Of all the things to do in Key West Florida, we have narrowed the list to our eight favorite Key West attractions so you know what to do in Key West on your next vacation! The island city is much more than just a beach town (though we heard the beaches are pretty relaxing in Key West, too).There are few places you can go in the United States and get the same exotic feel of island life such as in Key West Florida.
Key West is an island city which sits at the very most southern point of the Straits of Florida. It is just about as far south as you can get inside the United States. It is actually the southernmost city in the contiguous United States. Though it is mainly known as a vacation destination, there are still just shy of 25,000 residents living there full-time. Many retirees call Key West home because of the excellent climate, enjoyable Key West activities, and the steady dosage of sunshine.
We have put together a list of all the Key West activities you can check out on your next Florida vacation. You will be surprised by some of the things to do in Key West Florida and we have tried to list a few Key West attractions you wouldn’t expect. It is more than the island and beach destination everyone thinks. Let this be a guide for you so you know what to do in Key West on your next trip to Florida.
There are so many things to do in Key West on your Florida vacation.
9 Top Things to do in Key West Florida
Below are some of the best things to do in Key West Florida:
1. Ernest Hemingway House
The former home to one of the United States most honored and well-respected authors sits at the heart of Old Town Key West. It is now a landmark and used as a museum to educate visitors on the life of Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway lived and wrote in this house for over ten years toward the later years of his life. The Hemingway House is one of the most notable things to do in Key West Florida.
The Hemingway House is one of the most popular Key West attractions.
2. Southernmost Point
This large anchored concrete buoy marks the southernmost point in the continental United States. It was painted and acknowledged as a tourist attraction in 1983. Though it is only a buoy and a point on a map, it has still become one of the most visited things to do in Key West Florida for those on vacation. Grab your picture and go get your photo at the lowest land latitude of the United States.
3. Mallory Square
This historic waterfront area has the catchy slogan of “Where the fun starts and the sun sets.” And it is true, there is one hell of a sunset every single evening at Mallory Square. Not to mention, it seems everything Key West Florida is known for comes together in this special square at the center of town. There are restaurants, stores, museums, street performances, and even the cruise and yachting ports — needless to say, this square is a busy point of Key West.
Mallory Square, Key West.
4. Duval Street
Duval Street is another happening place in Key West. Whether you are a diver, foodie, party-goer, shopper, or lover of live music — Duval Street has it all. It is where most tourism accommodation in Key West is so chances are you will be in the thick of it all during your visit. It stretches just over a mile-and-a-quarter-long from the east to the west; unique because on one end of the street is the Atlantic Ocean and on the other is the Gulf of Mexico.
The popular center of Key West; Duval Street.
5. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is about 68 miles west of Key West Florida in the Gulf of Mexico.The seven islands which make up Dry Tortugas are technically a part of Key West, the westernmost parts. The park also preserves Fort Jefferson. Its coral reefs are the most preserved of Florida because of its relative seclusion. It is relatively easy to reach the picturesque Tortugas with its pristine blue waters, although it is accessible only by boat or seaplane. However, plenty of tour operators make trips to the Tortugas each day.
6. Little White House
The Little White House of Old Town Key West was the winter home of President Harry S. Truman whose doctor ordered he take a physical break from his demanding job. Truman stayed 175 days in the Little White House over the course of 11 visits during his presidency. Since then, several other presidents have spent time at the house — most recently, Bill and Hilary Clinton after his term in 2005. It is now a certified presidential museum and one of the newer of things to do in Key West Florida.
7. Key West Helicopter Tour over Everglades
Everglades National Park is one of the most prominent attractions in Florida and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States. Many species are indigenous to the Everglades and can only be found in the swampy tropical climate of south Florida. Many people take airboat tours but few take helicopter tours which give you a chance to see much more that you would normally miss because of the ability to fly all over this expansive park.
And the best part? You can now take a day tour from Key West to see Everglades National Park!
Beautiful Key West is waiting for you!
8. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park, known also as Fort Taylor, is a Florida State Park and National Historic Landmark centered on a Civil War fort at the southern tip of Key West Florida. It has the largest collection of United States Civil War memorabilia in the world and is now an excellent place to take a swim or bird watch. You can bike along the shaded paths inside the park or participate in a guided tour to hear about the history of the Fort.
9. Take a Miami to Bahamas day trip on our Swimming with Pigs Tours to Pig Beach
Ever dreamed of dipping your toes in the white sands of the beautiful Bahamas islands and wading through its turquoise waters side-by-side pink fluffy pigs?
We offer a number of flights to Bahamas which fly from Florida to Bahamas on our private Cessna Grand Caravan Bahamas air charter. We will take you on one of our Exuma day trips you won’t soon forget.
Take a tour of Pig Island with Bahamas Air Tours and learn what it means to go swimming with pigs Bahamas style!
Take a Bahamas day trip to the swimming pigs of the Exumas!
Take Bahamas Day Trips by Plane
As mentioned, one of the best things to do in Key West Florida is take a day trip to Bahamas to see the famous Exuma pigs in the Bahamas. A one day cruise to Bahamas can turn any of our Staniel Cay day trips into a miniature Bahamas vacation of a lifetime.
We promise to make your time in the Bahamas worth it and give you the best opportunity to see the most of the Bahamas on your one day trip. We will take you deeper into the out islands where more seclusion exists and many tourists don’t see. You will truly feel as though you have left the country into a new oasis.
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