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Things to do in
Key West

The southernmost point of the Florida Keys combines sun, sea, scenic nature, and even some Ernest Hemingway.

Our most recommended things to do in Key West

Miami: Day Trip to Key West with Optional Activities

1. Miami: Day Trip to Key West with Optional Activities

Get ready for fun in the sun on a day trip from Miami to Key West. Choose to take a glass bottom boat cruise through a maze of mangrove-canopied canals and streams, parasail on the coast, ride a conch train, or jump into the water for a snorkeling session above a coral reef with diverse marine life. Start your day on an air-conditioned bus from Miami Beach to Key West with a 4-hour drive. Watch as your tour guide points out the famous 31 Caribbean Islands along the drive known as the Florida Keys. Cross 43 bridges as you travel through the Keys to Key West. See the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico while driving by the coastline. Key West is the most southern point of the USA and only 90 miles from Cuba. Once you arrive in Key West, get 6 hours to explore the island at a leisurely pace, stroll the artistic streets, or relax at outdoor cafes and restaurants. Upgrade your day trip by choosing an option that includes one of the following inclusions: Hop-on Hop-off Conch Train All-Day Ticket. This 70-minute narrated tour around Key West is one of Florida’s Top attractions, covers over 100 points of interest, and includes 4 Hop-on Hop-off stops around town. A 3-hour snorkeling adventure at North America’s only living coral reef. Travel on a state-of-the-art Catamaran, receive professional instruction, use top-of-the-line snorkel gear, and enjoy an open bar on the way back (including sodas beer, wine, champagne, margaritas, well-mixed drinks)  A 2-hour cruise on a glass-bottom boat where you can witness the wonders of North America’s only living coral reef, maybe spotting sea turtles and rays. Fun for all the family, you also get great views of Key West from the sea. A 7-12 minute parasail off the coast of Key West on a 1-hour parasailing adventure. Enjoy the tropical vibe of the Keys as you are helped into your parasail harness before being slowly raised in the air until you are flying high above Key West. A 3-hour Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Eco Cruise Tour where you can watch bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat on this dolphin-watching tour from Key West. Cruise to the backcountry waters and enjoy some snorkeling fun of your own as you admire marine life. Enjoy an open bar on the way back (including sodas, Bud Light, and Cat 5 Key Lime Lager; and rose or chablis wine). Make your way back from Key West to Miami Beach at 5 PM.

Key West: Search for Dolphins on a Cruise with Snorkeling

2. Key West: Search for Dolphins on a Cruise with Snorkeling

Embark on a dolphin-watching cruise from Key West and admire pods of playful bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat from a respectful distance. Enjoy a cold beer or wine as you cruise, and stop to snorkel in the shallow waters of the Florida Keys. Hop aboard the catamaran in Key West and set off into the Gulf of Mexico on your dolphin-watching adventure. Search for the resident Key West bottlenose dolphins in the shimmering turquoise waters of the ocean. Admire the grace and beauty of the playful pods as they frolic in their natural habitat. After some time watching the dolphins, head to the Key West Wildlife Refuge to snorkel in the shallow backcountry waters. Explore a vibrant underwater world of marine creatures and coral with the snorkeling equipment provided. As you begin your ride back to the dock, enjoy a cold beer, glass of wine, or soft drink. Opt for the sunset tour and experience the world-famous Key West sunset as an added bonus to your adventure, before heading back to the city.

From Miami: Key West Day Trip with Pickup at Selected Hotels

3. From Miami: Key West Day Trip with Pickup at Selected Hotels

Discover Key West on this day trip from Miami. Get picked up at most hotels in Miami Beach or Downtown Miami, and do what you want to do in Key West with 6 hours of free time. After pickup, board your air-conditioned transportation for the scenic drive to Key West. Admire the breathtaking views of the Florida Keys through the window as you take the Overseas Highway, Upon arrival in Key West, enjoy 6 hours of time to explore by yourself. Ask your guide for any activity recommendations, and take optional tours, if you like. Afterward, return to Miami for drop-off at your pickup point.

