Things to Do in Key West
50 curated spots from Key West itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Bahama Village Exploration & Street Market
Wander Caribbean-influenced neighborhood with colorful murals, local art, street vendors, and authentic island atmosphere; less touristy than Old Town; browse local crafts and souvenirs
2h · Free (shopping optional)
Bahama Village Stroll
Murals, Caribbean architecture; street market vibes.
1h · Free
Bike to Key West Lighthouse
Climb tower for views; photo from base if budget.
1h 30m · $12
Duval Street Shopping
Browse boutiques, street markets for shells/key limes.
2h · Free-$20
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
Historic house and museum featuring Hemingway memorabilia, first editions, personal artifacts. Includes 40+ polydactyl (six-toed) cats roaming grounds. 30-45 min self-guided tour. Literary history and quirky island character.
1h 15m · $15-18 per person
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Historic home where Hemingway lived; tour colonial mansion, tropical gardens, and literary memorabilia; famous six-toed cats roam grounds; 45-minute guided tours available.
1h 30m · $14-16
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Free natural history museum focused on unique Keys ecosystem; interactive exhibits on marine life, mangroves, coral reefs; air-conditioned; educational and engaging.
1h 30m · Free
Fort Zachary Taylor
Bus/bike 15 min; beach, snorkel reefs (bring gear).
3h · $6
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Historic Civil War fortress with beach access, calm swimming waters, and dramatic ruins for photography; modest $4.50-6 admission; includes beach privileges and self-guided fort exploration
3h · $4.50-6 per person
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Snorkeling
Historic Civil War fortress with museum; beach access; snorkel in designated area seeing coral, tropical fish, and marine life; rent mask/snorkel on-site ($8-12).
2h · $15-25 total (entry + snorkel rental)
Free Time Duval Souvenirs
Shop final street markets, art galleries.
2h · $0-30
Green Parrot Live Music
Bike back (10 min); catch local bands, dance.
2h · $0-10 drinks
Hemingway Home
Tour cats, gardens; photo polydactyls.
1h · $17
Hemingway Home & Museum
Historic home of Ernest Hemingway with famous six-toed cats roaming grounds; self-guided or guided tours; quirky charm and literary history; gift shop and photography opportunities
2h · $18-25 per person
Higgs Beach and Swimming
One of few open-to-all public beaches in the Keys; sand beach with calm water; lifeguards; rentals (umbrellas, chairs); picnic areas; free access.
2h · Free (rentals optional: $15-25)
Historic Seaport & Schooner Walk
Stroll past fishing boats, sailing schooners, and waterfront restaurants; explore maritime heritage with historic vessel displays and casual atmosphere; excellent for candid photography
1h 30m · Free
Historic Seaport Wander
Boats, markets; street vendor shopping.
1h 30m · Free
Key West Butterfly Garden
Walk among butterflies/birds; indoor photo alternative if cloudy.
1h · $15
Key West Cemetery
Free quirky graves, conch history photos.
1h · Free
Key West Cemetery Self-Guided Walk
Unique above-ground cemetery (due to water table); historic graves from oldest families; romantic moldering atmosphere; free entry; self-guided or download tour.
1h · Free
Key West Kayak Eco Tour
Book Lazy Dog Adventures ($50/pp, 3hr); wildlife spotting, beginner flatwater.
3h · $50
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum
Climb 88 steps to lighthouse top for 360-degree island views; museum exhibits on maritime history; gift shop; moderate entry; excellent photography from top.
1h · $4-5
Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour
Guided kayak tour through pristine mangrove ecosystems; wildlife spotting (herons, dolphins, manatees); learn about Keys ecology; beginner-friendly; 2-3 hour tours; small groups.
3h · $80 per person
Key West Old Town Spontaneous Neighborhood Wandering
Unstructured exploration of historic architecture, galleries, boutiques, casual bars. Late-afternoon start into evening allows for sunset timing and bar transitions. Serendipitous live music discoveries in courtyards and storefronts.
