32 Must Visit Places In Key West
Looking for a tropical getaway without leaving the country? Key West might be your perfect destination. This small island city in Florida offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From stunning sunsets at Mallory Square to exploring the vibrant streets of Old Town, there's something for everyone. Water enthusiasts can enjoy snorkeling, diving, or simply lounging on beautiful beaches. History buffs will love visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum or the historic Fort Zachary Taylor. With its laid-back vibe, delicious seafood, and endless activities, Key West promises an unforgettable experience. Ready to pack your bags? Let's dive into the top 32 must-visit places in this tropical paradise!
Beaches and Water Activities
Key West, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, offers a variety of activities for water enthusiasts. Whether you're into snorkeling, diving, or just lounging on the sand, there's something for everyone.
Smathers Beach This is the largest public beach in Key West. With its soft white sand and calm waters, it's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the shoreline.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Known for its clear waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities, this park also offers a glimpse into history with its Civil War-era fort. Enjoy a picnic under the shade of the pine trees after a swim.
Higgs Beach A favorite among locals, Higgs Beach features a pier, a dog park, and a playground. The shallow waters make it ideal for families with young children.
Dry Tortugas National Park Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this remote park offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the area. Explore the historic Fort Jefferson and enjoy the pristine beaches.
Historic Sites and Museums
Key West is rich in history, with numerous sites and museums that tell the story of this unique island. From literary legends to maritime history, there's plenty to learn and explore.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum Visit the former residence of the famous author, where you can see his writing studio and meet the descendants of his six-toed cats. The lush gardens are also worth a stroll.
Harry S. Truman Little White House This historic site served as the winter White House for President Truman. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and see the rooms where Truman worked and relaxed.
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum Climb to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the island. The museum in the keeper's quarters offers insights into the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Discover the treasures recovered from shipwrecks, including the famous Atocha. The museum offers a fascinating look at maritime history and the art of treasure hunting.
Nightlife and Entertainment
When the sun sets, Key West comes alive with vibrant nightlife and entertainment options. From lively bars to unique theaters, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy your evenings.
Duval Street The heart of Key West's nightlife, Duval Street is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. Don't miss the famous Sloppy Joe's Bar, a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway.
Mallory Square Known for its nightly Sunset Celebration, Mallory Square is the place to be as the sun goes down. Enjoy street performers, local artisans, and stunning views of the sunset.
The Green Parrot Bar One of the oldest bars in Key West, The Green Parrot offers live music and a laid-back atmosphere. It's a great spot to enjoy a cold drink and some local tunes.
Tennessee Williams Theatre For a more cultural evening, catch a performance at this theater named after the famous playwright who spent many winters in Key West. The theater hosts a variety of shows, from plays to concerts.
Outdoor Adventures
For those who love the great outdoors, Key West offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. From biking to fishing, there's no shortage of activities to keep you busy.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Walk through a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of butterflies and exotic birds. The conservatory also features a learning center where you can learn about the life cycle of butterflies.
Key West Eco Tours Explore the natural beauty of Key West with a guided eco-tour. Options include kayaking through mangroves, snorkeling in the backcountry, and paddleboarding.
Fishing Charters Key West is a world-renowned fishing destination. Book a charter to try your hand at catching tarpon, marlin, and other big game fish.
Key West Bike Tours Discover the island on two wheels with a guided bike tour. It's a great way to see the sights and learn about the history and culture of Key West.
Unique Attractions
Key West is full of quirky and unique attractions that you won't find anywhere else. These spots offer a glimpse into the island's eclectic character.
Southernmost Point Buoy Snap a photo at this iconic landmark, which marks the southernmost point in the continental United States. It's a must-visit for any trip to Key West.
Key West Cemetery Known for its unusual gravestones and epitaphs, the Key West Cemetery offers a fascinating look at the island's history. Take a self-guided tour to explore the historic gravesites.
The Ernest Hemingway Look-Alike Contest Held annually during the Hemingway Days festival, this contest attracts bearded men from all over the world. It's a fun and quirky event that celebrates the legacy of the famous author.
Conch Tour Train Hop on this charming train for a narrated tour of Key West. It's a great way to see the sights and learn about the island's history and culture.
Shopping and Dining
Key West offers a variety of shopping and dining options, from local boutiques to gourmet restaurants. Indulge in some retail therapy and savor the flavors of the island.
Key West Historic Seaport This lively area is home to shops, restaurants, and bars. Stroll along the waterfront, browse the boutiques, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many eateries.
Duval Street Shopping In addition to its nightlife, Duval Street offers a variety of shops and galleries. Find unique souvenirs, local art, and stylish clothing.
Blue Heaven A Key West institution, Blue Heaven is known for its delicious food and laid-back atmosphere. Dine under the trees and enjoy live music while you savor dishes like lobster Benedict and key lime pie.
El Siboney For authentic Cuban cuisine, head to El Siboney. This family-owned restaurant serves up hearty dishes like ropa vieja and picadillo in a casual setting.
Festivals and Events
Key West hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from literature to seafood. Plan your visit around one of these exciting happenings.
Fantasy Fest This annual 10-day festival is Key West's version of Mardi Gras. With elaborate costumes, parades, and parties, it's a wild and colorful celebration.
Hemingway Days Celebrate the life and work of Ernest Hemingway with a week of events, including the famous look-alike contest, a marlin fishing tournament, and literary readings.
Key West Food and Wine Festival Foodies will love this festival, which features wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and gourmet dinners. It's a great way to sample the best of Key West's culinary scene.
Key West Lobsterfest Held in August, Lobsterfest celebrates the start of the lobster season. Enjoy fresh lobster dishes, live music, and a street fair.
Nature and Wildlife
Key West's natural beauty and diverse wildlife make it a paradise for nature lovers. Explore the island's parks and wildlife refuges to see its flora and fauna up close.
Key West Wildlife Center This rehabilitation center cares for injured and orphaned wildlife. Visit to learn about the center's work and see some of the animals up close.
Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden A hidden gem in Key West, this garden is home to a variety of rescued parrots. Meet the birds and learn about their care and conservation.
Key West Botanical Garden Explore the lush gardens and native plants at this peaceful sanctuary. The garden also features walking trails and a butterfly garden.
Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge Located just off the coast of Key West, this refuge protects the habitat of the great white heron. Take a boat tour to see these majestic birds and other wildlife.
Key West Awaits Your Adventure
Key West is a treasure trove of experiences. From the vibrant nightlife on Duval Street to the serene beauty of Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, there's something for everyone. Dive into the rich history at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum or soak up the sun at Smathers Beach. Don't miss the stunning sunsets at Mallory Square or the underwater wonders of the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
Whether you're a history buff, a beach lover, or an adventure seeker, Key West has it all. The island's unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination. Pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to this charming island paradise. Key West is calling your name.
