Key West is definitely probably the most visited vacation spot within the Florida Keys, and some of the in style trip locations in all of America. It’s no secret why. With stunning seashores, unbelievable eating places, a energetic Duvall avenue, and a vibe that may make you are feeling as if you simply stepped out of a Jimmy Buffet music video each day, Key West is a vacation spot to not be missed.
Whether or not you might be on a Florida Keys highway journey or spending a complete week in Key West, let’s dig into the very best Key West actions to take pleasure in!
On this Key West journey information, we’re going to check out:
- The place is Key West
- Why Key West is a Should Go to
- Finest Issues to do in Key West
- Finest Eating places in Key West
- How one can Get to Key West
- How one can Get Round Key West
- The place to Keep in Key West
- The Finest Time to Go to Key West
The place Is Key West?
Key West is a key within the Florida Keys and in addition a US island metropolis. It isn’t solely Florida’s southernmost level, but additionally probably the most southernmost metropolis in the US. It’s simply 90 miles north of Cuba.
Individuals journey from all around the world to expertise Key West’s seashores, scrumptious seafood, and general laid again island vibe. It’s a dream vacation spot, in contrast to wherever else I’ve been within the US, and a must-visit when visiting Florida.
The Finest Issues To Do in Key West
1. Key West Lighthouse Museum
Constructed in 1847, The Key West Lighthouse is an iconic fixture on Key West’s coast and is among the high 25 issues to do in Key West.
Whereas it’s now not a working lighthouse, it’s open to guests who want to study what it was wish to be a lighthouse keeper. Inside, you’ll discover pictures and reveals showcasing objects that belonged to former lighthouse keepers and their households.
- Location: 938 Whitehead Road
- Tip: Climb the 88 steps to the highest of the lighthouse the place you’ll take pleasure in spectacular views.
- Value: $17.00 per grownup
2. Ernest Hemingway House
When Ernest Hemingway arrived in Key West, it was love at first sight and in 1851, he constructed this house. This hanging Spanish Colonial mansion, which is now a Nationwide Historic Landmark, incorporates a 60-foot swimming pool, stunning gardens, a group of Hemingway’s private objects and a colony of six-toed cats.
- Location: 907 Whitehead Road
- Tip: Take the 30-minute guided tour that’s included within the admission value and be taught extra in regards to the property and Hemingway himself.
- Value: $13.00 per grownup
3. Take a Conch Tour Prepare
It’s not very arduous to get round Key West however the most effective methods to get conversant in it’s with a experience on the Conch Tour Prepare. Working since 1958, this tour is rated the most effective issues to do in Key West. Alongside the way in which, you’ll see gorgeous views, be taught in regards to the historical past of the area and go by greater than 100 of the island’s points of interest.
- Location: 201 Entrance Road
- Tip: Pay attention intently to the commentary that features fascinating tales of pirates, hauntings, treasure and artists.
- Value: $50.60 for a 90-minute tour.
4. Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Heart
Inside this facility’s 6,000 sq. ft of reveals, you’ll discover an array of interactive options that provide a private look into the distinctive ecosystems of the area.
As you discover this fascinating place, you’ll see a satellite tv for pc map of the Florida Keys, a mannequin of the one underwater ocean laboratory and a digital camera that screens the situation of coral reefs. You’ll study numerous marine habitats reminiscent of mangroves, seaside dunes and sea grass flats and you may also watch a movie about these ecosystems.
- Location: 35 East Quay Highway
- Tip: Don’t miss the unimaginable Residing Reef exhibit which options an enormous tank with dwelling corals and tropical fish.
- Value: Free
5. Wild About Dolphins
Captain Sheri Sullenger is keen about dolphins, and he or she loves sharing every part she is aware of about these unimaginable creatures with guests. The Wild About Dolphins expertise is among the high issues to do in Key West.
Board the Superb Grace and head out to a identified dolphin habitat the place you may go swimming, snorkeling, reef exploring and interacting with pleasant dolphins. Alongside the way in which, you’ll additionally discover abandoned seashores and shallow sandbars.
