Things To Do
Lazy Dog Adventures
The owner of Lazy Dog has the right idea. Just when she was at the top of her game in a white collar profession, she chucked it all to become a Conch, writing about her transition in the book, Millionaire in Flip Flops. Her company offers a variety of kayak and SUP tours, including DIY tours, guided eco tours and getting into the backcountry.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
For one of the cleanest beach and best waters in Key West, you should head for the westernmost point of the island to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. There, you can sunbathe, hike, bike, fish and get a dose of history all in one place. Recent visitors favor this shoreline, but travelers also warn that the sand is not soft and that beach shoes are needed to traverse the rocky terrain safely. While the beach might not be as powdery soft as some other Florida beaches, it does offer some great snorkeling opportunities, according to recent visitors. Along with your snorkel gear, pack some grilling food and charcoal: This beach has plenty of barbecue grills and rental equipment. If you get tired of hanging out beachside, stop by the historic fort located within the park. The fort was built in mid-1800s and was used during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Guided tours are offered twice a day.
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Whether you're interested in colonial furniture, period architecture, tropical greenery or naturalist John James Audubon, you'll find a host of curiosities at the Audubon House &Tropical Gardens. Located in Old Town a block away from Duval Street, the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens dates back to the 1840s. The house was built by Captain John Huling Geiger, but it's named after well-known ornithologist John James Audubon, who visited the Keys in 1832. Twenty-eight of his works can be found in the house. While you're here, take a look at the house's decor and then head outside to the lush and colorful garden, which includes herbs, orchids and other tropical plants. For some, the garden was their favorite part of the house, noting that the vibrantly colored flowers make for prime photography subjects. Other reviewers remarked on the careful restoration of the house and its period-specific antiques.
Dry Tortugas National Park Headquarters
The Dry Tortugas are a small group of islands composed of coral reefs located in the Gulf of Mexico at the end of the Florida Keys, United States. In order to get there you can charter a high speed private boat, take a ferry or seaplane. Ferry; Yankee Freedom Ferry; visit drytortugas.com/rates-reservations Seaplane; Key West Seaplan Adventures; visit keywestseaplanecharters.com
Mallory Square
For a great view of the Key West sunset, head to Mallory Square at the northwest tip of the island. During the Sunset Celebration (a free, nightly arts festival that starts about two hours before sunset), this is one of the best spots on the island to catch the sun's last moments and revel in the end of the day. But because it's one of the best vantage points for watching a sunset, it's also extremely crowded, especially with cruise ship passengers. Recent visitors were divided about the Sunset Celebration. While some loved the buskers, others felt the shops and eateries around the square were kitschy and overpriced. If you do go, most reviewers said you only need to go once to get the full experience. Keep in mind that if you sign up for a guided tour, Mallory Square will likely be one of the featured stops on the tour. Access to Mallory Square is free.
Southernmost Point of the Continental US
One of the most popular things to do in Key West is to snap a photo with the colorful buoy marking the southernmost point of the United States. Sitting at the intersection of Whitehead and South streets, the striped buoy is just 90 miles north of Cuba. Next to it, you'll also find a plaque dedicated to Cubans who have lost their lives trying to reach America. Keep in mind, though, that this isn't truthfully the southernmost point – just to the west of the buoy is a patch of land that's owned by the Navy and closed to the general public. Recent travelers say this concrete buoy is a must for first-time visitors to Key West, but they also add that the crowds can make it difficult to snap a quality photo. If a stop at the buoy is on your to-do list, heed the advice of recent visitors and get up early to beat your fellow tourists, or sign up for a guided tour – many of which stop at the landmark. Access to the buoy is free 24/7.
