36 Finest Issues to Do in Key West, Florida In 2023

In search of the very best issues to do in Key West, Florida? Positioned on the Straits of Florida dividing the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the southernmost level of the continental United States is a tropical paradise. Key West is just 90 miles from Cuba making Key West nearer to Havana than Miami giving it a definite Caribbean really feel. If you wish to escape to the Caribbean Islands with out leaving the continent, Key West is the place to go.

High Issues to Do in Key West

One of the simplest ways to discover Key West is on a street journey from Miami. Driving over the lengthy bridges of the abroad freeway connecting the totally different Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West is certainly a bucket checklist expertise. It takes solely 3 1/2 hours to drive to Key West from Miami airport, however you’ll wish to give your self not less than a day as there are many stops alongside the way in which.

This complete Key West information will take you to the standard vacationer points of interest like Mallory Sq. and Duval Road however we additionally share a few of its extra distinctive points of interest like an eco-tour of the coast and a enjoyable hydro bike sundown tour.

Once you land at Miami worldwide airport, hire a automotive and begin driving south! You possibly can examine automotive rental costs right here. You probably have the time, we suggest staying in a single day in Islamorada. It was one in every of our favourite locations within the Keys.

1. Mallory Sq.

Probably the most fashionable issues to do in Key West is to attend the sundown celebration at Mallory Sq.. As one of the crucial fashionable Key West points of interest, Mallory Sq. is all the time busy with meals distributors and retailers lining the waterfront.

Every evening a celebration takes place overlooking the Harbor from the waterfront the place crowds of vacationers and locals alike collect to observe a Key West sundown.

Road performers like jugglers and magicians placed on some dazzling reveals as crowds kind round them. There are avenue distributors promoting native arts and crafts, meals stalls, and avenue musicians all gathering in a single place making a festive ambiance.

The sundown celebration is a enjoyable place to hang around, however be sure you carry some small payments or change to tip the performers, they work onerous for his or her cash.

• Handle: 400 Wall St, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040

2. Hydrobikes

Key West’s sunsets are actually beautiful and you need to all the time discover a option to see them every evening of your journey. Exterior the sundown celebration, one other enjoyable option to see a Key West sundown is to hop on a tour with Key West Hydrobikes the place you’ll pedal into the harbor on water bikes.

Like all the things in Key West, drinks circulate freely, so you possibly can even carry two drinks with you to get pleasure from a toast on the water at sundown. Sundown cruises are fashionable in Key West, however that is actually much more authentic The town has an open drink coverage so seize a few rum cocktails to place into the drink holders.

• You will discover Key West Hydrobikes at 0 Simonton St, Key West, Fl 33040

3. Key West First Authorized Rum Distillery

The Key West First Authorized Rum Distillery dates again to 1900 when it was Jack’s Saloon. After that, it was was a Coca-Cola Bottling middle and there may be loads of antiques and memorabilia relationship again to the flip of the twentieth century on this constructing.

It’s a wonderful tour to learn the way the rum is distilled, however it is also a variety of enjoyable to study just a little about Key West historical past. The rum distillery is certainly one of the crucial enjoyable we did. Learn their story right here. It’s a very good one!

• Handle: 105 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040

Create Your Personal Cocktail

On the distillery, we had the possibility to make an genuine Cuban Mojito and produce their recipe again for everybody to get pleasure from. We now have been to Havana and their mojitos tasted precisely just like the basic Cuban Mojito.

Once you ebook this expertise, you get to carry dwelling your glass and instruments to make your personal mojitos at dwelling. Be sure to purchase a bottle of rum too, it’s scrumptious! Try their web site right here.

4. Duval Road

Key West’s foremost avenue is Duval Road and likelihood is you can be spending a variety of time right here in downtown key West. Moreover purchasing in the course of the day, you’ll wish to go bar hopping at evening.

Key West was made for partying and there’s no higher place to do this than on Duval Road. As soon as the solar goes down, you’ll be hard-pressed to discover a sober vacationer particularly downtown within the social gathering district.

Duval Road is the primary avenue for nightlife avenue and barhopping is a lifestyle when visiting the Keys. Simply strolling down the road is an journey. At evening folks carry their drinks from bar to bar. (I don’t assume it’s authorized, however that doesn’t cease anybody) as music blares from the golf equipment.

