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Key West, Florida located at the southernmost point in the U.S.A. promises a year ’round tropical beach party to visitors.
Be sure to hit the top 12 “must see” tourist attractions and activities but leave room to experience beyond this tiny island’s colorful surface of Duval Street. Whether you’re there for a day or longer, there’s lots to see and do in the “Conch Republic”.
My first visit to “The Keys” was in the 1980s. My husband and I flew there by small plane from Naples, Florida (a beautiful coastal town you should visit). This wasn’t a private charter, but on that day it was just the two of us and the pilot.
I’m not afraid of flying. It’s the thought of NOT flying that makes me anxious! This fear was enhanced when the pilot asked how much we each weighed. “I weigh 600 pounds,” the hubs lied, “and my wife weighs 450 pounds.” Looking at the dinky plane, he wasn’t willing to undervalue our girth, if that meant we’d stay airborne.
We landed in short time, and safely. In fact it was one of the smoothest plane rides I’d ever been on. The pilot pointed out leaping dolphins, flora and fauna of The Everglades, all clearly visible during our very low flying ride over the Gulf.
After our four-day stay in Key West we rented a convertible and drove across the Keys to Miami. You can’t drive the old Seven Mile Bridge anymore, but you can walk, ride a bike or fish from it. Rent a car or a bike and take time to discover the upper Keys. You can even take a helicopter tour to see the beauty of the Keys (and the bridge) from the sky!
My favorite trip to Key West was with a girlfriend during Spring Break. About eighteen years AFTER we’d graduated college! Hey, it’s when we could afford a hotel room without cramming it with ten other co-eds.
We did almost all of the 12 things you must do when visiting Key West, and a few others. The coolest thing we did (it’s not on this list) was to chase a water spout along U.S. Route 1 out over Smathers Beach. It was both terrifying and exhilarating!
So go see the attractions and do the activities on this list, but keep your eyes open for the unexpected too.
**UPDATED FOR 2020**
1. Visit Notable Key West, Florida Landmarks
Southern Most Point Buoy
One of the most visited and photographed landmarks in the country, this concrete buoy marks the southern most point in the U.S.A. Technically, the beach area at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West is 500 feet more south, but…
West Martello Tower (also home to the Key West Garden Club)
The West Martello Tower, a National Historic site, is located on the grounds of the Key West Garden Club. Beautiful gardens and the tower remains afford some great picture taking memories.
U. S. Route 1 Mile Marker 0
Okay, so it’s nothing more than a highway marker that denotes Mile 0 on US Highway 1. But don’t miss one of the coolest photo opportunities in Key West. Let your friends know that you’ve made it to the end of the road!
The highway, known locally as the Overseas Highway, is a 2,369 mile interstate that stretches from Fort Kent, Maine to Key West, Florida. It connects most major cities in the eastern U.S.
Now that’s a road trip to put on your bucket list!
Walk up 88 steps to the top of the Key West LighthouseAlmost immediately after the U.S. Navy established a base in Key West in 1823, the need for a lighthouse became evident. Erecting a lighthouse was essential in assuring the safe arrival of both military and commercial vessels navigating the shallow, reef-laden waters off the Florida Keys.
The current lighthouse opened in 1848 with a woman as its Keeper, nearly unheard of during the 19th century. In the years following, the Key West Lighthouse underwent a number of upgrades including the installation of a Third Order Fresnel Lens, an extension to the tower which allowed the light to be seen from a greater distance, the addition of Keeper’s Quarters, and finally the electrification of the light.
In 1969, the U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned the Key West Lighthouse since there was no longer a need for a full-time Keeper due to technological advancements. Today, this sentinel of the sea stands as a museum dedicated to Key West’s maritime heritage and to the men and women who bravely kept the light burning through the threats of war and weather.
Today, visitors can walk up the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse as well as explore the belongings, photographs, and words of the lighthouse Keepers and their families who lived a now obsolete, yet never forgotten, way of life.” (source: Key West Art & Historical Society)
2. Dry Tortugas by Sea or Air
PHOTO CREDIT: Dry Tortugas image via keywestseaplanecharters
Seventy miles west of Key West, Florida is where you’ll discover the Dry Tortugas National Park, one of North America’s most inaccessible National Parks. Renowned for its abundant marine life, pirate legends and pristine unspoiled beauty, it’s central feature is the majestic Fort Jefferson, the largest brick building in the western hemisphere.