The Hemingway Home and Museum
Literary icon and journalist Ernest Hemingway is one of Key West's best-known and well-loved "freshwater Conchs" (a resident who was not born on the island). His former home – which he lived in for less than 10 years but owned until his death in 1961 – is located in Old Town and is now a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Literature buffs take note: Hemingway penned parts of some of his most famous works, including "A Farewell to Arms" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls," in this very residence. The grand house itself is interesting, as it was one of the first in Key West to have indoor plumbing and a pool. Inside, the rooms contain memorabilia about Hemingway's life and work. Recent travelers recommend a visit here, and offer praise for the knowledgeable tour guides, who bring Hemingway's time in Key West to life. Visitors also recommend sticking around after your tour (which takes about 30 minutes) to peruse the gardens and take in the distinct design touches of Hemingway's wife, Pauline.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Fisher was a lifelong diver and treasure hunter whose 17 year quest finally hit pay dirt in 1985. His salvage crew recovered $450 million in buried treasure just offshore of the Key West coastline. The bounty came from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha galleon, which sank during a hurricane in 1622. You can see a lot of the goods on display at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. They have gold bars, chalices and jewelry along with exhibits on the Caribbean slave trade. They are actively involved in conservation work as well. The museum is a fun Key West attraction for history buffs, treasure hunters and would-be pirates.
Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West
For book nerds, there is nothing better than killing an hour or two in a local indy bookstore. If you like to do the same, you should check out Books & Books. This small indy chain started in Naples, Florida and they came to Key West in the mid oughts. If you are lucky, you may even be able to hang out with Judy Blume, because she is a co-founder of the store and occasionally works there. Key West is a literary city and Books & Books carries on that tradition by curating staff pics and featuring local authors. The store is part of The Studios @ Key West, which is a nonprofit organization on a mission to provide low cost studio space for local artists and performers.
Comedy Key West
Comedy Key West is the only comedy club on the island. In addition to the usual headliners, and locals like Pony, the club also offers some unusual comedy experiences. You can try their “paint ‘n’ chug” (because they think that sipping is for wussies). This offbeat Key West activity involves comedy, drinking and wet paint. Because of course. If you think that you are hilarious, they also host an open mic night on Tuesdays. And don’t miss the drunk spelling bee at Mary Ellen’s Bar, because libations and hard to spell words are a recipe for the perfect spit take.
Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is Key West's most popular beach, earning its place with excellent swimming conditions, two miles of sandy shores, and plenty of things to do. The gradual slope of the shoreline allows swimmers to wade in to the water for a good distance, and this combined with mild currents makes it a top beach for families in Key West, despite the crowds. The services and amenities available to beachgoers are plentiful, from the basics like showers and restrooms to volleyball courts and vendors. There are also several rental shops along the beach where you can find beach chairs, shade umbrellas, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, Jet Skis, and other water sports equipment. As an added bonus, there is no entry fee to Smathers Beach, and if you don't mind the short walk from the boulevard, the parking is free as well.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
If you love butterflies, this is the spot for you. The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is filled with about 50 to 60 species of the colorful winged creatures that seemingly float through the air in an enclosed, glass-domed 5,000-square-foot aviary. Plant enthusiasts will also find much they'll love here, as the butterflies share their home with 3,500 plants, along with more than 20 species of exotic birds. Past visitors highly recommend a stop here, describing the conservatory as "serene" and a great place to get away from the crowds. Those traveling with kids said the kaleidoscopic butterflies and birds were a hit with the younger crowd, and the outing proved educational, too, thanks to a short film on butterfly metamorphosis.
Key West Lighthouse
If you can fend off the claustrophobia and don't mind heights, the climb up the tiny and constricting 88 steps to the top of the Key West Lighthouse is worth it for the views, say recent visitors. Once you're up there though, be patient: According to past travelers, the viewing balcony at the top is very narrow. After taking in the views (a must, according to recent visitors), take a look around the keeper's quarters, which have been around since 1848. The cozy house is now a museum that surveys the history of lighthouses in the Keys, with photographs and various artifacts. One visitor noted that the gift shop is a great place to find locally made art.
Truman Little White House
The Harry S. Truman Little White House started its life in 1890 as the headquarters of the command of the naval station during the Spanish-American War. It served the same function during both world wars. In 1946, the building became President Harry S. Truman’s winter White House. Later presidents used it as a place to rest and unwind, particularly during tense situations like the Cold War. While the house is still used by the country’s leaders as a retreat and a business venue, it is also a museum open to the public. The museum’s official trip logs are interesting documents to investigate, as they mention such details as the dates of President Truman’s visits, the individuals he met, and other interesting tidbits related to the 11 trips he took to Key West. The Harry S. Truman Little White House is one of the best things to do in Key West FL for history buffs.
