Choose from 15 Fun Things to Do in Key West
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Key West Cruise Port
Key West is both a city and an island that is part of the Florida Keys and considered to be the southernmost city in the continental United States. With a laidback and slightly offbeat vibe, numerous famous writers, artists and musicians have called it home over the years. Cruise ships have been stopping at Key West since 1969 and today it welcomes nearly half a million cruise passengers every year.
How to get to Key West
Your ship will likely dock at either Mallory Square or the Truman Annex, both of which are just a few blocks from Duval Street in central Key West. If your ship docks further out at the Navy Mole, near Fort Zachary Taylor. In that case, trolleys are available to shuttle you into the Old Town.
One Day in Key West
Get a feel for historic Key West by taking a tour with the open-air Conch Tour Train. The train departs from Mallory Square and takes you through the Old Town area of the island, passing Duval Street, the historic seaport, and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The Hemingway Museum is a must-see for any visitor to Key West. There, you can tour Hemingway’s old writing studio, see the first swimming pool in Key West, and cozy up to some of the dozens of furry felines who wander the house, descendants of the writer’s many cats.
For panoramic views of the island, climb to the top of either the observation tower at the Shipwreck Museum or the Key West Lighthouse. Grab a bite to eat and then spend the afternoon enjoying Key West from the water: swim with the dolphins, sail on a glass bottom boat, paddle a kayak or go diving or snorkeling.
Want to explore a different side of Key West? Join the Jimmy Buffett-focused Trails of the Margaritaville Tour or the spooky Ghosts and Gravestones of Key West Tour. The Key West Cemetery is also worth a stop, with above ground tombs reflecting the island’s mixed ethnic heritage.
If your ship is still in port at sunset, don’t miss the Sunset Celebration, a nightly arts festival at Mallory Square that kicks off two hours before the sun sets.
Port Information
English is the official language and the currency is the U.S. Dollar. ATMs are widely available.
How to get to Key West
Your ship will likely dock at either Mallory Square or the Truman Annex, both of which are just a few blocks from Duval Street in central Key West. If your ship docks further out at the Navy Mole, near Fort Zachary Taylor. In that case, trolleys are available to shuttle you into the Old Town.
One Day in Key West
Get a feel for historic Key West by taking a tour with the open-air Conch Tour Train. The train departs from Mallory Square and takes you through the Old Town area of the island, passing Duval Street, the historic seaport, and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The Hemingway Museum is a must-see for any visitor to Key West. There, you can tour Hemingway’s old writing studio, see the first swimming pool in Key West, and cozy up to some of the dozens of furry felines who wander the house, descendants of the writer’s many cats.
For panoramic views of the island, climb to the top of either the observation tower at the Shipwreck Museum or the Key West Lighthouse. Grab a bite to eat and then spend the afternoon enjoying Key West from the water: swim with the dolphins, sail on a glass bottom boat, paddle a kayak or go diving or snorkeling.
Want to explore a different side of Key West? Join the Jimmy Buffett-focused Trails of the Margaritaville Tour or the spooky Ghosts and Gravestones of Key West Tour. The Key West Cemetery is also worth a stop, with above ground tombs reflecting the island’s mixed ethnic heritage.
If your ship is still in port at sunset, don’t miss the Sunset Celebration, a nightly arts festival at Mallory Square that kicks off two hours before the sun sets.
Port Information
English is the official language and the currency is the U.S. Dollar. ATMs are widely available.
Address: USA
From $ 31
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Nestled among towering palm trees on Key West, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum allows you to see where one of the United States’ most famous writers and greatest thinkers lived and worked. The Hemingway Home is a National Historic Landmark and Literary Landmark, and recorded at the Library of Congress as an Historic American Building.
The Basics
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, in the building where Hemingway lived from 1931 to 1939, offers an intimate glimpse into the Nobel Prize winner’s life. Walk along the narrow pathway through the luscious gardens overflowing with tropical plants, or check out the round wooden desk where one of Key West’s most famous residents typed out some of his famous works on an old typewriter.
Key West’s hop-on hop-off trolley tours are a popular way to explore the island, and most stop at the Hemingway Home. To visit the museum on your own, simply purchase tickets at the front entrance (cash only); reservations are not required. If you’re not staying in the Keys, a number of full-day tours from Miami include stops at this location and other island highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Hemingway Home & Museum is a must for literary buffs visiting Key West.