If you wish to be a part of a guided tour to see the highest bars and eating places of Key West whereas making new mates, take a look at this incredible pub crawl tour that stops at 5 top-rated pubs with a cocktail at every cease. And you’re going to get the T-shirt in addition!

From upscale wine bars to dive bars, Key West has all of it. There are the Key West staples like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, and the Laborious Rock Cafe (Dave and I needed to go to each on our first journey).

The Laborious Rock Cafe in Key West isn’t your typical Laborious Rock. You may not even discover it while you stroll by as it’s, it’s positioned inside a Victorian-style home that blends completely with the historic really feel of Key West.

In response to legend, the ghost of its authentic proprietor nonetheless haunts the grounds. Margaritaville in Key West is the unique of Jimmy Buffets’ fashionable chain. He lived in Key West for 30 years the place he rose from a neighborhood avenue musician to the icon he’s in the present day.

The place to Eat in Key West

A number of different options for the place to eat in Key West:

• Sloppy Joe’s Bar – Sloppy Joe’s Bar is an island landmark that shouldn’t be missed
• Lucy’s Retired Surf Bar
• Virgillios
• Rick’s Café
• And our private favourite The Wine O Bar and Lounge. (430 Duval St, Naval Air Station Key West

5. Ernest Hemingway Residence and Museum

No go to to Key West could be full with out stopping by the Ernest Hemingway Residence and Museum. From 1931 to 1939 Hemingway known as Key West’s outdated townhome the place he wrote such treasures as A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls.

The spotlight of visiting the Hemingway Home is spying on the Hemingway cats. They’re all over the place and every cat is alleged to be a descendant of the six-toed cats that Hemmingway had as pets. Try their paws, they actually do have six toes!

The Hemmingway home is actually on the prime of the most well-liked Key West points of interest, and even in the event you aren’t a fan of his writing, it’s undoubtedly value stopping in to see this well-known Key West museum.

• Handle: 907 Whitehead St, Key West

6. President Harry S Truman Little White Home

You don’t actually consider Key West museums when planning your journey, however the museums listed here are fairly distinctive. It’s not each day you get to see a former president’s winter escape. The Harry S Truman Little White Home of Key West is among the extra fashionable vacationer points of interest in Key West.

This was President Truman’s winter White Home. This nationwide historic landmark has been used as a retreat for different Presidents as just lately as President Clinton. One can perceive whey this is able to be a residence of alternative with swaying palm bushes shading the quiet retreat within the tropical solar.

• Handle: 111 Entrance St, Naval Air Station Key West, Fl 33040

7. the Southernmost Level

It might be touristy, however one of many must-see Key West points of interest is the Southernmost Level Bouy. This U.S. Nationwide historic landmark is touted as essentially the most southerly a part of the USA mainland!

Go early within the morning because the strains are lengthy to take the compulsory selfie on the buoy. It has top-of-the-line ocean views on the island.

The cement marker claims to be the southernmost level of the continental U.S. however in precise reality, there’s a extra southern location in Key West at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. However with this iconic landmark staking its declare since 1970, it’s broadly accepted as one of many prime Key West points of interest and no go to to the island could be full with no cease at.

• Handle: Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040

8. Schooner Sundown Sail

If a crowd on the sundown celebrations in Mallory Sq. isn’t your scene, take a quiet sundown cruise on a schooner. Key West has a wealthy maritime historical past, so really feel like you may have stepped again in time whereas having fun with views of the Florida Keys.

You’ll see the fort, the Sand Key Reef, and Sundown Pier from the deck of one of many best boats on the schooner fleet.

You possibly can ebook E-book this top-rated tour right here free from worries as excursions might be canceled as much as 24 hours prematurely with a full refund.

• Assembly Level: 202 William Road, Key West, FL 33040 (immediately behind the Schooner Wharf Bar)

9. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park

Positioned (113km) 70 miles from the Florida Keys within the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is among the most distant nationwide parks in the USA. It’s a good looking day journey with snorkeling alternatives and cocktails as you sail to the distant island.

The Dry Tortugas have been used as a fort between 1845 and 1876. Fort Jefferson was an enormous navy fort used to defend in the course of the Spanish American Struggle. It takes up nearly your complete Backyard Key. Fort Jefferson continues to be in tact and you’ll stroll round its grounds.

