Things to Do in Key West, FL - Key West Attractions
Things to Do in Key West
It’s all about the good life: from beautiful beaches and nature (like butterfly-watching and snorkeling) to bar hopping on Duval Street in Old Town. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Key West.
- fromper adult$150
- fromper adult$79
- fromper adult$143
On the Waterfromper adult$95
Trolley Toursfromper adult$56
Walking Toursfromper adult$94
Likely To Sell Outfromper adult$99
Extreme Sportsfromper group (up to 2)$285
On the Waterfromper adult$164- fromper adult$119
Speciality Museums
Historic Sites
Rocky beach adorned with scenic views, featuring snorkeling and swimming opportunities. Equipped with shaded picnic areas, rental chairs, and a snack bar. Water shoes recommended.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Vibrant sunset hub with street performers, live music, and local food vendors, perfect for photo ops and people-watching in a festive atmosphere.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic residence with guided tours revealing a president's personal and political life, complete with preserved artifacts and a gift shop with themed souvenirs.
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Scenic Drives
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Landmark buoy marking a geographic extremity with vibrant photo opportunities and a convivial atmosphere. Lines common, but the experience is quick and culturally significant.
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Distilleries
Rum distillery tour with a focus on Hemingway's legacy, culminating in tastings and a complimentary cocktail. Enjoy the social club's live music and variety of rum-based drinks.
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Beaches
Military Museums
Self-guided tour through a preserved WWII ship with a museum section, showcasing naval history and allowing visitors to relax on the deck for scenic views.
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Climb 88 steps to panoramic island views from a historic lighthouse, featuring well-curated keeper's museum and tranquil gardens. Enjoy the serenity and learn maritime history.
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Other Top Attractions around Key West
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
A mini guide to Key West
alonamartinez
Travel Expert
A South Florida local since 1994
- What’s one thing visitors shouldn't miss?Key lime pie! This iconic dessert has found its way into many menus nationwide, but sampling it at the source (whether topped with a dollop of whipped cream, crowned with meringue, or chocolate-dipped and served frozen on a stick) is a rite of passage. You’ll find it everywhere here, but my go-to spot is Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe.
- What do you wish tourists knew about Key West?Snapping a photo at Southernmost Point, catching the sunset at Mallory Square, and partaking in a pub crawl on Duval Street are must-dos. But few know to visit a gem hidden in pure sight: the Key West Audubon House, also known as the Geiger House. Located in historic Old Town, this home (built in 1830 by Captain John Geiger) houses 28 first-edition works by renowned ornithologist and painter, John James Audubon, and maintains its original period furnishings.
- Let us in on your favorite restaurants—what makes them great?Start your day at Cuban Coffee Queen (head to the original on Margaret St.). Blue Heaven is classic Key West, from the laid-back vibe to the roosters in the leafy courtyard. Eaton Street Seafood Market has the best lobster roll in town and Five Brothers makes an incredible Cuban sandwich. For fine dining, try the tasting menu at Little Pearl Key West.
- Are there any activities that are better done on weekends vs. weekdays?Key West rarely shuts down. Most bars are open until 2 a.m. (some until 4 a.m.), and many restaurants stay open late every night. Many museums operate seven days a week. If you’re driving from the mainland, you’ll have less commuter traffic if you leave on the weekend, but return any time but Sunday afternoon, which is when Miami weekend warriors head home.
- Which top tourist attraction is worth the hype?Head to The Hemingway House & Museum to see where one of America’s most iconic authors partially penned timeless classics like “For Whom The Bell Tolls”—and also to spot the multitude of furry descendants of the famous polydactyl (six-toed) cats he adored.
- Why is Key West special to you?I first discovered Key West shortly after relocating from New York City to South Florida back in 1994. It was love at first sight and I haven’t stopped going since.
- AboutAlona Martinez is a South Florida–based writer, editor, and author. Her focus is food and travel. When not writing, you can find Alona sampling exceptional cuisine or planning her next adventure.
What travelers are saying
- Winifred M2 contributionsSuch a delightful place to visit. 57 cats and counting- could not have been more enjoyable! The gardens are glorious the wrap around 2nd floor porch. One can picture Ernest in the writing studio. All the staff are super helpful and informative nd you can just tell they are happy to be there.Written March 18, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 63impalaStoneham, MA1,769 contributionsI bet most people that visit Key West don't even know about this place. They are missing out on a very cool historical spot. Touring the old fort and checking out the beach is well worth the time and gives you a different experience of Key West than just Duval Street.Written February 20, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gail B8 contributionsWe went through 3 times to enjoy everything there was and try to get the perfect picture of the blue morpho butterfly. Don’t miss it!Written March 14, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JEParsons2512 contributionsWe attended the Sunset Celebration and it was a lot of fun. The weather was cool so there wasn't a big crowd in attendance. Still, there was great food, drinks, music, and entertainment. Would highly recommend!Written February 24, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Adventurers049Brisbane, Australia3,645 contributionsKey West is just so full of surprises! One of these must be Duval Street. It is a bustling street full of cafes, bars, shops etc all wanting your dollars! Enjoy!Written January 29, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- margaretf4Orange Park, FL210 contributionsLocated on the former Navy base, this section is Key West struck me as the most swanky. Beautiful properties throughout, this was a great site to visit. Knowledgeable tour guide, we got to walk through most of the house. Neat to see so much history preserved.Written February 19, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TiffanyFracAtlanta, GA48 contributionsBucket list item- definitely drive it once. Beware there are traffic cops/speed traps everywhere and a lot of decoy cop cars without cops in them. There are a lot of older, broken down bridges in the way of photography opportunities. I wouldn’t do it again, but glad we drove it once to experience it.Written September 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- truman111Charleston, WV122 contributionsWhat no one tells you is you better get here early. The line is crazy long. We arrived in line around 9am and it was already getting long pretty quick. Although the picture with the land mark was worth our wait some may not think so. We waited about 20 minutes but noticed that the line had doubled since we got there. My advice to othered get there as early as you can.Written March 17, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Freedom594147881791 contributionThe distillery tour was excellent. Very tastefully done; packed with lots of information about the rum, Ernest Hemingway, the building it is in and of the town and its history. Nicky was a fantastic tour guide! Highly recommend!!!Written March 16, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MicheltravelNetherlands1,059 contributionsReally nicebeach, white sand, 2 chairs and umbrella for rent at $50 for aday. Parking right in front of the beach, free ofcharge. Restrooms available as well as some snacks. Definitely recommended to go there for a few hours and have a nice time.Written March 10, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- margaretf4Orange Park, FL210 contributionsWe rode bikes for the day in Key West, and easily reached this site to take in the self-guided walking tour of the vessel. Lots of interesting things to see, and the museum has some fascinating photos and pieces from the long history of the vessel. Well worth your time.Written February 19, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 63impalaStoneham, MA1,769 contributionsWe visited the Key Lighthouse and quarters while in Key West. The exhibits were well worth the time to look at and the 88 steps to the top of the light were well worth it. Best views in town!Written February 20, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January69 ºFColdest month5 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- February71 ºF4 days of rainVery busy
- March73 ºF4 days of rainVery busy
- April77 ºF5 days of rainModerately busy
- May80 ºF9 days of rainVery busy
- June83 ºF15 days of rainModerately busy
- July85 ºFHottest month16 days of rainModerately busy
- August85 ºF17 days of rainWettest monthModerately busy
- September83 ºF17 days of rainLess busy
- October80 ºF11 days of rainLess busyLeast busy month
- November76 ºF6 days of rainLess busy
- December72 ºF4 days of rainLess busy
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The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
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