Things to Do in Key West

Key West is only about four miles long, but it packs in more to do than most cities ten times its size. Here are the things locals actually recommend, sorted by mood: the classics, time on the water, rainy and hot afternoons, things to do with kids, and ideas for groups and nights out.

Classic Key West Must-Dos

1. Watch the sunset at Mallory Square

Every evening the waterfront at Mallory Square turns into a street party for the sunset, with street performers, food carts and a crowd that cheers when the sun drops into the Gulf. Get there about 45 minutes early to find a spot along the edge.

2. Stroll Duval Street

Key West's main drag runs from the Gulf to the Atlantic. Daytime is for galleries, shops and people-watching; after dark it becomes the island's nightlife strip. Duck down the side streets for quieter cafés and pretty Conch houses.

3. Take a photo at the Southernmost Point buoy

The striped concrete buoy at Whitehead and South Streets marks the southernmost point of the continental US, about 90 miles from Cuba. The line can be long midday, so go early morning or near sunset.

4. Tour the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Hemingway wrote some of his best-known work here. The house and gardens are worth the visit on their own, and the resident six-toed cats steal the show.

5. Explore Old Town on foot or by bike

Old Town is flat, shady and best seen slowly. Rent a bike, wander the lanes and look for hidden gardens, historic homes and roosters roaming free. Our guide to Old Town Key West has a walking route.

6. Climb the Key West Lighthouse

The climb to the top is short and the view over the island's rooftops and water is one of the best in town.

7. Visit the Harry S. Truman Little White House

President Truman spent months of his presidency here. Guided tours bring the history to life and the grounds are a peaceful break from Duval Street.

On and in the Water

8. Snorkel the reef

The only living coral barrier reef in the continental US runs offshore. Half-day snorkel trips leave from the Historic Seaport, and calm mornings usually mean the clearest water.

9. Spend a day at Dry Tortugas National Park

About 70 miles west, Fort Jefferson sits on a tiny island surrounded by turquoise water. Go by ferry or seaplane, and book well ahead because trips fill up.

10. Swim and picnic at Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zach has the island's best beach for swimming and snorkeling right off shore, plus a Civil War era fort to explore and shady picnic spots.

11. Charter a boat to a sandbar

Nothing says Key West like an afternoon anchored on a sandbar with friends. Want to make it more than a boat ride? Our FunKey Charters Boat Escape Adventure adds an hour-long escape game on board before you relax at the sandbar or snorkel.

12. Try kayaking or paddleboarding the mangroves

Guided eco-tours through the backcountry mangroves are a quiet, beautiful way to spot rays, birds and fish.

Rainy Day and Indoor Things to Do

Afternoon storms and summer heat are part of island life. These are the best ways to stay dry and cool. For more ideas, see our rainy day guide.

14. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Walk through a glass dome full of free-flying butterflies, birds and a pair of resident flamingos. It's calm, beautiful and great for all ages.

15. Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

See gold, silver and emeralds recovered from the Spanish galleon Atocha and learn the story of the decades-long hunt to find it.

16. Key West Shipwreck Museum

Actors and artifacts tell the story of the wreckers who made Key West one of the richest towns in America in the 1800s. Climb the lookout tower for a great view.

17. Key West Aquarium

A small, hands-on aquarium near Mallory Square with touch tanks and feedings. A good one-hour stop with younger kids.

Things to Do in Key West With Kids

Key West is often thought of as an adults' town, but families have plenty to do. Kids love the Butterfly Conservatory, the Aquarium, swimming at Fort Zach, feeding tarpon and hunting for the free-roaming roosters. Older kids and teens love the escape rooms, where they often outshine the grown-ups.

Parent tip: Our Pirate Treasure Hunt is built for families with kids 6 and up, and it's a great way to beat the midday heat. See our full guide to family activities in Key West.

18. Feed the tarpon

Giant tarpon gather at a few docks around the island and kids love watching them leap for a snack.

19. Ride a bike to the beach

Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach are an easy, flat ride from most hotels, and both have shallow, calm water on most days.

Groups, Birthdays and Team Outings

Planning for a bachelorette, a family reunion, a birthday or a company retreat? The best group activities get everyone working together instead of just sitting together.

20. Book a private escape room

Every game at Key West Room Escape is private, so your group plays alone. That makes it a natural fit for birthdays, corporate team building and date nights. For big groups, book two rooms at the same time and race each other.

21. Take a sunset sail

A sunset cruise is the classic group outing. Many boats offer private charters for groups.

22. Join a food or history walking tour

Key lime pie, conch fritters and Cuban coffee taste better with a local's stories on the side.

Key West at Night

23. Do the Duval Crawl

The famous bar crawl includes Sloppy Joe's, Captain Tony's and the Green Parrot, each with its own live music and history.

24. Take a ghost tour

Key West has more than its share of spooky stories. Evening ghost tours walk you past haunted inns, the old cemetery and the island's most famous haunted doll.

25. Finish with key lime pie

Every local has an opinion on who makes the best slice. Try a few and decide for yourself.

Planning Tips

• Get around by bike or on foot. Parking in Old Town is limited and expensive.
• Plan outdoor things for mornings. It's cooler and calmer, and afternoon storms are common in summer.
• Book popular things ahead. Dry Tortugas trips, sunset sails and evening escape room slots fill up, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Keep a rainy-day backup. Indoor activities like museums and escape rooms are the first to sell out when the weather turns.

Frequently Asked Questions