Day trips are available by seaplane, ferry, catamaran or private boat charters. Check out these tours reviewed by TripAdvisor and Key West Tours.
3. Key Lime Pie
PHOTO CREDIT: Key Lime Pie image courtesy Nathan Lemon
It’s the limes that make the pie (and fruit infused waters and cocktails) so good. The Key lime is smaller and seedier than the typical dark green and thick skinned Persian lime you’ll find in supermarkets.
The Key lime has higher acidity, a stronger aroma, and a thinner rind. Known for its unique flavor, compared to other limes, it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key Lime pie.
Many places have their “signature” food and all claim to be the best. We’ll let you be the Key Lime Pie judge.
If you visit in early July be sure to check out the Key Lime Pie Festival.
Key Lime Pie Company offers make your own Key Lime Pie classes. The best part is you get to eat your class project!
Key Lime Pie aficionados love Kermit’s Key West Lime Shoppe version of pie on a stick. Try making a few recipes posted from his shoppe’s website, when you return home.
Here’s a recipe postcard I bought on my first trip to Key West. You can tell by the smudges it’s been well used. I prefer fresh whipped cream to meringue topping, but the pie base recipe is still a winner. After having a frozen Key Lime Pie at a local (now closed) restaurant I often put the pie in the freezer until firm.
An oldie but a goodie Key Lime Pie recipe.Four Square lists the 15 best places in Key West for Key Lime Pie. Hope your vacation is long enough to try them all, because you can’t ever eat too much pie!
For other recipes using “key limes” read Key Lime Desserts Better Than Pie.
4. Museums and Historical Homes
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum was built in 1851 and became home to famed American writer Ernest Hemingway in 1931. Much of the original furniture remains, as do more than 40 descendant cats who add a bit of whimsy to the gardens. No reservations required. Tickets may be purchased (cash only) at the door.
Other MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL HOMES of interest in Key West include:
The Harry Truman Little White House
PHOTO CREDIT: The Harry Truman Little White House image via trumanlittlewhitehouse
This historic house initially served as the naval station’s command headquarters during the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. In 1946 it became the winter White House of President Harry S. Truman and a site for the Cold War response by later presidents.
Tours for the Little White House are offered approximately every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily, 7 days a week, 365 days a year including all holidays.
The Key West Shipwreck Museum
For visitors to the Key West Shipwreck Museum it’s a step back into time to discover Key West’s unique maritime heritage. The museum combines actors, films and the actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef.
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum features the largest and richest collection of 17th Century shipwreck and pirate artifacts in the world.
Key West Local Guides lists 25 MUSEUMS with details including hours of operation and ticket information.
5. Nature Preserves and Parks
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
You’ll see 50 to 60 butterfly species from around the world, along with over 20 exotic bird species, all under a climate- controlled, glass enclosed habitat.
Key West Garden Club
Free to the public, the Key West Garden Club is a non-profit organization run by volunteers who donate and maintain all of the plants. Their mission is to provide educational opportunities for the community relating to tropical gardening and to the West Martello Tower, a National Historic site where the Club is located.
Other NATURE and PARKS of interest in Key West include:
- Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
- Key West Aquarium
- Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
6. Land Tours
PHOTO CREDIT: Conch Train Tour image via conchtourtrain
The Conch Tour Train has been entertaining visitors to the Island City of Key West, Florida since 1958. The Conch Train offers a 90 minute loop around Old Town Key West. Riders can hop off to enjoy sites and catch another train.
Hop On-Hop Off Trolley Tour Explore the best that Key West has to offer on this narrated, hop-on hop-off trolley tour. Visit more than 100 points of interest among Key West’s top attractions, with an expert guide who will take you through the history of the city.
Spooky tales and haunted lore are told on the Ghosts and Gravestones Haunted Tour. Pass the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes, the African Slave Cemetery and Captain Tony’s Saloon. Hear stories of Key West’s creepier side including Robert, a supposedly possessed doll who resides in the Fort East Martello Museum.
