Top 10 Things You Must Do in Key West for Memories in Paradise
Last Updated April 10, 2026
Let’s assume this is your first visit to the southernmost island off mainland America. You have heard about Key West and the many things to do in Key West – most of which you need to forget about right now.
We have listed the “must-do’s” for the first-time visitor or seasoned veteran who hasn’t made it to all our attractions on the list.
After 40 years of visiting Key West, we think we have the top 10 recommendations of things to do in Key West. This vibrant and slightly quirky island is rich in charm, character and history. The Key West attractions below represent the best of all those characteristics.
Who should read this?
Anyone who is traveling to Key West or planning a trip to the southernmost city.
Why read this post?
You will get reliable, resident-based information without the influence of advertisers or outdated information.
How to use this guide to Key West?
Use it as a tool to plan your next visit, no matter how many times you have been to Key West.
Key West visitors and locals head for the sunset celebration at Mallory Square nightly.
What are the 10 things you MUST do in Key West?
Here they are and more…..
Mallory Square at Sunset – we know this is popular, but where else can you watch the spectacular sunset and see 20 acts and performers at the same time – for FREE?
Take a Walk – In fact, take two walks! First, walk the length of Duval Street just before dark. Then walk back the opposite way after dark. Yes, we know it’s a mile long, but there are probably 75 bars you can stop at along the way. Plus, the sights you will see and the sounds you hear are the heart of Key West. The people, the shops, the sidewalk peddlers, the bar bands – all mix in a delightful motion picture.
Ride The Conch Train– Ok, we know this is kind of corny. But the Conch Train takes you all around this 2-mile by 4-mile island. Saves you a lot of walking time and you get some history (some of it is even true). The Train lets you get your bearings on the island.
Museum of Art and History – We are suckers for a really good museum. Key West has a history unequaled by most communities. The Island dwellers went through native Americans, Spanish explorers, pirates, modern-day thieves, hurricanes and wars. The Museum of History is a great place to spend an air-conditioned afternoon on a sunny day or even better, a rainy afternoon.This must do in Key West includes a fort 70 miles offshore. It may not be the easiest thing to do, but it is one of the must do’s when visiting Key West.
Fort Jefferson– about 70 miles west of Key West are the Dry Tortugas. Another set of islands that have but one structure – Fort Jefferson. This fort was built in the mid-1800s. It will amaze you from a construction standpoint. It was used to house prisoners during the Civil War. The most famous of which is Dr. Mudd. If time allows, take a boat to Fort Jefferson or, better yet, take a pontoon airplane that is just a 45-minute ride. Beautiful scenery and superb snorkeling are available around the island. If you have the time, this is the number one attraction on our list of things to do in Key West.
Key West Cemetery– Read the history before you go. Then read the tombstones that date back almost 200 years. If it seems creepy to walk among some 100,000 souls buried there, get over it. The history on the headstones will put you at ease. Read some of the captions on the stones like, “I told you I was sick!”.
One of the most interesting things to do in Key West is seeing the Butterfly Conservatory on Duval Street. Great photo opportunities also!The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory – We like this place on the south end of Duval. Butterflies in all their stages of development highlight this attraction. The birds, flora, and colorful setting make this a perfect family exhibit. Kind of touristy, but nature’s beauty is confined in this auditorium of natural habitat.
Sloppy Joe’s – We don’t like to include this place, but finding it is a must. It is on almost everyone’s list of things to do in Key West! Sloppy Joe’s has become to Key West the same as Mallory Square, the southernmost buoy, and the Hemingway House – it is a first-time tourist tradition! No, the food won’t be anything but ok. The place will be crowded. The place will be noisy and the band will be loud – it’s Key West!
The Hemingway House – Perhaps if Ernest Hemingway had never spent a few years in Key West, the town may not have been as fantasized as it is. Hemingway’s former home, built for his wife, is a glimpse of another era and worth the visit.
Louie’s Backyard – Ok, sometime during your Key West visit, put on your best pair of flip-flops, the one last clean t-shirt and maybe wash your face. You are going to Louie’s Backyard at the southern end of the island for a nice lunch or dinner. Order the Key West Pink Shrimp. The story of the “Key West Pinks” is as interesting as the view of the Atlantic Ocean from Louie’s Backyard.