- The on-site bookstore sells all of Hemingway’s books, as well as other works related to Key West and the Florida Keys.
- Check the museum’s website for the local cruise ship schedule, which could save you from waiting in line with the throngs of newly arrived passengers.
- The museum’s gardens and lower level of the house are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is located on Whitehead Street, near the southernmost point of Key West, less than a 10-minute drive from the airport. It is right across the street from the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum, another popular Key West attraction.
When to Get There
The Ernest Hemingway house is open from 9am to 5pm every day of the year, including holidays. The Florida Keys are a popular winter and spring destination due to pleasant temperatures; you’ll find the local attractions to be most crowded during this time. Summers can be sweltering and humid, and fall is hurricane season.
In and Around Key West
The Hemingway Home, famous for the horde of cats that roam the grounds (some are said to be descendants of Hemingway’s own six-toed cat), is not far from Key West’s other highlights, including the historic Old Town, bustling Duval Street, the Key West White House, and Mallory Square, a popular place to watch the sunset. Exploring Key West is very easy on foot, and most attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.
Address: 907 Whitehead Street, Key West, USA
Hours: Open daily year-round from 9am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: US$14 Children: US$6
From $ 62
Duval Street
Your ultimate destination for a tasty bite to eat or a night on the town while in Key West is Duval Street. Running north and south from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, Duval Street is home to many famous restaurants and bars. Among the most notable of these establishments is Sloppy Joe's, the haunt of Ernest Hemingway while he stayed in Key West. He helped select the bar's name. Now, Sloppy Joe's pays homage to its most famous patron by holding an annual Hemingway look-a-like contest.
You can also check out the Southernmost House, a huge pink Victorian mansion that currently operates as a museum and inn. Its name comes from the fact that it is located on the southernmost end of Duval Street in Key West, the southernmost city in the continental U.S, making it, in theory, the southernmost house in the U.S.
On certain nights, Duval Street hosts a carnival that lasts well into the wee hours of the night.
Practical Info
Duval Street is located on the southwestern end of Key West, and is less than a 10 minute drive from the airport.
Address: Key West, USA
From $ 20
Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
A veritable ode to a bygone era, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum helps visitors step back into time and immerge themselves in the nautical and maritime heritage of what once was the richest city in the United States of America. Unusually so—Key Westers became extraordinarily wealthy by savaging treasures and luxury goods in the numerous and frequent wreckages, a questionable habit that provided for the livelihoods of the early pioneers on the island. Wrecking masters would then control the salvage operation and later on auction off their finds in wrecking courts, with each good being awarded a profit depending on how long or dangerous the salvage operation had been.
Actors, films and artifacts tell the story of the treacherous Florida Keys reef and the many wrecks it caused, including the infamous 1838 Isaac Allerton vessel. The ship was 137 feet long and weighed 594 tons and served as merchant ship in and around the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean for almost 20 years, before it was caught in a hurricane off Saddlebunch Keys in 1856. Visitors are invited to discover the perils of shipwrecking and to climb the 65-foot lookout tower—where they can alert the authorities in case of a wreck and watch out for Spanish galleons!
Practical Info
The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is located in Northern Key West at 1 Whitehead Street. It is open from 9:40am to 5pm, 365 days a year, with the last show starting at 4:40pm. Entry costs $15.04 per adult, $12.90 per senior and $8.59 per child. Children aged 3 and under can visit the museum free of charge.
Address: 1 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida, USA
Hours: Daily 9:40am to 5pm
Admission: Adults: $15
From $ 16
Southernmost Point
The Southernmost Point monument is a quick but must-do photo op while vacationing in Key West. The iconic buoy-shaped concrete marker indicates that you’re in the southernmost point of the continental United States, just 90 miles (145 kilometers) to Cuba. Snap a pic and then get busy enjoying island life in this legendary Florida destination.
The Basics
Though the Southernmost Point is at the south end of Key West, it’s not really within walking distance to many other island attractions, so it’s a great idea to include it as part of a tour such as a Key West hop-on hop-off bus. If you’re day-tripping from Miami, book a full-day tour to ensure that you get to the 13-foot-high (4-meter) buoy and other must-see stops, including the Ernest Hemingway House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Southernmost Point is a quick don’t-miss for all first-time visitors to Key West.
- Don’t forget your camera or cell phone.
- Be prepared to wait in line. During peak tourist season, you might face up to a 20-minute wait to capture a photo.
