Ultimate Key West Blog: What Not to Miss in Key West

What not to miss in Key West

I love Key West so much and can’t stop talking about every little thing that there is to do there. So just a forewarning that this blog on Key West has so many things to do in Key West that you probably won’t be able to fit it all in in one trip.

And honestly, that’s not a bad thing.

You’re going to love Key West so much that you are going to want to come back again and again anyways, this just gives you a reason.

Since this is such a huge guide to all there is to do in Key West, for my absolute what not to miss activities in Key West, check out my blog post on spending one day in Key West. That is where I highlight my absolute favorite things and what I’d prioritize if I was spending a short amount of time in this magical place.

If you have more time to spend there, today’s Key West blog post will give you a great idea of all there is to do so that you can create your own Key West itinerary. So let’s start talking about all that Key West has to offer!

Wander Old Town Key West

Old Town is roughly the western half of Key West and is located near many of the major tourist destinations. We love to wander Old Town with a coffee in the morning while gawking at the conch style houses, no two quite the same. Old town is also where you’ll find the famous Mile Marker 0 sign, the Hemingway House, the lighthouse, and more. There are plenty of fun shops, restaurants, and bars to explore if you need to cool off.

Check out Duval Street

Duval Street is one of the most well-known things to do in Key West. Basically, it is the street that runs north and south from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s about 1.25 miles long and filled with shops, bars, restaurants, and more. It is a rowdier party scene at night, but pretty calm during the day (especially in the morning).

When I say that Duval Street is rowdy, don’t let that scare you. I am not a big partier, but I love bar hopping on Duval Street. There are spots more known for their party scene (Sloppy Joes and Irish Kevins come to mind) but bars on Duval are very low key with live music. So, if you like a big party, you’ll find your crowd but if you are like me and like a more laid back scene, you’ll find somewhere to enjoy.

If you want to check out the bar scene, I recommend wandering Duval Street from north to south (or vice versa) and stopping into whichever bars look fun to you. If you want to make sure you don’t miss out, you can check out this Key West Pub Crawl to make sure you hit all of the best bars in Key West. You’ll find several fun bars just off Duval, so don’t hesitate to explore the side streets as well.

The north end of Duval Street is home to Mallory Square and the south end is home to the Southernmost Point. Here are some of my other favorite stops on Duval Street:

Strand Theatre from the 1920s that is now a Walgreens

The former Strand Theatre is hard to miss. It is big, bright, and hasn’t changed at all since I interned in Key West in 2007. Chances are, it’s looked this way since long before that, too. You won’t need to spend a lot of time here (well, unless you need to do some shopping at Walgreens). You’ll more or less notice it and keep walking, maybe after a photo or two. But it’s worth seeing!

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

You can’t miss St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Duval Street. It’s a large, beautiful church with stained glass windows. The church has a history dating back to the the 1830s and is the oldest congregation in Key West. You can visit for free, just make sure to be respectful of mass times as this is a real, working church.

Rick’s

Rick’s is one bar in a complex that has several different areas ranging from lounges to a dance club. It’s is famous for their buckets and we love their live music. We usually go later in the afternoon, late enough for the live music to have started but before the bigger crowds.

The other bars in the complex consist of:

• Durty Harrys
• Red Garter Saloon
• Rick’s Upstairs
• the Mardi Gras Bar
• Tree Bar
• the Loft
• Crow’s Nest

Sloppy Joe’s

If I’m being totally honest, Sloppy Joe’s isn’t my favorite. But this is a very unpopular opinion and everyone should visit at least once. There is a lot of history at Sloppy Joe’s. It is probably most famous for being Hemingway’s favorite watering hole. It’s also conveniently located right on one of the main corners of Duval Street, so it’s hard to miss and also easy to pop in.

Mattheessen’s

I promise that you will smell Mattheessen’s before you see it. They have a large range of desserts. I personally love their chocolate covered key lime pie (this is my go to basically everywhere in Key West) but their enormous cookies are amazing too. The cookies are big enough to share with a whole family! They also have fudge, ice cream, and more. There are several locations throughout Key West.

Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe

For all things key lime, you have to check out Kermit’s. Even if you’re not a huge key lime fan, this is a fun place to shop. It’s so interesting to see all of the unique ways they can incorporate key lime into something. Of course, I always opt for a chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick. But they also have full key lime pies, key lime juice, candy, cookies, salsa, sauces, oils, jams, dry mixes, seaonings, and more. If there is a way to make it key lime, they have it in this store!

