Gorgeous marine life, an excellent cruise-ship stop, sunny weather, sandy beaches, historical attractions, nice restaurants, and many more outdoor activities define Key West in Florida. Welcome to the USA’s southernmost island city, and here are the best 40 things to do in Key West, Florida.
Being one of the best vacation spots in the world, Key West attracts thousands of families, couples, and solo travelers from all over the world. If you are planning to visit Key West, just check whether you’ve added the following things or not.
Things to Do in Key West
1. Key West Attractions: Mallory Square
Mallory Square is a world-famous night celebration spot in Key West, Florida. Locating on Wall Street ( in historic Old Town), it offers you awesome ocean views for parties. As it faces the Gulf of Mexico on its west side, people attract this square specifically for the famous “Sunset Celebrations.”
Therefore, every evening (around 2 hours before the sunset), you can see hundreds of tourists gather at this place to view the incredible, golden sunset. Actually, it is not a new thing to Mallory Square as this huge gathering of people and celebrations have been happening since the 1960s.
There are arts and crafts exhibits, magicians, local singers, clowns, and jugglers like entertainers. And also, street food vendors offer you tasty street food to have while watching the sunset.
So, put Mallory Square on the top of your “things to do in Key West” list.
Address: 400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
2. Things to do in Key West: Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the best historical attractions and one of Key West’s best snorkeling spots.
Locating almost 70 miles away from Key West, its iconic landmark is the 19th century Fort Jefferson. If you are more interested in the historical value, just take a guided tour to discover all the information.
But how to get there?
A good question. Dry Tortugas National Park is not all about Fort Jefferson. It is a combination of seven small islands surrounded by the turquoise ocean. And since it is located 70 miles from the mainland, obviously you have to take a ferry, boat, or seaplane ride to reach there.
Don’t worry, it won’t take more time, and once you reach there, you’ll feel it totally worth it.
After touring around Fort Jefferson, you can go swimming, snorkeling, diving, and bird-watching like things. Since the land is surrounded by spectacular coral reefs and diverse marine life, you’ll have one of the best snorkeling experiences ever.
On the other hand, it has a large colony of tropical and migratory birds as well. If you like bird watching, this place is the ideal one for you.
So, plan a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park and have fun.
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3. Key West Attractions: The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Ernest Hemingway was a famous American novelist, short story writer, journalist, and also sportsman. To Have and Have Not, The Old Man and the Sea, The Sun Also Rises, and Hills Like White Elephants are some of his highlighted creations.
What can you find in Key West’s Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum?
Actually, this house was gifted to Hemingway and one of his wives Pauline in 1931 by Hemingway’s rich uncle named Gus. It was built in 1851 by using the area’s native rock and following a stunning Spanish Colonial Style. Since this mansion is beautiful and located in such a nice surrounding in Key West, they moved here and spent a lot of time together.
It was the exact time period of America’s Great Depression when he started writing the famous novel “To Have and Have Not” at this house based on his Key West’s experience.
What can you see currently in this beautiful mansion?
Obviously, you can see a book store and the studio where he wrote the “To Have and Have Not” novel. On the other hand, you can see European antiques, artifacts, animal trophies, and animal skins like Hemingway’s personal things collected from his world tours.
For these reasons, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum still consider one of Key West’s top attractions.
There’s a shop that you can buy books, apparel, souvenirs, and housewares-like items. Click the above link to book tours, buy things, and know more.
Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
4. Things to do in Key West: Key West Light House
Key West Light House is one of the most excellent places to visit in the city because its 88 stepped lighthouse offers you breathtaking views and all the past information about this place. So, what is the story behind this lighthouse?
In 1823, a navy base was established in Key West, and they identified the need for a lighthouse because this area contains shallow water and many coral reefs. As a result, Key West Light House was built in 1848.
Eventually, the lighthouse was developed and made a keeper’s quarters as well. But after that, new technology was introduced and operated without manpower. So, a keeper was not necessary to handle it.
However, in 1969 Key West Light House was totally decommissioned and converted into a museum. And the museum is totally dedicated to all the keepers who maintained this lighthouse in the past. So, it has interesting photos, artifacts, and stories about them.
