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- There's Much More To Do While In Key West, Florida!
The Florida Keys are flocked to annually as Americans attempt to escape the frigid temperatures of the northern states. During the winter months, the crowds of tourists swell as travelers seek sunning 70 degrees or higher days and pristine beaches. Key West is, of course, famous for its stunning beaches and location at the western end of the Florida Keys. Those that live in the Keys are well known for their live-in-the-moment philosophy, and some famous names have even called Key West their home.
Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett once lived in Key West, and writers Judy Blume and Earnest Hemingway also called Key West home. It is easy to see what drew them here, stretches of beautiful beaches with their famously numerous conches, fine weather most of the year, and wonders to be discovered beneath the waves.
UPDATE: 2023/07/21 18:18 EST BY NOAH STAATS
There's Much More To Do While In Key West, Florida!
This article has been updated with new spots to see in Key West, as well as helpful information for Florida visitors. Whether travelers want to explore a World War ship, lay in the sand, head downtown, check out a lighthouse, or even view the southern tip of the USA, Key West is the perfect summer destination!
Things To Do
Key West is the furthest west of all the Keys and the furthest from Florida’s mainland. This reclusive destination has been the home of writers and musicians who were inspired by the beauty of the place. Today, it is a traveler’s dream. Here is our ultimate travel guide to Key West.
1 Relax On Smathers Beach
- Address: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
- Hours: Open daily from 7 AM to 11 PM
One of the first things people in Key West want to do is head to Smathers Beach. Here, tourists can experience one of the most popular beaches in the Keys, as well as relax and unwind in the soft white sand.
Travelers recommend this beach because of its soft, rock-free sand, which can make a difference when walking around. The clear blue water is another major plus, making this a top choice for those wanting some sun (and fun).
2 Climb The Key West Lighthouse
- Address: 938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
- Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
Another thing to see while in Key West is the city's iconic and historic lighthouse. Here, people can check out a nearby museum of the lighthouse and climb up the structure on guided tours.
This attraction gets popular during weekends and holidays, so that is something to remember. Furthermore, the Key West Lighthouse has been fully restored and boasts many nearby restaurants, shops, and beaches. It's located right in the center of the city!
3 Enjoy The Vista At Southernmost Point Of The Continental U.S.A.
- Address: 1400 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
- Hours: Open 24 hours, seven days a week
One fun thing to do while in Key West is to head to the Southernmost Point of the Continental US. Here, tourists can experience the "tip" of our country, as well as snap photos of the panoramic water views.
The Southernmost Point Buoy is an anchored concrete buoy in Key West, Florida, one of the main draws to the attraction. This location is only 18 miles above sea level and the lowest latitude land of contiguous North American states.
What's nice about this location is that it's free for people to visit, making it perfect for large groups or anyone trying to save money while in South Florida.
- There are tours and events offered here, and those have fees.
4 See Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
- Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040
- Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM
The Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, also known simply as Fort Taylor, is a historic site and park open to the public in Key West, Florida. Here, people can enjoy the beautiful weather and soak up a bit of history and is centered on a Civil War-era fort located near the southern tip of the city.
Listed as a National Historic Landmark, the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park spans 87 acres and is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. For travelers interested in history and wanting to skip the lines or crowd downtown, this is the place to go in Key West.
5 Indulge In History At USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum
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- Address: Southard St, Key West, FL 33041
- Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM
As one of only two preserved Treasury-class United States Coast Guard Cutters, USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum stands as a national treasure, as well as a great spot to spend an afternoon in Key West, Florida.
This 327 Foot museum ship from WWII and Vietnam served the US between 1936 and 1988 and still stands for people to head inside and check out. What's unique about this attraction is that guided tours are available, as well as interactive displays and historical data and imagery from the war.
- Tickets start at $15 for those 13+.
- Children 7-12 are only $5, and anyone under seven is free to enter.
This is a nice option for families with young kids and could be a nice way to escape the sun in the Keys.
6 Tour The Ernest Hemingway Home And Museum
- Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
- Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
For ten years, Earnest Hemingway lived and wrote in Key West. During his time in Key West, he would write seventy percent of the entirety of his life’s work while living in this home. Today, it has been transformed into a museum providing travelers with guided tours every fifteen minutes from nine to five.