You possibly can take a day journey out to discover the island, its nature trails, and exquisite sandy seashores and you’ll even camp in a single day on Backyard Key.

You possibly can ebook cruises from Key West to Dry Tortugas and go by ferry or by seaplane.

10. Sincere Eco Tour

For one thing totally different, top-of-the-line issues to do in Key West is to ebook a tour with Sincere Eco Excursions. This full-day tour is a sustainable tour that takes place on the primary electrical catamaran of its variety in the USA!

It was a full day of snorkeling, kayaking, dolphin recognizing, and sightseeing alongside the coast. They served a full buffet lunch and gave everybody reusable water bottles making each inch of the tour eco-friendly.

Should you don’t have time for a full day, this 3-hour tour with Get Your Information features a mixture of dolphin watching and snorkeling with the one firm within the Florida Keys with the distinguished “Dolphin SMART” certification, a nationwide program that protects and promotes the accountable observance of dolphins.

• Sincere Eco Excursions is positioned: Left of Dockmasters Workplace, 120 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040, United States

11. Dolphin Watching

200 bottlenose dolphins stay within the heat waters off the Florida Keys, and seeing dolphins in Key West is a superb expertise. These wild dolphins should not have human interplay so you’re really seeing them of their pure habitat. When reserving a dolphin or wildlife tour be sure you use a sustainable acknowledged tour operator like Sincere Eco Excursions based mostly out of Key West.

We mixed a dolphin tour with different water sports activities together with kayaking by means of a mangrove island of the Wildlife Refuge and snorkeling. For extra data go to their web site to ebook the full-day eco-tour.

12. John Pennekamp State Park

No journey to Key West could be full with out getting within the water. The clear turquoise waters are calling and with good motive. Do you know that Key West has the one residing coral reef in the USA? Lots of people go scuba diving within the Florida Keys as there are many shipwrecks within the space. However in the event you aren’t an authorized scuba diver, snorkeling is nice too!

The John Pennekamp State Park has respectable coral to identify wildlife within the Keys. Should you’ve by no means been snorkeling earlier than, this may be a very good introduction because the waters are calm and shallow however the coral reefs lack colour and life. Nevertheless the Florida Keys are working onerous to carry the coral reef system again to life and we noticed sea turtles, trumpet fish, and barracuda.

We additionally encountered jellyfish that have been fairly stingy, so be ready. If you’re fortunate you might even see some sharks, however we didn’t.

This tour is a good alternative the place you get to go to two areas on a high-speed catamaran. It consists of beer, wine, and champagne after you’re completed snorkeling. (Free cancelation inside 24 hours of journey)

13. the Key West Wildlife Refuge

I didn’t even know that Key West had such an considerable wildlife refuge. This is among the oldest wildlife refuges within the nation established by Teddy Roosevelt in 1908. Nature lovers will like to paddle by means of calm waters watching cormorants, frigate birds, pelicans, and herons fly from the bushes.

One of the simplest ways to discover it’s to take a kayak tour by means of the mangrove forests. You’ll spy on sea turtles, and manta rays and have the ability to do some severe bird-watching whereas kayaking this refuge.

This four-hour eco-tour features a kayak tour, snorkeling, and dolphin watching plus mild snacks and a good looking finish to the day at a first-rate spot for ohn Pennekamp State Park.

14. Parasailing

Key West was made for watersports. All the pieces from jet snowboarding to kayaking, you should get out to get pleasure from some enjoyable within the solar. For one thing distinctive to do, attempt your hand at parasailing.

The primary time we ever tried parasailing was proper right here within the Florida Keys and it was a lot extra enjoyable than we ever anticipated. Parasailing is the proper option to see Key West’s stunning coast. I believe a parasailing journey is actually one of the crucial fashionable adventures in Key West and with good motive. From above you may have views of the encircling coral reefs of their crystal clear waters.

• This top-rated parasailing tour aboard a state-of-the-art parasailing boat the place you’ll bitter excessive above the Florida Keys.
• You possibly can ebook beachside parasailing immediately from Smathers Seaside. Try excursions right here.
• There may be simple cancellation inside 24 hours of departure and you are able to do final minutes bookings as effectively.

15. Eat Key Lime Pie

It was invented right here and also you’ll by no means have one which tastes so good as in Key West itself. Key West’s busiest place for Key Lime Pie is Kermits. You could even discover the proprietor, Kermit himself standing exterior on the nook.