Check out a drag queen show

We have always gone to 801 Bourbon Bar for a drag queen show. They have great marketing with their performers standing outside the bar throughout the day inviting you to their show. Their shows are nightly at 9 pm and 11pm with the 9 pm show being more tame than the 11 pm show. You can make reservations online and if you are going to the show as a group (such as for a birthday party or bachelorette), you’ll definitely want to make reservations. We have always gotten in with no reservations, but groups with reservations are given the best seats.

Aqua also has 7pm and 9 pm shows. I’ve heard great things about Aqua, including that it is a bit more upscale than 801 Bourbon Bar. I can’t vouch for that since I haven’t been to a show there myself.

Mallory Square

Admittedly, Mallory Square is a bit touristy. Maybe a lot touristy. But you have to go at least once, then you can decide if you like it or not.

During the day, Mallory Square is usually quiet unless a cruise ship is docked. Cruise ships have to leave before sunset, though, because that’s when Mallory Square really comes alive. Just before sunset, people flock to Mallory Square to watch the sun go down behind Sunset Key, a private island just off the coast of Key West. While you watch the sun go down, you can visit vendors for drinks, food, and souvenirs or you can watch any number of performers. It’s also a pretty great place for people watching in general.

Personally, I don’t even care that it’s touristy; for me, it’s a must do activity in Key West. When I interned there for the summer, we went there almost every night. We were really young and used to stay long past the performers and crowds had left, dreaming about our futures.

Key West Historic Seaport

The seaport has been popular among Key West visitors since the 1940’s. Today it has restaurants, shops, and bars along the marina. If you are getting out on the water in Key West, you may likely be leaving from the seaport. It’s fun to grab a coffee from Cuban Coffee Queen in the morning and watch all the charters and fishing boats go out. In the afternoon, you’ll see them returning with their catches. Plus, the seaport tends to have some of the best happy hour deals in Key West. Huge tarpon hang out in this area, which are cool to see as well.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is technically 70 miles off the coast of Key West, so it’s not the easiest (or cheapest) to get to. But it is a unique experience that you’ll never forget. You can get to Dry Tortugas by taking the ferry, hiring a seaplane, or private boat (you can charter a boat or take your own).

Fort Jefferson, a fort built from 1846-1875, is located in the park. You can take a tour to learn more about the fort as well as how the soldiers there lived. Dry Tortugas is also a great place for snorkeling.

Conch Tour Train

The Conch Tour Train is a fun way to see Key West without walking a ton. You can hop on and off at a bunch of their stops. Along the way, you’ll learn more about Key West history.

Ghost Tour

Did you know that Key West is one of the most haunted places in the US? I have been fascinated by Key West’s haunted history. There are several options for ghost tours in Key West, where you will have a chance to visit some of Key West’s haunted places while also learning more about the history of each place.

Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden

Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden is a parrot sanctuary hidden on a residential street. In fact, it is the founder’s own backyard. A small sign will let you know you’re in the right place. You can learn more about each of the birds and how they ended up in the rescue. Keep in mind that this is a real parrot sanctuary, not a zoo, so it isn’t very big. I only mention this because some reviews online voice their displeasure that it isn’t bigger. There is a $10 per person fee to see the birds which goes towards their care.

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

If you are looking for a serene place to relax, you will love the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. Here, you’ll find 11 acres of tropical foliage, gorgeous paths, butterflies, and even turtles who love to gather in the pond. There are also Cuban chugs (a makeshift boat that Cuban refugees build to try to cross from Cuba to the U.S.) which are humbling to see.

Visit a Rum Distillery

Key West is renowned for its rum. You can visit a couple of places in Key West to learn more about rum production.

Key West First Legal Rum Distillery

This distillery is located in a former Coca Cola bottling plant. You can tour the facility and see the process of rum production. You’ll also have an opportunity to taste the rum. Tours are free and at the time of this writing, they happen daily from noon to 5 pm, starting approximately every 30 minutes. The tours are even kid and pet friendly! The distillery also has mojito classes that you can sign up for.

Hemingway Rum Co.

You can tour the Hemingway Rum Co and learn about the history of Hemingway and Key West. Their tours do have a cost and there are varying options that you can choose from on their website. You can also take a cocktail class which includes a mini distillery tour. They do offer complimentary tastings if you want to stop by and there is fun merchandise for sale. One thing I find to be very cool is the memorabilia that they have from Hemingway, including a school essay he wrote when he was just a kid.

Edward B. Night Pier

The Edward B. Night Pier is also known as the White Street Pier. It is located right off of Higgs Beach and is very large. The pier is a popular place for fishermen, but it’s never overly crowded. The water is clear so if there’s any fish (or a manatee, if you’re lucky), you’ll be able to see them well. It’s a great place for leisurely walks, jogging, and sunrise/sunset. The entrance of the pier is where you can find the Key West AIDS Memorial.