We hear it’s tradition to give Robert the finger when you take his picture. LOL
Other LAND TOURS of interest in Key West include:
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Historic Key West Walking Tour
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Ripley’s Museum
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Food Tours (Seafood Lovers Tour, Cultural Walking Tour, Craft Cocktail Crawl) These tend to sell out so book ahead.
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Several bike tour companies combine history, culture, tips and funPHOTO CREDIT: Bike Rentals image via sunshinescooters
Rent a bike: Traffic can be a bit of a headache and parking is rough during peak seasons, and frankly, it’s a challenge all the time in the popular areas. Whether you rent one or bring one, you’ll find having a bike is a godsend in Key West.
Guided Bike Tours: If you want to see the highlights on two wheels, you’ll find bike tours with experienced tour guides that offer a package to fit your needs. Many Bike Tour options are available depending on your interests.
Renting a Golf Cart or Four-seat electric car makes zipping around the island a breeze.
7. Water Activities and Adventures
PHOTO CREDIT: Kayak Tours image via Eco-Tours
Discover the Back Country
The Florida Keys Back Country is one of the premier wildlife preserves in North America. It consists of hundreds of islands scattered among the biologically rich waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Explore downwind trails through mangrove islands on a guided kayak eco tour or paddle board tour.
Take a Charter Tour
Any number of private small charter boats will tailor a full or half-day charter around the mangrove islands, shallow waters and remote sandbars of Key West.
Reef Snorkeling
PHOTO CREDIT: Key West Sebago
Include some play time in the water during your vacation. There are many options for enjoying the clear water that surround Key West including:
8. Watch the Sunset at Mallory Square
If the best things in life are free, a sunset at Mallory Square is something you should take in every night you are in Key West.
“See you at sunset” is an iconic phrase that embodies the spirit and history of the tiny island. The nightly Key West Sunset Celebration begins about two hours before sunset. Visitors from all over the world come together to take part in the magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists, and food vendors that combine for an memorable experience.
Watch the sun set and the moon rise off the coast of Key West on one of the charter boat companies that operate sunset cruises. Maybe a Champagne and Appetizers cruise? For a truly personal experience book a private sunset sail with your family or group.
Glass Bottom Sunset Cruise.
Snorkel and Sunset Combo. Snorkel North America’s only living reef while enjoying the spectacular sunset on the way home.
Commotion on the Ocean Cruise. Live music, munchies, margaritas.
Schooner Appledore Sunset Cruise. They also offer day cruises.
See more Key West Sunset cruise options.
9. Best Bars in Key West
PHOTO CREDIT: Image via Sloppy Joe’s
Key West lays claim to some of the nation’s most iconic drinking establishments. Whether you take a “formal” Bar Crawl Tour or DIY, there are plenty of watering holes ready to quench your thirst.
Sloppy Joe’s, the famous and infamous saloon opened on Dec. 5, 1933, the very day Prohibition ended. They host the annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest.
See below PEOPLE WATCH for more information on the most beloved watering holes on Key West.
The Travel Channel reviews the Best Bars in Key West.
Gather some friends (or make new ones!) on the Key West Pub Crawl Tour. Visit iconic bars. Enjoy a drink at each of the five locations and receive a free souvenir t-shirt to commemorate the event. Guests must be at least 21 years old to participate.
Are Margaritas (one of) your favorite beverages? Check out “Pretty Pink” Margaritas | 15-plus easy cocktail recipes from Blush to Hot.
10. Best Beaches in Key West
In between the shopping and sightseeing, plan a few hours to rest and relax on one of Key West’s public beaches. Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling are ideal at most beaches. No Lifeguards are on duty at public beaches, so swimming is at your own risk. Topless and nude bathing are illegal.
Smathers Beach
This popular man-made beach is a half mile stretch of white sand. Restrooms, parking, a variety of concession stands, rentals for chairs and watersports activities. Jet ski, parasailing, and windsurfing happen here. Located on South Roosevelt Boulevard.
Fort Zachary Taylor
Offers beautiful sunset views. One of the best beaches in Key West, although if you’re used to soft sand you’ll find this beach a bit rocky. Public restrooms, food/drink kiosk, chair rentals, picnic tables and BBQ’s. Admission charged.