No one goes to Key West without eventually seeing the iconic bar Sloppy Joe's. This is where Ernest Hemingway and his fishing buddies ate, drank and hung out. At Duval and Greene Street.
It may seem like a crazy thing to do in Key West, but the cemetery is a fun required visit for first timers!
FAQs About Key West
What should you not miss in Key West?
Highlights include the Ernest Hemingway Home, Mallory Square’s Sunset Celebration, Fort Zachary Taylor beach/snorkeling, Duval Street, and a day trip to Dry Tortugas.
What is Key West best known for?
Water sports, lively nightlife, beaches, historic sites, and iconic Duval Street.
Where is the best place to watch sunset in Key West?
Mallory Square’s nightly Sunset Celebration, which begins about two hours before sunset.
Is the Sunset Celebration free?
Yes—attending the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square is free.
What’s the best beach in Key West?
Many visitors consider Fort Zachary Taylor State Park the island’s favorite beach, great for swimming and snorkeling.
Can you snorkel in Key West without a boat?
Yes—snorkel straight from shore at Fort Zachary Taylor; for offshore reefs, join a charter into the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Can you visit Dry Tortugas on a day trip from Key West?
Yes—the Yankee Freedom ferry runs day trips ~70 miles to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, with snorkeling gear included.
Do you need a car in Key West?
Usually no—the island is compact and promotes car-free travel; walking, biking, trolleys, and shuttles cover most attractions.
Is two days enough to see Key West?
Two days can cover major sights—plan smart and use a trolley or walking routes to hit top attractions and the sunset.
What are family-friendly things to do?
Visit the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, the aquarium, beaches, and sunset shows.
Where can I find dolphins or wildlife tours?
Look for dolphin-watch and eco-snorkel trips that follow NOAA-backed best practices, like Fury’s Dolphin SMART-recognized tours.
If you are visiting Key West for the first time, you must ride the Conch Train. This sightseeing train will take you to many of the places you want to see and teaches you how to get around the island.
More of Our Favorite Things To Do in Key West
Key West changes! It seems there are new things to see every time we go back. Of course, few people see everything in one visit so here are even more of our favorite things to see and do in the Conch Republic:
Finally, walking through “Old Town” in Key West is a way to see several types of architecture, period homes, and the new construction being mixed with the old homes.
The Blue Heaven is a must-visit restaurant in Key West. It may be quirky, but the Blue Heaven serves the best breakfast in Key West and lunch too!
Top Rated 2026 Things You May NOT Want To Do in Key West
Let’s start with the things you really won’t miss, despite the fact most tourists have these items on their top 10 things to do in Key West! Here’s a list of things to forget about in your list of things to do in Key West –
Captain Tony’s – this is a run-down tourist attraction with a tree in the middle. Read the history of how they moved Sloppy Joe’s from this site to its current location. However, the history is more interesting than the bar.
The Lighthouse – if you want to climb the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse, go ahead. But once you reach the top with a dozen other gluttons for punishment, what have you got? You have a tired tourist with the same view you would have if you got in an elevator in the La Concha Hotel and went up to the rooftop bar for a rumrunner! Not on my top 10 things to do in Key West list is the Lighthouse.You may want to consider getting your picture taken at the Southernmost Buoy at the south end of Whitehead Street. This is a must-do thing for many travelers and the lines get long!
The Beaches – hey, we know a good beach! Beaches in Key West are fun for the sun, but dark brown sand usually with seaweed washed up is not my type of beach. Go to Clearwater Beach or Sanibel for a real pure white sand beach.
Margaritaville Restaurant – Jimmy Buffet is gone and we prefer his memory live with his music, not his restaurant. Something is fundamentally wrong with a bar that has a bigger gift shop than the bar! The burger is good, but visit the gift shop next door instead!
Key West is known for spectacular sunsets. That you can add to your list of must do things to do in Key West.
Is Key West An Island?
Yes, Key West is surrounded by water with only one bridge to the Island. It is also the last major island in the string of islands known as the Florida Keys.
How Big is Key West Florida?
Key West is relatively small in size. It covers an area of approximately 7.24 square miles (18.75 square kilometers). Of this area, about 4.2 square miles (10.9 square kilometers) is land, and the remaining 3.04 square miles (7.9 square kilometers) is water. Despite its small size, Key West is densely packed with attractions, historic sites, and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for visitors.
