15 best things To do in key West, Florida

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. 

Tabla de contenido
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 manates de tu kayak.

4. Sabor de mariscos frescos en uno de los muchos restaurantes.

Pruebe un plato de mariscos frescos a lo largo de la calle Duval emparejada con un cóctel Key West.

De los peces a Conch, seguramente encontrará algo y todo lo que el agua tiene para ofrecer en los muchos restaurantes increíbles en la isla, así que asegúrese de probar algo de la captura local.

Algunos de los mariscos más tradicionales de Key West incluyen todas las cosas de la caracol, como la ensalada de caracoles, los buñuelos de la carretilla, la sopa de caracoles y la concha agrietada. Además, ¡incluso puedes llegar a probar una Conch Margarita! Sabe mejor de lo que suena, confía en mí.

Si es más de un tipo de persona de langosta, pruebe un rollo de langosta o langosta Key West. Estoy absolutamente seguro de que te encantará.

Algunos de los restaurantes que recomiendo en Duval Street son DJ’s Clam Shack, Bagatelle, Caroline’s Cafe y Ocean Grill and Bar.

5. Únete a un crucero al atardecer.

Key West cuenta con algunas de las mejores aguas navegantes de Estados Unidos, lo que lo convierte en un verdadero paraíso para cualquier fanático del aire libre.

Ponga navegar en un crucero por la puesta de sol mientras observa tonos infinitos de púrpura, rosa, naranja y rojo se extienden por el cielo. Mi cosa favorita de Key West Sunset Cruises es que siempre tienen una excelente comida y una barra abierta. Además, cuando fui, la tripulación era simplemente fantástica.

Echa un vistazo a esta vela Supers Sunset en un catamarán de 70 pies. El viaje dura alrededor de 2 horas e incluye excelentes aperitivos, vino, vino espumoso, sangría recién hecha y cerveza. Este viaje al atardecer es de excelente valor. Aprende más aquí.

Tal vez prefieras que zarpara en la puesta de sol en un velero real? Este viaje de grupo pequeño dura alrededor de 2 horas e incluye 8 muestras de vino diferentes o 5 cervezas diferentes. Además, una selección de quesos gourmet, carnes, galletas, frutas y más. Aprende sobre el viaje aquí.

6. Visita algunos bares y restaurantes únicos.

Key West tiene muchos excelentes bares y restaurantes para visitar, especialmente aquellos que rodean el casco antiguo de Key West.

Tome su selección de una variedad de bares de buceo, bares deportivos y clubes nocturnos donde puede bailar la noche o simplemente relajarse con amigos con una lima de lima Mojito.

Parada por el cielo azul para una comida de buñuelos de concha mundialmente famosos y luego diríjase al Capitán Tony’s Saloon en el mismo bloque para que la música en vivo lo mantendrá en la noche.

Después, diríjase al famoso bar de loros verde, uno de los bares más antiguos de América, para terminar la noche en una nota dorada.

7. Ver una película

Ubicado en el corazón del casco antiguo de Key West, el cine tropical es uno de los dos cines interiores en todo el condado de Monroe.

El cine se inauguró en 2004 y apunta a traer películas de calidad a las personas que largas para algo más que los éxitos de éxitos de Hollywood, con asientos de felpa y una concesión que incluye cerveza, vino y palomitas de maíz con mantequilla real, ¡es un gran lugar para vencer el calor!

Cuando vive en Key West, este es el lugar para ver películas independientes, clásicos y programas únicos. En consonancia con el área, el teatro tiene una fachada artificial de artecomunicipio aqua-azul, una escultura de Marilyn Monroe y un paseo de la fama de Hollywood, con un giro.

El cine tropical es un lugar bastante fresco para experimentar y algo único que hacer en Key West. Averigua más aquí.

8. Tarta de calma de gusto

Mallory Square Dock es una visita obligada para los viajeros de foodie cuando visite Key West.

La plaza frente al mar alberga las celebraciones nocturnas del atardecer con un mercado al aire libre lleno de artistas locales que venden productos y deliciosos alimentos, como el plazo tradicional de lima.

La tarta de lima clave se inventó en las llaves de Florida y es el postre más tradicional de la isla, por lo que no puede dejar Key West sin intentarlo.

Si ya ha tenido su parte de la tarta clásica, pruebe el pastel de lima con llave de chocolate o incluso un pastel de cal llave en un palo (mi favorito).

Otra opción es combinar un poco de ejercicio con una rebanada de pastel. En este relajado recorrido en bicicleta por Key West, aprenderá todo sobre la historia de Key West, mientras tomó fotos y disfrutando de las vistas, al final, ¡disfrutarás de una rebanada de pastel de lima clave! Averigua más aquí.

9. Coger un espectáculo de arrastre

Los programas de arrastre son un clásico Key West! A menudo cuentan con algunos de los artistas más talentosos en un ambiente de bares divertidos que tendrás que ver para creer. Echa un vistazo a Bourbon St. Pub y Desfile Lounge.

¡Los cantantes de la calle Bourbon se realizan todos los viernes y sábados por la noche y hacen un tiempo verdaderamente agradable! Siempre hacen interpretaciones únicas e hilarantes de canciones populares que todos saben.

Además, para hacer que las noches sean aún más agradables, el pub alberga las especiales de bebidas nocturnas y cuenta con una impresionante pista de baile con golpes de música para obtener su ranura. 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. Averigua más aquí.

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