Key West in One Day: Itinerary for 24 Hours in Key West
Can you fully experience Key West in one day? To be completely honest, I think you need more than 24 hours. But there are certain situations where you might only have a day in Key West (such as visiting Key West on a cruise ship or taking the ferry for one day from Fort Myers). We don’t have unlimited time and 24 hours in Key West is better than no time in Key West!
If you only have 24 hours to spend in Key West, I have made you the ultimate one-day itinerary. This Key West itinerary was developed to be molded into what you need it to be. You might want to cut out some of these options to tailor it to the type of Key West vacation you want, which is totally fine. No worries, you’re on island time, afterall!
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Breakfast in Key West
If you get there in time, Key West has some great spots for breakfast.
Blue Heaven is the most recommended breakfast spot in Key West. It’s famous for Caribbean flavors and whimsical decor. I recommend the lobster Benedict. Even though I’m recommending them for breakfast, their key lime pie is often referred to as the best key lime pie on the island.
Banana Cafe bright and airy with some outdoor seating on the rooftop, known for their crepes.
La Grignote is a popular restaurant serving French food. Their breakfast is great and they also have tons of pastries which you can also take to go if it’s busy. Do note that the tables are fairly close to one another, which can feel a bit tight when it’s busy.
Coffee in Key West
If you aren’t hungry but want a little pick me up (or maybe you want both), Key West has great coffee options too. Here are my favorite spots for coffee:
Baby’s Coffee – if you are driving into Key West, this is a great stop because it’s in Stock Island, not Key West. But they have some of the best coffee! They originated in Key West but got so popular they needed a bigger location. Key West locals will drive off the island to get Baby’s Coffee which might not sound like much since it isn’t terribly far away, but a lot of Key West locals don’t like leaving the island.
Cuban Coffee Queen has a couple of locations, I recommend the one by the seaport on Margaret Street. It’s a great spot for Cuban coffee and probably the most recommended coffee shop in Key West. This is also where the Welcome to Key West sign is that you have probably seen in pictures.
The Koffie House for the most unique atmosphere. They also focus on healthy food and have a vegan friendly menu that includes freshly baked goods, natural organic cold pressed juices, smoothies, and more!
Key West Historic Seaport
Once you have eaten and/or have your coffee, wander to the Key West Historic Seaport. I love grabbing a coffee from Cuban Coffee Queen (which is located right in this area) and walking around.
The area used to be a bustling trading post but today, the Seaport is a popular spot for dining, shopping, and boat tours and water sports. There is a boardwalk that wraps around the water/marina which makes it a perfect spot for your morning stroll while you drink your coffee and pop into shops.
If you take a boat tour in Key West, chances are good that it will leave out of the marina here. I do recommend taking a boat tour but with only 24 hours in Key West, you probably wouldn’t have time to do that unless you’re ok with that taking up most of your day.
Just in case, here are my recommendations for boat tours in Key West:
Key West Reef Snorkel and Sail: Snorkeling the coral reefs in Key West is unreal. It is the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced. You can watch our experience on our YouTube video on snorkeling in Key West.
Jet Ski Tour: You get to learn a little about Key West on your tour. The tour will take you completely around the island. It’s good for all experience levels.
Museums
There are so many museums in Key West that you won’t be able to see all of them in just one day. But you would have time to visit at least one. Here are some of my favorite museums in Key West:
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Ernest Hemingway’s old house where he wrote some of his most famous works in the 1930s. You can explore the lush grounds, his writing studio, and meet a six-toed cat.
Key West Shipwreck Museum: A museum focusing on Key West’s shipwreck salvage era of the 19th century. There are artifacts from shipwrecks, interactive exhibits, and a lookout tower offering panoramic views of the island. The lookout tower is my favorite part of the museum and it closes in adverse weather, so be aware of that.
Truman Little White House: Originally the naval station’s command headquarters and eventually became President Harry S. Truman’s winter White House. You can learn more about Truman’s presidency and his time spent in Key West, with rooms preserved as they were during his visits.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: Probably one of the most underrated things to do in Key West. It is a conservatory is home to hundreds of butterflies and exotic bird species.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: Dedicated to the legendary treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his discoveries. He had a fascinating life as a wrecker. The museum has artifacts from shipwrecks of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita.
Fort East Martello Museum: This Civil War-era fort is an attraction in itself. But it has been converted into a museum showcasing Key West’s art, history, and culture. Probably the most popular exhibit is Robert the Doll.
Key West Art & Historical Society Custom House Museum: Housed in the beautifully restored Custom House, the museum has art exhibitions, historical artifacts, and cultural displays. The building itself is an architectural gem and offers rotating exhibitions that highlight the island’s creative spirit.
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens: This historic house museum offers a glimpse into the life of a prosperous 19th-century Key West family. It also celebrates the works of John James Audubon, who visited Key West and the Dry Tortugas in 1832, with some of his original bird paintings on display.
Stroll Duval Street
Duval Street is really the heart of Key West. It’s a road that runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean and it’s full of bars, locally owned shops, art galleries, restaurants, and more. It’s not uncommon for a parade to run through Duval Street or for it to close down for a festival. Duval starts out kind of quiet and as the day wears on, gets louder and more lively. At nighttime, it is a party!
Bars on Duval Street
Duval Street is a popular spot to bar hop because there is no shortage of places to grab a drink. The options are almost endless, but here are some of my favorite bars in Key West:
Sloppy Joe’s: In all honesty, this is actually is not my favorite bar in Key West. But I’m pretty sure I’m the only person in the world who feels that way so I’m mentioning it here for you. It’s the most iconic bar on Duval known for live music. It’s also where Hemingway is said to have visited.