The Museum is even available for weddings and corporate events. Recognized by the Library of Congress for its importance, this is a must-visit location for lovers of both literature and architecture. Travelers may even catch sight of the world-famous polydactyl (six-toed) cats.
7 Adventure To Dry Tortugas National Park
- Consists of 70 small islands that can be accessed by boat.
Not necessarily close to Key West, but about 70 miles west, the remote Dry Tortugas National Park won’t get much closer to travelers than during a stay in Key West. This 100-square mile park, despite “dry” being in the name, is mostly open water with seven small islands.
This park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, and despite being so out of the way, its picturesque blue waters, coral reefs, marine life, and vast assortment of birds make this a truly stunning must-visit destination.
8 Visit Key West Butterfly And Nature Conservatory
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- Address: 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
- Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a great destination for travelers to experience nature without traveling too far. Here, travelers will discover free-flying butterflies, exotic birds, and glorious flamingos soaring around the glass-domed tropical butterfly habitat. Travelers with kids will find this to be a great stop.
9 Explore Mallory Square
- Address: 420 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040
- Hours: Open 24 hours, seven days a week
Set on Key West’s historic waterfront, Mallory Square is where travelers will find most of what is fun and famous on the island. The square is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and other popular attractions.
Many travelers will arrive in the square in the morning and stay until evening. There is always something happening in Mallory Square.
10 Traverse Duval Street
- Address: Duval Street, Key West, Florida, 33040
- Hours: Open 24 hours, seven days a week
Duval Street is the other destination that is home to a number of Key West's best shops and attractions. Duval Street is home to venues that can be referred to as adult Disneyland, as their more ways for travelers to entertain themselves than can be appropriately accomplished in a day.
A walk down Duval Street is a great way to discover something new or exciting.
11 Brief Guide To The Best Keys (Other Than Key West)
Travelers may want to know a little bit about the other Keys as well, so here is a brief guide to what the best of the Florida Keyes, aside from Key West.
Key Largo
The most accessible of the Florida Keys, Key Largo, is just a few minutes' drive from Florida’s mainland. However, it feels a world apart. Home to abundant wildlife and often the set of movies, exploring Key Largo is a popular pastime.
Many enjoy scuba diving or hiking around the island's coast. Destinations like Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and Everglades National Park are great for exploration, and those who want to catch sight of the American Crocodile should visit Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Key Islamorada
This village encompasses six of the Florida Keys, all known for their coral reefs. The Theater of the Sea, found in Islamorada, features encounters with dolphins that are always popular with travelers.
The History of Diving Museum is a destination for divers and includes a 16th-century treasure chest as an exhibition. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and Indian Key Historic State Park are popular destinations for lovers of nature and the past.
Key Marathon
Extremely popular with fishermen, Key Marathon is known for having the best fishing in the world. It is also home to stunning beaches and warm tropical weather, making it a draw for travelers and a popular place to live.
Big Pine Key
The primary draw for Big Pine Key is its tranquil environment and aesthetic natural scenery. The Key is known for its outdoor activities, such as fishing, walking and biking, and discovering wildlife.
For those that want to get into the water, Big Pine Key is also a go-to destination for snorkeling and diving.
12 Best Time To Visit Key West
The best time to go, according to popular opinion, appears to be between March and May. Travelers may run into a college spring break crowd in April, but other than that, the majority of the winter crowd that flocked to Key West for the season will have left.
Winter is the busiest and priciest time to visit Key West. Like the birds, the humans of North America also enjoy a southern migration during the winter, and with temperatures in the 70s and 80s all through the frigid northern months, it is easy to understand why.
The summer is actually the least popular time to visit Key West. The rain and humidity often keep travelers away. Fall is another season to consider. However, the risk of hurricanes from June to November is often enough to keep many travelers away.
Travelers should also watch out for price hikes that occur during events like Key West Pride and Fantasy Fest.
13 Best Ways To Get Around Key West
Key West is a unique destination, and its transportation options reflect it. To help travelers out, here is a guide to the best ways to get around Key West.