Key West Beaches

Even though Key West is an island, it isn’t known for its beaches. While the water is absolutely stunning, just offshore is a barrier reef that prevents sand from collecting on shore. Instead, you’ll find quite a bit of coral which feels like stepping on rocks. You will likely want to bring some sort of water shoe because of the coral if you plan on spending a lot of time on the Key West beaches. We still love the Key West beaches, but it helps to be prepared with realistic expectations. Also, a couple of the beaches in Key West import sand, so you don’t have to worry as much about the coral.

Smathers

Smathers Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Key West, especially during spring break when it turns into quite the party. It is also the largest beach in Key West at half a mile long. It’s manmade with imported sand where you can play volleyball, rent snorkel and/or kayak equipment, or rent a chair and umbrella for the day. There are also water sport rentals available, such as jet skiing, wind surfing, parasailing, and more. Beach access is free as well (you’ll park along Rosevelt Blvd), which is convenient.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is home to my favorite beach in Key West. The water here is stunning. Like at Smathers Beach, you can rent snorkel equipment or a beach chair and umbrella. There is also a cafe that serves food and drinks so you can truly spend the whole day here if you want to. While you are there, I also recommend checking out the Civil War era fort. You can tour the fort on your own or take a guided tour, offered daily. There are also some shorter hiking trails in the park. Since it’s a state park, there is an entrance fee, but it is reasonable.

Higgs Beach

Higgs Beach is just a few blocks west of Smathers Beach. It’s is still a popular beach that can get crowded, but it is generally less crowded than Smathers Beach. You can swim and snorkel but if staying on land is more your style, there is also beach volleyball, tennis and pickleball courts, and an amazing playground for kids. The White Street Fishing Pier is nearby for even more beautiful views. Salutè is a cafe located right on the beach here as well. Higgs beach is also home to the African refugee burial ground and the Key West AIDS Memorial.

South Beach

South Beach is very small, located next to the Southernmost Hotel and the Southernmost Point at the end of Duval Street. There is also a cafe and bar right on the sand.

Simonton Beach

Simonton Beach is even smaller than South Beach. It’s right next to Lagerheads Bar so you can grab a drink and fish tacos while enjoying the beach. This is exactly what I dream of when I think of island life. You can rent chairs here as well from a small beach concession stand.

Dog Beach

Dog Beach is also quite small, but that’s ok because it’s more for the dogs than humans. It’s right next to Louie’s Backyard.

Shopping in Key West

Coast is my favorite place to shop in Key West. We weren’t looking for it when we found it and were told locals love Coast. I can see why. The owner designs the shirts and can often been seen making them right outside of the store. He is authentic and genuine, loves Key West, and does good things for the community. He hosts camps for kiddos in the summers and has concerts every so often. The shop is currently open Wednesday through Sunday.

Funky Chicken Store is a unique store with chicken and rooster themed items. They have apparel, artwork, tableware, and more. Some of the items are on the pricy side, but they also have affordable options. Either way, it’s a fun store to shop around!

Lost Boy Creations is a fun surf shop. The owner makes surfboards which are very unique. I don’t surf, but I appreciate the work that’s put into the boards and it’s fun to see what is in stock. There is also apparel for sale. I love what Lost Boy Creations stands for – we could all benefit from living more like a “lost boy”. But one of my favorite things about Lost Boy Creations is that they support local musicians and often have local musicians come play in their intimate space.

The Shops at Mallory Square is a historic building with several small shops inside. The building itself is amazing, it was originally part of the Key West Naval Station and served as a coaling depot. Now it’s a great place to shop for art, home decor, apparel, and much more. As an added bonus, the shops are air conditioned and there are public restrooms. This is great for those really hot summer afternoons.

Cocky Key West stands for all things weird, which I can definitely get behind. I that the pride they have for Key West and it shows in their products. They sell fun, unique apparel and hats.

Fausto’s Food Palace is a good grocery store if you are planning on keeping food at your hotel or airbnb. Locals have frequented this boutique grocery store for over 90 years. They have everything you could want from a grocery store including fresh fish, a great wine selection, produce, and prepared food.

Kino Sandals have been around since the 1960s when a husband and wife began making sandals. Today, they are a favorite of many Key West visitors. We have friends who buy a new pair on every trip! They make the sandals in Key West, and they are known for their durability and comfort.

The Keys Salt Scrub – I found this company because they keep samples in the restrooms in several different locations around Key West. I loved the smell (it just smells like Key West!) and how soft my hands felt after using it. You can buy it all over town or on Amazon.

