Key West, Florida is a popular travel destination known for its watersports, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there are plenty of things to do in Key West that are sure to make your trip unforgettable. Here are our top five most popular things to do in Key West:
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead St,
Key West, FL 33040
Ernest Hemingway is one of the most famous writers of the 20th century, and his home in Key West has become a popular attraction for visitors. The house is now a museum that offers tours, giving visitors a glimpse into the life of the author. The property is also home to dozens of cats, some of which are descendants of Hemingway’s own cats.
Visit their official site for more details and information.
Mallory Square
420 Wall St,
Key West, FL 33040
This is one of the most popular attractions in Key West. It’s located on the northside of the island, and is the most popular place to catch a Key West sunset. In fact, they celebrate it everyday as part of their Sunset Celebration!
Cruise ships dock here for the day, so it’s always busy and full of action. There’s no shortage of street entertainers, vendors, and food choices here, which makes spending your afternoon and evening here a real treat. There are also several shops where you can find hand-made treasures, novelty gifts, and souvenirs.
For more details, visit their site.
Go snorkeling or scuba diving
Key West is home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the world. Visitors can explore the beautiful coral reefs and see a variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and even sharks. There are several tour companies that offer snorkeling and scuba diving tours, making it easy to experience the underwater world of Key West. Two of the most popular are Sebago Watersports and Sunset Watersports. These two places offer the whole package: snorkeling, sunset sails, and parasailing.
Key West Historic Seaport
201 William St,
Key West, FL 33040
A stroll down the pier is a perfect activity at any time during the day or night. Stop by one of the many restaurants on the wharf like Conch Republic Seafood or Schooner Wharf Bar for some local fare, or you can take the kids to the Waterfront Brewery’s game room for a few hours of video games. Or you can simply just admire all the boats along the pier! If you plan on going in May or June, try to plan around going during the Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta. It’s like a box car derby, except with boats. It’s a total blast and your kids will love it!
Hit the beach
There are several public beaches you can visit, most notably Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach. Both beaches are on the southern part of the island, but Higgs Beach is closer to the main drag. Smathers is a little further east toward the airport and not quite as busy. And you can sign up for all kinds of watersports at Sunset Watersports right on Smathers Beach.
And don’t forget you can also visit Lagerheads Beach Bar for a little more intimate beach experience!
