Key West Travel Guide Things to Do
Key West Travel Guide Things to Do
Things to Do in Key West
Visitors searching for the best things to do in Key West will find a tropical island full of history, culture, and laid-back charm. Located at the southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West is known for its colorful streets, historic homes, sunsets, and vibrant atmosphere.
Here are some of the top Key West things to do:
• Visit the Southernmost Point Buoy
A famous landmark marking the southernmost location in the continental U.S.
• Explore Duval Street
The heart of Key West filled with shops, bars, restaurants, and live music.
• Watch Sunset at Mallory Square
A nightly celebration with street performers and incredible ocean views.
• Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
A historic house where the famous author lived and wrote.
• Tour Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
A combination of beach, history, and scenic views.
• Explore Old Town Key West
Colorful houses, hidden alleys, and historic landmarks make this area perfect for walking.
Because of its small size and walkable layout, Key West is best explored on foot.
Explore Key West With Self-Guided Walking Tours
One of the best ways to experience Key West is by walking through its historic streets and uncovering the stories behind its landmarks. Self-guided walking tours allow visitors to explore at their own pace while learning about the island’s rich history and culture.
Here are the top walking tours available in Key West:
🚶 Key West Historic Walking Tour
This tour takes you through the heart of Old Town Key West, highlighting the island’s most important landmarks and historic sites.
Highlights include:
• Historic homes and architecture
• Duval Street and surrounding neighborhoods
• Stories of Key West’s past and cultural influences
🚶 Hemingway Key West Walking Tour
Follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway and explore the places that shaped his life in Key West.
Highlights include:
• The Hemingway Home and Museum
• Locations tied to his writing and daily life
• Stories about his time in Key West
🚶 Key West Ghost Walking Tour
Discover the darker side of Key West with stories of hauntings, mysteries, and historic legends.
Highlights include:
• Haunted locations in Old Town
• Ghost stories and local legends
• Historic buildings with eerie pasts
What's Free and What has a Fee
Key West offers many free activities along with several ticketed attractions.
Free Things to Do
Many of the best things to do in Key West are free.
• Walking Duval Street
• Visiting the Southernmost Point Buoy
• Watching sunset at Mallory Square
• Exploring Old Town
• Visiting beaches and waterfront areas
Attractions With Fees
Some attractions require admission.
• Hemingway Home and Museum
• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
• Boat tours and water activities
• Museums and historic sites
Visitors can easily enjoy a full day with mostly free activities.
How to Get Here
Key West is located at the end of the Florida Keys.
By Air
Key West International Airport (EYW)
• About 10 minutes from downtown
By Car
Driving the Overseas Highway (US-1) is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.
Driving times:
• Miami — about 3.5 to 4 hours
Getting Around
Key West is very walkable, especially in Old Town. Bikes and scooters are also popular. I suggest walking the whole time and exploring. It's a great spot for it.
Where to Stay
Hotels in Old Town Key West
Typical price range: $250–$500 per night
• The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
• Ocean Key Resort & Spa
• The Saint Hotel Key West
Staying in Old Town puts you near all major attractions.
Boutique & Unique Stays
Typical price range: $200–$400 per night
• The Gardens Hotel
• Eden House
• Kimpton Winslow’s Bungalows
These offer charm and local character.
Budget Hotels
Typical price range: $120–$220 per night
• Ibis Bay Beach Resort
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Key West
• NYAH Key West (Not Your Average Hotel)
Budget options are typically located slightly outside Old Town.
When to Visit
Key West is a year-round destination.
Winter (Best Time to Visit)
• warm weather
• peak season
Spring
• great weather
• fewer crowds
Summer
• hotter temperatures
• lower prices
Fall
• fewer tourists
• potential storms
How Much Time You'll Need
One Day Key West Itinerary
Many visitors follow one-day Key West itineraries.
Morning
• Walk Old Town
• Visit Hemingway Home
Afternoon
• Explore Duval Street
• Visit Southernmost Point
Evening
• Take a walking tour
• Sunset at Mallory Square
Two Day Key West Itineraries
With more time visitors can:
• relax on beaches
• take boat tours
• explore more historic sites
Here for more than 2 days? Perfect. Wallk around and just take it in. Time moves slow down here and so should you. Take one of our walking tours every other day, explore the history and the area, and get to know Key West.
What are the best things to do in Key West?
Top activities include visiting Duval Street, exploring Old Town, and watching sunset at Mallory Square.
Is Key West walkable?
Yes. Old Town Key West is very walkable and easy to explore.
What is Key West known for?
Key West is known for its sunsets, history, nightlife, and tropical atmosphere. Get to know it, and explore.