Rodriguez Cigar Factory – This cigar factory is run by the Rodriguez family and is the oldest cigar manufacturer in the Florida Keys. I don’t smoke cigars but still appreciate visiting. They have hand rolled cigars on display and they are happy to share how the cigars are made.

Books & Books is a locally owned, nonprofit bookstore. It’s a small store yet has tons of options. Judy Blume and her husband started the bookstore. She even returns to the bookstore from time to time! You can actually leave a book there for her to sign and they will mail it to you.

One of the things I love most about Key West is that there aren’t many large chains there. However, there are a few. Even though I prefer to shop small on vacation, I do love visiting Lilly Pulitzer, Earthbound Trading Company, and Ron Jon Surf Shop in Key West.

Rent a scooter, golf cart, or bike

Key West is very small, making it very walkable. If you’re staying close to Duval Street, you’re going to be within walking distance to most of what you’ll want to do in Key West. But other things, like some of the beaches or the Martello Museum, are a little farther away and won’t be walkable. I highly recommend renting a scooter, golf cart, or bike to explore the island. It’s a really fun way to see all that Key West has to offer.

Key West Cemetery

I know it probably sounds weird to recommend a cemetery, but the Key West cemetery is a place I always enjoy wandering when I’m in town. It is located in Old Town so if you find yourself wandering Old Town (which I recommend) you’ll probably stumble on it.

A hurricane washed away the first cemetery in 1846, so some of the gravestones are actually older than the cemetery! This is because they are located on higher ground and didn’t wash away. Since the cemetery was established in 1847, many grave sites are very old. It is an interesting way to soak in history and learn more about some of the locals of Key West. You can even pay a small fee to get a walking tour of the cemetery. And despite many of the grave sites being very old, you can still be buried at the Key West cemetery.

Key West Museums

One of the things that makes Key West so unique is how much history is on this tiny island. I love immersing myself in the history and museums are a great way of doing this. There are a lot of different museums in Key West, whether you want to learn about the environment, nature, or local history.

West Martello Gardens and Fort

This is one of my favorite hidden gems in Key West. In the garden you’ll find the West Martello Tower. It’s a tower built in 1862 that is now on the US National Register of Historic Places. But additionally, you’ll see beautiful paths and courtyards where you can enjoy beautiful flowers and other greenery that’s kept by volunteers of The Garden Club. And did I mention that this is all waterfront? So you will also have stunning views of the water right by Higgs Beach. It is one of the best free things to do in Key West although donations are encouraged.

Oldest House Museum and Garden

The Oldest House Museum is such a fun landmark in Key West located right on Duval Street. The house is believed to have been built in 1829. It will really bring you back in time to a quiet, sleepy island town before Key West became what it is today.

The house is also filed with many vintage items such as antique furniture, maritime relics, and memorabilia from Key Wests’s time as a wrecking and salvage port. The museum is small, but rooms have been restored to showcase different time periods. The guides are very friendly and happy to share their knowledge with you. The gardens are also beautiful and well kept.

Ernest Hemingway’s House

Ernest Hemingway was once a resident of Key West. You can visit what was once his home. You’ll learn more about his life, see where he wrote some of his books, and even see six-toed cats! The six-toed cats are descendants from Hemingway’s very own six-toed cat.

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

The Eco-Discovery Center is a great way to learn about plants and animals that are native to the Florida Keys. You can also visit a 2,500 gallon reef tank with life fish. They also have a mock version of Aquarius, which is an underwater ocean laboratory. Entrance to the Eco-Discovery Center is free.

East Martello Museum

I think that the Martello Museum is one of the best hidden gems in Key West. Maybe it’s more popular than I realize, but every time I’ve visited it’s felt like we have had it to ourselves.

The Martello Museum is most notorious for being the home to Robert the Doll. He is a doll with a long history in Key West said to be possessed. But the fort itself is really interesting to wander. The fort was never used in war and was ultimately abandoned while still unfinished. In 1950, the Key West Art & Historical Society cleaned and restored it.

When you visit today, you can learn more about and see artifacts from the Civil War, learn about ship wrecking and cigar making (both very popular in Key West), and see metal sculptures.

Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

The Audubon House will take you back in time. It was once home of Captain John Geiger, who built his fortune from shipwrecking. If you’re not familiar with shipwrecking, it basically just refers to the process of salvaging items from ships that have wrecked. And there was plenty of shipwrecking work to be done. Shipwrecks were very common back in the day because Key West’s waters were difficult to navigate with the coral reef and shallow waters. Geiger built the house for his family; the Geiger family continued to maintain ownership for over 100 years.

