Best Things To Do in Key West
If you’re searching for the perfect place for a warm, tropical vacation, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Key West, Florida.
As the Southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West is the ideal spot to enjoy warm, sunny weather and exciting beachfront activities.
But while Key West is home to some fantastic beaches and stunning ocean views, the island is known for so much more than that. Key West offers a rich and interesting history, vibrant nightlife, and gorgeous national parks. Year-round, this destination has activities that meet every visitor’s needs.
With so much to explore, however, planning your Key West itinerary can start to feel overwhelming.
With this guide to the best things to do in Key West, you can easily plan your trip and find some of the best nearby activities that suit your travel preferences.
The 10 Best Things To Do in Key West
From scenic national parks to historic sites and museums, here are 10 attractions in Key West that you won’t want to miss.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Between stunning natural scenery, an abundance of wildlife, and a rich history, Key West parks truly have something to offer everyone. And with plenty of attractions to explore throughout seven small islands, Dry Tortugas National Park stands out as one of the best places to visit when you’re in Key West.
Located 70 miles outside of Key West, this 100-square mile collection of islands has a huge amount of exciting adventures and historic sites to discover. You can access the island by the Yankee Freedom Ferry or by Seaplane with Key West Seaplane Adventures.
Once you arrive at Dry Tortugas National Park, be sure to stop by Fort Jefferson, a historic site that was once used as a prison during the Civil War. Visitors can choose to take a self-guided tour as they explore the Fort’s walkways or take a narrated tour to learn more about the island’s history.
One of the most popular Key West attractions at Fort Jefferson is snorkeling in the nearby reefs. The calm, shallow water makes this a perfect site for both beginner and experienced snorkelers. National park visitors receive a complimentary snorkel, fin, and mask to explore all the vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish that can be found in the park’s marine sanctuary.
As a key location in the Great Florida Birding Trail, the unique bird-watching opportunities also draw plenty of visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park. Be sure to take a look at the Dry Tortugas Birding Map to find the best spots to view incredible species of migrating birds throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a way to relax after exploring the park, the park’s pristine, sandy beach is the perfect place to soak in the clear blue water or sunbathe on the sand.
And the fun doesn’t have to end once the sun goes down. Dry Tortugas National Park offers camping at Fort Jefferson, so you can enjoy an unforgettable night sleeping underneath the stars.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Located along the southern edge of Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is one of the best ways to take in all the natural scenic views of Key West. With endless outdoor activities and historical attractions to explore, this state park is a must-visit during your trip to Key West.
This 54-acre historic landmark is home to a Civil War-era fort and the largest collections of Civil War Seacoast guns and cannons in the US. History lovers can stroll through the fort’s corridors or take a guided tour to learn more about the area’s construction and historical significance.
The park is also home to one of Key West’s best beaches, Fort Zachary Taylor Park Beach. After walking through the park, be sure to stop by the beach to cool off in the clear, shallow water or just relax and watch the sunset on the wide, sandy shoreline. If you’re hungry after a day of exploring, you can enjoy a cookout on the beach or stop by the delicious beachside cafe.
There are even more activities to enjoy throughout the park, including:
- Bird-watching
- Fishing
- Hiking along nature trails
- Canoeing or kayaking at the beach
- Scuba diving
- Snorkeling
- Bicycling
Whether you’re looking for an educational day trip or prefer to relax and enjoy the sunshine, this historic state park has something to offer every Key West visitor. Entry costs $6 a vehicle, making this one of the more affordable day trip options in the Key West area. You can also find umbrellas, rafts, snorkels, and more available for rent at the Chickee Hut.
Duval Street
From unique shopping centers to historic landmarks and lively nightlife, Duval Street truly has it all. This one-mile stretch is the historic and entertainment district of Key West, making it one of the most vibrant and exciting areas of Key West to explore.
If you want to get some shopping done while in Key West, you can’t beat the options on Duval Street. You can find unique Key West gift shops, clothing boutiques, surf shops, and more. And for creative, art-loving visitors, Duval Street has an eclectic collection of art galleries.
If you’re hungry after a day of shopping, you won’t have to travel far. Duval Street offers a huge variety of local Key West restaurants, cafes, and bars with options that suit every taste.
There’s even more to enjoy along Duval Street when the sun goes down. You can visit the historical Sloppy Joe’s bar for some craft beer and live music or grab some late-night food at Hog’s Breath Saloon. For dessert, be sure to stop by Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe for some of their delicious world-famous pie and other treats.
Throughout the year, special events and festivals bring even more excitement to this popular district. Duval Street is home to Fantasy Fests, Food and Wine Festivals, carnivals, and more celebrations and exciting attractions for visitors of all ages.
