Planning a trip to Key West? This is for you! In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about all the activities you can do in Key West and some spots you can’t miss in the area. We will also answer the most common questions tourists have about this destination, and share a map with the location of the best attractions in the area and the ideal route to get to the island from Miami.
Top 10 best things to do in Key West
The farthest point of the famous Florida Keys is a small island called Key West. A place where you can admire spectacular sunsets there and discover a vast cultural, historical, and natural offer. Here are the top 10 things to do in Key West.
1. Visit the Ernest Hemingway House Museum and discover his polydactyl cats.
Visiting the iconic Ernest Hemingway House Museum is one of the best things to do in Key West. The mansion where the famous writer lived during the 1930s, today is, as the name suggests, a museum about his life. It has guided tours, impeccable architecture, beautiful decorations with period furniture, and a lovely garden.
This historic place is a must-visit for literature and cat lovers, as more than 50 felines live in the museum. A curious fact is that many of the cats in the property have polydactyly, a genetic condition that causes them to have more fingers than normal.
2. Get to the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.
The Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A. is an iconic geographical point in Key West. It marks the southernmost point of the U.S. mainland, which is only 90 miles from Cuba. You can’t miss the chance to take beautiful pictures at this colorful buoy-shaped monument. We recommend you arrive early to avoid tourist lines and get your postcard before anyone else.
3. Fall in love with the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a place that at a glance could pass for just another house on Duval Street, but inside, it hides a natural paradise under a glass dome. The conservatory has more than 50 butterfly species from all over the world, beautiful exotic birds, and even flamingos. Visiting this place is one of the best family-friendly activities in Key West.
4. Join the sunset celebration in Mallory Square
Mallory Square, located on the northwest side of the island, is the best place to see the sunset in Key West. The Sunset Celebration consists of watching the glowing pink and red sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico horizon. It may sound like a simple plan, but it is a beautiful cultural experience filled with people from all over the world, music, artists, local performers, and food vendors.
5. Visit the Dry Tortugas National Park
The Dry Tortugas National Park is a group of seven islands with sandbanks and beautiful crystal-clear waters. It is a unique place where you can camp, fish, snorkel, bird watch and explore the huge Fort Jefferson, one of the largest in the United States.
Since it is located more than 130 kilometers from Key West, it is only accessible by boat or seaplane but it is absolutely worth it. Visiting it is also a great opportunity to see birds, nurse sharks, and different fish species among the coral reefs.
6. Drive surrounded by the sea along The Overseas Highway.
Part of the charm of Key West is getting to the island while driving with the ocean on both sides. The Overseas Highway is an extensive highway that connects the Florida Keys, with 42 bridges and 171 kilometers of extension. This route, besides being one of the most famous roads in the United States, is a great attraction in itself for its breathtaking views. We recommend renting a car to enjoy this attraction with greater freedom and comfort.
7. Discover the best beach in Key West at Fort Zachary Taylor
Visiting the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park is an excellent activity to do in Key West, suitable for the whole family. This is a perfect destination for activities like swimming, snorkeling, fishing, sunbathing, and diving into history.
Travel back in time with a guided tour of the fort, walking past gun ports and cannons from the American Civil War. An architectural wonder that deserves its place on the National Register of Historic Places, no doubt about it.
8. Climb to the top of the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum
This iconic lighthouse was built to guide ships entering the port of Key West. Today, it is a small museum that allows visitors to explore the belongings and photographs of the lighthouse keepers and their way of life. Climbing the 88 steps of the Key West Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarter Museum will reward you with a spectacular view of Key West and the sea.
9. Stroll along Duval Street
Strolling down an iconic street is a nice thing to do in every destination, but to walk down Duval Street is to immerse yourself in the heart of Key West without touching the water. Approximately two kilometers long and lined with stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants, this street crosses the island from end to end.
10. Truman Little White House
This historic mansion has hosted several U.S. presidents but is notable for being used as a winter residence for President Harry S. Truman during several days of his administration. Truman Little White House is currently a museum that offers guided tours and hosts private events. Certainly, a must-see destination for American history enthusiasts.
