15+ AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN KEY WEST

Going on holiday and wondering what are the best things to do in Key West? This blog has you covered!

Key West is one of the most magical places in Florida, and if you plan your time right, you’ll absolutely love it. Even though it’s small, there are so many attractions, activities, and fun things to do that you’ll need a few days to enjoy it properly. We’ve visited a couple of times, and these are, in my opinion, the best things to do in Key West!

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.

15+ GREAT THINGS TO DO IN KEY WEST

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

If you’re a history lover or a fan of literature, one of the best things to do in Key West is visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Hemingway lived here for several years and wrote some of his most famous works in this house. Today, it’s a museum open every day of the year, and besides exploring the rooms and learning more about his life, you’ll also meet the famous six-toed cats that are descendants of his original pets. Honestly, it’s such a fun and unique experience!

Join the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

Mallory Square is the place to be every evening, so make sure to add it to your itinerary. Both locals and visitors gather here to watch the famous sunset, and you’ll also find street performers, artists, and vendors adding to the fun atmosphere. You don’t need to spend hours here, but definitely stop by for a little while to enjoy the show and the incredible views.

Read more >>> MIAMI TO KEY WEST ROAD TRIP GUIDE

Take a Conch Tour Train Ride

The Conch Tour Train is a classic and fun way to see Old Town Key West. It’s an open-air sightseeing ride that’s perfect if you’re visiting for the first time. The tour is narrated, so you’ll learn about all the major landmarks along the way, like Hemingway’s House, Southernmost Point, Mallory Square, and Duval Street. The ride takes about an hour, they run daily, and tickets are around $30–$40 for adults. It’s an easy and entertaining way to experience the highlights of Key West without doing a ton of walking.

Go Snorkeling or Diving

Snorkeling or diving in Key West is one of the best things you can do, especially if you love water activities. The Florida Keys Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S. (and the third largest in the world), which makes the experience even more special. You can book half-day or full-day boat trips that take you to crystal-clear waters filled with colorful coral, tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and sometimes even dolphins.

The most popular spots are Sand Key Lighthouse Reef, Western Sambo, and the Vandenberg Shipwreck (which is amazing, but only for advanced divers). Snorkeling is great even if you’re a beginner, while diving is better if you already have some experience.

Visit the Southernmost Point Buoy

This is an absolute staple and definitely a must-do! The Southernmost Point Buoy usually sits at the end of Whitehead Street, and it’s the famous landmark marking the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Recently, it’s been moved and now you’ll find it at the end of Duval Street. It’s really just a quick stop, but a great place to snap a photo. Keep in mind it’s usually crowded, so you might have to wait your turn, but it’s such an iconic spot that it’s absolutely worth it!

Stroll Down Duval Street

Duval Street is the most famous street in Key West and really the center of all the action. While strolling, you’ll find quirky souvenir shops, lively bars, art galleries, and plenty of local restaurants. Also, If you love shopping, there are some great luxury brand outlets here. You can squeeze in a little extra shopping while exploring like I always do!

Explore Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is one of the best places you can visit in Key West. It’s big, beautiful, and you can easily spend the whole day there. You can relax on the beach, have a picnic, or take some time to explore the historic fort itself. The park also has one of the best beaches in Key West, so swimming and sunbathing are a must. The entrance fee is very affordable, $6 per vehicle or $2.50 if you’re walking or biking in, which makes it one of the best-value activities on the island. We really loved our time here, and I’d definitely recommend spending at least a few hours!

Visit the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

This is one of the most magical experiences in Key West. At the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, you can walk among hundreds of butterflies and exotic birds in a gorgeous tropical setting. It feels so peaceful, and you’re only a few steps away from the buzz of Duval Street. The conservatory is home to over 50 butterfly species from around the world, and if you’re lucky, some might even land on you! Tickets are about $15, and honestly, it’s absolutely worth it.

Go on a Dolphin or Wildlife Tour

If you’d like to see marine life in a calmer way than snorkeling, a dolphin or wildlife tour is a perfect choice. Most tours leave from the Historic Seaport and go out into the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic, where wild dolphins often swim right alongside your boat! If you’re up for both, you can even combine dolphin watching with snorkeling at shallow reefs or seagrass beds, where you might spot tropical fish, rays, and maybe even sea turtles.

Tours usually last 2–4 hours, run several times a day, and include equipment and drinks on board. They’re eco-friendly too, so you’ll be watching dolphins in their natural habitat without disturbing them. It’s a really memorable (and responsible) way to enjoy Key West’s incredible wildlife.