By Cars
In general, it is not recommended to rent a car if travelers are flying into Key West. Travelers may be able to justify it if they are staying in New Town, where they will have a little bit of a commute to the Old Town, but even then, parking is a challenge and often an annoyance, especially when travelers have other options.
Those staying in Old Town will find that renting a car is an unnecessary expense that just creates another burden. Travelers may look at the cost of taxis and deem them too costly, but with all the fees associated with renting and parking a car, travelers will likely find that they aren’t saving enough money, if any at all, to justify it.
If driving in was how travelers arrived in Key West, they would likely find it easier not to use the vehicle much during their stay.
By Walking
Old Town, Key West, is the most popular destination for travelers, yet it takes up less than two square miles. The island is mostly flat, too, with its highest point being 18 feet above sea level.
All of this, combined with the stunning aesthetic beauty of the neighborhoods in Key West, makes the island incredibly walkable. It is also generally recommended that travelers spend time walking while in Key West to truly enjoy the island's beauty at their own pace.
By Taxi, Uber, or Lyft
Traditional taxi services are still prevalent in Key West, with a variety of companies to choose from.
Travelers can order specific taxis, and even those with a bike rack, if travelers get a bit tired or hot riding around the Island. Uber and Lyft have also been recently added to travelers’ options.
But, if travelers are set on using a traditional cab, they should download the app, TaxiASAP, to have traditional licensed taxis come and pick them up.
- Call A Taxi - 305-296-6666
By Bicycling
For travelers who want to get around a bit quicker than walking, bicycling in Key West is highly recommended. Travelers will even be able to find weekly rentals that will usually cost around $50. One of the best bike shops on the island is Island Bicycles which can be found at 929 Truman Avenue.
This is a great spot to pick up the perfect bike to spend the week cruising around on.
Key West is incredibly bicycle-friendly, but travelers do need to make sure to follow traffic laws as they always do and do make sure to use a bike lock.
- Island Bicycles - 305-292-9709
By Electric Car or Moped
Small electric cars and Mopeds have steadily grown in popularity in Key West. Electric cars, often called eggs, are becoming more popular to rent. They come in a variety of sizes and can carry up to six, but the larger cars still run into a similar issue that normal cars have, and that's parking.
Travelers who are familiar with riding Mopeds and scooters will find that they are much more convenient for getting around the city. However, it needs to be strongly stated that those who do not have experience riding motorcycles, scooters, or Mopeds, should not ride them in Key West.
It may look easy, but inexperienced riders are often caught by surprise, and the injuries from a crash on a two-wheeled vehicle can be life-altering. Also, the Florida Keys have a lenient helmet law; it shouldn't matter if travelers don’t need to wear one. They absolutely should. Don’t ruin a trip to Key West with a tragic motorbike accident.
14 Where To Eat In Key West
Key West has a mix of all sorts of places to find food. To help travelers save some time and try Kew West’s best, here are three must-dine destinations.
Key Plaza Creperie
Travelers who are looking for a special way to start their day should check out Key Plaza Creperie. This European-style high-end bistro specializes in crepes and galettes while also serving breakfast dishes, homemade soups, paninis, wraps, salads, and quesadillas.
One weekend, travelers can look forward to mimosas and eggs benedict.
- Address - 1105 Key Plaza, Key West, FL 33040
- Contact - +1 305-517-6032
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Fan-Favorite - Honey Almond Crepe
Clemente's Trolley Pizzeria
Quality pizza may be a challenge to find across the Keys, but Clement’s Trolley Pizzeria provides Key West with some of the best pizza and service found across the Keys. Their friendly and funny staff will make sure travelers have a great time and find what they are looking for.
- Address - 516 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040-6882
- Contact - +1 305-900-7035
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Fan-Favorite - Honey Bacon Pizza
Frita's Cuban Burger Cafe
Since 2014, Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe has been dedicated to bringing Cuban flavors of the “Frita” to Key West. Travelers will be able to find the café just steps off the popular Duval Street.
Travelers stopping by will be able to enjoy their signature Fritas, traditional Cuban and fusion sandwiches, and tacos. They even offer delicious pastries and ice cream to end a meal with.