There are two areas in Key West with one positioned proper on the nook of Duval and Entrance Road. If you wish to take one to go, order the Key Lime Pie on a stick that’s dipped in Belgian Chocolate. Yum!

• Handle: 200 Elizabeth St, Key West and 335F Duval Road, Key West FL

16. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park might be visited along with a tour of the historic fort and a cease at Fort Zachary Taylor Seaside, the very best seaside in Key West. This Nationwide Historic Landmark predates the Civil Struggle and provides a glimpse into the lives of troopers in the course of the Civil and Spanish American Wars. There’s a small park entrance payment the place you possibly can get pleasure from its nature trails and beachfront.

It is usually top-of-the-line seashores to go to from downtown Key West. Fort Zachary Taylor Seaside with a terrific stretch of sand fashionable for snorkeling, paddling, and fishing. So be sure to carry your bathing swimsuit! Learn extra: Finest Seashores in Florida for Enjoyable within the Solar

• Handle: 601 Howard England Means, Key West, Fl 33040

17. Key West Lighthouse

The Key West Lighthouse stands tall over the outdated city of Key West and dates again to 1848. The primary lighthouse tower was initially inbuilt 1825 to assist ships navigate the coral reefs off the coast.

You’ll have the ability to see the lighthouse keepers’ quarters and skim quotes and see images. Cool reality, The primary lighthouse keeper in 1848 was a lady! You possibly can tour the keeper’s quarters earlier than climbing the 88 steps to the highest of the Key West Lighthouse for views from the commentary deck.

We discovered that one other good chook’s eye view of the island is from the highest of the Crown Plaza Concha Lodge which gave us loads of overhead views too! Ensure to take your time to learn concerning the historical past of the unique lighthouse keepers.

• Handle: 938 Whitehead St, Key West

18. Conch Prepare Tour

If you’re in search of guided excursions to provide the lay of the land, you could wish to hop on the Conch Tour Prepare. The Conch prepare is Key West’s most recognizable tour and everybody appears to hop on it not less than as soon as. The Conch Prepare tour wasn’t precisely for us, however we do admit it offers you a very good overview of Key West neighborhoods and highlights of the highest Key West vacationer points of interest.

E-book your Conch Prepare tour tickets prematurely right here. The prepare departs from Entrance Road Depot and loops by means of Outdated City Key West to finish again behind the Depot at Mallory Sq.. The ticket additionally consists of admission to the Sails to Rails Museum.

• Handle: 500 Truman Ave, Key West, Fl 33040

19. Key West Cemetery

Probably the most fashionable issues to see is the Key West Cemetery. Just like the LaFayette Cemetery of New Orleans, the Key West cemetery has above-ground vaults. Probably the most notable tombs is a memorial to the usS. Maine which was blown up in Havana Harbor in 1898. It’s the closing resting place of greater than 100,000 Key West residents.

E-book a guided tour of Key West within the Ghosts and Graveyards Tour – See why Key West was named one of the crucial haunted locations within the US.

• Handle: 701 Passover Ln, Key West

There is no such thing as a scarcity of boat excursions round Key West. It’s an island in any case. This sundown buffet dinner with an open bar. Or search for sundown cruise excursions right here with Get Your Information to seek out your alternative of floating bars, schooners, and catamarans that may take you out to observe the gorgeous sunsets. They provide last-minute bookings and full refunds on cancellations inside 24 hours of the tour.

20. Key West Historic Seaport

The outdated city of Key West is full of historic constructions and a good way to discover the historical past of Key West is on the waterfront. We love strolling alongside the water and the Historic Seaport has a good looking boardwalk to soak up the yachts and boat charters.

There are artwork galleries and boutiques, museums, and boat charters. There are many eating places alongside the boardwalk as effectively. Get your self a Cuban Espresso at Fisherman Cafe. It was the very best espresso we had on the island and it was low-cost too! Oh, and be sure you pop into one for a slice of Key Lime Pie.

21. Strolling Tour of the Sq.

Key West’s foremost sq. is Mallory Sq. and there may be all the time one thing to do it doesn’t matter what time of day you go to. You don’t want to go to Mallory Sq. solely at sundown, there are many issues to do right here in the course of the day too.

The Waterfront Playhouse is positioned simply off the sq. and is the oldest constantly working playhouse in Florida.

