14 Best Things to Do in Key West

Key West, located on the southernmost tip of Florida, is quite simply a tropical paradise. Home to pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and a rich natural environment, this picture-perfect vacation destination offers a fantastic variety of activities to suit all ages and tastes.

Whether you are an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, or seeking ultimate relaxation, Key West has something to offer for everyone. Here are our top 14 Key West attractions to visit.

1. Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most historically rich tourist attractions in Key West. Encompassing seven little islands and large expanses of water, it is around 50 miles from land, making it an excellent location for a day trip from Key West. The park is only accessible by boat, ferry, or seaplane, but the brilliant blue waters and surrounding coral reefs packed with gorgeous plant and animal life are well worth the journey.

One of the park’s highlights is Fort Jefferson. This structure was built in the 19th century and has a fascinating past, as it was once used as a prison during the Civil War. We recommend a guided tour to learn more about the fort’s history.

Snorkeling is also a great activity here, as the waters rarely get deeper than 15 feet, making it the perfect depth for spotting tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you might see sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays, and porpoises. If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, take some binoculars and try bird watching, as large groups of exotic birds call this area their home.

One of the best ways to reach Dry Tortugas National Park is via a seaplane. You’ll be able to view the stunning islands from above and maybe even spot a couple of famed Key West shipwrecks on your journey.

2. Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

Uncover the maritime history of Key West at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. This fascinating museum showcases the treasures salvaged from Spanish shipwrecks, including the renowned Atocha, a galleon that sank in 1622.

Mel Fisher was one of the leaders in maritime ship recovery and is known as one of the world’s greatest treasure hunters. On display at the museum are some of the gold and silver artifacts, precious gems, and ancient navigational instruments that were salvaged by Fisher.

The museum also offers an intriguing glimpse into the challenges and adventures of treasure hunting, including interesting exhibits on underwater archaeology and diving exhibitions.

3. Key West Historic Seaport and Harbor Walk

The Key West Historic Seaport is located on the famous Key West Bright Marina and boasts plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions for visitors to enjoy. This area is also known as Inner Harbor and attracts tourists who want to try some of the many exciting activities on offer here, like parasailing, snorkeling, dolphin watching, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and kayaking.

The old town of Key West is rich in history and unique architecture. Take a walk down Duval Street, lined with charming Victorian homes, art galleries, boutiques, and lively restaurants. This area is the birthplace of Key Lime Pie, and there’s nowhere better to get a slice than Fisherman’s Café. The Cuban coffee served here makes a perfect accompaniment. After dark, there are plenty of nightlife hotspots hosting live music performances to enjoy.

The nearby Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the famous writer lived and wrote some of his most famous works, is well worth a visit. This stunning mansion was carved out of native rock and completed in 1851, although Ernest Hemingway didn’t move into the home with his wife until some 80 years later in 1931. 

You can wander around the home and look at the animal skins and trophies left behind from Hemingway’s many hunting trips, and even take a look around the great man’s studio where he wrote ‘To Have and Have Not’, a tale of the Great Depression’s effect on the Key West. The museum is open daily and tours take around 30 minutes.

4. Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

Mallory Square, located in the Old Town Key West, is a waterfront plaza famous for its daily sunset celebration. Here, you’ll find a lively gathering of street performers, musicians, and local artisans who put their talents on display here, while the sun sets in the background over the Gulf of Mexico. Celebrations begin daily, two hours before the setting of the sun.

Savor delicious street food from street carts and vendors, and browse through the vibrant stalls selling unique souvenirs and local arts and crafts exhibits. Street performers put on dazzling shows with jugglers, magicians, and musicians creating a carnival feel. The captivating atmosphere and stunning views make this an unforgettable experience.

5. Key West Aquarium

Close to Mallory Square, Key West Aquarium houses countless interesting exhibits and sea creatures. You can get up close and personal with sea stars, sea urchins, and horseshoe crabs in the Touch Tank and Aquarium, which is great fun for kids and grown-ups alike. 

There’s also the Atlantic Shores Exhibit, a Sea Turtles Conservation Tour, and an American Alligator Exhibit. Visitors can even take part in interactive feedings with stingrays and sharks. If you are celebrating a special occasion during your Key West trip, parts of the aquarium are available for private hire.

6. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Step into a magical world filled with fluttering butterflies and exotic plants at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Located at the southern end of Duval Street, the conservatory is home to over fifty species of beautiful butterflies and around twenty varieties of exotic birds.

Wander through the lush tropical gardens, observing the colorful butterflies as they dance around you while admiring the vibrant orchids, waterfalls, and serene ponds. This enchanting sanctuary is a great place to go to escape the crowds and offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

7. Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Nestled among the vibrant Old Town streets of Key West, this historic treasure offers a serene escape into a lush oasis of natural beauty and showcases the works of renowned naturalist John James Audubon.