Other attractions and nearby activities include:
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium
- Professional shows at the Red Barn Theatre
- Live music and entertainment at the Green Parrot Bar and Sloppy Joe's
- The Oldest House Museum and Garden
If you want to explore all this historic district has to offer but don’t know where to start, there are several different guided tours that introduce you to the area’s unique history and background. If you want to learn more about Duval Street, you can hop on the world-famous Conch Tour Train or a hop-on & off Old Town Trolley Tour.
Mallory Square
Located just outside the North end of Duval Street is Mallory Square, a vibrant waterfront plaza full of live entertainment, food, shops, and more.
If you’re looking for the best place to enjoy a stunning Key West sunset, there’s nowhere better than Mallory Square. Since the 1960s, Mallory Square has been the home of the Key West Sunset Celebration. Every night, two hours before sunset, visitors and residents gather to watch the sunset and enjoy live music, performers, comedians, mimes, local arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and more.
While the Sunset Festival is Mallory Square’s most popular attraction, there’s plenty more to explore throughout the day. This popular commercial hub also boasts:
- Over 30 unique shops
- Daily live performers, including musicians, escape artists, jugglers, and even animal acts
- A huge variety of delicious local restaurants and breweries
There are also several museums located throughout Mallory Square that offer a fun and engaging way to learn about Key West’s history. You can take a tour of the Harry S Truman Little White House or take a trip back to the 1850s at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum.
If you’re visiting Mallory Square with kids, the entire family will love a visit to the Key West Aquarium. Along with a jellyfish and shark exhibit, the aquarium offers interactive, hands-on exhibits, including a touch tank and Sea Turtle Conservation Tour.
Whether you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly trip or want to experience the lively Old Town nightlife, Mallory Square is a must-see during your Key West vacation.
Smathers Beach
A visit to Key West isn’t complete without a trip to the beach, and Smathers Beach along the Southern shore is one of the best options you can find for a Key West beach day. This large, public beach offers almost a mile of soft, white sand that’s perfect for relaxing and taking in the waterfront views.
The water is calm and shallow, making this an excellent spot to swim and cool off in the water. And with mild currents and excellent swimming conditions, this is also one of the best beaches for any family visiting Key West.
Along with swimming, there are plenty of other waterfront activities to enjoy at Smathers Beach. There are jet skis, snorkeling equipment, windsurfing gear, and kayaks available for rent, along with volleyball courts found along the shoreline.
Visitors can also enjoy several other amenities for a relaxing day at the beach. These include:
- Public restrooms and showers
- Chair and umbrella rentals
- Food trucks
- Vendors
- Bike and walking paths
- Picnic areas
With plenty of space to sit or walk along the sandy shoreline, Smathers Beach is also a great place to take in the unbeatable Key West sunset views.
For even more convenience, the beach has plenty of available parking with easy access to the beach. And while parking does cost $5 per hour, Smathers Beach offers free entry.
If you’re looking for more beaches to explore on a Key West vacation, other local favorites include South Beach, Higg’s Beach, or Rest Beach.
Key West Historic Seaport
Key West’s Historic Seaport provides a gorgeous setting to take in waterfront views while exploring all the history and excitement Key West has to offer. From watersports to museums and live entertainment, this twenty-acre harborwalk facility has something to suit every Key West visitor and local.
For any travelers who want to spend a day out on the water, Key West Historic Seaport offers some of the most unique and exciting water sports on the island. Visitors can enjoy reef snorkeling, fishing, parasailing, jet skiing, sailing, or kayaking on clear kayaks.
There are even dolphin watch boats or eco-tours that allow visitors to see incredible wildlife and learn more about Key West’s environment,
The museums at the Historic Seaport are also popular among visitors of all ages. You can learn about sea turtle conservation at the Key West Turtle Museum/Turtle Cannery, discover Key West’s history and unique artifacts at Sails to Rails at Flagler Station, or stop by the Schooner Western Union. And if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the interactive children’s exhibits at the Fort Jefferson Museum or any of the family-friendly sailing adventures.
There are also plenty of activities and attractions that you can explore just by taking a stroll along the boardwalk. The Key West Historic Seaport is home to one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries, souvenir shops, surf shops, and more. And when you get hungry, you can choose from several different Key West dining options to try some of the best, freshest seafood in the area.
After a day of exploring the area, you can end the night with a relaxing sunset cruise or enjoy live music, food, and drinks at B.O’s Fish Wagon or the Schooner Wharf Bar.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
To learn more about one of Key West’s most famous residents, you can stop by the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum near Key West’s southern coast. Built in 1851, this Spanish Colonial-style mansion is now a historic landmark and popular tourist destination for Key West visitors of all ages.