How to Get There
The Southernmost Point is located on the southern coast of Key West at the intersection of South and Whitehead Streets, about a 10-minute drive from the airport. It’s about 1 mile southeast of Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street—perfect for a bike ride or a hired pedicab.
When to Get There
Key West is busiest and most crowded during the winter months. March through May is a great time to travel here for good weather and fewer people.
Sort of Southernmost
Although it’s a fun photo stop, many sharp-eyed observers over the years have correctly claimed that the Southernmost Point marker is actually not located at the nation’s southernmost destination. In the continental United States, it’s close, but no Cuban cigar—the nearby Truman Annex takes that honor. When it comes to the entire US, Hawaii’s Ka Lae (or South Point) is farther south.
Address: USA
Admission: Free
From $ 39
Fort Zachary Taylor
Popular for both its military history and current recreational opportunities, Fort Zachary Taylor is also the location of one of Key West’s favorites beaches. Spanning 54 acres, Fort Zachary Taylor is worth a visit both for its colorful past and its attractive present.
Construction on Fort Taylor was begun in 1845 and the Fort hosted active duty squadrons until 1947. During the period of the Civil War, Fort Zachary Taylor remained one of only three fortresses in Florida to remain under Federal control; it’s now recognized as a National Historic Landmark and contains the largest cache of Civil War-era seacoast cannons in the U.S. Fort Taylor was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Tours are conducted daily and pamphlets for self-guided tours are available as well.
Today, Fort Zachary Taylor is best known for its outdoor activities and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The beach, which is the southernmost in the U.S., is considered one of the best in Key West, not only for its expanse of sand (a rarity in the Keys), but also for swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving off of the shore. Other popular activities include biking, fishing, hiking along the nature trails, bird watching, picnicking, sunset watching and more.
Practical Info
Fort Zachary Taylor is open to the public 365 days a year. Entrance to the park is dependent on the number of people in one vehicle: $4.50 for one person, $7.00 for two and $.50 for each additional person. There is a $2.50 fee for anyone walking or riding a bike into the park.
Address: Key West, Florida, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 60
Smathers Beach
This half mile (.8 km) stretch of pristine white sand is the largest public beach Key West has to offer. Located on the south side of the island, against the shimmering turquoise waters of the Atlantic, Smathers Beach is the perfect place to relax while in Key West.
Thrill seekers can rent out water sports gear, kayaks, and mini sail boats from vendors along the beach. There are also numerous opportunities to parasail and snorkel. If you're looking to just relax on the sand, the vendors also offer beach chairs to help make your lounging more comfortable. There are also three volleyball nets scattered along the beach. All of these attractions make Smathers Beach the ideal sport for either a day trip or to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Smathers beach is located along the southern coast of the island, and is only 1 mile (1.5 kms) west of the airport.
Address: Key West 33040, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 110
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum
The Key West Lighthouse is one of the island's oldest structures. It was first built in 1825 to help ships navigate the dangerous reefs of the Lower Keys. The lighthouse that stands today dates back to 1847, and the 92-foot (28-meter) building offers some of the best views in town, as well as a maritime museum in the keeper’s house.
The Basics
Though the Key West Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1969, it was restored to its original glory and remains one of the island’s top attractions. Visitors can climb 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse and hear stories told by keepers and their families in the keeper’s quarters. The narrated hop-on hop-off trolley stops at the lighthouse, as do many of the island’s cultural walking tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This museum is popular with history buffs and families traveling with kids.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb 88 steps to reach the top.
- The keeper’s quarters are wheelchair-accessible, but the lighthouse itself is not.
- Restrooms are available in the gift shop at the base of the lighthouse.
How to Get There
The Key West Lighthouse is located on the southwest end of the island, directly across Whitehead Street from the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum. It’s a 10-minute drive from the airport.
When to Get There
The lighthouse museum is open 364 days per year (closed on Christmas). The best time to visit is on a clear day when the views from the top of the lighthouse are at their best. Expect long ticket lines and a wait to get to the top during the winter high season (December to February).
Hurricane of 1846
On Oct. 11, 1846, a tropical hurricane swept toward Key West, but communication was slow, and the islanders had little warning. Barbara Mabrity, the keeper at the time, as well as several other Key West residents, sought shelter in the lighthouse, believing its brick structure would protect them. As the storm raged on, both the keeper’s quarters and the lighthouse itself were swept away, killing at least 14 people, but Mabrity survived.