Do not miss it.
Address: 938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
5. Key West Attractions: Key West Historic Seaport and Harbor Walk
As Key Wst Seaport and Habor Walk is located along the Key West Bight Marina, it offers plenty of fun things to do. Then, why does it call Historic Seaport? Is there any historical value?
Of course, it has been the major hub of improving Key West’s economic and cultural life for 200 years. Mostly, people had used this seaport for docking coastal shipping boats and fishing boats until 1990. You can currently see shops, bars, and great waterfront restaurants with delicious seafood and breweries along the Harbor Walk. Yeah, full of enjoyment.
On the other hand, you can experience some fun water activities as well. Like scuba diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and more.
Catamarans, yachts, sailboats, kayaks, and other equipment are always available to rent out. So, visiting this place should be one of the top things to do in Key West by any adventurer or seafood lover.
Address: 201 William St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
6. Things to do in Key West: Harry S. Truman Little White House
Key West has a lot of places with historical value. Harry S. Truman Little White House is also such a valuable place.
This place’s history runs to the 1890s as it was the command headquarters of the naval station in the American-Spanish War. And it did the same function in World War I and II as well.
After all wars, in 1946, this place was converted into a rest house as President Harry S. Truman liked to spend the wintertime there. Especially during the tense Cold War, he had visited this unwind place to take some rest.
After that, every president had used this place as an unofficial rest house. Still, it operates as a retreat venue for the country’s leaders. Then, can we visit it??
Of course, you can visit Harry S. Truman Little White House’s museum. It contains all the documents about President Harry S. Truman and what he did when he visited Key West 11 times.
So, if you are a fan of both history and politics, you should add this place to your Key West bucket list.
Address: 111 Front St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
7. Key West Attractions: Duval Street
Running from the Gulf of Mexico on the north to the Atlantic ocean side on the south, Duval street is a commercial zoned street in Key West, Florida.
Named after Florida’s first territorial governor, William Pope Duval, this street spreads over 1.25 miles. As it offers plenty of entertaining things, visiting Duval Street considers as one of the coolest things to do in Key West.
It has old-fashioned cafes, bars, nightlife hotspots, attractive art galleries, lovely gift shops, and any kind of boutique all along. Therefore, every Key West visitor definitely visits Duval street.
So, just add it to your Key West bucket list and have fun.
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8. Things to do in Key West: Key West Sea Plane Adventures
Are you ready to get the best aerial view of Key West?? Here we go.
Starting to fly from South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West Sea Plan Adventures takes you around the islands near Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park.
Viewing turquoise water, dolphins, sharks, shipwrecks, Fort Jefferson, and wonderful islands from the sky will be the most unforgettable experience in Key West for sure.
After all, Key West Sea Plan Adventures is the only service that provides air transportation to Dry Tortugas National Park. Actually, it is the most convenient and awesome way to go there if you can afford it. (check the rates from the above link)
Once you are on board, they offer you a seat by a window with a headset to hear the sightseeing narration. Actually, narrators guide you to see the shipwrecks (like Arbutus and Patricia) and islands at the correct time.
Collect some money and plan to get this wonderful flying experience in Key West.
Address: 3471 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
9. Key West Attractions: Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
John Huling Geiger was the first harbor pilot of Key West. He was more famous as Captain Geiger as he was involved in the shipwrecking industry. At that time, it was a very profitable and recognizable industry. So, he made his fortune from it.
In 1840, he made the wonderful Audubon House and Tropical Gardens in Old Town, Key West, Florida. (nearby Duval Street)
If his name was Geiger, then who is Audubon? Although Geiger made this house, it was named after the famous ornithologist, naturalist, and painter John James Audubon.
With time, Audubon House and Tropical Gardens were ruined in 1958 due to a lack of repair. After that, it was well restored by Mitchel Wolfson Family Foundation. Therefore, you can still see the glory of this house with a museum that displays the lifestyle of a rich late 19th-century family in Key West.
You can see Old style furniture, Audubon’s nature-related works, and hand-printed lithographs like items in the museum.
On the other hand, this place has a wonderful, lush garden filled with bright tropical flowers like orchids, crotons, tropical palms, bromeliads, and more.