6. Mallory Sq. Sundown Celebration
You must attend the Mallory Sq. Sundown celebration no less than as soon as throughout your go to to Key West. This nightly occasion attracts locals and guests alike who collect to look at numerous entertainers, reminiscent of tight-rope walkers and musicians. There are additionally many distributors on web site, so seize a margarita and benefit from the tunes because the solar goes down.
7. Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Escape right into a peaceable world surrounded by nature the place you may loosen up and escape the crowds for some time. On the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, you’ll discover a wonderful sanctuary for a lot of species of butterflies and birds who prosper within the conservatory’s tropical surroundings.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll discover fountains, benches, gardens and a glass-enclosed exhibit that includes cocoons.
The spotlight of the conservatory is its two resident flamingos, Rhett and Scarlett. This well-known Key West couple charms all guests with their mating calls, foot patting dance, and mesmerizing pink shade.
- Location: 1316 Duval Road
- Tip: On the on-site present store, you’ll discover many distinctive objects together with stunning butterfly artworks.
- Value: $14.00 per grownup
8. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
At this pretty park, you get a style of two worlds; nature and historical past. The seaside is clear, massive and sandy and is among the finest seashores in Key West. Seashore gear, together with chairs and water sports activities gear, can be found to hire and snorkelers take pleasure in exploring the coral reef. Nature trails and a picnic space are additionally on-site.
Fort Zachary, which was inbuilt 1866, is an interesting place to discover with a protracted and attention-grabbing historical past.
- Location: 601 Howard England Method
- Tip: Excursions of the Nationwide Historic Landmark happen every day at 11:00 AM
- Value: $7.00 per automotive
9. Stroll Duval Road
Should you’re questioning the place the get together is in Key West, look no additional than Duval Road. Because the island’s principal avenue and city heart, that is the place you’ll discover all the very best Key West eating places, bars, pubs and cafes.
By day, browse the little galleries and retailers and admire the Victorian mansions. By night time, get together till the wee hours within the space’s finest bars together with Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, The Flying Monkeys Bar, The Bull and Whistle and Bourbon Road Pub.
- Location: Outdated City, Key West
- Tip: On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday evenings, you may be a part of the Duval Pub Crawl.
- Value: The pub crawl prices $34.95 per individual. Strolling Duval Road is free!
10. Harry S. Truman Little White Home
Because the late 1800s, Key West has been a favourite presidential retreat and Harry S. Truman was a type of presidents who cherished his time on the island.
This as soon as belonged to him and his spouse Bess and he even presided over necessary occasions from the situation. The superbly restored property is now a dwelling museum and through a guided tour, you’ll see how the president lived throughout his time there.
11. Key West First Authorized Rum Distillery
An intriguing story and fabulous rum. That’s what Key West First Authorized Rum Distillery is thought for. As a thanks to the Cuban individuals who ran rum to Key West throughout prohibition, the homeowners had been the primary Individuals to do the identical for Cuba and have become educated Mojito masters within the course of!
Style prize-winning rum aged in salt-cured barrels and utilizing solely native and pure substances. Key West First Authorized Rum, Key West Satan’s Rum and Cuban Espresso Rum are a few of the rums accessible.
- Location: 105 Simonton Road
- Tip: Take part in one of many Mojito-making courses which are supplied on web site.
- Value: Excursions and samples are free
12. Take a Tiki Cruise
Cruisin’ Tikis affords a enjoyable and distinctive expertise the place you may embark on a seafaring journey in a Tiki-inspired watercraft. There are a number of completely different cruises accessible together with a sundown cruise, swim cease cruise and Garrison Chew Cruise. Excursions final from 90 to 180 minutes.
- Location: Cruises depart Mellow Ventures dock at 1605 N Roosevelt Blvd, The Hurricane Gap Marina at 5110 Abroad Hwy and Schooner Wharf Bar docks 202 William Road.
- Tip: There are iced coolers on board so deliver your individual snacks and drinks.
- Value: Costs range relying on the tour however common between $59.00 and $80.00
13. Edward B. Knight Pier
If fishing is one thing you stay up for doing throughout your go to to Key West, the Edward B. Knight Pier is among the finest spots. This 200-meter-long pier can be a preferred place to take a stroll at dawn or sundown.