The museum offers 20-30 minute guided tours where guests can view the house, gardens, and the writing studio where Hemingway wrote some of his most famous works.
Visitors can stroll through the grounds, explore the lush, tropical garden, and admire the luxurious pool and architecture. And be sure to stop by the museum store for some artwork, gifts, and souvenirs.
Not only can you expect to learn about Hemingway and his unique home and artifacts, but you’re also likely to see cats roaming the museum’s grounds. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is home to many cats, several of which are descendants of Hemingway’s six-toed cat. And if you keep an eye out, you might even see ones with six or seven toes.
The museum is open every day for walk-in visitors, making this a quick and easy stop if you’re looking for a unique, quintessential Key West attraction. You can purchase general admission tickets, while kids under six can enjoy free admission.
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum
Located just across the street from the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum. Since its construction in 1825, this lighthouse has been a crucial part of Key West’s maritime history.
This historic landmark and museum opened as a way to honor the men and women who worked and maintained the lighthouse through Key West’s maritime heritage. Today, this restored lighthouse serves as both a scenic lookout and a unique museum full of history.
Visitors can explore the ground and Keeper’s Quarters Museum to learn more about the lighthouse keepers and the area’s history. The restored property is home to a huge range of nautical artifacts and antiques, vintage photographs, maps, and more.
If you’re not afraid of heights, the Key West Lighthouse also offers some of the best panoramic views of Key West. You’ll have to climb the 88 steps to reach the viewing balcony at the top of the lighthouse, but the unparalleled scenic ocean views from the top are worth the climb.
Admission costs include access to both the lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum. Tickets are $17 for adults, $8 for kids ages 7-18, and free for kids under seven. If you want to enjoy a Key West sunset from the lighthouse observation deck, there’s also a Sunset Experience option for an exclusive and incredible sunset viewing opportunity.
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
Another unique historical site, the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, allows visitors to transport back in time and experience the grand and luxurious former residence of a maritime pilot.
Built by the wealthy Captain John Huling Geiger in the 1840s, this mansion was restored and furnished with antiques, and it reopened as a museum in 1960. Today, guests can explore the gorgeous property and view all the unique sites, artwork, and antiques located throughout the museum.
Walking through the Audubon House, you can find several antiques belonging to the Geiger family, as well as artwork from artist John James Audubon’s “Birds of America” portfolio. And to see even more antique artwork, botanical and history prints, nautical charts, and more, you can stop by the connected Audubon House Gallery.
Audubon prints available for purchase, as well as several other one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs, can be found in the gallery shop and museum store.
The Audubon House is also home to one acre of tropical gardens full of both native and exotic plants and trees. Visitors can walk through the lush, colorful garden on the paved walkways and explore one of the best tropical gardens in Key West. Be sure to keep an eye out for local birds and butterflies while strolling through the garden.
The property also has a replica of a 19th-century cookhouse, complete with antiques and an 1850s medicinal and herb garden.
If you’re interested in anything supernatural or paranormal, the Audubon House is a must-visit on your trip to Key West. Many paranormal societies consider the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens haunted, with several visitors reporting paranormal sightings and a ghostly presence.
The admission fee is relatively affordable for a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Children five years old and under can get in for free.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
If you’re looking for a way to relax and escape the loud, lively Key West environment for a few hours, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory offers a peaceful, tranquil oasis that visitors of any age will love.
Located along Duval Street, this Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is home to nearly 60 different species of butterflies, as well as over 20 different bird species. You can discover all the colorful exotic butterflies and birds while walking through a breathtaking climate-controlled glass enclosure full of waterfalls, flowers, and trees.
Once you take a journey through the butterfly habitat, you can learn even more about butterflies and nature as they tour the conservatory. Visitors can stop by the learning center to:
- View a 15-minute film about butterflies and their life cycle
- Explore a mural map to learn about butterfly identification, anatomy, Monarch migration, and more
- Access a close-up view of caterpillars as they feed and develop
Before heading out, make sure to stop by the art gallery and gift shop to see some unique butterfly, bird, and nature artwork and gifts.
While general admission is $15, seniors and children can enjoy discounted ticket prices. Kids under three years old can also visit for free.
Planning Your Trip to Key West
Key West is packed with exciting activities that are guaranteed to keep you busy and happy throughout your trip.
You can experience the vibrant Key West nightlife at Mallory Square or Duval Street, enjoy thrilling water sports and stunning coral reefs at Key West’s beaches or national parks, learn about the area’s unique history at one of the district’s many museums, and so much more.
And no matter what you’re looking for in your trip, be sure to take some time to enjoy Key West’s spectacular sunsets and waterfront views.
Key West also offers a huge range of Key West hotels within walking distance of many of these attractions, so be sure to book your stay to enjoy some of the best things to do around Key West.