key West is a gorgeous island in South Florida, located right at the end of the world-famous Florida Keys.
From incredible state parks and kayaking adventures to sunset sails and pub crawls – there is truly something for everyone!
I recently moved to key West for four months and had the time of my life. but if you’ve never been, I know it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out what there is to do in this beautiful place.
To help you plan your trip, I have put together this list of my favorite activities for first-time visitors and locals alike.
Key West really is one of the best places to visit in Florida, and a top destination in January.
Whether you want an active day or a relaxing one, these are some of the best attractions that key West has to offer so that you get to experience all that life has in store for you down on the southernmost point of the continental USA.
If you are visiting key West soon, I recommend checking out this guide on what to pack for key West.
Here is a list of the top 15 things to do in key West, Florida.
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1. visit Fort Zachary Taylor state historic Site
2. explore the local Art Scene
3. Paddle through Mangroves on an Eco-Kayaking Adventure
4. taste Fresh seafood at one of the many Restaurants
5. join a Sunset Cruise
6. visit Some unique Bars and Restaurants
7. See a Movie
8. taste key Lime Pie
9. catch a Drag Show
10. visit Ernest Hemingway’s House
11. visit Fort east Martello
12. explore one of the many beautiful Beaches
13. have a drink at The famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar
14. Take a picture With the Southernmost point Buoy
15. watch the Sunset at Mallory Square Dock
Bonus: go on a Food tour (one of the best things to do in key West for foodies)
Now You know What To do in key West
1. visit Fort Zachary Taylor state historic Site
Fort Zachary Taylor state Park is a great place to be outside on a sunny day in this tropical paradise.
The park has excellent trails, both for hiking and biking, and a historic fort.
The historic fort itself is located along the waterfront of key West, just off of Southard Street. founded in 1866, it was constructed in an effort to protect the southern docks from would-be invaders during the American Civil war that was raging at this time.
Although no shots were actually fired here, there are numerous cannons on display, as well as a few other pieces of history you can see inside.
Another exciting thing to know about Fort Zachary Taylor state park is that it is regarded as a great snorkeling spot and one of the best beaches in key West.
The water on the beach at Fort Zachary is crystal clear, and the marine life is very interesting to observe. If you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach, this is the place to go.
2. explore the local Art Scene
The local art scene in Old town key West is thriving, with many great galleries and studios to explore.
Head down Whitehead street or Duval street to discover the works of local artists, from painters, photographers, and sculptors to potters in both traditional and modern styles.
The best part is that most of these artists frequently create works of art inspired by the island that make for incredible one-in-a-lifetime souvenirs to take home with you.
Some of key West’s most famous artists are well-represented here in their own studios, but there are also several smaller galleries that have excellent works for you to enjoy and purchase as well.
Pro tip: The souvenir shop at the key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory sells incredible key West-inspired art for a fair price. They even mail the pieces to your home if you need them to.
3. Paddle through Mangroves on an Eco-Kayaking Adventure
Experience the mangroves and seagrass of the Florida keys in an eco-kayak.
Mangrove ecoscapes are filled with plant, bird, fish, and animal life only found in these habitats. These protected areas are known as nursery grounds for many marine species.
The mangroves near key West are some of the most protected in Florida, and a kayaking excursion is a great way to get up close. You may even be lucky enough to see a manatee or two.
Have a look at this inexpensive kayak trip which is approximately 2 hours long and includes a knowledgeable guide, equipment, safety briefing and is even dog friendly!
If you’d rather spend a bit longer on the water, this highly-rated day trip is around 6 hours — but first, you’re swept away to clear waters in a catamaran! After you reach the beautiful place, then you will start your paddle trip. look for dolphins, stingrays, turtles aNd Manaatit kajakistasi.
4. Maistele tuoreita mereneläviä yhdessä monista ravintoloista
Kokeile tuoretta mereneläviä Duval Street -kadulla pariksi Key West -cocktaililla.
Kalasta kotiloon, olet varma, että löydät kaiken ja kaiken, mitä vesi tarjoaa saaren monissa uskomattomissa ravintoloissa, joten muista kokeilla joitain paikallisia saaliin.