After visiting all, if you are looking to buy a souvenir, there’s a small gift shop as well. There, you can buy nice Audubon prints.
Address: 205 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
10. Key West Attractions: Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Visiting Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is one of the calming and relaxing things to do in Key West because it lets you study the behavior of beautiful butterflies, insects, birds, and plants.
This nature conservatory contains around 60 attractive butterfly species, 20 exotic bird species, 3500 plants, and some insect species. So, you must visit this place if you love flying creatures.
Although Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is located in the middle of hustle Duval Street, it offers you a calm and quiet 5000 square feet of the glasshouse to spend some relaxing time. The colorful and fragrant flower bushes with beautiful butterflies attract many tourists annually.
If you want to buy a souvenir, there’s a small shop that sells butterfly-themed artistic items made by a local artist named Sam Trophia.
Who doesn’t like to see thousands of butterflies and colorful flowers??
Address: 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
11. Things to do in Key West: Higgs Beach
Higgs Beach or Clarence Higgs Beach Park is one of Key West’s best beaches to spend time with your family.
Its marvelous underwater marine park is the most highlighted feature. And only one of its shores is accessible for that park. Therefore, the snorkelers who love to see colorful and unique underwater fauna and flora attract this beach from all over the world.
And also, this beach is famous as a dog park. Having a fenced beachside and a grassy area, Higgs Beach is ideal for pet walks (with or without a leash).
Another place on this beach is African Burial Ground that reminds us of the cruel history of the transatlantic slave trade. Do not forget to visit this place and pay respect.
Address: 1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
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12. Key West Attractions: Key West Garden Club
After visiting Higgs Beach, just head to Key West Garden Club as it is located on the Higgs Beach, Atlantic Boulevard.
Key West Garden Club or West Martello Tower offers you free entrance to see lush tropical plants. Actually, this garden club aims to provide knowledge to the people about tropical gardening.
It contains various tropical plants like orchids, bromeliads, anthurium, The Bird of Paradise, and more. On the other hand, a stunning lily water pond and a waterfall decorates the garden more.
This garden really looks beautiful. Therefore, it has a huge demand for holding special events like weddings, birthday parties, and anniversary parties.
Then, what is West Martello Tower??
It was a meeting hall of the salvation army in the Civil War era. Due to its historical value, it was listed in the US National Register of Historic Places.
Address: 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
13. Things to do in Key West: Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
If you or your family love to learn marine ecology, Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is the ideal place. It contains a 2500 gallon reef tank with various marine creatures.
It also has a place called Aquarius, a perfect model of the world’s only underwater ocean laboratory. So, it addresses marine ecology theories and issues in the marine world.
Aside from Aquarius, this place exhibits some environmental habitats like hardwood hammocks, beach dunes, upland pinelands, coral reefs, seagrass flats, mangrove shorelines, and more.
Spreading over 6000 square feet area, Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center majorly tries to highlight animals, marines, and plants native to the Florida Keys.
Filled with various interactive exhibits, it offers plenty of activities for visitors. So, visiting Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is definitely one of the best things to do in Key West with your family.
Address: 35 E Quay Rd, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
14. Things to do in Key West: Key West Aquarium
Locating nearby Mallory Square, Key West Aquarium is the only public aquarium in the city. Initially, it was built as an open-air aquarium in 1932, and now, it is one of the best aquariums in Florida.
If you are coming from Orlando, it will take around 7 hours to reach this aquarium. Just drive to Whitehead Street, and you’ll see Key West Aquarium.
The most highlighted exhibits in this aquarium are Jellyfish Exhibit, American Alligator Exhibit, and Atlantic Shores. You can join with regular scheduled tours or group tours.
Or, if you are looking for an ideal place to impress your kid on his/her birthday, Key West Aquarium allows the space for that as well. You can rent the space for any kind of party or special event.
On the other hand, this aquarium organizes some educational programs. Like Sea Turtles Conservation Tours, Shark and Stingray Interactive Feeding programs, Touch Tank and Aquarium History, and more.
So, Seeing these beautiful and colorful creatures is obviously one of the best things to do in Key West.
Address: 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
15. Key West Attractions: Key West First Legal Rum Distillery
Hey rum lovers, are you ready to have fun?
