Tropical Destinations if You Live on the East Coast_Key West, Florida Smathers beach
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This Island Paradise Is Known for Its Stunning Sunsets — and Its Hemingway Legacy Adds a Literary Flair

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Top things to do in Key West, Florida, include scuba diving in crystal-clear waters and exploring the historic Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where descendants of his six-toed cat still roam the grounds. This tropical paradise at the southernmost tip of the United States is made for long, leisurely vacations.

Key West is the largest city in the Florida Keys. Just under 30,000 people live on the island permanently, but over two million people visit annually. 

Drawn by its crystal clear water, architecture, and historical destinations, thrill seekers, people looking to relax, and LGBTQ+ travelers find endless adventures and culture on this tiny island. 

We analyzed Google reviews, local recommendations, and expert insights to create this list of the 12 best experiences in Key West. These handpicked activities are sure to make your island getaway unforgettable.

Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend

If you could only do one thing in Key West (besides sweating in the sun), what’s your pick?

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

Tropical Destinations if You Live on the East Coast_Key West, Florida Smathers beach © Aiisha / Adobe Stock
Take a Sunset Sail 1/5
12 Secret Beaches in the US Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida © Sceninc Media / Adobe Stock
Visit Dry Tortugas NP 2/5
Epic Adventures for Solo Travelers in the US Kayaking in the Florida Keys © Maridav / Adobe Stock
Kayak the Mangroves 3/5
Top Things to Do in Key West Florida See Ernest Hemingways Home © Upstateherd / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY SA 4.0
See Hemingway’s Home 4/5
Top Things to Do in Key West Florida Try Key Lime Pie © Brent Hofacker / Adobe Stock
Try Key Lime Pie 5/5

Results

Tropical Destinations if You Live on the East Coast_Key West, Florida Smathers beach 1
Take a Sunset Sail
9 1
12 Secret Beaches in the US Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida 2
Visit Dry Tortugas NP
9 1
Epic Adventures for Solo Travelers in the US Kayaking in the Florida Keys 3
Kayak the Mangroves
8 2
Top Things to Do in Key West Florida See Ernest Hemingways Home 4
See Hemingway’s Home
9 1
Top Things to Do in Key West Florida Try Key Lime Pie 5
Try Key Lime Pie
9 1

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Top Places to Stay

  • Luxury: Hotel Sainte Jeanne is a boutique hotel in Mar del Plata, offering French-style rooms, a spa, and a bistro, located near the beach and local shops.
  • Mid-range: Hotel Nuevo Ostende by bund is located just 500 meters from La Perla Beach and offers stylish rooms with cable TV, a central courtyard, and a breakfast with fresh juices and croissants.
  • Budget: Hotel Luis III is located 400 meters from Bristol Beach and offers rooms with cable TV, private balconies, and a bar, with easy access to local attractions like San Martin Pedestrian Street and Colon Square.

Top Highlights

  • See Ernest Hemingway’s Home
  • Go on a Kayaking Adventure
  • Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

See Ernest Hemingway’s Home

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a must-see destination on the island. Ernest Hemmingway was one of the most prolific writers from the US. He lived in Key West with his wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, for eight years. 

The writer wrote some of his most acclaimed works in the house. After his death, the house eventually became a museum in memory of the writer’s life and work.

You’ll see the writer’s original furniture and artwork when you visit. Tour the grounds and see how Hemmingway lived and worked. Plus, you’ll enjoy the numerous cats and tropical plants on the grounds. 

Travel Tips

  • Opening Hours and Tickets: The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tickets cost $19 and can only be purchased in person.
  • Nearby Café: Stop by Blue Heaven, a highly-rated restaurant just a short walk away. Their banana pancakes and seafood Benedicts are legendary.

Read also: Things To Do in the US

Take a Selfie at the Southernmost Point

The Southernmost Point marker is a Key West landmark you can’t miss! It sits near the geographical southernmost point of the continental US. 