- Location: White Road
- Tip: Canines are allowed on the pier so it’s an incredible place to take your furry good friend for a stroll.
- Value: Free
14. Shipwreck Museum
Key West is thought for its maritime historical past which incorporates many shipwrecks. On the Shipwreck Museum, you’ll study this fascinating historical past and the distinctive livelihoods of the individuals who get well artifacts from these shipwrecks. Alongside the way in which, see many superb treasures that had been recovered from numerous wrecks.
- Location: 1 Whitehead Road
- Tip: Climb the 65-foot Remark Tower the place you’ll take pleasure in views of the encompassing space.
- Value: $18.26 per grownup.
15. Dine at Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven has the very best brunch in Key West however anytime is an efficient time to go to this fabulous eatery! Upon arrival, you may select to sit within the courtyard with the free-roaming cats and chickens or contained in the treehouse eating room.
Dine on Florida-Caribbean dishes reminiscent of Jerk hen sandwiches, snapper in citrus sauce, lobster Benedict, carrot and curry soup and scallops provençale.
- Location: 729 Thomas Road
- Tip: The famend key lime pie is claimed to be the very best on the island.
- Value: Costs vary from $22 – $42
16. The Southernmost Level
Key West is house to the southernmost level within the Continental United States and it’s famously marked by a colourful concrete buoy that’s some of the photographed points of interest within the nation. Individuals begin lining up at dawn to be photographed with this iconic buoy, so be affected person whereas attempting to get a photograph!
- Location: Whitehead Road
- Tip: Enterprise to this spot simply earlier than the solar goes right down to take pleasure in a spectacular sundown.
- Value: Free
17. Kayak by means of Mangrove Swamps
Kayak Kings affords one-of-kind eco-tours by means of unspoiled mangrove swamps. Navigate your kayak by means of the slim river tunnels and alongside the way in which, see a wide range of plant and animal life. Teams are small so that you’ll get a personalised expertise with educated guides.
18. Take a Boat Tour
Whether or not you need to view dolphins, discover sandbars, do some snorkelling, go island-hopping or chase a sundown whereas sipping your favourite boozy cocktail, Enjoyable within the Solar Charters has simply the journey for you! Excursions final from 2.5 to 6 hours.
- Location: 6000 Peninsular Avenue
- Tip: If you understand how to function a ship, you may also hire one and go on an unbiased journey.
- Value: Between $495.00 and $895.00 relying on which journey you select.
19. Audubon Home
This gorgeous mansion was constructed within the mid-1800s for Captain John Huling. When the home was about to be demolished in 1958, a neighborhood basis stepped in and superbly restored it.
In the present day, it’s a museum depicting a lifestyle that was loved by rich residents within the 1800s. Inside, you’ll see interval furnishings and a group of lithographs.
- Location: 205 Whitehead Road
- Tip: Try the attractive tropical gardens which are on web site.
- Value: $15.00 per grownup
20. Key West Backyard Membership
The Key West Backyard Membership is a wonderful place overlooking the ocean is run by volunteers with the aim of educating guests about tropical gardening. Bromeliads, orchids, a water lily pond and a waterfall are a few of the options you’ll see as you discover the gardens.
- Location: 1100 Atlantic Boulevard
- Tip: Try the West Martello Tower which is a Civil Struggle citadel that was inbuilt 1862.
- Value: Free. Guided excursions can be found on sure days for $25 per individual
21. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum
At this distinctive attraction, you’ll discover a historic, well-preserved Coast Guard Cutter that was utilized in many wars and life-saving missions between 1936 and 1988.
- Location: On the Truman Waterfront on Southard Road
- Tip: Browse the on-site present store. On some nights, museum employees host a sundown comfortable hour with cocktails.
- Value: $15.00 per grownup
22. Key West Aquarium
This aquarium is among the oldest in Florida and it incorporates a vary of fascinating reveals and experiences. American Alligator Exhibit, Jellyfish Exhibit and Atlantic Shores Exhibit are a few of the interactive shows you’ll see as you discover the location. You can too take part in a wide range of experiences together with contact tanks and feedings.