The Key West historic memorial sculpture backyard is positioned immediately in entrance of the waterfront playhouse at Mallory Sq. paying tribute to well-known patrons of the theatre and residents. Take a stroll by means of the strains of sculptures of well-known residents together with busts of Hemingway, Harry S Truman, Tennessee Williams, and lots of different essential folks.

22. Key West Shipwreck Museum

Ensure to go to the Key West Shipwreck Museum and Treasure Museum too. There’s a 65-foot lookout tower, shipwreck artifacts, and actors recreating the Seventeenth-century really feel wearing interval clothes. A go to to the Key West Shipwreck Museum takes you again in time and learns concerning the salvaging of the shipwrecks that made Key West residents rich and well-known. E-book your ticket prematurely right here.

• Handle: 401 Wall St, Key West

23. Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum

Often known as the world’s best treasure hunter, Mel Fisher was one of many leaders in maritime ship restoration and his life’s work is on show right here in Key West. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum was opened in 1992 showcasing treasures that he salvaged from Seventeenth-century shipwrecks off the coast.

Shows many artifacts from his finds are on show on the museum together with essentially the most priceless shipwreck ever found, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha which he efficiently salvaged in July of 1985.

• Handle: 200 Greene St, Key West

24. Smathers Seaside

Smathers Seaside is the most important public seaside on Key West with a half a mile-long stretch of white sand. There are lounge chairs umbrellas, and water sports activities supplied. If you’re in search of a very good seaside to hang around at, that is the one. Smathers Seaside is well accessible and you’ll hire lounge chairs and seaside umbrellas. There are many watersports together with paddle boarding and Parasailing.

• 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West

25. Higgs Seaside

Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Seaside Park is a public seaside that has the one shore-accessible underwater marine park in America. You possibly can hire watersports gear and luxuriate in snorkeling alternatives, kayaking, SUP, and the Civil conflict period fort referred to as the West Martello Tower.

• 1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West

26. West Martello Tower and Backyard Membership

We now have visited a couple of Martello Towers in our life and we didn’t even understand that Key West had its personal Martello Tower. That’s as a result of in the present day, this historic tower is dwelling to the Key West Backyard Membership. Admission is free and the gardens and property are maintained by volunteers. If you’re in search of free issues to do in Key West, that is actually distinctive and exquisite because it overlooks the seaside.

This historic tower was inbuilt 1862 in the course of the Civil Struggle and is one in every of three remaining Civil Struggle-era constructions on the island. Though it was typically used for goal follow by the USA Navy, the fort was by no means really concerned in a battle. It’s now dwelling to the Key West Backyard Membership.

The 2 martello towers of Key West have been constructed as batteries for Fort Zachary Taylor. Though it by no means noticed motion, it was utilized in each World Struggle II as a radio station and within the Spanish-American conflict for signaling and lookout. There may be an east martello tower as effectively positioned close to the airport.

• 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

27. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a tranquil cease on any Key West Tour. Not solely are there a whole lot of butterflies, however you’ll additionally see flamingoes and different tropical birds. Try the stay webcam right here.

• Handle: 1316 Duval St, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040

28. Key West Roosters

When strolling round Key West, maintain a watch out for the numerous roosters roaming the streets. The Key West roosters got here from Cuba many years in the past and have been as soon as used for cockfighting.

Right now they signify a piece of Key West historical past and rule the roost and stay a lifetime of leisure. Roosters might be discovered working round all over the place on lawns, sidewalks, and at the entire prime Key West points of interest.

29. Audubon Home Tropical Gardens

One thing we really love about Key West are the entire outdated homes that line its streets. It appears that evidently each has a narrative. The Audubon Home and Tropical Gardens are one in every of them. The Audubon Home Tropical Gardens accommodates first editions from John James Audubon, a well-known ornithologist who visited Key West searching for new birds for his “Birds of America ebook. He discovered and drew 18 of them whereas in Key West.

The home was inbuilt 1840 for Captain John Huling Geiger who was a captain and have become wealthy within the transport business. And whereas one would assume the home could be named after its proprietor, it’s really named after the naturalist John James Audubon.

Guests can tour the home to see his 28 engravings and interval furnishings from the 1800s. When completed inside you possibly can stroll the pathways by means of the one-acre gardens searching for tropical vegetation, butterflies, and unique vegetation.