It is named the Audubon House after John James Audubon, who visited Key West to study and sketch birds of the Florida Keys. If you visit, you can tour the house, see historical artifacts, and spend time in the gardens. The gardens are beautiful with tropical foliage and plants.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

I’ll be honest, this is a place I didn’t really have a desire to go to but when I was interning in Key West. But everyone else was going and I didn’t want to sit at home alone so I joined. I’m so glad I did because this place is incredible. There are around 50 different species of butterflies as well as exotic birds and a resident flamingo. You can learn more about butterflies while you’re there as well.

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

The custom house is a large, beautiful building with red bricks and a classical design. It was built in 1891 and is located on Key West’s waterfront. In the 19th century, it was home to government offices that collected taxes on maritime trade. It was renovated in the 90’s so it has some contemporary amenities but you can still enjoy its historic architecture.

The Custom House is home to the Key West Museum of Art and History where you can enjoy both permanent collections and rotating exhibits. The permanent collections has artifacts and exhibits related to the wrecking industry and treasure hunters. There is also information on Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.

Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Museum

The lighthouse was built in 1848 to protect ships. The coral reef and shallow water surrounding Key West was hard to navigate, resulting in a lot of shipwrecks. You can tour the lighthouse, climb 88 stairs to the top, and look at amazing 360-degree views of Key West. Another fun fact is that one of the first lighthouse keepers was a woman. This was unheard of at the time, and it’s believed she is one of Key West’s ghosts.

Harry S Truman Little White House

President Truman loved Key West. It all started when he got sick and the doctor told him he needed a warm vacation getaway so he came to Key West. He began visiting frequently and essentially realized he could work from anywhere. So, he continued visiting and made it his own “little white house”. You can tour the house now and learn more about his time there.

Shipwreck Museum

The Shipwreck Museum holds real items collected from shipwrecks. Shipwrecks outside of Key West used to be very common because of the coral reef and shallow water. You can learn more about the people who risked their lives trying to recover buried treasure from the ships. One of my favorite parts of the museum is the Captain’s Observatory. This shows you how captains used to spot ships, but it provides some of the most stunning views of Key West.

Sails to Rails Flagler Station

Sails to Rails is one of the newest museums in Key West. You can learn more about sailboats that sailed in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico in the early 1900s. It will also cover history of the Overseas Railway. You can see exhibits, artifacts, and a model of Fort Jefferson.

Key West Firehouse Museum

The Key West Firehouse Museum has over 4,000 square feet of artifacts and exhibits. It is run by firefighters, both volunteer and retired, and you can learn about the history of the station and firefighting in Key West. The museum itself was formerly a firehouse station and has some interesting history.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

Mel Fisher was a treasure hunter. While he found several shipwrecks, he is best known for discovering the Atocha. He recovered $450 million worth of items from the Atocha, including gold and silver.

At the Mel Fisher museum, you’ll learn more about Mel’s life and success as well as the maritime history of Florida and Caribbean. There are several artifacts that have been recovered from shipwrecks which are very cool to see, I especially liked the jewelry. They also had a section on pirates, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the slave ships that were intercepted by the US Navy off the coast of Key West.

Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum

This is a really unique museum in Key West because it is a real Coast Guard ship. The Coast Guard Cutter Ingham was used from 1936-1988 in both World Wars and it’s the only ship still afloat that has received two U.S. Presidential Unit Citations for heroism. You can learn more about those who served as well as see equipment, weapons, and uniforms.

San Carlos Institute

The San Carlos Institute is a Cuban heritage center that was established in 1871. It was founded by Cuban exiles of Key West who met at this location to campaign for Cuba’s independence from Spain. The San Carlos Institute is a building with impressive architecture located right on Duval Street. Today, it is a museum, library, art gallery, and theatre. They are open to the public and often have events throughout the year, including performances at their theater. 

Turtle Cannery Museum

The Key West Turtle Museum is free. You’ll learn about the role that Key West played in selling and hunting turtles. Sadly, turtle fishing nearly eliminated the turtles before conservations efforts began in the 1950’s. Note that the Key West Turtle Museum is only open seasonally, in the winter months.

Key West Aquarium

The Key West Aquarium is small but you can see sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish. There is also a touch tank. You can learn more about marine conservation efforts, something that’s crucial in Key West because of its coral reef.

Key West Photo Spots

These places might not be worth spending a lot of time at, but they are some definitely instagrammable places in Key West. Whether or not you feel like they are worth visiting is up to you, but no guide to Key West is complete without them!