- Location: 1 Whitehead Road
- Tip: Guided excursions can be found all through the day.
- Value: $22.56 per grownup
23. Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Should you haven’t had sufficient sunken treasure, you may see extra unimaginable finds, together with silver and gold bars and centuries-old artifacts, at this museum. Most of the objects on show are from ships that had been wrecked within the 1600s.
A number of the exhibitions embrace The Treasure Gallery, The Seek for the Atocha, the Science of Shipwrecks and Piracy within the New World. This must-see attraction is one other one of many high 25 issues to do in Key West.
- Location: 200 Greene Road
- Tip: Behind-the-scenes lab excursions are supplied on weekdays at 11:30 AM and a couple of:00 PM.
- Value: 17.50 per grownup
24. Key West Cemetery
Whereas a cemetery could not sound like a spot you’d often go to on trip, the Key West Cemetery is not any unusual cemetery!
Some have estimated that as much as 100,000 persons are buried throughout its 19 acres. A number of the headstones date again to the 1800s however probably the most attention-grabbing factor about a lot of them is their humorous, and typically even mischievous, inscriptions.
- Location: 701 Passover Lane
- Tip: Be sure you try the map on the entrance so you may simply discover probably the most attention-grabbing plots.
- Value: It’s free to enter however a guided tour prices $15.00.
25. Smathers Seashore
Smathers Seashore is the opposite in style sandy seaside in Key West and heading right here for a day on the seaside is among the finest issues to do in Key West. It tends to get much less crowded and at this public seaside, you’ll discover calm, shallow waters which are protected for swimming, picnic areas, volleyball courts and Jet Ski leases.
- Location: 2601 S Roosevelt Boulevard
- Tip: Meals vans are often on web site so you may seize one thing to eat with out leaving.
- Value: Free however parking is $5.00 per hour.
26. Take pleasure in a Espresso from Cuban Espresso Queen
An iconic factor to do in Key West is seize a fast cafe con leche from Cuban Espresso Queen close to the harbor. They’re fast and straightforward, so in case you are operating brief on time relaxation assured you may seize a fast chunk and low right here. And snap a “Key West photograph” when you’re ready.
27. Paddleboard Yoga with Lazy Canine Charters
For a leisurely morning out why not strive some yoga, besides make it Florida Keys fashion and observe your down canine on the water. Lazy Canine Excursions runs paddleboard yoga excursions proper on Inventory Island.
Excursions usually final about two hours, one hour of yoga and one-hour of paddling. In case you are fortunate you’ll get to see some manatees beneath your board! Make certain to placed on plenty of sunscreen and canopy up with an outside hat as there may be little shade.
28.Take pleasure in Key Lime Pie on a Stick at Kermit’s Key Lime Café
You possibly can’t go to the Florida Keys and never have a style of the well-known Key Lime Pie! There are many locations promoting Key Lime Pie in Key West! Nonetheless, none stand out as a lot as our FROZEN key lime at Kermits. Kermits is well-known within the Key Lime world. Kermit Carpenter himself nonetheless bakes a few of the pies himself, even after 28 years in enterprise.
To say this place is an establishment is an understatement, and even if you happen to’ve already had Key Lime Pie within the keys, it’s effectively price popping in right here. There at the moment are two areas, the unique at 200 Elizabeth Road and one proper off Duval Road.
29. Land’s Finish Sundown Sail with Sebago Key West
I didn’t know what to anticipate after we boarded the Sebago Catamaran, however their sundown boat tour ended up being a spotlight of our time in Key West. The Sebago sundown sail is really for those who need to let unfastened and hearken to island music whereas consuming rum punch because the solar units on the water.
Reserving a night with Sebago begins at 6:30 and ends after sundown; a ticket contains all-you-can-drink, appetizers, and loads of leisure. Oh yea – and epic views because the solar units within the stunning Florida Keys.
Tacos at Fisherman’s Café
An ideal lunch spot to move to is Fisherman’s Cafe proper on Lazy Method Ave. It’s a enjoyable takeaway spot with scrumptious lobster tacos!
Finest Issues To Do in Key West Map
Finest Eating places in Key West
Key West has a few of the finest seafood within the US, so it might be against the law to not eat at a few of the finest eating places within the metropolis.
