Things to Do in Key West
Plan your days in Key West, your way
Begin with the essential photo at the Southernmost Point buoy, then wander Old Town's side streets where the conch cottages hide their gardens.
Stop into the Hemingway Home for an hour of history and six-toed cats, no deep expertise required.
Lunch is a Cuban sandwich and a cafe con leche at a walk-up window, eaten standing in the shade.
Spend the afternoon at Fort Zachary Taylor, where a historic fort and the island's best beach share one entrance fee.
Cool off with a swim, then wander Bahama Village for color, roosters, and a slice of key lime pie at Blue Heaven.
Toward evening, find a seat at the harbor and order whatever fish came in that day.
Join the crowd at Mallory Square for sunset, because some traditions earn their reputation.
Afterward, drift down Duval for one live band and one cold drink, as long as it feels right.
Take the long way back along the seawall with the water on your left.
That's Key West in one well-balanced day, with plenty left for tomorrow.
Top attractions and places to eat in Key West
Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.
A large painted concrete buoy marking the southernmost point of the continental United States. A famous photo landmark for visitors to Key West.
attraction · 4.5 rating
The Hemingway Home and Museum
The former Key West residence of author Ernest Hemingway, now a museum known for its Spanish Colonial architecture and resident six-toed cats. Travelers come for the literary history and lush grounds.
attraction · 4.6 rating · $18
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
A climate-controlled glass conservatory home to hundreds of live butterflies, exotic birds, and tropical plants. Travelers visit to walk among free-flying butterflies in an immersive indoor habitat.
attraction · 4.8 rating · $17.50
Mallory Square
A waterfront plaza in Key West famous for its nightly Sunset Celebration featuring street performers, artisans, and crowds gathering to watch the sunset. Travelers go for the festive evening atmosphere and views.
attraction · 4.7 rating
Duval Street
Bustling heart of Key West filled with restaurants, bars, art galleries, and shops.
landmark · 4.7 rating
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach
A popular beach within Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, known for clear water, good snorkeling, and shaded picnic areas. Travelers come to swim, sunbathe, and relax by the sea.
cafe · 4.4 rating · $2.50
The Overseas Highway
Scenic 113-mile highway connecting the Florida Keys over 42 bridges.
trail · 4.5 rating
Truman Little White House
The former winter residence and working office of President Harry S. Truman, now a preserved historic house museum. Travelers tour it for its presidential history and period interiors.
attraction · 4.6 rating · $22.75
Key West Lighthouse
A historic 19th-century lighthouse and museum in Key West with a keeper's quarters and tower offering city views. Travelers climb it for panoramic vistas and maritime history.
attraction · 4.3 rating · $17
Key West Gardens at Fort West Martello
A botanical garden set within the historic Civil War-era Fort East Martello-adjacent West Martello Tower, run by a local garden club. Travelers visit for tropical plants amid historic fort ruins.
attraction · 4.6 rating
Smathers Beach
The largest public beach in Key West, a long stretch of sand popular for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. A go-to spot for a relaxed day by the ocean.
attraction · 3.7 rating
Hemingway Distillery
Rum distillery honoring Ernest Hemingway, producer of Papa's Pilar rum.
experience · 4.8 rating
Milagro Restaurant and Bar
A Key West restaurant and bar offering contemporary American cuisine and cocktails. A spot for an upscale-casual meal and drinks.
bar
Cuban Coffee Queen Waterfront
The waterfront location of the local Cuban coffee spot, offering the same Cuban coffee, sandwiches, and breakfast items near the harbor. A casual quick stop for island fare with a marina backdrop.
cafe
Art On Duval Key West, A Procaccini Gallery
A Duval Street gallery showcasing the vibrant works of artist Michael Procaccini and others. A stop for travelers browsing colorful contemporary art.
gallery