Southernmost Point

People line up all the way down the block to get a picture with the Southernmost Point buoy. It was placed at its current location in 1983 but please enjoy my photo there from 2007.

Mile 0 of Highway 1 Sign

Mile 0 of Highway 1 is in Key West. Don’t expect too much, it’s just a small sign. But it’s kind of cool to be at the start (or end) of it all. The Mile 0 sign is located on the corner of Fleming Street and Whitehead Street.

Welcome to Key West Sign at Cuban Coffee Queen

Cuban Coffee Queen has two locations. Their location at the historic seaport is the one where you’ll find the Welcome to Key West mural that you’ve probably seen on social media. I highly recommend grabbing a cafe con leche from Cuban Coffee Queen while you’re there snapping a quick photo.

Best Place to See the Sunset in Key West

You have to see a sunset in Key West at least once on your trip (if not every night you’re there). Here are some of my favorite places to see the sunset in Key West:

• Mallory Square
• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
• Latitudes Restaurant on Sunset Key (accessible by ferry only and you need reservations to eat here)
• From the water on a sunset cruise
• Edward B. Night Pier near Higgs Beach

Water Activities in Key West

Locals throughout the Florida Keys will tell you that you must get out on the water to experience the Florida Keys authentically. Lucky for you, there are tons of ways to get out on the water.

Go snorkeling

Snorkeling in Key West is such a unique experience. It’s definitely one of the top experiences I’ve ever had. There are quite a few options for snorkeling in Key West and to be honest, some of your experience will be luck – how calm the water is, what visibility looks like, and things like that. When we went snorkeling, they told us that we had the best conditions they had seen in months!

Based on this absolutely incredible experience, we booked another snorkeling trip a couple of months later in Islamorada and the conditions were too choppy to go to the reef, so they took us snorkeling in the mangroves instead. It was a unique experience, but not the same magical experience we had at the reef in Key West. I just share this so that you can have realistic expectations. As with anything travel-related, things can change.

Here are my recommendations on the best places to snorkel in Key West:

Fort Zachary Taylor

You can rent snorkel gear on site

Take a Snorkel Tour in Key West

A snorkel tour in Key West is a great way to get to the reef. Even though snorkeling from the shore can offer you a great experience, there is nothing like snorkeling a reef. Plus, the captain of your tour will know which reef to take you to in order to snorkel in the best conditions possible. They also offer fun facts along the way, so you’ll learn more about Key West and marine life!

Why I love this snorkel tour in Key West:

• A captain will take you to a reef with the best conditions
• You will see fish, coral, and other sea life (we saw dolphins and a sea turtle on the way to the reef!)
• Free beer, wine and soft drinks are provided

Explore a Key West Sandbar

I personally feel that there’s something magical about a sandbar. Being able to chill in the water with nothing around you but open water is such a unique experience. Sandbars are shallow, making it great for any and every group. Kids can safely wander and run around and adults can relax. There are several different sandbars in Key West, each one is unique but they are all beautiful.

Parasailing

Parasailing in Key West is such an amazing experience. The color of the water in Key West is unique and unlike anywhere else I’ve ever seen. I never felt scared being so high up, only in awe of all the beauty.

Take a Sunset Sail

Taking a sunset sail in Key West is an easy way to get on the water and away from the crowds for a little while. This is a great romantic activity in Key West. Alcoholic beverages are included and there is a restroom on board.

Go sailing on a historic Key West schooner

A schooner is a sailing ship with two or more masts. You can sail on one and relax while your captain takes you around some of the landmarks of Key West with views from the water of plaes such as Fort Zachary Taylor, Mallory Square, Sunset Pier, and the Sand Key Light Tour.

Kayaking in the Mangroves

Kayaking in the mangroves is a very unique experience. It’s like a whole new world. You’ll get away from the hustle and bustle of Key West and won’t see many people around. It will feel like you have the whole place to yourself (well, along with the other people on the tour, but the tours aren’t too big!) The water is shallow and calm, so the chance of flipping your kayak is very small. I always get a little nervous when entering the mangroves at first, but the fear quickly wears off as I take in the beautiful surroundings!

• Great for all ages
• Good for both beginners and experts
• You can see the mangrove ecosystem up close and personal
• You will see all sorts of nature – fish, birds, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, and maybe even a manatee!
• This tour is dog friendly!

Fishing Charter

Many dream of going fishing in Key West. Fishing in Key West is a quintessential Florida Keys experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty in one unforgettable package. Whether you’re an avid angler or a first-time fisher, fishing in Key West can be a really fun experience.