More things you can do in Key West
There are many other spots you can visit to fully enjoy this unique destination. We made a list with some more museums, tours, and excursions that can give you a new perspective on this South Florida island.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum is a ship with an extensive service history that has been transformed into a self-guided museum tour. Visiting it is one of the top things to do in Key West for history buffs. Discover what life was like inside this iconic ship, the only cutter to ever be awarded two Presidential Unit Citations.
Discover sunken treasures at Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum showcases treasures salvaged from sunken colonial ships such as the legendary Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a shipwreck with an immense fortune among boxes of ivory, gold bullion, silver, and emeralds. It also has a section dedicated to the rafters who escaped Cuba and arrived in Key West.
See the Key West Sunset from a boat.
Several companies offer cruises and catamaran tours to watch the sunset as you sail the crystal clear waters of Key West and the Gulf of Mexico. An excellent activity for small groups.
Some companies combine these sailing tours with other activities such as wine tasting, dolphin watching, snorkeling, or scuba diving, you can even enjoy a fishing day.
Go on a spooky tour
Remember that famous 1988 movie Child’s Play? Well, the doll that inspired the iconic character Chucky, lives in Key West. The original doll is named Robert, and you can pay him a visit at the Fort East Martello Museum, the ideal place for those looking for a paranormal encounter. If you’re not into spooky things, the fort is also home to historical memorabilia, artifacts, Cuban folk art, and sculptures. Whatever you do, remember to ask Robert for permission if you want to take his picture.
Learn more about marine wildlife at the Key West Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium is another of Key West’s great attractions. Nearing a century since its opening, this was the first open-air aquarium and, although it no longer operates in the same way, it is still a must-see destination to learn more about the island’s marine fauna. Admire sharks, rays, turtles, turtles, and tropical fish, all in one place.
Map of places to see in Key West
Where to stay in Key West? Best places to stay
Choosing a place to stay in Key West will depend on your budget and travel plans. However, we recommend staying near Duval Street, even better if it is in the northern part of Old Town Key West, near Mallory Square, because this area is where most of the points of interest and attractions of the island are.
To find the best deals on hotels and get discounts of up to 35% check out the Viajemos website.
How to get around in Key West?
Although there are many places to visit and things to do in Key West, the island is not particularly large and you can easily walk your way around it. In addition, some companies offer tours by train or bus to visit the main attractions and boats to tour the waters around the island. Also, if you have access to a bike, you can ride along the paths of the historic center and even get to nearby keys such as Stock Island or Key Heaven.
We suggest renting a car so you can make your own way from Miami driving along the beautiful Overseas Highway, and you can also move around the island with more comfort and freedom.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Key West
What can I do in Key West for free?
Key West lives off tourism, that’s why there are tons of activities and attractions, and contrary to what you may think there are plenty of free things to do there:
- Celebrate the sunset at Mallory Square
- Enjoy the waves and white sand at Smather Beach or at Clarence S. Memorial Beach Park
- Stroll the famous Duval Street
- Take a picture at the colorful monument marking the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S.A
- Stroll through the old town of Key West
- Visit Key West’s historic seaport
- Take a walking tour to the Edward B. Knight Pier
Besides all that, exploring Key West and doing your own walking or biking tours, visiting the nearby Keys, and shore excursions are always great plans.
How many days do I need to visit Key West?
As with every destination, there is no set time to see everything, it depends on your pace, interest, and budget. However, if you are going on a Key West excursion, we recommend preparing a three-day visit, so you can see all the best attractions. This time may vary if you choose to use tourist routes and scheduled tours, as some of them last only one day and depart from Miami.
How to get to Key West from Miami?
Touring the Florida Keys, especially Key West, is one of the best things to do if you’re in Miami. Also, getting to Key West from the Magic City is a great activity in itself: From Downtown Miami take the I-95 N and Dolphin Expy to join the Ronald Reagan Turnpike, follow this highway until it connects with US-1 S, and continue along until you cross all the keys, finally, turn and take Flager Avenue to get to downtown Key West.
It is a trip of over 260 kilometers that can take you approximately 4 hours and you need to pay tolls along the way, however, it will allow you to cross all the keys and drive across the bridges over the sea that connect them. Certainly, an excellent road trip experience. We suggest renting a car to have more freedom and comfort during this whole trip.
We hope this article helps you plan your trip to Key West and enjoy all the amazing activities the island has to offer. Find many more must-see destinations in our blog posts. Let’s travel together!