Key West: 3-Hour Coral Reef Snorkeling

4. Key West: 3-Hour Coral Reef Snorkeling

Spend your morning or afternoon snorkeling in warm tropical seas surrounded by colorful fish. Enjoy expert instruction and learn about the reef’s marine wildlife from the professional crew. Your captain will select the exact location based on water and wind conditions, to give you best snorkeling in Key West. Dive into the calm waters, and see how many species of fish and coral you can find. Afterwards, grab a complimentary drink and lay on the sun deck, or cool off in the shade as you sail back to Key West. Feel the breeze in your hair and watch for dolphins playing in the ship’s wake.

From Miami: Key West Bus Tour

5. From Miami: Key West Bus Tour

Embark on a full-day tour of Key West from Miami. Feel the Caribbean atmosphere of the Florida Keys and explore at your own pace. See important sites, including Hemingway’s House, or opt to swim in the sea. Start with a 4-hour drive across 43 bridges and 31 islands to America's “Caribbean Islands,” the Florida Keys. The string of islands and islets, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, leads to Key West, the only frost-free city in the continental United States! Once in Key West, experience a Caribbean atmosphere complete with friendly street artists, lively outdoor cafés, and alfresco restaurants. Spend some time exploring Key West on your own. Book lovers might like to visit Ernest Hemingway’s House to see the former home of the famous author. Or, if you prefer, you can go to the southernmost point of the continental United States at the famous "90 miles to Cuba" Monument. Explore museums, such as the Mel Fisher Museum, the Light House Museum, or Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum (tickets not included). Feel the pulse of Key West at Mallory Square next to the cruise ship port. You may also choose to add one of our most popular adventure activities, such as a snorkeling trip to see tropical fish, a ride in a glass-bottom boat, or the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing trolley bus (tickets not included in the price). Depart Key West at 5:30 PM for the drive back over the bridges and islands.

Key West: Explore the Marine Sanctuary with Kayaking & Lunch

6. Key West: Explore the Marine Sanctuary with Kayaking & Lunch

Explore Key West’s Florida Marine Sanctuary on a sandbar and kayak eco-adventure. Hop on a boat and cruise through the crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean as you head toward the marine sanctuary. Be on the lookout for dolphins and sea turtles, participate in water activities, and savor lunch with unlimited drinks. Start with a guided kayak tour through the mangrove islands, exploring the local marine wildlife and mangroves. See as much local wildlife as possible with 500 marine species in the area. Next, venture further into the wildlife sanctuary to a secluded sandbar. Select your lunch with options such as fresh local Cuban sandwiches, fried chicken tenders, veggie wraps, fruit and veggie trays, cheese and cracker platters, and pita and hummus platters. Take advantage of unlimited draft beer, wine, and soft drinks that will be available after lunch. At the sandbar, you'll have the chance to either explore with a paddleboard or kayak, go snorkeling, or just sit back and relax while you grab a drink in the secluded oasis.

Key West: Sunset Sailing Trip with Open Bar, Food and Music

7. Key West: Sunset Sailing Trip with Open Bar, Food and Music

Join a sailing experience to get you closer to the sunset than ever before. Set sail from the historic sea port of Key West and head straight out to sea for a cruise with unobstructed views of the sunset on the horizon. During the cruise, enjoy an unlimited open bar, with a wide variety of drinks on offer including rum runners, Champagne, margaritas, and draft beer. Taste a selection of finger foods, ranging from Swedish meatballs, veggie treats, cheese and crackers, pita and hummus, and meat and veggie platters. You will be sailing on one of Key West's newest sailing catamarans, the Sandie Cat. This vessel has capacity for up to 149 passengers across 3 decks, so there will always be plenty of room onboard. Grab a drink, head to the upper deck, and dance to live music as you watch the sun go down. The captain and crew will even let you help raise the sails and you can ask to have a picture taken driving the boat.

Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

8. Key West: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

Climb aboard the Sunset One dolphin boat, sit back and listen to your tour guide explain where you are and where you are heading. Get ready to watch dolphins frolic in their natural playground.  Marvel as the dolphin swim closer to the boat so you can get a better view. Head out to the small islands within the boundaries of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Soak in this beautiful little chain of islands and jump into the gorgeous reef, perfect for snorkeling.  See fish up close and maybe some turtles. Climb back aboard and settle yourself in for the ride back to the dock with an ice cold draft beer. Watch the beautiful panoramic sunset over the crystal clear turquoise waters.