• Handle: 205 Whitehead Road, Key West, Florida.

30. Oldest Home Museum and Backyard

If you wish to discover extra outdated homes, the Oldest Home Museum and Backyard is simply that. Also referred to as the Conch cottage, this home dates again to 1829. You possibly can tour the three buildings and backyard all through the day between 10 am and 4 pm.

• Handle: 322 Duval Road, Key West

31. Bike Excursions

Top-of-the-line methods to see Key West is to take a motorcycle tour. This three-hour guided bike tour permits you to see the highest points of interest in Key West from a neighborhood’s perspective. Go to the Outdated City, cease on the Southernmost Level within the Continental USA, and Go to Mile Marker Zero and Higgs Seaside.

You’ll study concerning the island’s smuggling historical past of smuggling and the shipwrecks which have crashed off its shore. You possibly can cowl a variety of floor on a motorcycle seeing all the things from Harry Truman’s Little White Home to the Key West Cemetery. In any case that tough work, rejoice with a slice of pie. E-book your tour right here.

E-book a biking tour of Key West. Guided excursions of Key West will take you thru Outdated City, the Southernmost Level, and the Key West Cemetery right here. Free cancellations and last-minute bookings are accepted.

32. Haunted Pub Crawl

Key West is persistently ranked as one of the crucial haunted cities in America. And with good motive, with so many shipwrecks, cursed treasure, a voodoo move, and a wild-west historical past, there are lots of tales to be informed. One in every of our favorite issues to do is to go on haunted excursions.

This top-rated tour takes you on a two-hour journey by means of “Cayo Hueso” (Key West). Go to haunted pubs and mansions within the Outdated City after darkish.

33. Florida Keys Eco Discovery Middle

Picture courtesy of Haydn Blackey from Cardiff, Wales, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, by way of Wikimedia Commons

The Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary is one in every of 15 marine protected areas in America. Collectively they make up the Nationwide Marine Sanctuary System so the ocean is certainly the guts of Key West.

The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Middle consists of interactive displays showcasing the work being completed to handle the sanctuary, two nationwide parks, and 4 nationwide wildlife refuges.

You’ll study concerning the biology of coral reefs, and the way reefs profit the economic system. You’ll study concerning the plant and animal lifetime of the waters together with sea turtles and the 5 species that stay within the surrounding waters. Better of all Admission is free! This can be a nice choice over the Key West Aquarium.

• Handle: 35 East Quay Street, Key West, Florida 33040

34. Nancy Forrester’s Secret Backyard

If you’re in search of issues to do with the household in Key West, cease at Nancy Forrester’s Secret Backyard. Nancy Forrester is an environmentalist that’s has been rescuing and rehabilitating parrots for 35 years.

The doorway payment goes on to supporting the onerous work to rehome unique birds resembling parrots and endangered South American macaws. Children can work together with the birds as they study their habitat and conservation.

• 518 Elizabeth Road, Key West, Florida  33040

35. Fantasy Fest

If you’re in search of distinctive issues to do Key West go to the vacation spot on the finish of October for Fantasy Fest. The annual 10-day pageant has been working since 1979 and has grown to turn out to be an enormous pageant attracting guests from all over the world.

Fantasy Fest is like Mardi Gras on steroids. Individuals parade down the road nightly exhibiting off their physique paint and artistic endeavors. Stay music blares out of the bars lining and distributors and avenue performers line the sidewalks. Since it’s Key West, there’s a variety of alcohol and pores and skin concerned too! This can be a actually enjoyable and festive time to be in Key West.

36. Key West Aquarium – Not For Us

We aren’t followers of aquariums basically, however we do understand that they play a component in conservation. What we like concerning the Key West Aquarium is that they shelter sea turtles and shelter them till they are often returned to the ocean. Nevertheless, I don’t like that there’s a contact tank.