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is a marine sanctuary that features exhibits of animals and plants that are native to the Florida Keys. Located on East Quay Road, the Center has exhibits that feature both land and aquatic plants and animals in its 6,000 square foot facility, which includes a 2,500 gallon reef tank. Since the establishment emphasizes education, there are many interactive exhibits on marine ecology. There is also a mock-up of the world’s only underwater ocean laboratory called Aquarius. The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is one of the best things to do in Key West with the whole family. Some of the land habitats that are exhibited include beach dunes, hardwood hammock, and upland pine lands. Mangrove shorelines, sea grass flats, and coral reefs are some of the marine habitats that visitors can experience.
Key West First Legal Rum Distillery
Key West's first craft distillery in history for the Florida keys . Free rum sample provided daily from 11am to 6pm Monday thru thursday and friday we are open till 7 pm and sundays 10:30am till 5pm . Many types of rums being made while you watch and taste. Walk around the property to learn about key wests history. The building at 105 simonton st was the coca cola bottling plant from 1903 till 1983. Look at the 80 year old bottles found on site and touch them. Also offered is direct sale of Rum, souvenirs, home , foods and more. Our rum is gluten free, vegan friendly and all natural no,preservatives and tasty!
Key West Shipwreck Museum
Discover the rich history of Key West’s shipwrecking past at the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum. Shipwreck artifacts, including a silver bar you can hold, fill the museum that is recreation of 19th century wrecker’s warehouse. A lookout tower and audio-visual displays share with guests the experiences of the dangerous world of ship wreckers. Storytellers, in period costume, bring history to life with tales ensuring a fun and fascinating experience for the entire family.
Catamaran Echo
Wild Dolphin & Shallow Water Snorkel day trips - Champagne Celebration Sunset Sailing - Private Charters too! It's always upscale on this beautiful 28 seat sailing catamaran because of quality controls, and limiting public day and sunset trips to only 10 passengers max for healthy social distancing onboard. On the Wild Dolphin Sail and Shallow Snorkel trips, explore reefs, wrecks and giant sponge gardens (wherever it's best) and enjoy some great Sailing too. Every day they visit the local Wild Dolphins in their natural habitat. Top quality snacks, fruit, soft drinks, beers and wines are always included free on Catamaran Echo. The adults only Champagne Celebration Sunset Cruise includes only the best of the best served on the water - Chandon Champagne, 7 premium Wines, 3 top Beers and our famous Gourmet Cheese Buffet. Even better - Moet & Chandon Champagnes are available as an upgrade, and at wholesale prices. You deserve to be served the best, while sailing into the Key West sunset.
La Te Da
While there are several drag shows in Key West, you'll truly be wowed at The Cabaret at La Te Da, which has been a Key West landmark for over 30 years. Talented singers (there's no lip-syncing) and impersonators like Randy Roberts and Christopher Peterson take the stage, transforming into legendary stars like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, and Cher. These classy performers know how to captivate an audience, get them involved and leave them laughing until they cry.
Tropic Cinema
The intimate ambience of Tropic Cinema makes for a perfect date night away from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street. With its dazzling marquee sign and streamlined Art Deco decor, the theater evokes a sense of nostalgia. The cozy lounge even features vintage photography and an exhibit space for local artists. With three screens, they have something for everyone from Indie and foreign films to Hollywood blockbusters and documentaries. Cinephiles will love the expertly curated selections that highlight movies that are well-made with artistic value and sometimes even provocative. Run by friendly volunteers, the screening rooms are small with comfortable seating.
Fly Key West Helicopter Charters
Fly-KeyWest is Key West’s premier helicopter tour operator providing the most thrilling experience to guests from around the world in the Florida Keys since 2014. Fly-KeyWest is fortunate to operate what is for many, a bucket list experience. Our goal is to provide our guests the most thrilling experience whilst providing education about the cultural and natural resources of this unique part of the world.
USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum
With over 50 years of service around the world, USCGC INGHAM is a quintessential portrait of Coast Guard history from 1936 to 1988. Here in the Florida Keys, visitors can experience three of the seven ships. The INGHAM is a National Historic Landmark and museum ship open for tours in Key West Harbor, while the DUANE and BIBB serve as underwater museums and artificial reefs at rest off Key Largo in Florida Keys National Marine sanctuary.