Jotkut Key Westin perinteisimmistä merenelävistä sisältävät kaiken kotilojen, kuten kotilo salaatti, kotiloviehet, kotilo chowder ja säröillä. Lisäksi voit jopa kokeilla kotiloa margaritaa! Se maistuu paremmalta kuin miltä kuulostaa, luota minuun.
Jos olet enemmän hummerityyppistä henkilöä, kokeile joitain Key West Hummerster -rullia tai hummeri -bisque. Olen täysin varma, että rakastat sitä.
Jotkut Duval Streetillä suosittelemista ravintoloista ovat DJ: n Clam Shack, Bagatelle, Caroline’s Cafe ja Ocean Grill ja Bar.
5. Liity auringonlaskun risteilyyn
Key West tarjoaa joitain Amerikan parhaimmista purjehdusvesistä, mikä tekee siitä todellisen paratiisin kaikille ulkona oleville faneille.
Aseta purjehdi auringonlaskun risteilylle katsellessasi loputtomia violetti-, vaaleanpunaisia, oransseja ja punaisia sävyjä. Suosikkini Key West Sunset -risteilyissä on, että heillä on aina hienoa ruokaa ja avoin baari. Lisäksi kun menin, miehistö oli aivan fantastinen.
Katso tätä ylimmän auringonlaskun purjehdusta 70 jalan katamaraanilla. Matka kestää noin 2 tuntia ja sisältää erinomaisia alkupaloja, viiniä, kuohuviiniä, vasta valmistettua sangriaa ja olutta. Tämä auringonlaskun matka on erinomainen arvo. Lisätietoja täältä.
Ehkä haluat asettaa purjehtimisen auringonlaskuun todellisella purjeveneellä? Tämä pienryhmämatka kestää noin 2 tuntia ja sisältää 8 erilaista viininäyttettä tai 5 erilaista olutta. Lisäksi valikoima gourmet -juustoja, lihaa, keksejä, hedelmiä ja paljon muuta. Tutustu täältä.
6. Käy joihinkin ainutlaatuisiin baareihin ja ravintoloihin
Key Westissä on monia erinomaisia baareja ja ravintoloita, etenkin vanhankaupungin Key Westin ympärillä.
Ota valinta useista sukellusbaareista, urheilubaareista ja yökerhoista, joissa voit tanssia yöllä tai vain rentoutua ystävien kanssa avaimen kalkki -mojitossa.
Pysähdy sinisellä taivaalla ateriaa maailmankuulujen kotilojen frittereistä ja siirry sitten kapteeni Tonyn salonkiin samassa elävässä musiikissa, joka pitää sinut heilahtamassa pitkään yöhön.
Sen jälkeen siirry kuuluisaan vihreään papukaijabaariin, joka on yksi Amerikan vanhimmista baareista, lopettaaksesi yön kultaisella nuotiolla.
7. Katso elokuva
Vanhankaupungin Key Westin sydämessä sijaitseva trooppinen elokuva on yksi vain kahdesta sisäteatterista koko Monroen piirikunnassa.
Elokuvateatteri avattiin vuonna 2004 ja sen tavoitteena on tuoda laadukkaita elokuvia ihmisille, jotka kaipaavat jotain muuta kuin Hollywood -lohko -bustereita – muhkeilla istuimilla ja käyttöoikeussopimuksella, joka sisältää olutta, viiniä ja popcornia oikealla voilla, se on loistava paikka lyödä lämpöä!
Kun asut Key Westissä, tämä on paikka nähdä riippumattomia elokuvia, klassikoita ja ainutlaatuisia esityksiä. Alueen mukaisesti teatterissa on puuttumaton vesi-sininen art deco -julkisivu, Marilyn Monroen veistos ja Hollywood-mainetta, käänteellä.
Trooppinen elokuva on aika viileä paikka kokea ja ainutlaatuinen tehtävä Key Westissä. Lisätietoja täältä.
8. Maista avainkalkki piirakka
Mallory Square Dock on välttämätön ruoka-matkustajille vieraillessasi Key Westissä.
Waterfront-aukio isännöi öisiä auringonlaskujuhlia ulkoilmamarkkinoilla, jotka ovat täynnä paikallisia taiteilijoita, jotka myyvät tuotteita ja herkullisia ruokia, kuten perinteinen avainkalkkipiirakka.