It is commonly considered a 2-mile by 4-mile rectangular island.
Is Key West Expensive?
Yes, Key West, Florida, is generally considered an expensive destination. Several factors contribute to its high cost:
Despite the cost of living, there are some reasonable airfares to Key West. Allegiant and Silver Airways have comparatively the best fares.
Dining: Dining out in Key West can also be costly, with many restaurants offering fresh seafood and gourmet meals at premium prices. There are more affordable options available, but overall, dining tends to be on the higher end. Here are the best restaurants in Key West.
Transportation: Getting to Key West can be expensive due to its remote location. Flights to Key West International Airport often come with a higher price tag, and driving the scenic Overseas Highway can be time-consuming and costly due to fuel and potential tolls.
Activities and Attractions: Many popular activities, such as snorkeling, diving, boat tours, and visiting historic sites, come with significant costs. Entry fees and tour prices can add up quickly.
Cost of Living: The overall cost of living in Key West is high, influencing the prices of goods and services. This is partly due to its remote location and the expense of transporting supplies to the island.
Despite the higher costs, many visitors find that the unique charm, vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and variety of activities make Key West worth the expense. However, those planning a trip should budget accordingly to accommodate these higher costs.
Can You See Cuba from Key West?
No, you cannot see Cuba from Key West. Although Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States and is relatively close to Cuba, the distance between the two is still significant. Key West is about 90 miles (145 kilometers) north of Cuba. This distance, combined with the curvature of the Earth and atmospheric conditions, makes it impossible to see Cuba from Key West with the naked eye.
Key West has some cool beaches like Smathers Beach that keeps people coming back year after year.
Why is Key West Considered One of the Greatest Cities in the World?
Key West is considered one of the greatest cities in the world for several compelling reasons:
Unique Cultural Blend:
Key West boasts a unique cultural blend influenced by its Caribbean, Cuban, and American heritage. This mix is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, music, and vibrant local traditions.
Historical Significance:
The city is rich in history, with numerous well-preserved historical sites such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and Fort Zachary Taylor. These sites offer a glimpse into the city’s past and its notable residents.
Scenic Beauty:
Key West is known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets. The iconic sunsets at Mallory Square are celebrated with a nightly festival featuring street performers and local artisans.
Outdoor Activities:
The island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering excellent opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, and kayaking. The surrounding coral reefs are among the most diverse and well-preserved in the United States.
Vibrant Nightlife:
Key West’s nightlife is legendary, with Duval Street serving as the epicenter. This lively street is lined with bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a hotspot for both locals and tourists.
Laid-Back Atmosphere:
The island’s relaxed, “come as you are” atmosphere appeals to many visitors. The motto “One Human Family” reflects Key West’s welcoming and inclusive community.Annual Events like the Super Boat Races in November keep Key West busy year-round.
Events and Festivals:
Key West hosts numerous annual events and festivals, such as Fantasy Fest, Hemingway Days, and the Conch Republic Independence Celebration. These events draw visitors from around the world and add to the city’s vibrant culture.
Literary and Artistic Legacy:
Key West has been home to numerous writers, artists, and musicians who have found inspiration in its beauty and laid-back lifestyle. The island’s artistic community continues to thrive, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues.
Environmental Preservation:
The city places a strong emphasis on environmental conservation, with numerous protected areas and marine sanctuaries. This commitment ensures that the natural beauty and biodiversity of Key West are preserved for future generations.
Culinary Scene:
The culinary scene in Key West is diverse and vibrant, offering everything from fresh seafood to Cuban cuisine. The island’s dining options cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
These factors combine to make Key West a unique and cherished destination, earning it a reputation as one of the greatest cities in the world.
We consider Key West one of the great cities of the world. Based on the number of foreign visitors, we must be right. Visit soon!
Author’s Bio – Larry Edger – entrepreneur, business owner, consultant and primary author of Florida Travel Blog. After retiring from the fast-paced business world as President of a title insurance company, Mr. Edger went on to successfully invest and develop restaurants. In addition to restaurants and with a passion for travel and love of Florida, he began documenting fascinating destinations in what is now called Florida Travel Blog. Now Florida Travel Blog is one of the top go-to places on the internet for Florida travel information.
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