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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.
Enjoy this article in podcast form—perfect for staying informed or listening on the go.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Best Dive Spot: Book a trip to the Vandenberg wreck, an artificial reef teeming with marine life.
Local Dive Shop: Visit Captain’s Corner Dive Center for PADI-certified instructors and well-maintained equipment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Matt Dursum is a writer from Michigan. His work has appeared in dozens of magazines and blogs, such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel Off Path, and The Collector. He has traveled to over 46 countries and loves to share his passion for travel with others.