Address: 938 Whitehead Street, Key West 33040-7423, USA
From $ 39
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
No coastal city would be complete without its own shipwreck legends, and Key West is no exception. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum allows you to explore artifacts from some of the most famous ships that went down in the Florida Keys.
The shipwrecks are mostly from merchant and slave ships in the 17th and 18th centuries. The artifacts on board serve as a window to the past, revealing a great deal about trade, colonization, slavery, and even daily life from the time period. One of the most famous ships to run aground in the Keys, the Henrietta Marie, is believed to be the world’s largest source of tangible objects from the early years of the slave trade. A visit to the museum lets you view historical artifacts in an new way, as the shipwreck legacy casts an eerie and exciting feeling over the objects.
Practical Info
Located on the northwest coast of the island, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is a short distance from almost all locations in Key West.
Address: 200 Greene Street, Key West 33040-6516, USA
Hours: Open daily
From $ 15
Overseas Highway
Considered a marvel of engineering when it was first constructed, the Overseas Highway connects Miami and mainland Florida to the Florida Keys. Originally stretching a total of 113 miles (182 km) with 42 oversea bridges, the highway was constructed over the bed of the Overseas Railroad, which was constructed by Henry Flagler as part of the Florida East Coast Railway. When much of the railroad was destroyed in a hurricane in 1935, the roadbed and bridges were sold to the state of Florida; thus, the Overseas Highway was completed in 1938 and gave motorists access to the multitude of coral and limestone islands that make up the Florida Keys.
While most of the Overseas Highway runs to the right of the original railroad line, some of the old bridges can still be seen as you drive along through the Keys. The portions where pedestrians are allowed are now popular fishing spots; historic bridges like the Bahia Honda Bridge and Long Key Bridge are now fishing piers.
The Highway as a whole is a destination of its own, affording views of impossibly aquamarine water, Robinson Crusoe-esque islands and plenty of examples of classic Florida kitsch in the form of roadside stands and mom-and-pop shops. The National Scenic Byways program named the Overseas Highway an All-American Road in 2009. It’s the only All-American Road in Florida and one of 30 in the entire country.
Practical Info:
The Overseas Highway is the southernmost portion of U.S. 1 that runs from mainland Florida into the Florida Keys. While it’s possible to drive from Miami to Key West on the Overseas Highway in less than four hours, more time should be allotted to account for traffic and for frequent stops for taking photos.
Address: Key West, Florida, USA
From $ 74
Mallory Square
Few things are as beautiful as a Florida sunset, so while you are in Key West, be sure to celebrate the sunset in true Key West style - at Mallory Square. Every night, starting two hours before the sunset, the square hosts its "Sunset Celebration." Arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers and food carts descend on the square providing you with fun entertainment to enjoy in the last daylight hours.
During the daytime, Mallory Square offers numerous attractions at its many restaurants and shops. While you are there, you should also check out the famous Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden. Open since 1997, the garden contains 36 bronze busts of the men and women who have had the greatest impact on Key West. The most famous of these are renowned writer Ernest Hemingway and President Harry S. Truman.
Mallory Square is located on the northwest end of the island and is easily accessible from most locations.
Address: 1 Whitehead Street, Key West 33040-6634, USA
From $ 15
Harry Truman Little White House
Located in what is now called the Truman Annex in Old Town Key West, the Harry Truman Little White House was the winter White House for President Truman for a total of 175 days over the course of 11 visits.
The former president was not the only U.S. leader to enjoy some respite in Key West. The house originally served as the base commandant’s house for the naval submarine station at Key West. President Taft was the first to visit in 1912, and Thomas Edison resided in the house during World War I. Over the years, six American presidents have used the residence, but the most important usage was by Truman from 1946 to 1952. Due to advances in technology, he realized that he could continue to act on matters of importance outside of Washington, D.C. and thus, the Little White House became his home from November to December and February to March, allowing the president a time of rest and recuperation.
The former president was not the only U.S. leader to enjoy some respite in Key West. The house originally served as the base commandant’s house for the naval submarine station at Key West. President Taft was the first to visit in 1912, and Thomas Edison resided in the house during World War I. Over the years, six American presidents have used the residence, but the most important usage was by Truman from 1946 to 1952. Due to advances in technology, he realized that he could continue to act on matters of importance outside of Washington, D.C. and thus, the Little White House became his home from November to December and February to March, allowing the president a time of rest and recuperation.