Key Lime Pie keksittiin Florida Keysissä ja se on saaren perinteisin jälkiruoka, joten et voi jättää Key Westin yrittämättä sitä.
Jos sinulla on jo ollut osuus klassisesta piirakasta, kokeile suklaan kastettua avainkalkkipiirakkaa tai jopa avainkalkkipiirakkaa sauvalla (suosikkini).
Toinen vaihtoehto on yhdistää vähän liikuntaa viipaleen piirakkaa. Tällä rento pyöräkierroksella Key Westissä opit kaiken Key Westin historiasta ottaen valokuvia ja nauttia näkymistä – lopulta nautit viipalosta Key Lime Pie! Lisätietoja täältä.
9. Ota vetonäyttely
Vedä esitykset ovat Key West Classic! Ne esittävät usein joitain lahjakkaimmista esiintyjistä hauskassa baarilmallisessa ilmapiirissä, jotka sinun täytyy nähdä uskovan. Katso Bourbon St. Pub ja Parade Lounge.
Bourbon Street -laulajat esiintyvät joka perjantai ja lauantai -iltana ja tekevät todella nautinnollisen ajan! They always make unique and hilarious interpretations of popular songs that everyone knows.
Also, to make the nights even more enjoyable, the pub hosts nightly drink specials and boasts an impressive dance floor with bumping music to get your groove on. learn more here.
10. visit Ernest Hemingway’s House
The Hemingway house contains an extensive collection of artifacts and gifts that Ernest Hemingway received throughout his career and has now been turned into a museum in his honor.
Also, it offers the rare opportunity to see the inside of a well-preserved key West home from the 19th century and learn about the life of one of America’s most celebrated authors.
If you’d like to learn more about the life of Ernest Hemingway, this walking tour (which includes food!) takes you to all of the places that he visited in key West.
Some spots include where he refereed boxing matches, where his boat was kept, his first apartment, and where his books were sold. Of course, the museum and Hemingway house are also included. Lisätietoja täältä.
11. visit Fort east Martello
Fort east Martello is a famous historical site and museum in key West that was initially built as a Civil war fort.
The original structure of the tower is still visible but today contains many interesting artifacts and art exhibits related to its history.
One of the most curious things about Fort east Martello is that it is home to Robert The Doll.
Robert The Doll is a toy believed to be haunted, as his owner and creator, Robert Eugene Otto reported that it would move its head around at night when the family was not home. It is the doll that inspired horror movies such as Child’s Play and Anabelle.
12. explore one of the many beautiful Beaches
Smathers beach is one of the most popular beaches in key West. The sunny white sand and calm waters make it a perfect place to relax after soaking up all that culture on Duval Street.
Smathers is best for sunbathing and practicing water sports. You’ll find public bathrooms and showers, chair and umbrella rentals, watersport rentals, and food trucks.
Higgs beach is great for snorkeling but only along the break wall. Amenities include children’s playgrounds, a dog park, tennis and volleyball courts, restrooms, and showers.
South beach is more of a lazing around kind of beach — I never saw many people swimming here. You’ll find chairs available to rent and a pretty cute seaside café.
Fort Zachary Taylor is a good place for snorkeling, paddling and scuba diving as well. Snorkel equipment is available for rent, plus you’ll find bathrooms, showers, and a café. Water shoes are recommended!
13. have a drink at The famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar
Sloppy Joe’s Bar is for sure one of the most popular bars to visit in key West!
Not only does it have a fun atmosphere, but it’s also rumored that Ernest Hemingway used to spend time there when he was in town.
Today, it is home to what locals consider to be the “best damn” key lime pie on the island and hosts live music and dancing every night of the week.
14. Take a picture With the Southernmost point Buoy
The Southernmost point Buoy is a famous landmark in key West. located at the edge of key West, this buoy marks the southernmost point in the continental United States.
People from all over the country and the world travel to take pictures with this symbolic icon.
My tip is: get there as early as you can! as with any popular Instagram spot, the Southernmost point Buoy gets crazy lines and the best time to avoid them is early in the morning.
15. watch the Sunset at Mallory Square Dock
Last but not least, is watching the sunset at the previously mentioned Mallory Square.
Once the sun sets, Mallory Square is a gathering place for locals and tourists alike to c