Rent a Bike or Scooter

Key West is pretty small, so driving and worrying about parking isn’t really worth it. The Old Town is very walkable, but if you’re staying a bit further out, you’ll have a bit of a walk to get around. That’s why renting a scooter or a bike is such a great idea. Personally, I prefer bikes because you can really take in the views and enjoy the ride, plus it’s a fun way to get some exercise. There are plenty of rental shops all over Key West, so it’s super easy to grab one for the day. We got ours at SunShine Scooters. They were $47 for 2 bikes for a day!

Enjoy Key West Cuisine & Rum Tasting

If you’re into food and drinks, you can’t miss trying Key West cuisine and a rum tasting or two. The island is famous for its fresh seafood like conch fritters, cracked conch, grouper, spiny lobster, and pink shrimp. And of course, you have to try the iconic Key lime pie. Along Duval Street and the Historic Seaport, you’ll find plenty of open-air restaurants with live music serving Caribbean-inspired dishes. We loved the conch fritters at Sloppy Joe’s, that was such a fun experience!

For drinks, check out one of Key West’s rum distilleries, like Key West First Legal Rum Distillery or Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery. You’ll learn about the island’s rum-making history, enjoy tastings, and maybe even bring home a bottle as a souvenir.

Take a Sunset Sail or Catamaran Cruise

For the ultimate relaxing evening in Key West, go on a sunset sail or catamaran cruise. It’s one of the most beautiful ways to take in the island’s beauty. Tours usually start in the late afternoon and give you front-row views of the stunning sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Many cruises include drinks, snacks, and live music, while some even combine snorkeling or dolphin watching before heading back. Catamarans are great for couples, families, or groups. It’s truly a picture-perfect way to end your day in Key West!

Visit the Key West Shipwreck Museum

The Key West Shipwreck Museum is a must if you’re interested in the island’s maritime history. Right by Mallory Square, it’s set in a replica 19th-century wreckers’ warehouse and tells the story of Key West’s shipwreck salvage days through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and live storytelling from costumed guides. You’ll see recovered treasures, try lifting a silver bar from a Spanish galleon, and even climb the 65-foot lookout tower for panoramic views of the city and harbor. A visit usually takes about an hour, and tickets are around $15 for adults. It’s fun, interesting, and definitely worth doing while in Key West.

Take a Historic Walking Tour

If you’re into history, a historic walking tour is one of the best ways to experience Key West. Most tours focus on Old Town and take you to landmarks like Hemingway’s House, Truman’s Little White House, Mallory Square, and the Southernmost Point. Along the way, guides share fascinating stories about pirates, shipwrecks, local legends, and famous residents. Tours usually last 1–2 hours, cover about 1–2 miles at an easy pace, and are great for all ages.

Visit Higgs Beach & the West Martello Tower

Visiting Higgs Beach and the West Martello Tower is a great way to relax and enjoy some downtime. Higgs Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or having a picnic, with calm waters, a sandy shoreline, volleyball courts, and even a dog-friendly area. Grab some lunch or snacks and just enjoy the beach atmosphere. When you’re ready to explore, the West Martello Tower is just steps away. Built in the 1800s as part of Key West’s coastal defense, it’s now a historic site and garden with sculptures, exhibits, and beautiful views of the Atlantic.

Try Local Key Lime Pie Everywhere

You absolutely have to try Key lime pie while in Key West. It’s made with Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust, and often topped with whipped cream or meringue. You’ll find it in bakeries, cafes, and restaurants all over the island, from iconic spots like Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe to trendy restaurants along Duval Street. Sampling it at different places is a fun (and delicious) way to experience the flavors of Key West.

Go For Some Great Birria Tacos

Key West is home to some great Mexican and Cuban restaurants, so we made sure to stop and grab one of our favorite foods, birria tacos. We tried them in two places: Kim’s Cuban and Key West Cuban Coffee. Both were absolutely amazing, and I’d highly recommend either one!

Experience the Key West Aquarium

The Key West Aquarium, near Mallory Square, is one of Florida’s oldest aquariums. You can see tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays, and even get hands-on in touch tanks with starfish, conchs, and other marine creatures. Daily feedings and educational talks can give you a glimpse into the local marine life and conservation efforts. The aquarium is small and easy to explore in about an hour, so it’s a fun way to experience Key West’s underwater world without getting wet.