25+ things to do in Key West

Key West is packed with unforgettable island experiences, from historic landmarks to ocean adventures and lively nightlife. These are some of the best things to do in Key West for visitors looking to experience the heart of the island.

Iconic Things to Do in Key West

1. Watch the sunset at Mallory Square

One of the most famous things to do in Key West, Mallory Square’s nightly Sunset Celebration draws crowds to the waterfront for street performers, local artisans and classic Gulf views as the sun drops below the horizon. It is a true first-timer experience, especially if you want the island at its most lively and photogenic.

2. Visit the Southernmost Point

Stopping at the Southernmost Point buoy is one of the most photographed things to do in Key West. The landmark marks Key West’s position just 90 miles from Cuba, making it a classic island photo stop and an easy addition to any Old Town walk.

3. Tour the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Touring the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is one of the most cultural things to do in Key West, with guided visits through the author’s former home, lush grounds and writing studio. Many visitors also come for the museum’s famous six-toed cats, some of which are descendants of Hemingway’s original pet.

4. Walk Duval Street

Exploring Duval Street is one of the liveliest things to do in Key West, with bars, boutiques, galleries and historic buildings packed along its 1.25-mile route from the Gulf side to the Atlantic. It is the island’s main social spine, whether you visit by day for sightseeing or return after dark for music and nightlife.

5. Climb the Key West Lighthouse

Climbing the Key West Lighthouse is one of the best scenic things to do in Key West, with island views from the observation platform and a chance to explore the Keeper’s Quarters Museum below. It also gives visitors a stronger sense of the island’s maritime history than a quick look from the street.

6. Explore Old Town Key West

Wandering through Old Town Key West is one of the most relaxing things to do on the island, with leafy lanes, pastel conch cottages and many of the city’s best-known historic attractions all close together. It is the part of Key West that feels most atmospheric, especially on foot or by bike.

Outdoor & Water Things to Do in Key West

7. Snorkel or dive the coral reefs

Exploring the reefs is one of the most popular outdoor things to do in Key West, with boat trips heading to shallow coral sites and clear blue water filled with tropical fish. The Florida Keys are home to the continental U.S.’s only living coral barrier reef, and Key West is one of the easiest places to get out onto it.

8. Take a sunset sailing cruise

A sunset cruise is one of the most memorable things to do in Key West, especially on a catamaran or schooner with drinks and open-water views built in. Operators such as Fury and Danger Charters turn the island’s famous sunset into a full experience rather than just a viewpoint stop.

9. Relax at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is one of the best natural things to do in Key West, combining a beach day with snorkeling, swimming and a substantial Civil War-era fort. It is also one of the best shore-snorkeling spots on the island, which makes it more rewarding than a simple sunbathing stop.

10. Kayak through mangrove tunnels

Kayaking through the mangroves is one of the more unique things to do in Key West, especially on a guided eco-tour from Hurricane Hole Marina with Lazy Dog Adventures. These trips take you into shallow backcountry waters and narrow mangrove tunnels where you can look for fish, birds and other wildlife.

11. Go fishing

Fishing excursions are classic things to do in Key West, with everything from reef and wreck trips to flats and backcountry charters targeting tarpon, bonefish and permit. It is one of the island’s signature activities, whether you want a half-day introduction or a more serious sportfishing trip.

12. Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

A trip to Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Key West, with ferry or seaplane access to Fort Jefferson, brilliant turquoise water and excellent snorkeling. The park lies about 70 miles west of Key West, so it feels like a proper expedition rather than a casual island stop.

Culture, History & Local Things to Do in Key West

13. Visit the Truman Little White House

Touring the Harry S. Truman Little White House is one of the most educational things to do in Key West. Florida’s only presidential museum preserves the rooms and furnishings of the home where Truman spent 175 days during his presidency on working vacations.

14. Explore the Key West Shipwreck Museum

Learning about the island’s maritime past is one of the more fascinating things to do in Key West, and the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum makes it especially engaging with guided storytelling, a lookout tower and even the chance to touch real treasure. It is a good fit if you want history that feels more immersive than a standard museum visit.

15. Join a walking or ghost tour

Guided tours are some of the most entertaining things to do in Key West after dark, especially if you want more than a self-guided stroll. Tours such as Ghosts & Gravestones combine Old Town history with haunted tales, nighttime atmosphere and stops tied to some of the island’s most famous stories.

