing, hiking, biking, and fishing. The park's picturesque beach boasts exceptional snorkeling opportunities, while its historic fort, dating back to the mid-1800s, is open for guided and self-guided tours. Visitors recommend exploring the fort's history, enjoying the beach, and bringing beach shoes to navigate the rocky terrain safely. With plenty of barbecue grills and rental equipment available, visitors can pack some food and charcoal for a picnic. Less than 2 miles from downtown Key West, the park is an easy and accessible location to explore. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown, with the fort closing at 5 p.m.
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