Key West: Old Town Trolley 12-Stop Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

9. Key West: Old Town Trolley 12-Stop Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Enjoy the sun, charming setting, and clear waters of Key West on this Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, and recieve complimentary admission to the "Sails to Rails" Museum This tour covers the entire city. You can avoid the trouble of driving and parking in a new place. The trolley tour is also designed so that you can hop-on and off and explore on your own, on any of the 13 stops. Your ticket is valid for all day, so you can tour at your own speed. There are frequent pick-ups at all of the 13 stops so you’ll never have far to walk. And the Old Town Trolley conductors will be there to guide you through this tropical paradise on one of the distinctive orange and green trolleys. Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary ticket to the Sails to Rails Museum for a comprehensive overview of the Florida Keys and Key West history. It is one of Key West's top attractions and located near Stop 2. There are 13 Stops conveniently located close to many places of interest in Key West: 1) 400 Wall St: Mallory Square1a) Whitehead/Caroline St: Presidential Gates2) 280 Margaret St: Mac’s Sea Garden3) Corner of Greene/Simonton St: Simonton Row4) 430 Duval St: La Concha Hotel5) Whitehead/Petronia: Bahama Village6) 2400 N. Roosevelt Blvd: Fairfield Inn7) 3840 N. Roosevelt Blvd: Roosevelt Station8) 3755 S. Roosevelt Blvd: Hampton Inn9) 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd: East Martello10) 1500 Reynolds St: Casa Marina11) South/Simonton St: Southernmost Trolley Stop12) Corner of Truman/Duval St: Truval Village13) Corner of Angela/Duval St: Angela Street Depot

From Miami: Key West Tour with Choice of Water Activities

10. From Miami: Key West Tour with Choice of Water Activities

Join this exciting excursion to the southernmost point of Florida. Travel to amazing landmarks like the Overseas Highway 1 and unwind on the warm shores of Key West. After pickup at your hotel in Miami, head across Key Largo and the magnificent Overseas Highway 1 Key West. Cross famous bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge Arrive at Key West before noon and enjoy ca. 6 hours on the island. Choose from various activities such as a dolphin spotting snorkel tour by boat, a snorkel tour with drinks, a glass bottom boat tour or simply enjoy the six hours of free time at your own pace.

Top activities

Top sights in Key West

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Frequently asked questions about Key West

What top attractions are a must-see in Key West?

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Key West

Former home to Ernest Hemingway and forever home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in Florida, visiting Key West is a real treat. Getting to the southern-most point in the United States can take some time, so we've enlisted the help of travel experts The Planet D to help you make the most of your time. Read our tips below for your next trip to Key West.

What should I do on my first trip to Key West?

First-time visitors to Key West should head down to Mallory Square for sunset. It really sets the tone and vibe for a Key West vacation. Mallory Square is filled with street performers, views of the Harbour, and a lot of energy and excitement. There are many top Key West attractions near Mallory Square, so go early to see the Maritime Museum, Key West Shipwreck, and Treasure Museum and see the sculpture garden showcasing historical figures from the area.

What are some hidden gems to see in Key West?

When in Key West, take a trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park. Located 70 miles (113 km) away, Fort Jefferson was a military fort used to defend during the Spanish American War from 1846 to 1876. You can stay over and camp on Garden Key and it has beautiful white-sand beaches. Make sure to go kayaking to the Key West Wildlife Refuge. It is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the United States, where you will paddle through mangrove forests in search of wildlife.

How much time should I spend in Key West?

When planning a trip to Key West, we suggest spending at least three nights. Five days in Key West is ideal giving enough time to spend a day or two on the water to see the Dry Tortugas and Wildlife Refuge. Two days are good to see the historic monuments and top attractions and then you will want to spend a day at the beach or enjoying your hotel.

What food is Key West known for?

Key West is famous for its Key Lime Pie. You cannot miss eating this refreshing dessert. Made with Florida Key Limes and condensed milk on a graham cracker crust, this treat is served all over Key West. One of the most famous places to grab a slice is at Kermits. Key West is also known for Conch. (pronounced Conk) Conch is the meat that comes from those large beautiful seashells. You can order conch fritter, conch chowder, cracked conch, and conch sandwiches. No trip to Key West would be complete without enjoying these two staples.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Key West?