16. Stroll the Key West Historic Seaport

The Key West Historic Seaport is one of the most scenic things to do in Key West, with a harborwalk lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques, museums and excursion departures. It is also a good place to feel the island’s working waterfront character, especially around the marina and Bight area.

17. Visit the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

Walking through the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is one of the most relaxing indoor things to do in Key West. Inside the glass-domed habitat, visitors can wander among hundreds of butterflies, exotic birds and flamingos in a lush tropical setting.

18. Browse local art galleries

Exploring local art is one of the most creative things to do in Key West, whether you stop into the long-running Key West Art Center or time your visit for the Walk on White art stroll. It is a great way to see the island’s more artistic side and support working local artists.

Food, Drink & Nightlife Things to Do in Key West

19. Try authentic Key lime pie

Sampling Key lime pie is one of the tastiest things to do in Key West, and places like Blue Heaven have helped make it a signature island dessert. Their version is especially well known, with a tall meringue topping and a setting that feels unmistakably Key West.

20. Dine at waterfront restaurants

Dining by the water is a classic thing to do in Key West, and Latitudes on Sunset Key is one of the island’s standout choices for seafood, sunset views and a more special-occasion feel. It is the kind of meal that turns dinner into part of the trip itself

21. Visit historic bars

Legendary bars are among the most iconic nightlife things to do in Key West, and Sloppy Joe’s remains the best-known example. The bar has been part of the island’s story since the 1930s, sits on the National Register of Historic Places and still hosts live music every day.

22. Enjoy live music

Live performances are central to nightlife and some of the best evening things to do in Key West, especially at long-running spots like the Green Parrot Bar. It is one of the island’s best-known music venues and a good alternative to the more tourist-heavy stops on Duval.

23. Take a food or cocktail tour

A guided tasting with Key West Food Tours is a flavorful way to explore the island, combining local dishes, cocktails and neighborhood stories in one experience. Tours through Old Town or the Historic Seaport add useful local context as well as plenty to eat.

24. Experience Duval Street at night

Exploring Duval Street after dark is one of the most energetic things to do in Key West, with live music, open-air bars, drag shows and late-night crowds moving between venues. It feels very different from daytime Duval, and that nightlife contrast is a big part of the island’s appeal.

Relaxing & Scenic Things to Do in Key West

25. Enjoy a spa day

Unwinding at a local spa is one of the most relaxing things to do in Key West, especially after days spent on the water. Spa al Mare at Casa Marina offers massages, facials and even beachfront treatments, making it a strong choice if you want something that feels more indulgent than a quick wellness stop.

26. Watch the sunrise at Higgs Beach

Seeing the sun rise over the Atlantic at Higgs Beach is one of the most peaceful things to do in Key West, with a broad oceanfront setting and a much quieter feel than the island’s sunset spots. It is ideal if you want soft early light and a slower start to the day.

27. Bike around the island

Cycling is one of the easiest and most enjoyable things to do in Key West, especially around Old Town, where narrow streets and short distances make bikes feel more practical than cars. It is a laid-back way to link beaches, historic sights and waterfront areas while seeing the island more like a local.

Events in Key West

Experience Fantasy Fest

Fantasy Fest fills Key West each October with costumes, parades, parties, and over-the-top island celebration.

Visit Key West Lobsterfest

Key West Lobsterfest brings fresh lobster, street fair energy, live music, and seafood celebrations to Old Town each August.

Celebrate Key West Pride

Key West Pride brings parades, parties, and LGBTQ+ celebration to the island each June.

Join the Key Lime Festival

The Key Lime Festival brings pie, cocktails, tastings, contests, and citrus-filled fun to Key West each July.

FAQ's

What is Key West best known for?

Key West is best known for its vibrant island lifestyle, historic Old Town, turquoise waters, stunning sunsets at Mallory Square, and outdoor adventures like snorkelling, sailing, and fishing.

When is the best time to visit Key West?

The most popular time to visit is December through April, when the weather is warm, dry, and perfect for outdoor activities. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season runs from June to November.

What is the closest airport to Key West?

The closest airport is Key West International Airport (EYW), located just 2 miles from Old Town, with direct flights from many U.S. cities.