It’s shaped like a red, blue, and yellow buoy. The “90 miles to Cuba” slogan is painted on it, reminding you how close to the Caribbean you are. 

The city established the landmark in 1983. Take a selfie with it for the ultimate memory of your time in Key West. 

Travel Tips

  • Parking: Parking near the marker is limited, but there’s a paid lot at the end of South Street.
  • Nearby Snack Spot: Visit Moondog Café for fresh smoothies and pastries. It’s a great way to cool off after your photo op.

Visit the Key West Lighthouse

The Key West Lighthouse is a wonderful place to enjoy a 360° view of the city and surroundings. You’ll climb up to the top of the 19th-century historical lighthouse. When you reach the top, you’ll look out over the entire city

You’ll learn about the history of the lighthouse, including its first lighthouse keeper. The tour lasts for 90 minutes, giving you access to the keeper’s quarters and lighthouse grounds. 

The lighthouse’s first keeper was Barbara Mabrity. When her husband died, she became the sole keeper, watching out for storms and approaching ships. Many locals claim that her ghost still haunts the lighthouse, so you’ll have to see for yourself! 

Travel Tips

  • Opening Hours and Entry Fee: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tickets are $15.50.
  • Nearby Lunch Spot: Visit La Grignote Bakery, a charming French bakery offering fresh pastries, quiches, and excellent coffee.

Read also: Fascinating Facts about America

Go on a Kayaking Adventure

Kayaking is one of the best activities you can have in Key West. There are plenty of places to rent kayaks downtown and several routes you can take. 

Travel to the offshore islands to see sea turtles and tropical fish. You can spot dolphins leaping out of the crystal clear water. You may even see stingrays and the occasional shark. 

Paddle through the mangrove forests surrounding the island. These unique ecosystems hide some of Florida’s most famous living creatures, such as the American crocodile. Bring a lot of sunscreen and rain gear because the weather can change quickly. 

Travel Tips

  • Guided Tour Option: Book this Mangrove Eco Tour to kayak through serene mangrove tunnels and learn about the unique wildlife.
  • Best Rental Location: Lazy Dog Adventures has well-maintained kayaks and maps for self-guided tours.

Read also: Epic Solo Trips in the US

Try Key Lime Pie

Top Things to Do in Key West Florida Try Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie’s origins are a little unclear, but it’s certainly one of the US’ most famous desserts. Most likely, it’s a variation on a New York-style lemon pie. When the recipe arrived in Florida, people started using tart limes instead of lemons. 

Turns out it was a great idea! Today, you can find key lime pies all over the country. But for the best pies, you have to try them in Key West!

Check out local favorites, including Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe. Local bakeries and cafes also make their variations of the pie, so shop around and see which is your favorite. 

Travel Tips

  • Where to Try: Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe is a must for their chocolate-dipped key lime pie on a stick.
  • Nearby Attraction: The shop is near Mallory Square, so you can grab your pie and enjoy the famous sunset celebration.

Read also: American Cities for Foodies

Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is home to the 19th-century Fort Jefferson. It was once an operating US fortress and is now a museum and historic site

Take the ferry to the seven islands that make up the park. Here, you’ll get the chance to explore the fort, walk along remote beaches, or snorkel the barrier reefs. 

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There are also seaplane charters that circle the magnificent fort and surrounding islands. If you want to get away and feel a million miles away, this national park is for you. 

Travel Tips

  • Ferry Info: The Yankee Freedom ferry departs daily at 8:00 AM. Round-trip tickets cost $235 and include breakfast and lunch.
  • Best Snorkeling Gear: Bring your own snorkel and fins for a better experience, as rental options are limited.

Read also: Surreal Places in the US

Learn To Scuba Dive

Scuba diving is super popular in Key West, and it’s the perfect place to learn. The island has many epic reefs to explore underwater, with amazing instructors and dive boats. 

