Key West is a beautiful piece of paradise on the island. Residents aren’t afraid to share their favorite spots with tourists and there are many other areas. It’s small, but the best things to do in Key West can be found within blocks. This domestic vacation spot is packed with fun activities and you don’t need to rent a car.
As we said before, you don’t have to worry about getting around the island. You can hop on the trolley excursions to see the best things to do in Key West or rent a bike to ride along the coast or you can enjoy Key West events.
Conch Tour Train
Consider taking the Conch Tour Train to Key West if you are visiting for the first time. Trolley excursions will take you to some of Key West’s most famous landmarks such as the Hemingway Home and Southernmost Point, The best thing about the trolley excursions? The best part, you can hop on and off the train as often as you wish.
Ernest Hemingway’s House And Museum
This museum and historic home allow you to step into Ernest Hemingway’s life. It is open every day. The house and grounds are open for a 30-minute tour (cash only). This gives you a glimpse at the rooms, gardens, and pool Hemingway lived in Key West. There will be many strange cats roaming the grounds. These are the descendants of Hemingway’s original six-toed cat, which he loved while he lived here.
National Park Of The Dry Tortugas
The Dry Tortugas National Park can be found 70 miles west of Key West. It is an ideal location to explore, learn, and relax in the clear blue waters of Key West. The national park is known for its exceptional bird watching. It has over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area.
The Southernmost Point
The Southernmost Point is located at 24° 33 minutes north latitude and 81° 45 minutes longitude. It is the exact opposite of what it sounds like. Although the queue to take a photo at Key West’s most photographed spots can get long, it moves quickly especially when the tide comes in and floods the road near the monument. For the best shots, check the tidal calendar or get there early in the morning.
Key West Boat Tours
The main attraction in Key West is, of course, the water. Book a boat cruise to get out on the water. You can book a boat cruise either during the day or at night. There are many activities available, including snorkeling and sandbar-hopping. Private meals onboard are also available. Key West Boat Trips offers six-person tours starting at $350. However, it is possible to spread the cost among your friends making this an affordable and fun day trip.
Harry S. Truman’s Small White House
The only Florida presidential museum is the Harry S. Truman Little White House, Key West. It was built in 1890 for military personnel. Former President Truman spent 175 days there. However, other notable people who visited the property included Thomas Jefferson and John Kennedy. From 20 minutes until 4 p.m., the house is open to visitors.
Duval Street
Duval Thoroughfare, Key West’s most famous street, is undoubtedly a popular choice. This lively street is known for its many bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues. While most residents avoid the tourist- and a cruise-ship-passenger-heavy portion of town, no vacation to Key West is complete without visiting and walking along the renowned strip.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Are you a history enthusiast in your group? Fort Zachary Taylor is the oldest American Civil War artillery collection. It dates back to 1845. Fort Zachary Taylor is home to a historic collection that allows for great snorkeling and fishing at nearby beaches, as well as a network path system with excellent bird- and person-watching opportunities.
Smather’s Beach
Smather’s Beach is the largest public beach in Key West. It starts at mile zero and extends approximately half a mile. This means that there won’t be too many people on the beach. While you wait for sunset to arrive, many charming shops and restaurants can be found along the beach.