3h · Free (optional shopping/drinks)
Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
Interactive museum exploring shipwreck history with artifacts, diving equipment, and historical displays; budget-friendly museum entry ($20 per adult); walkable self-tour through vessel history
1h 30m · $20 per person
Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
15 lush acres of native plants, butterflies, birds, and towering champion trees; peaceful escape from Old Town; pack picnic or grab café food; accessible by bike, bus, or short ride
2h · Free (park entry included with nominal fee ~$5 if needed)
Mallory Square Sunset
Free performers, street food; seawall for golden hour shots.
1h 30m · Free
Mallory Square Sunset and Street Performers
Nightly gathering (sunset time) of jugglers, fire-eaters, acrobats, artists; free to watch; performers accept tips; arrive 30-45 min early for prime viewing spot.
1h 30m · Free (tips optional: $5-20)
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Free nightly celebration featuring street performers, musicians, psychics, and local artisans; arrive 2 hours before sunset for best viewing spots and energy
2h · Free
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration (daily)
Free daily gathering with street performers, local artists, live music, food/beverage vendors. Watch sunset over water with 100+ locals and tourists. Best arrived 45 min before sunset; stay for post-sunset nightlife in Old Town.
2h · Free (optional food/drinks)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Café Solé
Intimate, upscale-casual bistro specializing in daily specials. Safe non-shellfish options: grilled fish, meat mains, local produce. Excellent house wine by the glass. Candlelit tables, sophisticated but relaxed vibe.
2h · $40-55 per person
Croissants de France
French bakery café with pastries, croissants, and strong coffee; European feel with tropical setting; quick casual counter seating.
45m · $7-12 per person
Santiago's Bodega
Spanish tapas restaurant with seafood-free options: grilled lamb, chorizo, patatas bravas, pan con tomate, jamón ibérico. Excellent wine list (matches wine-tasting must-have). Vibrant, intimate tapas bar atmosphere.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Alonzo's Oyster Bar
Oysters happy hour; raw bar vibes.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
B.O.'s Fish Wagon
Hole-in-the-wall fish shack with fresh catch, fish tacos, and conch fritters; casual waterfront vibe; locals' favorite counter service.
45m · $10-16 per person
Banana Cafe
Crepes and smoothies; Duval views.
45m · $10-16 per person
Blue Heaven
Legendary outdoor garden restaurant with roosters roaming; tropical ambiance, fresh seafood, key lime pie; eclectic local crowd; casual dress.
1h 30m · $20-30 per person
BO's Fish Wagon
Fish tacos in quirky truck; picnic nearby.
45m · $10-16 per person
Café Solé (return visit - dinner)
Returns for dinner with candlelit courtyard ambiance; fresh daily specials featuring local fish and seasonal ingredients; intimate and romantic.
1h 30m · $25-35 per person
Conch Fritter Stand (Mallory Square)
Casual outdoor vendor with fresh conch fritters and oyster bar; grab as a sunset snack while watching performers
30m · $8-12 per person
Conch Republic Seafood
Conch fritters, key lime pie; harbor views.
1h · $18-25 per person
Conch Republic Seafood Company
Casual seafood spot with fresh conch salad, ceviche, and poke bowls; outdoor waterfront seating; casual counter service.
1h · $14-22 per person
Date & Thyme Cafe
Acai bowls; healthy tropical.
45m · $10-15 per person
Duval Street Tapas Bar
Small plates and local seafood in walkable Duval Street location; craft cocktails and lively crowd; mid-price dining with nightlife energy
1h 30m · $25-35 per person
El Siboney
Cuban sandwich, rice/beans; family-run hole-in-wall.
45m · $10-14 per person
El Siboney Restaurant
Casual counter-service Cuban café serving fresh café con leche and traditional pastries; authentic local experience without pretense.
45m · $8-12 per person
Fish Market Restaurant (Historic Seaport)
Fresh seafood with harbor views; casual waterfront atmosphere with local fishing boats visible; grouper sandwiches and ceviche
1h 15m · $18-28 per person
Fort Zach Cafe
Beachside conch salad; picnic-style.
45m · $12-20 per person
Garbo's Grill
Gourmet tacos in food truck; try fish—shaded picnic tables.
45m · $10-15 per person
Half Shell Raw Bar
Clams, conch; outdoor under banyan tree.
1h · $15-22 per person