Companies such as Key West Scuba Diving offer plenty of courses to get you the necessary skills. If you’re an expert diver, you can find tons of incredible dive excursions to go on. 

The waters offshore have plenty to see, including manta rays, sharks, corals, and other wildlife. There are shipwrecks and protected marine sanctuaries. Bring an underwater camera and enjoy this unreal experience. 

Travel Tips

Read also: US Adventures for Couples

Go Sailing

Sailing in Key West is a must, especially for sunset. There are a ton of sunset cruises that depart from the city. Companies such as Sunset Watersports take you out to sea and even let you have cocktails with friends on deck. 

You can also learn how to sail at one of the many sailing schools on the island. The inside harbors and protected inlets offer the perfect training grounds to develop your skills. 

If you’re an experienced sailor, you can rent sailboats in town. If you want the ultimate sailing experience, hire a private captain and ship to take you around the island. 

Travel Tips

Read also: Must-Visit US Landmarks

Bike Through Town

Key West is one of the most bikeable cities in the country. It’s flat, safe, and relatively traffic-free for a major tourist destination. There are bike lanes and empty streets, beach promenades, and hidden places to explore. 

You can rent bikes around town at the many bike rental kiosks. Or, you can bring your own cruisers with you. 

You can ride from one end of the island to the other. There are even annual bike events and bike tours run by locals. Wave to passersby and make some new friends on the road!

Travel Tips

  • Best Rental Spot: We Cycle Key West offers affordable daily rentals with friendly service.
  • Hidden Gem: Ride to the Key West Cemetery for a peaceful and historical stop.

Read also: Do’s and Don’ts When Visiting the US

Enjoy the Cuisine

Key West’s cuisine is all about seafood! Lobster rolls, chowders, poke bowls, and endless crab cakes are on the menu. Check out one of the many restaurants for grilled fish, freshly caught and seasoned to perfection. 

Stop in one of the many cafes for a mid-day snack to try the local desserts and coffees. There are tons of small eateries and artisanal shops to explore. 

The island has plenty of high-end dining as well. Check out downtown Duval Street for a great selection. After eating to your heart’s content, stroll around town in the evening or stop in for a local cocktail. 

Travel Tips

  • Must-Try Dish: Order the conch fritters at Louie’s Backyard, a historic seaside eatery.
  • Cocktail Spot: Visit The Rum Bar for their extensive selection of Caribbean rums.

Read more: Must-Visit American Cities

Go Museum Hopping,

Top Things to Do in Key West Florida Go Museum Hopping

Key West is full of amazing museums. Some are pretty small, so take your time and try to enjoy them all. 

One of the most popular is the Key West Shipwreck Museum. This family-friendly museum takes you through the historical shipwrecks that surround the Keys.

Another must is the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. You’ll learn about pirates, marine discoveries, and the local marine life. You’ll also see remarkable artifacts from the old seafaring days. 

Travel Tips

  • Opening Hours: The Key West Shipwreck Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tickets cost $17.99.
  • Nearby Café: Grab a coffee at Glazed Donuts, which offers creative donut flavors and great espresso.

Read also: Unique Places in the US

Enjoy the Sunsets and Sunrises

Tropical Destinations if You Live on the East Coast_Key West, Florida Smathers beach

Sunsets and sunrises are just magical in Key West. The island gets them both, and there are plenty of great vantage points to enjoy them. 

Check out the sunrises from the eastern end of the island. Places such as the Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach are great places to sit in the sand and watch. For sunsets, try Fort Zachary Taylor Beach and Duval Street. 

For the ultimate sunset experience, check out Mallory Square. This must-see sunset celebration features musicians, artists, locals, and guests enjoying the moment together. 

Travel Tips

  • Sunset Sailing Tip: For a unique experience, book a private sunset sailboat charter through Sail Key West, perfect for smaller groups seeking a serene evening on the water.
  • Best Sunrise Spot: Clarence S. Higgs Beach has fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere.

Read also: America’s Underrated Places To Visit

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