Other notable figures such as presidents Kennedy, Carter and Clinton have visited and worked in the Little White House; many continue to do so. Because of this, the property will occasionally be closed for government functions with very little advance notification.
Practical Info
The Harry Truman Little White House is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily; tours are offered every 15 to 20 minutes. The botanical gardens surrounding the house are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are free to tour.
Address: 111 Front Street, Key West, Florida 33040, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
Hard Rock Cafe Key West
The Hard Rock Cafe is famous for its many locations in cities around the world, and its Hard Rock Key West is the Southernmost member of the chain in the continental United States. The cafe is primely located in the center of the action on Duval Street, and features the American cuisine and rock ’n’ roll memorabilia of its other restaurants — but with a tropical twist. Boots from Jimi Hendrix, a velvet jacket from Stevie Nicks, and a Les Paul guitar that was broken in concert by the band Nine Inch Nails are showcased, among others.
It’s particularly evident how special this Hard Rock Cafe is when dining al fresco on their patio, where you can feel the ocean breeze. Whether you go for a fruity cocktail or a full dinner, the Hard Rock Cafe Key West blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Accompanied by music playing from the stereo or one of the live entertainment acts, it may be the ultimate cheeseburger in paradise.
Practical Info
You’ll find the Hard Rock Cafe Key West on Duval Street, where it is open from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm (or later!) everyday. Metered parking is available on the streets nearby.
Address: 313 Duval Street, Key West, Florida 33040, USA
Hours: Daily from 10:30 am - 11:30 pm
From $ 20
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
When visiting the Florida Keys it is hard to miss the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as most of the water surrounding the Florida Keys is part of the sanctuary. Covering 2,900 square nautical miles, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects the incredible underwater world of the Florida Keys, where reefs and animals flourish.
During a visit to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, you have a few different options for how to experience this protected area of nature. The sanctuary is home to the world’s third largest barrier reef and is an excellent spot for scuba diving or snorkeling. There are even a series of shipwrecks you can explore as a diver called Shipwreck Trail.
If you’d rather stay above water, you can rent a boat to explore the sanctuary and possibly do some fishing. When boating it is important to use mooring buoys for your anchor as they won’t damage the reef. In addition, boaters should pay attention to the commands of other buoys in the sanctuary as they are strategically placed to protect the environment.
To learn more about the history and conservation efforts of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a visit to the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is a must. Through interactive exhibits you’ll learn about the land-based and under the sea wildlife and plants of the Florida Keys. There is also a living reef tank, which has an abundance of coral and fish living in it.
Practical Info
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary starts just south of Miami and stretches through the Florida Keys to the Dry Tortugas. If visiting the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, head to 35 East Quay Road in Key West; it is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has free admission.
Address: 33 E Quay Rd, Key West, Florida 33040, USA
From $ 181
Key West Aquarium
Situated on Key West’s Mallory Square, the Key West Aquarium brings visitors up close to some of the Florida Keys’ aquatic wildlife. Exhibits feature guest favorites such as sharks, stingrays, American alligators, and jellyfish. The Atlantic Shores exhibit houses a living red mangrove ecosystem, a critical habitat in the Keys.
The Basics
The Key West Aquarium ranks among the island’s most popular family attractions. An admission ticket is valid for two consecutive days, allowing visitors to browse the exhibits or join 30-minute guided tours to learn more about the animals and the history of Key West. The aquarium is a stop on the Key West hop-on hop-off trolley, and the popular Conch Train ends its 90-minute island tour at Mallory Square, a short walk from the aquarium.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Key West Aquarium is a hit with families traveling with kids.
- The aquarium is wheelchair-accessible and dog-friendly.
- Give yourself 45 minutes to an hour to explore the aquarium exhibits, or more if you plan to take a guided tour.
How to Get There
The aquarium is centrally located in Key West Old Town, within easy walking distance of several nearby attractions. Because parking is limited in the area, it’s a good idea to hire a taxi or take the bus or trolley to Mallory Square.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open daily, year-round. It’s busiest during the winter high season (December to February), so come early on a weekday during this period. Because exhibits are covered, the aquarium is an excellent option for a rainy day or a particularly hot afternoon.
History of the Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium was built during the Great Depression, between 1933 and 1935, as part of the federal government’s Works Progress Administration program to help create jobs for struggling Key Westers. When the aquarium first opened, admission was just 15 cents.
Address: 1 Whitehead Street, Key West 33040-6634, USA
From $ 16