I do know that aquariums say that may be a good option to educate youngsters, however I believe animals needs to be left alone. I believe that I choose to both go snorkeling to see sea turtles or the Eco Discovery Middle is an efficient choice and the residing museum of John Pennekamp State Park is an excellent choice. Visiting an aquarium is a private alternative, it’s simply not one in every of ours. Learn extra right here

The place to Keep in Key West Resorts

Perry Lodge Key West is a quiet retreat on the marina. This boutique lodge has elegant rooms overlooking the waterfront. Examine for Opinions and pricing on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com

La Concha Crown Plaza is the proper place to remain within the coronary heart of the motion, positioned downtown Key West immediately on Duval Road. There’s a pool for visitors solely. There’s a luxurious rooftop spa and lovely sundown views. Examine for Opinions and pricing on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com

Learn how to Get to Key West

As we talked about, one of the best ways to get to Key West is to drive on a self-drive street journey from Miami to Key West alongside the abroad freeway. There are such a lot of issues to do within the Florida Keys, you’ll wish to have the liberty of your personal automotive. Evaluate automotive rental costs right here.

However in the event you driving just isn’t an choice, there are different methods to get to Key West.

Key West Worldwide Airport – There may be an airport in Key West and when flying internationally, you possibly can join from a number of hubs within the US. Delta, American, United Airways, and some different smaller airways fly into Key West.

Most individuals fly into Miami Worldwide Airport after which take a shuttle to Key West. The Keys Shuttle firm provides transfers from each Miami and Fort Lauderdale Airports. See charges right here

If you’re in search of an alternative choice to a Caribbean Island trip, Key West could possibly be the selection for you. With Freeway 1 connecting it to the mainland, United States. it’s a simple option to get to the center of the Caribbean with out having to hop on a flight.

What’s the Finest Time of 12 months to Go to Key West

The perfect time to go to Key West, Florida, is determined by what you’re in search of in your trip. Key West has a tropical local weather with heat temperatures year-round, however there are some variations all year long which may make sure occasions extra interesting than others:

• Winter (December – February): That is typically thought-about the very best time to go to Key West for climate, as temperatures are delicate and nice, normally starting from the mid-60s to the mid-70s levels Fahrenheit (round 18-24 levels Celsius). Nevertheless, that is additionally peak vacationer season, so lodging costs are larger, and the island might be crowded.
• Spring (March-Might): Spring can also be a preferred time to go to. The climate is barely hotter than winter however nonetheless comfy. That is additionally the dry season, so you’re much less more likely to encounter rain. Costs begin to drop just a little bit in comparison with the winter, however it’s nonetheless comparatively busy.
• Summer season (June – August): Summer season in Key West might be scorching and humid, with temperatures within the excessive 80s to low 90s levels Fahrenheit (round 31-34 levels Celsius). That is additionally the beginning of the hurricane season, which extends by means of November. Nevertheless, this can be a much less busy time for tourism, so that you would possibly discover decrease lodging costs and fewer crowds.
• Fall (September – November): The autumn season continues to be hurricane season, and there might be occasional storms. Nevertheless, temperatures begin to calm down a bit in comparison with summer time. This can be a extra inexpensive time to go to because it’s thought-about an off-peak season.

How Many Days Is Sufficient for Key West

The variety of days wanted for a visit to Key West, Florida, can range relying on particular person preferences and pursuits. Nevertheless, here’s a common guideline:

• One Day: Should you’re on a good schedule, you possibly can nonetheless expertise a style of Key West in sooner or later. It will normally contain a stroll down Duval Road, a go to to the Southernmost Level Buoy, and maybe a fast tour of the Ernest Hemingway Residence and Museum. You possibly can finish your day with a sundown celebration at Mallory Sq..
• Two to Three Days: With two to 3 days in Key West, you may have a extra relaxed tempo to discover. Along with the aforementioned actions, you possibly can go to points of interest just like the Key West Lighthouse, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and the Truman Little White Home. You even have time to take a ship tour, and go snorkeling. A visit to the close by Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park can also be potential, although it can take up a good portion of sooner or later.
• 4 to 5 Days: Spending 4 to 5 days in Key West permits you to really immerse your self within the laid-back ambiance of the island. Along with visiting the primary points of interest, you possibly can discover the much less touristy elements of the island, attempt quite a lot of eating places and bars, take your time purchasing, and maybe even take a fishing journey. This timeframe additionally permits for extra flexibility in case of inclement climate affecting outside actions.
• A Week or Extra: Should you plan to remain for every week or longer, you possibly can get pleasure from Key West at a leisurely tempo and even discover the opposite islands within the Florida Keys. This may offer you time for stress-free seaside days, and day journeys to neighboring Keys.

Key West is our favourite vacation spot in Florida. There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do this we will return time and again. As a matter of reality, we did! Have you ever been to Key West? What are your favourite issues to do?