The Bull and Whistle Bar: This bar actually comprises three levels, each offering a different experience. The Bull on the ground floor is a traditional bar, The Whistle on the second floor is a bit more laid back (I like sitting on the balcony here and people watching), and the Garden of Eden on the rooftop is a clothing-optional bar.
Irish Kevin’s: Known for live music and party-like atmosphere. The bar is famous for its interactive entertainment, often involving the audience in performances.
Hog’s Breath Saloon: Known for its Hog’s Breath is Better Than No Breath at All motto, this bar offers live music, good food, and a rustic, open-air setting. It’s a great spot for those looking to relax with a cold drink and enjoy some Key West charm.
Rick’s/Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex: This is a complex of multiple bars and stages. Rick’s, which faces Duval, is our favorite. It’s a good spot to bar-hop several different vibes without leaving the premises.
Smallest Bar: It really is the smallest bar. A quick place to grab a drink to go (or grab a key lime shot there). Also a fun photo op.
Other Things to do on Duval
Even though there are tons of bars on Duval Street, there are several other cool things to check out. Duval Street is also home to a lot of the museums I mentioned above. Here are some other attractions on Duval Street that aren’t bars:
- Key West Aquarium (can be a good activity if you have kids, but it’s a small aquarium)
- Mel Fisher Museum
- Audubon House
- Art galleries
- Oldest House Museum
- San Carlos Theatre
- St Pauls Church
Grab Lunch
If you find yourself getting hungry while you’re out and about, here are some great options for lunch in Key West:
Seaside Cafe is a small cafe on the water known for their lobster pizza.
Pepe’s Cafe one of the best places for authentic Cuban food.
Garbo’s Grill is a food truck located at Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon. It is so good that it was actually featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Drives. They are famous for their inventive takes on tacos, burritos, and burgers which feature Asian and Caribbean flavors. You can’t go wrong with anything you order here.
Bar Hop
Even though there are plenty of bars on Duval Street, there are many worth visiting off of Duval. Of course, there are so many bars that you won’t be able to get to all of them but here are some highlights.
The Green Parrot: Often described as a “local’s bar” but it’s frequented equally by visitors and locals in my experience. It’s an open air bar dating back to the 1800s.
Captain Tony’s: Captain Tony’s was the original Sloppy Joe’s and is where Hemingway used to frequent before spending time at the current Sloppy Joe’s instead. It is also said to be haunted. But it’s a fun, laid back place to grab an ice cold beer. There is also a tradition with the fish that’s on the Captain Tony’s sign. After you’ve had a few drinks, you stand on the sidewalk below the sign facing the street with your back to the fish’s gaping mouth. Then you toss a coin over your head and attempt to land it in the fish’s mouth. I have never been successful at this.
Smokin Tuna: One of our absolute favorites. It is an open air bar with a stage for live music. They also have a full menu. We love going there for happy hour which includes some of their delicious seafood appetizers.
Mary Ellen’s: A fun bar covered in Christmas lights and other funky designs. They are also known for unique takes on grilled cheese sandwiches and for their vibrator races.
Watch the Sunset
Key West is rightfully known for its sunsets. If you have time to catch the sunset in Key West before you leave, there are a few great spots to watch the sunset.
Mallory Square is the most popular place to watch the sunset in Key West. It is home to the sunset celebration where you’ll find street performers, vendors, and more. Everyone gathers here to watch the sun go down over Sunset Key.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is known for its beautiful beach and historic fort. But it’s also one of the best sunset views in Key West. The western-facing beach provides a serene setting for sunset watchers.
Sunset Sail: Taking a sunset sail will give you views of the sunset from the water. The tour I linked below also includes cocktails and appetizers.
Louie’s Backyard is a great place if you want to combine dinner and a sunset. This restaurant’s ocean-facing deck offers a more upscale setting for sunset viewing. Enjoy a fine dining experience with stunning sunset views over the Atlantic.
Dinner
If you have time to grab dinner before you leave Key West, here are some great options:
Louie’s Backyard: A romantic, fine dining restaurant with water views.
Hogfish Bar and Grill would be a great place on your way out of town. It’s located in Stock Island and known for their hogfish (making their restaurant name pretty fitting).
Getting Around Key West
Key West is a small island and it’s easy to get around. But if you only have a day in Key West, you probably want to make sure you can get from point A to point B quickly. We love renting scooters when we visit Key West, they are the best way to get around the island because they’re so much fun. But golf carts are also popular.
Another way to see as much as you can in a short amount of time is the Conch Train Tour. It is a hop on, hop off tour that will take you to the popular spots on the island. It’s a great way to see it all in a short amount of time and you’ll also learn about the history of Key West as you go.
Is Key West Worth Visiting for 24 Hours?
24 hours in Key West is better than no time in Key West! I’d stay in Key West longer if it’s possible but if it’s not then 24 hours will give you a good feel of Key West.
Key West is one of my favorite places, I love this little island. Hopefully this post on planning one day in Key West helps you plan a day you love, too! If you are a video person, we have several Key West YouTube videos you can also check out here:
Some of Our Favorite Things to do in Key West
KEY WEST FLORIDA Vlog | Key West Butterfly Museum, Coffee, Truman Annex, & More!
And of course, if you are a video person and want to subscribe to our YouTube channel, that would also mean the world to us. We love sharing things to do in Key West over there since we visit regularly. And even though we try to stay as long as we can every time we visit, we often go for a Key West day trip! After all, Key West is always a good idea.
