With a tropical island vibe and a laid-back atmosphere, Key West offers a Caribbean-esque vacation at the southernmost end of Florida. Part of the Florida Keys archipelago, the island city offers a festive, carefree party scene among its pastel-hued cottages and historical attractions like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, President Harry S. Truman’s Little White House, and the Key West Shipwreck Museum. Nature lovers also can enjoy a range of things to do in Key West, including sailing and kayaking tours, fishing charters, and snorkeling excursions.
Here, get your guide to Key West’s best attractions, tours, and more.
Grown-ups who want to party in paradise should visit in the fall—namely for Fantasy Fest in October. The risque, week-long festival features costumes, parades, and tons of parties every year around Halloween. Fall is also the tail end of hurricane season in the Keys, so the skies are much clearer than in the stormy summer.
Positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Key West is tiny—the entire island is only 4 miles (6 kilometers) long and just under 2 miles (3 kilometers) wide. So if you’re an avid cyclist, walker, rollerblader, or longboarder, you’ll have little trouble navigating the island without a car.
Those who like to ride with a roof over their heads can pay to use the Key West Transit around the island. Keep your eyes peeled for the hop-on hop-off service that runs the Duval Loop. It’s a free ride that stops at more than a dozen popular spots downtown.
The island is well-known for its LGBTQ+ scene and surprising amount of family-friendly activities. Mallory Square is full of entertaining buskers, while the Key West Aquarium and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are exciting and educational. Groups trying to see all of America’s national parks will be delighted to know that Dry Tortugas National Park is a 2-hour ferry ride away from the marina.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EST (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 27 | Tours 298 | Reviews 43,504 |
Don’t miss Old Town, a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood full of restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops. After a walk along Duval Street, check out the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, Hemingway Home and Museum, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. And remember to grab a slice of the island’s beloved key lime pie.
...MoreThere are several attractive times of year to visit. The winter months of December, January, and February are known for mild temperatures. Travelers who want to see the rowdy side of the island may want to visit for Fantasy Fest in October or Mardi Gras in March.
...MoreThe island is home to several attractions including the Hemingway Home and Museum, Truman’s Little White House, and Key West Lighthouse. It also offers a range of smaller attractions such as the southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West Aquarium, and Audubon House and Tropical Gardens.
...MoreYes. It is worth going for a day. The pastel-hued Old Town is fairly compact and can be explored on foot. Check out the Hemingway Home and Museum, Truman’s Little White House, and Key West Lighthouse. Don’t leave town without going for a stroll along Duval Street.
...MoreTeens can take a Jet Ski tour, rent bikes to explore the Old Town, or catch rays on the beach. Other fun things to do in Key West include visiting the Shipwreck Museum, going on a ghost tour, and getting a bird’s-eye view of the ocean while parasailing.
...MoreLocals get outdoors to soak up the area's natural beauty. Join the locals for a swim at Smathers Beach, a fishing expedition, or a stroll through the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. More things to do in Key West include a kayaking excursion or a bike ride followed by happy hour at local fave Sloppy Joe's Bar.
...MoreHome to an imitable mix of pastel-colored architecture, historical landmarks, and Caribbean cool, Florida’s Key West is somewhere best explored with a local. Get your guide to take you to less-crowded stretches of sand and snorkel spots only accessible by boat, where you’re likely to see sea turtles, rays, and coral.
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