Key West First Legal Rum Distillery offers you the best rum tours, mojito classes, and tasting chances. Formerly this place was a saloon and now totally a rum distillery area that offers free rum tours.
It has various rum tastings, rum-flavored snacks, and mojito tastings. So, you’ll have so much fun.
It is better to keep your kids at home or a hotel if you need to spend a lot of time there. But, kids are also welcomed to Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, as they have arranged a separate area for kids.
Address: 105, Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
16. Things to do in Key West: Southernmost Point
Southernmost Point Buoy or Southernmost Point of the Continental US is a significant historical landmark anchored in Key West, Florida. Locating 18 feet above sea level, this concrete buoy marks the lowest latitude land of the whole North American states.
To do the honor of this place’s specialty, this huge buoy was built here in 1983. Therefore you can see it in many of Key West’s and Florida’s photos.
The special value and stunning ocean views have made the Southernmost Point one of the greatest things to do in Key West. Since it is located very close to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, you can easily find it (just 2 mins away). Just visit and take a cool selfie.
Address: Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
17. Things to do in Key West: Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden
Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden is one of the unique places to visit in Key West. What are the unique features of this secret garden?? Who’s Nancy??
Well, Nancy is a famous environmental artist in the region. She has made this awesome Secret Garden to host rescued macaws and parrots. And she welcomes visitors to see those birds and play with them.
Talk with birds and listen to Nancy’s special Parrot 101 talk (daily at 10 am) are the most highlighted things to do in this place.
Also, Nancy Forrester has made space for the visitors to enjoy playing music, join with art creations and other artistic works.
Since many tourists don’t know much about Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden, you can enjoy this wonderful place without any disturbance. So, come along with your family and have fun with these lovely birds.
Address: 518, Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
18. Things to do in Key West: Lloyd’s Tropical Bike Tour
Lloyd’s Tropical Bike Tour is not just a bicycle rental service in Key West. It is one of the best ways to discover the city. Starting from 9.45 am until 12.oo pm, they take you to most of the city’s top attractions as possible.
Lloyd is really an enjoyable person, and he makes sure every traveler gets the maximum enjoyment from this cycle tour.
Starting from Truman Avenu’s Mopped Hospital, he takes you through a botanical garden, old houses of Florida’s celebrities, Key West Wildlife Center, and more unique places. And he provides all the information about those places as well.
Since he takes you along flat streets, it is not so difficult. Anyone can join. If you are interested, just visit Lloyd’s Tropical Bike Tour and know more.
Address: 929 Truman Ave, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
19. Key West Attractions: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park or Fort Taylor is a famous US National Historic Landmark used in the Civil War era. Locating in the southern tip, it is a top attraction in Key West.
Especially, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park’s beaches are lovely and contain various beach facilities like beach chairs, picnic areas, places to eat, and water sports equipment (boats, kayaks, snorkel gear, and floats). So, you can have a nice beach day here.
On the other hand, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park is famous for hosting unique events like Civil War reenactments (for now week). So, if you like to learn and get the Civil War’s real experience, just visit this historic park in Key West.
Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
20. US Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum
What is USCGC Ingham?
It is one United States Coast Guard Cutters out of two preserved treasury class USCGC. Or the gem of the Key West Maritime Memorial Museum.
What to see in the museum?
You can see a 50 years old Coast Guard Cutter in this museum. It played a historic and important role in the 20th century. It was especially participated in both World War I and II during its active era (1938-1988) to save many innocent lives. Therefore, it was awarded two Presidential Unit Citations.
Now you can see it as a museum. So, definitely add it to your Key West bucket list and take your kids along with you.
Address: Southard St, Key West, FL 33041, United States.
21. Things to do in Key West: Sebago Boat Tours
Sebago Watersports is a top-rated boat tour agency in Key West that features snorkeling tours, parasailing tours, and sunset tours. They arrange different types of tours on your demand.
You can experience the wind, warm tropical waters, and nice marine creatures in the Key West ocean. Especially their sunset tours are very famous. Just imagine you and your family are watching the sunset while sailing on a cruise and having champagne. Isn’t it sound amazing?