We’ve stayed both downtown on Duval Street at the Crown Plaza in the heart of the action and out farther out on a quiet resort. It depends on what experience you want in Key West. Duval Street keeps you close to the party and within walking distance to many of the top attractions in Key West. If you want a quieter place to stay on the outskirts of town.

What is the best way to get around Key West?

It’s easy to walk to many of the sites in Key West around Mallory Square and Duval Street. To see some of the other sites, hop on a trolley tour or take the hop on hop off bus. The Conch Train is also one of the most popular attractions and it takes you around to all of the top places to visit. Another great way to get around is to rent a bike and have the freedom to cover a lot of ground independently.

What are the best months to visit Key West?

The high season in Key West is from the end of November to the end of February. This is when you’ll find the most crowds and the highest prices. A good time to visit is from March to May for more affordable hotel rates but the weather is comfortable and not too hot. October is a fun time to visit as well when Key West is gearing up for Fantasy Fest at the end of the month.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

The Key West streets are filled with shops and you’ll find some of the best shops in Old Town, Duval Street, and the Shops at Mallory Square.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Key West?

Everyone will love riding the Conch Train around the island showcasing the top sites in Key West. With an engineer telling tales about the history and culture of the island, it’s a fun and informative tour. The Key West Butterfly Conservatory is a good choice for families to walk among hundreds of butterflies and birds in a tropical rainforest environment.

What is the best thing to do for solo travelers in Key West?

The best thing for solo travelers in Key West is to join a Duval Street pub crawl. This is a great way to meet people and go out on the town in a safe environment. Another great way to meet people is to join a party cruise or waterspouts adventure tour where you can spend the day on the water going kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing. Or try one of the popular tours like the Rum and Reggae snorkeling tour. You’ll have the opportunity to get in the water on a tour, make new friends and enjoy a cocktail or two.

What is the best thing to do in Key West for couples?

The best thing for couples to do in Key West is to join a sunset cruise on a schooner or catamaran. What could be more romantic? Well, a romantic candlelit dinner at Sunset Key could be more romantic. Make a reservation and take the shuttle boat from Key West to Sunset Key for the best view in town.

What are the best annual events in Key West?

Fantasy Fest is by far the most original annual event that happens in Key West. Taking place at the end of October each year, it is a 10 day festival for adults with parades, partying, and elaborate costumes. Hemingway Days is an annual event in July that celebrates the life of Ernest Hemingway who called Key West home for eight years.

What are the best areas for outdoor activities?

The best places to enjoy outdoor activities in Key West is the Key West Wildlife Refuge for snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and birdwatching. John Pennekamp State Park is the only living reef in the United States and is popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. And Dry Tortugas National Park is good for camping, swimming, and snorkeling.

What are the best beaches in Key West?

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is one of the best beaches in Key West. Located in the State Park there is an entrance fee, but it is a great combination of beach life and a walk-through history at Fort Zachary Taylor. Smather’s Beach is the longest beach in Key West with 2 miles of white sandy beaches where you can rent beach chairs. Dry Tortugas has a picture-perfect white sandy beach that is completely deserted. And Higgs Beach is another great beach in Old Town that has a long wooden pier.

Other Sightseeing Options in Key West

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What people are saying about Key West

Overall rating

4.3
(3,964 reviews)

The guides were very, very nice and explained to us exactly what we had to look out for. On the way to the reef we were lucky and saw a turtle. You could see some fish at the reef. That was my first time snorkeling. I'm sure there are nicer reefs to snorkel on, but I felt very well looked after and was still really impressed. If you snorkel a lot and have seen a lot, you probably won't be as impressed as I am. I have no comparison in terms of reefs.

The crew was knowledgeable, organized and personable. Loved the music and bottomless mimosa, but the breakfast of packaged muffins (while good) was just ok. The snorkeling was what we really went out for and I thoroughly enjoyed the time in the water.

This is the perfect way to see Old Town Key West. Trolley drivers have so much historical information to share! And, you can drive by stops and then go back to them all day. They go places a car would never get too!

an amazing trip. the guide I forgot her name but she was great. she made everything clear.

It was awesome! Pilot deserve 10 stars or more! I recommend this experience to anyone