No journey right here is full with out discovering some deliciously locally-made fare, principally pertaining to recent and unbelievable seafood dishes cooked up within the conventional kinds of the realm. Just a few of our favorites are:
21 BEST Key West Eating places to Attempt in 2022
How one can Get to Key West
By Air: Key West Worldwide Airport is served by a number of airways, and isn’t removed from the core space of Key West. There are direct flights to most cities in Florida, Atlanta, and Charlotte, as effectively to some locations within the Bahamas. Flying into Key West is an efficient choice if it’s your solely vacation spot, although fares are sometimes larger than flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and driving to Key West.
By Automotive: The Abroad Freeway hyperlinks all of the cities within the Keys with mainland Florida, it’s the most effective highway journeys on this planet, and driving from Key Largo to Key West was a selected spotlight for us. A preferred choice is to fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, hire a car and drive right down to Key West. You possibly can both fly out of Key West or return to the airport you got here from on the mainland! Should you don’t have your individual automotive for this journey, it’s finest to hire one in both Key West, Key Largo, or Miami. We seek for the very best offers on automotive leases on Uncover Automobiles.
Shuttle/Bus: There aren’t many shuttle or bus choices, however the Greyhound Bus Service does function a route between Miami, Key Largo, and Key West. It solely serves these few stops, so it’s not ultimate for many vacationers. Nonetheless, it’s an choice for these that may not drive. If you need personal transportation, you may rent an organization like Florida Keys Categorical Shuttle. You can too try Miami to Key West Bus which operates a method buses and excursions.
By Sea: Try Key West Categorical which connects Fort Myers and Marco Island to Key West by way of their jet-powered catamarans.
How one can Get Round Key West
We traveled from Key Largo to Key West in a rental automotive, and though the automotive was extraordinarily useful for the highway journey, as soon as we received to Key West, we discovered it to be a little bit of a hindrance and left it parked at our lodge more often than not.
Parking is pricey in Key West, and the roads are fairly busy. Most of Key West is so compact you may simply get round by strolling or biking. It’s additionally attainable to hire a scooter or golf cart (although this feature nonetheless requires parking).
Biking is definitely the preferred choice, and bike leases may be had for $10 a day (Examine Eaton Bikes). Many accommodations additionally supply bike leases to visitors so be certain that to examine beforehand.
Uber and Lyft additionally work effectively in Key West and is an effective way to get round. Uber is rarely too costly since any vacation spot you’ll be going to will probably be comparatively shut.
There may be additionally a Free Duval Loop Bus that runs each quarter-hour, 7 days per week within the core downtown space. You possibly can see extra right here!
The place to Keep in Key West
Should you don’t thoughts not being within the heart of all of the Key West motion, Oceans Edge Resort is a superb place to remain on Inventory Island. This secluded resort permits visitors to take pleasure in peace and tranquility in Key West, all in a wonderful setting.
All rooms at Oceans Edge have ocean views and entry to the marina. There are six swimming swimming pools to take pleasure in with bar service to all! Oceans Edge additionally has kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles totally free on-site. If you find yourself prepared to move into Key West, there’s a free shuttle that runs hourly downtown, which suggests you don’t need to cope with the hectic parking state of affairs in Key West.
The oceanfront rooms all have a balcony, high-speed WiFi, and enormous flat-screen tv. The rooms are bigger than common and adorned with fashionable seaside decor. We stayed three nights right here and by no means wished to go away!
Different Nice Choices for Key West Lodging are:
Key West Climate
One of the best time to go to Key Key West is between the months of December and April. That is when the Florida Keys are the dryest and temperatures are bearable. Don’t fear – they are going to nonetheless be loads nice sufficient on your trip.
Might by means of October is often the moist season, and if you happen to go to round this time you’ll seemingly expertise a little bit of rain. We visited Key West in early Might and had unbelievable climate, although it was usually hotter throughout the center of the day than we’re used to.
The worst time to go to Key West is throughout the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins in June and runs by means of November, with the best probability of a hurricane being throughout August and September. Key West is claimed to be the driest metropolis in Florida.