Dog Beach
A favorite for four-legged friends. Beach is rocky and can be slippery. No restrooms or facilities. Located next to Louie’s Backyard.
Higg’s Beach
Wide sandy beach with long wooden pier. Restroom facilities, covered picnic tables and full service restaurant. There’s a children’s playground. Rentals for beach chairs, rafts and watersports. Located at the end of Reynold’s Street.
Rest Beach
Soft sand and natural vegetation. White Street Pier where fishing is allowed. Restrooms are in walking distance. Picnic tables. White Street on Atlantic Ocean.
South Beach
A favorite of the locals. Sandy beach with shallow waters and a concrete pier. No restrooms or facilities. Located at the end of Duval Street on the Atlantic Ocean.
11. Music Scene
PHOTO CREDIT: Green Parrot
When the sun goes down in Key West the night life kicks up. The eclectic music scene assures there’s something for every taste. You’ll find jazz and blues, country tunes and classic rock. Some sticky feet bars embrace the sing-a-long covers that echo Jimmy Buffett‘s album “Songs You Know By Heart.”
The entertainment schedules of some hot spots including Green Parrot, Hogs Breath, Sloppy Joe’s and Smoking Tuna are updated regularly.
Check out some of the best bars and venues for MUSIC in Key West.
12. People Watch
PHOTO CREDIT: iClipArt
This is another free thing to do in Key West that has no set hours or location!
Any time of the day is a good time to people watch in Key West. Grab a drink or a bite to eat, find a pleasant perch on Duval Street and watch the people of Key West. It’s entertaining and rarely boring!
Where to grab a Drink and snag the best Seat to View the Sights & Sounds of Key West
Here is just a partial listing of great places to hang out, grab a drink, enjoy great eats, and watch the world pass by:
The Bull & Whistle Bar from the second floor balcony.
Amigos Tortilla Bar Mexican Restaurant at the street side bar or at the counter, facing out.
Caroline’s Cafe at the bar.
Cork and Stogie grab a seat on the comfortable front porch.
Fogarty’s and Flying Monkey’s take a table outside.
Hard Rock Cafe Key West out front.
Dante’s by the pool.
Rick’s Bar upstairs.
Rum Bar at the Speakeasy Inn on the porch.
Sloppy Joe’s Bar anywhere.
…but wait, there’s more!
The Art Galleries
PHOTO CREDIT: Key West Art Center
For more than two hundred years Key West has been home and the inspiration to some of the world’s most famous artists and artisans. The island continues to be a creative haven for artists who work in a variety of mediums. Wander through the many art galleries and shops in search of a perfect art piece for your home.
Here’s a partial list of ART GALLERIES in Key West. (source: Yelp!)
Fishing Charters
Go fishing! Shared or private charters. Light-tackle wreck and reef fishing or head offshore in pursuit of world record game fish. Day or Night trips. Large group private charters.
Of course, Shopping!
PHOTO CREDIT: Key West Local Luxe
There are plenty of stores in Key West where you can purchase a trinket or T-shirt. A stroll down the popular Duval Street promises jewelry, home goods, clothing boutiques, hats, sea shells, vintage beach photos and more. Be sure to venture outside the main street where you’ll discover antiques, cigar shops and unique one-of-a-kind handcrafted items.
Additional sources to assist your Key West vacation plans:
• Gordon and Dave of Key West Travel Guide combine local knowledge and years of concierge service to offer soup-to-nuts on all things Key West.
• Florida Keys & Key West Tourism Council
• Visit the Key West Chamber of Commerce website for maps, guides and local coupons.
TripAdvisor for airline flights, car rentals, hotel accommodations, activity recommendations and reservations.
Key West Tour Company booking information and ticket reservations for Fishing, Sunset Cruises, Dry Tortugas, Water Sports, Eco Tours, Electric Cars and Scooter Rentals.
Why you should visit Key West
“Eat, drink and be merry!” could be the understated slogan of Key West, Florida.
For your first visit be sure to hit these top 12 things to do.
Should you be lucky enough to extend your stay, soak in some history, enjoy a water adventure, eat (more) fresh seafood, shop the side streets, drink, sing and dance at a few more bars, and savor as many sunsets as possible before heading back to reality.
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