Glass Bottom Boat

I would say that going on a glass bottom boat tour is a great activity to do in Key West with kids. Personally, I prefer snorkeling but this is a good option if you’re with someone who doesn’t like to snorkel or can’t swim. Basically, the bottom of your boat will have a window for you to see the reef beneath you. One nice aspect of seeing the reef via glass bottom boat is that the boat is air conditioned.

Do It All Watersports Adventure

This is a great activity for those who want to do a little bit of everything. This is an all day excursion (6 hours) and offers twelve different water activities. You’ll jump on a boat that will take you out to sea. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy:

• Snorkeling
• Kayaking
• Knee boarding
• Waterskiing
• Inflatable slide
• Rafts
• Banana Boat
• Water trampoline
• Paddleboarding
• Climbable rock wall in the water
• Wave runners
• Windsurfing

You can also cool down back on the boat in the air conditioning if you get too warm. Lunch and beer is also included.

Jet Ski

You will have a short jet ski session, then you’ll be off with your tour guide on a jet ski adventure. You’ll go all the way around the island of Key West, navigating 28 miles along the coast on this 90 minute tour.

A quick note about jet skis: Key West doesn’t have jet ski rentals that let you take out a jet ski with free reign. All jet ski rentals will be with a guide in Key West. This is because the waters can be difficult to navigate, the water can go from very deep to very shallow quickly. This is obviously dangerous if you don’t know your way around, especially if you are on your jet ski at high speed.

What I love about this tour:

• You’ll stop at some great places along the tour such as the Southernmost Point, submarine pits, and a local sandbar
• Great for new and experienced jetskiers
• You’ll get the opportunity to take your jet ski full throttle if you want to!

Key West Events and Festivals

Key West is home to many events and festivals. It isn’t too hard to plan your trip around one of them since there’s always something going on.

Weekly(ish) events in Key West:

• Live music at Coffee Butler Amphitheater
• Truman Waterfront Key West Farmer’s Market every Thursday from 2pm to 7 pm
• Key West Artisan Market every other Sunday from November to April from 10 am to 3 pm at Higgs Beach

Annual events in Key West:

• Key West Food and Wine Festival (January)
• Key West Half Marathon and 5K (January)
• Key West Art & Craft Festival (February)
• Conch Republic Independence Celebration (April)
• Conch Republic Days (April)
• Key West Songwriters Festival (May)
• Hemingway Days (July)
• Lobster Mini Season (July)
• Key West International Guitar Festival (August)
• Goombay Festival (October)
• Fantasy Fest (October)
• Key West Film Festival (November)
• Key West Boat Races (November)

Is Key West worth visiting?

Now that you’re at the end of this blog post, hopefully you no longer have to wonder if Key West is worth visiting. But just in case you’re still wondering – Is Key West worth visiting? Absolutely. Key West is a tropical island with palm trees and gorgeous water but also has history, culture, and so many fun things to do. Everyone I know who has ever been to Key West has absolutely loved it.

Interesting facts about Key West

You’ll likely hear Key West referred to as the Conch Republic. Know that conch is pronounced with a hard “K”.

Speaking of conch, it also refers to people who were born in Key West. If you have lived in Key West for at least 7 years, you’re a “freshwater conch” but if you were born in Key West, you are considered a “saltwater conch”.

There are a lot of resident roosters that live in Key West. Cockfighting was popular in Key West in the 1800s and 1900s until it was banned in the 70s. No one has made an effort to get rid of the chickens and now they are welcomed. Well, somewhat, anyways. Not everyone loves them, but they are protected and it is illegal to harm them.

Key West is closer to Cuba than it is to Miami.

Key West actually got its name from a misunderstanding. Spanish settlers originally called Key West Cayo Hueso. Cayo Hueso translates to bone island, referring to the bones of the Calusa tribe that once lived in the Florida Keys. English speakers thought it sounded like they were saying Key West when they said Cayo Hueso and the name stuck.

Can I visit Key West in one day?

While you likely won’t be able to do everything you want to do, you can visit Key West in one day and check a lot off of your list.

Can you tell me where to park in Key West? (“Parking in Key West” if you don’t do a question format)

Once you get to Key West, you don’t really need a car. I highly recommend renting a scooter, golf cart, or bike to get around the island. If you’re driving and need somewhere to park, here are some options:

Key West Bight Lot/Caroline Street Parking Lot
Address: Corner of Caroline Street and Margaret Street

Mallory Square Parking Lot
Address: Wall Street, near 1 Whitehead Street

Fire Station Parking Lot
Location: Simonton Street and Angela Street

Westin Resort and Marina Parking Garage
Address: 245 Front Street

Old Town Parking Garage
Address: 300 Grinnell Street

There are also parking meters along the streets in Old Town. Just make sure you do not park in any spot labeled “Residential Only”.