On the other hand, if you like snorkeling, join with morning snorkeling tours offered by Sebago Watersports.
If you are looking for more adventurous things, just book their Full Power Adventure package that offers parasailing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and boat tours. So, you can have fun the whole day.
Sebago Watersports offers you delicious food, snacks, champagne, and other drinks on your tours, whatever the package you selected. Usually, the tours last for 2 and half hours or maybe the whole day.
They surely take you to the most beautiful places in the Key West sea. So, just book their service without any hesitation. You’ll get an unforgettable experience.
Address: 205 Elizabeth St i, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
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22. Things to do in Key West: Wild About Dolphins Tour
Wild About Dolphins touring is also one of the top things to do in Key West. If you love to see dolphins and sea turtles, just visit the Key West Harbor Marina located in the Stock Island Marina Village.
There, you’ll find Wild About Dolphins tour agents.
They take you to see wild bottle-nosed dolphins live in the Key West ocean. And also they teach you more facts about dolphins.
The PADI master diver and trainer, Captain Sheri Sullenger, lead the “Dolphin Playground” in Key West. You can really experience the natural behavior of wild bottle-nosed dolphins in the warm tropical water.
On the other hand, the tour allows you to snorkel in shallow areas to see various marine life. If you are lucky, you’ll meet sea turtles.
After watching dolphins, you can plan for a ride to a nearby mangrove island or beaches if it is not enough. Those areas have various types of exotic birds, other fauna, and flora.
Do not hesitate to plan your Wild About Dolphins tour when you are in Key West. Click this official link to the book.
Address: Stock Island Yacht Club & Marina, 6000 Peninsular Avenue, Stock Island, Key West, FL, United States.
23. Things to do in Key West: Pepe’s Cafe Key West
Locating in Caroline Street, Pepe’s Cafe offers delicious food to Key West’s visitors since 1909.
Although the outside looks very small and untouched, the inside looks classical and romantic. Walls are covered with the photos, signatures, and arts of customers since 1901 as lovely memories.
Most importantly, Pepe’s seafood is fresh and delicious. Also, their Key Lime Pie is very famous, even among locals.
Many tourists visit this place to have breakfast as they offer diversified breakfast dishes daily. (It depends on the available seafood type in that morning)
Pepe’s Cafe’s staff is very friendly, and they serve whatever you want. If you like to have food outside, they surely arrange seats for your need.
So, do not miss having breakfast from Pepe’s Cafe when you are in Key West, Florida.
Address: 806, Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
24. Key West Attractions: Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
Are you into horror, ghosts, and supernatural things? Here’s the chance for you. Ghosts and Gravestones Tour offers you interesting and unique ghost tours that exactly you are looking for.
Well, how haunted is Key West?
When considering all the Haunted American Tours, Key West always takes 4th place as the 4th most haunted city in the country. So, you must try Ghosts and Gravestones Tour when you are in Key West.
They take you through Old Town and many historically haunted places in the city. For example, East Martello Civil War Fort believed in a haunted place for many years as many soldiers died due to yellow fever.
Are you still interested?? Ok, this is just for you. Enjoy the tour. (click the above official link for online bookings)
Address: 501 Front St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
25. Things to do in Key West: The Vandenberg Wreck
What is the Vandenberg wreck? It is 71.5 feet wide, 522 feet long, and 24 feet tall shipwreck sunk in 140 feet deep.
It was a former United States Navy ship used for military troop transportation and served as a missile tracking ship.
In 2009, it was intentionally sunk to make an artificial coral reef in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. (around 7 miles to the south side of Key West)
This project’s major aims were to protect natural coral reefs, increase marine habitats, boost scuba diving tours, and preserve the ship’s history.
26. Key West Attractions: Smathers Beach
If you visit Smathers Beach, you’ll feel you are on one of the best beaches in the world. Clean, white sand, peaceful waves, crystal clear water, tropical warm climate defines Smathers Beach. Can you find this kind of beach in the USA?? Yeah, only in Key West.
Its beauty and easy accessibility attract many tourists, especially during the spring holidays. So, it is better to avoid the crowded season if you are looking for a real peaceful surrounding.