First built in the 1840s, it originally served as a home to Captain John Huling Geiger, a Key West ship captain. Nowadays, you can explore the exquisite 19th-century period furnishings and wander through the meticulously landscaped tropical gardens, with their colorful blooms, exotic plants, and tranquil pathways. Don’t forget to drop by the gift shop, where you can purchase a lovely Audubon print.

8. Southernmost Point

The iconic Southernmost Point is a landmark that signifies the southernmost tip of the continental United States. It is located just 90 miles away from Cuba and its exact location is marked by a gigantic, colorful buoy, which is one of the most popular and photographed places in Key West. The line to get a selfie can be long, but it moves quickly, especially when water starts to flood the street at high tide!

9. Shipwreck Museum

Located in the heart of Old Town, this museum is dedicated to Key West’s seafaring history and is a fantastic family-friendly museum for kids (and kids at heart). There are interactive exhibits, artifacts, and displays that immerse you in the stories of brave shipwreckers who risked their lives to salvage treasures from the wrecks in the area.

Climb the 65-foot lookout tower for panoramic views of the city, and discover the story of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank on the treacherous Florida Keys reef in 1856. Kids will love the scavenger hunt and immersive displays.

10. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

If you are looking to escape the bustle of the city, take a trip to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. This historic landmark was built in the mid-19th century. Union troops took control of it during the Civil War, and it is now home to the largest collection of Civil War cannons in the United States.

This picturesque park has stunning beaches, nature trails, and a well-preserved Civil War-era fort. The sandy shores and crystal-clear waters are great for snorkeling, and you can expect to see plenty of tropical marine life, including parrot fish, yellowtail snapper, and hard and soft corals. The beach also offers plenty of equipment for other water sports and chairs to lounge on. Bird-watching from the wooded nature trails is also a popular activity here.

Regular events are hosted here, including re-enactments of the war era that span across several days. The park is scattered with picnic tables and grills if you fancy taking lunch with you, or the Cayo Hueso Café is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

11. Boat Tours

Key West is renowned for its mesmerizing ocean and coral reefs, so a boat tour to get out on the water is an absolute must. Tours take place during the day or at night, and many offer activities like snorkeling, sandbar hopping, and kayaking among mangrove trails. 

Located just off the coast of Key West, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is home to coral formations and tropical fish, and you might even have the chance to spot sea turtles and dolphins. Key West Boat Trips offers several different charters, including popular sunset cruises, which provide the backdrop for stunning photos.

12. Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters

The Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters is perched on Whitehead Street and is a testament to the island’s maritime heritage. If you have a head for heights, ascend the 88 steps of the lighthouse and soak in the panoramic vistas of sparkling turquoise waters and the charming Old Town from the top.

The Keeper’s Quarters are where the lighthouse keepers and their families once resided and have now been turned into a museum where you can find out more about the history of the lighthouse. 

Explore the keepers’ and their families’ belongings, photographs, and words to gain insight into their daily lives. There is a small fee to enter the lighthouse or its museum, and a fantastic gift shop selling local artwork.

13. Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is located on Key West’s southern shore and simply has to be one of the most beautiful places in Florida, if not the USA. This long stretch of powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters is a fantastic place to unwind and bask in the warm Florida sunshine.

There are plenty of amenities here, including food trucks where you can grab a bite to eat. Beachside activities like volleyball and paddleboarding are on offer at Smathers Beach, as well as water sports including paddle boarding and parasailing. You can also rent jet skis and catamarans. Umbrellas and chairs are available to lease for a hassle-free outing. Simply spread out your beach towel, and relax!

14. Conch Tour Train

The Conch Tour Train is one of Florida’s most popular attractions. This delightful excursion through the streets of Key West treats guests to close-up views of the City’s most popular places, including Mallory Square, The Harry S. Truman Little White House, Sails to Rails Museum, the Key West Aquarium, and much more.

A knowledgeable guide will regale you with fascinating tales of Key West’s past, from its maritime heritage to the legends of famous residents. This is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore Key West’s highlights and you can hop on and off as many times as you like! For first-time visitors to Key West, the Conch Tour Train is an absolute must.

A Memorable Visit to Key West

Key West is a captivating destination that blends adventure, history, and natural beauty seamlessly, and there are fun things for everyone in this tropical paradise. Whether you indulge in historical sightseeing or simply bask in the breathtaking sunsets, Key West promises to leave you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to embrace the laid-back island vibes and head off for an unforgettable adventure in Key West.

Featured Image Credit: Mia2you