Are there cities near Key West?

The nearest large city to Key West is actually in Cuba. But in the U.S., it is Miami, which is a little over 150 miles away. You’ll pass through several smaller towns between Miami and Key West, the biggest being Marathon, Islamorada, and Key Largo.

What is Key West known for?

Key West is known for so many things. Many of which you’ve probably read about in this blog article on Key West. But here is a general list of what Key West is known for:

• Nightlife
• Proximity to Cuba
• Clear water
• Water sports (swimming, snorkeling, skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, boating, going to sand bars)
• Sunsets
• Roosters and chickens
• History
• Ernest Hemingway
• Key lime pie
• Fantasy Fest

Famous people in Key West, Florida

Tennessee Williams was a playwright who spent over 30 years on the island. He was inspired by Key West and loved to write there. His former residence, the Tennessee Williams Exhibit, is open to the public.

Ernest Hemingway is probably the most well known famous person from Key West. He was a legendary author who lived in Key West during the 30s and 40s. Of course, you can visit his former home which is now a museum. His legacy also lives on through the annual Hemingway Days festival.

Jimmy Buffett moved to Key West in the 70s kind of on a whim. In the beginning, he played music for drinks. Even after he and his wife moved out of Key West, he kept a home there to come back and visit. As he and Key West both grew in popularity, it became harder for Jimmy Buffett remain low-key there. Jimmy Buffett also had a low key recording studio in Key West, where people who loved him dropped off flowers and other mementos upon his passing.

Shel Silverstein was a children’s book author and lived in Key West, where he also died.

Judy Blume purchased a home in Key West in the 80s. She was inspired by Key West, which gave her a place to create and write. Judy Blume has also been involved in the community through participation in local events and cultural activities. She also owns Books & Books along with her husband, which is a nonprofit bookstore.

Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, visited Key West often. He visited so much that where he stayed became known as the Little White House since he would do his work from there. You can visit the Harry Truman Little White House today to learn more about President Truman’s time in Key West.

Kelly McGillis is most known for her roles in Top Gun. She used to live in Key West, where she was an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community on the island. Kelly McGillis was also involved in local theater productions. She even owned a restaurant called Kelly’s Caribbean which is now the famous First Flight Restaurant and Brewery.

When is the best time to visit Key West?

Due to its year-round nice weather, Key West is fun to visit any time of year. The best time to visit Key West depends on your preferences and availability. Generally speaking, winter and spring are the most popular due to the weather and events. Also, while there are some slower times, Key West generally stays busy year-round so you’re not likely to find cheap off season rates like you might in other tourist destinations.

Deciding the best time to visit Key West will depend on what you are looking for. So instead of telling you exactly when to go, I’ll lay out the pros/cons of each season for you so that you can make an educated decision.

Fall (approximately September to November)

Like I mentioned earlier, Key West tends to be busy year round but Fall tends to be less busy overall. For this reason, it’s my favorite time to visit. The downsides to visiting Key West in the fall are that the early months of fall will still have summer-like heat. You also run the risk of hurricanes; technically hurricane season is June 1 until November 30 but tends to be more active in the fall.

Winter (approximately December to February)

Visitors tend to flock to Key West in the winter since it’s a reprieve from cold climates. The weather is more mild in the winter with less humidity and little rainfall. Key West is typically busier these months and that can mean more expensive accommodations as well.

Spring (approximately March to May)

A portion of the spring months will bring a lot of spring breakers to Key West. Since schools’ spring breaks vary wildly, Key West can see spring breakers from approximately the middle of March to the middle of April. But this is a great time to visit Key West without the intense heat. It also isn’t rainy season yet, so you can expect good weather overall.

Summer (approximately June to August)

There is no way around it, summer in Key West is hot. When we visit Key West in the summer, I don’t even check temperature says because the humidity will make it feel much hotter anyways. But some people love the heat and it’s great for the beach and water sports, which Key West has plenty of. There are also plenty of indoor activities with air conditioning to break up the day.

The summer months start to creep into hurricane season, though it’s not typically the most active part of hurricane season. Summer brings more rain but it’s rare for it to rain in Key West all day. Typically it will be a brief shower, so don’t fret if your weather app tells you it’s going to rain in Key West during one of the summer months. It’s not that your weather app is lying to you, it may very well rain, but probably not for the whole day.

No matter what brings you to Key West, this island is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences. From the iconic Duval Street to the tranquil beaches and historic landmarks, Key West has something for everyone. Whether you came here seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, you’ll love the magic of this tropical island.