- Address - 425 Southard St Steps From Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040-6538
- Contact - +1 305-509-7075
- Cost - $
- Fan-Favorite - Traditional Cubanito Sandwich
- Frita's Cuban Burger Cafe Menu
15 Where To Stay In Key West, Florida
With so many great choices for places to stay in Key West, travelers might need a little help narrowing down their choices. Here is a look at three excellent destinations for travelers to find accommodations.
Havana Cabana at Key West - Budget
Located on Key West’s Waterfront, Havana Cabana at Key West has been part of Key West for years but is recently under new ownership. The hotel is heavily influenced by the nostalgic art and culture of Key West’s neighborhoods. The purpose of the Cabana is for travelers to escape reality.
Travelers will be greeted by mid-century cars, birds of paradise dot the outdoor landscape, and Flamenco guitar can be heard from the pool. This is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to unwind in Key West.
- Address - 3420 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040-4224
- Amenities - Pool, Yoga and Paddleboard Fitness Classes, Bar/Lounge, Bicycle rental, Entertainment staff, Pets Allowed (Dog/Pet Friendly)
Alexander’s Guest House - Mid-Tier
Alexander’s Guest House is a gay-owned and operated establishment that welcomes LGBTQA+ travelers stay. Travelers looking to visit will enjoy their convenient location at the heart of Old Town, their continental breakfast served poolside and complimentary cocktails in the evening. With their deluxe rooms, suites, and contemporary style. This is a welcoming destination for LGBTQA+.
- Address - 1118 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040-6910
- Amenities - Pool, Free Breakfast, Diving, Snorkeling, Adults only, Rooftop terrace
Oceans Edge Resort & Marina Key West - Luxury
Oceans Edge Resort & Marina is the largest hotel in Key West. With 100% of their rooms offering ocean views, six lovely swimming pools, and what could be regarded as one of the top restaurants in Key West, travelers are sure to enjoy their stay. This hotel also enjoys dockside access to the Gulf and the Atlantic's innumerable wild islands, channels, sandbars, wildlife, and the world's third-largest barrier reef. This family-built and operated hotel invites travelers to have an exciting and tropical adventure in Key West.
- Address - A - 5950 Peninsular Ave, Key West, FL 33040-6012
- Amenities - Pool, Yoga and Paddleboard Fitness Classes, Bar/Lounge, Bicycle rental, Bicycles available, Kids stay free
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Tips For Visiting Key West, Florida
In the town, locations like Duval Street and Mallory Square are popular destinations for travelers to explore as well. Those who are fond of literature may even want to take a tour through Ernest Hemingway's old home, where he wrote the majority of his published works.
One piece of advice, though, for travelers is to not how remote and vulnerable Key West and the other Keys are to hurricanes as there is only one main road leading to the island. Travelers should make sure to stay conscious of the weather both before and during their trip.
17 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Key West
The perfect day in Key West starts with brunch at Key Plaza Creperie; ideally, it would be on the weekend for the true brunch experience, complete with mimosas. Next, It's a walk to Duval Street, with the first stop being The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Touring the facilities doesn’t take much time, but it is a must for a lover of literature.
After that, travelers would stroll down Duval Street until they got a bit hungry. Then, they should see Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe.
Once travelers are sated, it's time to visit Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory or perhaps take a stroll down to the beach. When evening rolls around, travelers may wish to retire back to the accommodation of their hotel, but grabbing a pie at Clemente's Trolley Pizzeria will likely be the best bet.
When the sun goes down, Travelers will find plenty to do in Mallory Square. That would be the perfect day in Key West.
FAQ
Q: Why is Key West so special?
Key West is known for its comfortable winter climate, great sunsets, and a variety of great food and luxury accommodations. Stay at an ocean front hotel, and you'll understand why Key West is so famous after one sunset and sunrise.
Q: Is Florida Keys and Key West the same?
Key West sits at the westernmost end of the Florida Keys, but it's a city and a separate destination. Travelers can reach Key West in about three days via road; despite its location, it's all accessible by car. There's a lot to know about Key West, and a lot to explore there that's distinct from the rest of the Keys.
Q: How many days do you need in Key West?
The longer the trip, the better, but visiting Key West can be explored in about three or four days, if that's all travelers have. Check out the top attractions if visiting in summer, and add these must-do activities to any first-time-visitor travel itinerary.