Smathers Beach always has high-quality amenities, food trucks, or anything you need. So, no need to bother about facilities. Beach chairs, jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, boats, beach umbrellas, or anything is available to rent.
Do not forget swimsuits as Smathers Beach is a great place for swimming.
By considering all the awesome features, visiting Smathers Beach can be considered as one of the best things to do in Key West with your family on the weekend.
Address: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
27. Things to do in Key West: Sunset Pier
Now, it’s time to eat delicious seafood.
Located very close to the famous Mallory Square, Sunset Pier is one of the best places to have seafood and rum while watching Key West’s golden sunset.
Since they are Caribbean-inspired cuisines, you can experience the taste of Caribbean flavors in Key West too.
On the other hand, live music on the Sunset Pier adds more joy to the evening. Sometimes, this music leads to dancing parties in this place.
There are plenty of seats on the Sunset Pier to enjoy the sunset. But, Ocean Key Resort and Spa is more special as it offers the most scenic seats.
If you are looking for a relaxing place at the end of a busy day, you should visit Sunset Pier in Duval Street.
Address: 0 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
28. Things to do in Key West: Shipwreck Treasures Museum
Visiting Shipwreck Treasures Museum is one of the best things to do in Key West with kids.
But, that doesn’t mean adults have nothing to see. Adults also can enjoy the amazing exhibits in this museum.
Especially, it helps you to discover more about the shipwreck industry’s history. There are guided tours that explain everything.
After watching exhibits, just step down to the basement of the museum to experience the best part. There you can climb Shipwreck Treasures Museum’s tower to get awesome views of the sea and Key West.
These exciting exhibits and scenic views from the tower attract many visitors to this museum every day.
Address: 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
29. Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea
Whether you are religious or not, the Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea is a must-visit place in Key West. Being one of the oldest Catholic parishes in Florida, it is a Minor Basilica of Catholic Church in Key West.
Opened in 1905, its architecture has a maritime influence. Its amazing architecture and stunning interior daily attract many prayers and visitors.
After watching the cathedral, you can roam around its garden as well. It is well maintained, calm and quiet.
So, you can definitely have some quality and peaceful time if you visit the Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea.
Address: 1010 Windsor Ln, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
30. Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad
Henry Flagler, or the “Father of Miami,” built this railroad in 1910. He was a rich railroad builder at that time. But, it was damaged by the LaborDay Hurricane of 1935. It was then abandoned due to severe damages.
You can currently see Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad’s ruins when you drive on Overseas Highway towards Key West. So, it is worth stopping and takes a view of that ruined railroad.
31. Things to do in Key West: Lazy Dog Adventures
Lazy Dog Adventure is a canoe and kayak rental service located at Hurricane Hole Marina, Stock Island. But, definitely, it is more than that.
But why does it called Lazy Dog Adventure? Because the owners of this place have three lazy dogs named Tucker, Boney, and Casey.
They rent out watersports equipment like kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels, and boats. Also, they offer you paddleboard lessons, maps, and other essential information. Then, they guide you on various waterway tours. Ex: Mangrove Ecosystem Paddleboard Tours.
The good news is you can take your dog along with you.
Address: 5114 Overseas Hwy, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
32. Key West Attractions: Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Are you interested in extensive artifacts of shipwrecks? Here’s the best opportunity for you.
Locating at 200 Green Street, Key West Mel Fisher Maritime Museum contains a unique collection of shipwrecks artifacts from the 17th century. Especially the artifacts of slave ship Henrietta Marie, Spanish ship Santa Margarita, and Nuestra Señora de Atocha are more highlighted.
But, who’s Mel Fisher?
He was a diver who discovered all the above sunken ships in the deep ocean. Henrietta Marie ship, which was disappeared in 1700, was found by him in 1972. Since it was a slave ship, there were no valuable artifacts. But, you can some invaluable artifacts discovered by Mel Fisher’s dive team.
Santa Margarita was discovered in 1980, and it was a very wealthy shipwreck with gold and silver.
So, you can see unique things in this museum. For example, various old navigational instruments, 77.76-carat emerald, and more tools. On the other hand, it offers some exhibits on diving and underwater archeology with some video clips and demonstrations.
