Things to Do in Key West (2026 Guide: Best Key West Activities & Ghost Tours)
- Greg @ WalknTours
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
Things to Do in Key West (2026 Guide to the Best Key West Activities)
If you're searching for the best things to do in Key West, you're in the right place. This laid-back island at the southernmost point of the U.S. is packed with history, nightlife, ocean views, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you're visiting for a day or a full vacation, there are endless Key West activities—from exploring Old Town to taking a haunted ghost tour at night.
What to Do in Key West (Top Experiences)
The best what to do in Key West experiences include:
Exploring Key West FL Old Town
Visiting the Hemingway Home
Taking a ghost tour
Enjoying Duval Street nightlife
Going on a self guided walking tour
Table of Contents
Explore Key West Old Town
Visit the Hemingway House
Take a Ghost Tour
Walk Duval Street
Try a Self Guided Tour
Key West Trolley Tours
Beaches & Water Activities
Nightlife & Sunset Spots
1. Explore Key West FL Old Town
The heart of the island is Key West FL Old Town, where colorful homes, historic landmarks, and tropical streets create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Walking through Old Town is easily one of the top things to do in Key West. Every block has history—from shipwreck stories to literary legends.
👉 Best way to explore Old Town:https://www.walkntours.com/walking-tours/key-west
This self-guided experience lets you discover hidden stories at your own pace.
2. Visit the Ernest Hemingway's Past in Key West
One of the most famous attractions in Key West is the Hemingway House.
Here you’ll find:
Historic architecture
Hemingway’s writing studio
The famous six-toed cats
Hemingway lived in multiple spots around town, hung out at many bars and made his mark all around town. It you'd like to see the sites he drank at, boxed, fished and lived, try our Hemingway's Key West Self Guided Walking tour. Learn more here. Try this immersive tour:https://www.walkntours.com/walking-tours/hemingway-key-west-walking-tour
It’s one of the most interesting Key West cool things to do for history lovers.
3. Take a Key West Ghost Tour 👻
If you’re looking for something unique, Key West ghost tours are a must.
The island has a long history of:
Shipwrecks
Pirates
Haunted buildings
How the WalknTours EMF Reader App Works
One of the most exciting parts of a WalknTours ghost experience is the built-in EMF reader app, which turns your phone into ghost hunting equipment.
Here’s how it works:
Start your haunted tour
Tap the “EMF Detector” button
Watch the live signal on your screen
When the display turns red, it detects electromagnetic activity
You can enable vibration alerts
It works in real time as you explore
This feature adds an interactive layer to Key West ghost tours, making it feel like a real paranormal investigation.
4. Walk Duval Street
Duval Street is the center of nightlife and one of the most popular Key West activities.
Here you’ll find:
Bars and live music
Restaurants and shops
Street performers
It’s one of the most fun things to do in Key West both day and night.
5. Take a Self Guided Tour of Key West
If you want flexibility, self guided tours in Key West are one of the best ways to explore.
Instead of rushing with a group:
Go at your own pace
Stop where you want
Dive deeper into stories
6. Try the Key West Old Town Trolley
The Key West Old Town Trolley is a popular option for seeing the city quickly.
Pros:
Covers major attractions
Easy transportation
Cons:
Less immersive
Limited storytelling depth
👉 If you want a deeper experience, walking tours offer more connection to the city.
7. Discover Key West Cool Things to Do
Looking for unique experiences?
Some Key West cool things to do include:
Sunset at Mallory Square
Street performances
Hidden local bars
Historic cemeteries
8. Beaches & Water Activities
No trip is complete without enjoying the ocean.
Top options:
Smathers Beach
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Snorkeling and boat tours
These are essential Key West activities.
Why Key West is One of the Best Travel Destinations
From history to nightlife to ghost stories, Key West has something for everyone.
Whether you're exploring Old Town, taking a ghost tour, or relaxing by the water, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Key West.
Comments