This is surely an exciting place. So, do not ever miss Mel Fisher Maritime Museum when you visit Key West.
Address: 200 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
33. Things to do in Key West: Fantasy Fest
Fantasy Fest is the biggest street festival in Key West every last week of October. (You can check this year’s date from the above link)
Fantasy Fest attracts thousands of party lovers from all over the world to have fun. Every participant wears colorful and creative costumes under various themes. Mostly they follow classical themes.
If you are looking for a big, fun party in Key West, participate in Fantasy Fest in October.
Address: 922 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
34. Things to do in Key West: Lagerheads Beach Bar and Watersports
Ready to eat delicious fish tacos? Lagerheads Beach Bar is waiting for you.
Lagerheads Beach Bar offers you Caribbean-style delicious seafood with endless stunning ocean views. Since they offer you fresh seafood, even locals visit this place.
If you like to meet locals and share stories with them, Lagerheads Beach Bar is ideal for you.
Not only seafood, but Lagerheads small bar also offers you different types of drinks as well. If you like to spend a calm, simple, Caribbean-style evening at a beach bar, this is the best place. Especially, their fish tacos are very famous.
On the other hand, Lagerheads Beach Bar offers a watersports service as well. So, you can go snorkeling, boat touring, fishing, and dolphin touring with them.
Address: 0 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
35. Things to do in Key West: The Oldest House Museum
Built-in 1829, The Oldest House was owned by Francis B. Watlington, a former navy captain who lived in Florida. Now it is a museum located in Duval Street, Key West.
Although it is not a famous museum, it contains very charming features highlighting Key West’s history, original furniture, family portraits, a peaceful garden, an old cookhouse, various ship models, and some historical documents.
If you are more curious about the old Key West’s lifestyle, this museum offers you a good chance to experience it.
Address: 322 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
36. Key West Attractions: Tropic Cinema
Hey, all the film addicts!! Tropic Cinema is waiting for you.
Tropic Cinema Art House is a retro-style cinema theater that shows both mainstream and independent films. And also it hosts some cultural events and lectures as well.
Having 4 theaters, Tropic Cinema is very famous for its amazing independent films. If you are a real lover of indie films, do not forget to check their calendar and catch an unforgettable movie.
Address: 416 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
37. Things to do in Key West: San Carlos Institute
Locating in Duval Street, San Carlos Institute is a Cuban heritage center and museum. It was established in 1871, targeting to preserve the Cuban language, culture, and traditions. It was also beneficial to unite the exiled Cuban community who faced the Cuban War of Independence.
So, if you are a history lover, you should visit San Carlos Institute in Key West. (usually, it opens every day from 12 pm to 5 pm)
Address: 516 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
38. Key West Attractions: Tiki Bar Cruise
Cruisin’ Tikis Key West is a famous boat tour agency that offers a unique bar experience for travelers. This will be an unforgettable twist for your holiday.
What is a Tiki Bar?
It is a floating hut with every kind of alcohol and snacks. You can go floating with your friends or family on a beautiful sunset evening. Their departure points are Hurricane Hole Marina and Mellow Ventures Cafe.
If you are looking for a relaxing party, just book a Cruisin’ Tiki Bar with your friends. You’ll have a lot of fun.
Address: 1605 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
39. Things to do in Key West: Key West Museum of Art and History
Locating in Mallory Square, Key West, this was a monumental civic building since 1891. Then, it was restored as a museum named Key West Museum of Art and History.
Being an award-winning museum, it features a unique and creative collection of artwork representing Florida Key’s history. So, every art lover should visit this impressive Museum of Art and History in Key West.
On the other hand, the four-story building made with red bricks has a unique architectural style.
Address: 281 Front St, Key West, FL 33040, United States.
40. Key West Attractions: Racing World Offshore Championships
Who doesn’t like to see amazing powerboat fights?
Key West Offshore Racing World Championships is not just for racers; it for racing fans as well. This thrilling event offers you a chance to see flying boat racers across Key West Harbor since 1917.
Check the latest schedule dates from the above link and get ready for goosebumps.
Do not hesitate to add all these top 40 things to do in Key West to your Key West bucket list. Have fun.
