Best Things To Do in Key West in One Day – Florida Resident’s Guide
The best things to do in Key West are doable in a day if you plan well.
After about 40 years of going there, we think we know what to see in Key West in one day – but Key West keeps changing, as it has for the last 200 years. We will keep you up to date!
Get your one-day itinerary for Key West and it will lead you to the must-see places in this southernmost city of the continental United States.
If you are spending several days in Key West, try our post on The Florida Keys and Key West for a full list of activities.
Below are must-see attractions in Key West for an unforgettable journey to the Florida Keys.
Best Things To Do in Key West in One Day
Hemingway House
Southernmost Point Buoy
Duval Street Shopping/People Watching
Iconic Sloppy Joe's
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Key Lime Pie/Blue Heaven
Conch Train
Butterfly Conservatory
Sunset Mallory Square
Fort Jefferson - Another One Day
Get the locations, details and recommendations below.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Hemingway’s Home
Where is it? Hemingway’s Home in Key West is located at 907 Whitehead Street. This is on the southwest corner of the island, very near the Southernmost Buoy (see below).
Why visit this? This may be one of the top three attractions in Key West. Ernest Hemingway spent time in Key West during a short period in the 1930s. His stay was impactful in many ways.
Who should go? A first-time visitor to Key West must-see attraction. All ages will enjoy.
Southernmost Point Buoy
Where is it? The location of the Southernmost Point Buoy is less than 1/4 mile south of Hemingway’s Home at the end of Whitehead Street.
Why visit this? Few places in all of Key West are photographed more than the Southernmost Point. Great place to take a selfie or family picture documenting your visit.
Who should go? The Southernmost point of the continental United States is a lifetime attraction that many people never get to see.
Duval Street Shopping & People Watching
Where is it? Duval Street runs the entire length of the island on the western side. It is one block east of Whitehead Street.
Why visit this? There are a number of famous streets in the country. Places like Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills and Broadway, New York City come to mind as must-visit streets. Duval Street equals those names for excitement, unusual sights and entertainment almost 24 hours a day. It is the heart of Key West in many ways.
Who should go? The narrow street is an easy 1.25-mile-long walk. Not all shops are kid-friendly, but overall, it is another must-see for first-time visitors.
The Iconic bar in Key West is a must-see for first timers in Key West.
Iconic Sloppy Joe’s
Where is it? Located at 201 Duval Street, Sloppy Joe’s is towards the northern end of Duval.
Why visit this? Certainly, no bar and restaurant has the recognition of being iconic to Key West. It represents all that Key West is – entertaining, historic and unfiltered fun. With ties to Hemingway and other Conch characters, it’s walls are covered with the past.
Who should go? Most adults will want to visit Sloppy Joe’s. Their friends and neighbors will ask if they visited this Key West attraction. First-timers flock there!
The Fort Zachary Taylor beach is the best in Key West.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Where is it? The address of Fort Zachary Taylor is 901 Howard England Way. You can easily access the road to the Fort by going west on Angela Street, which is two blocks north of Hemingway’s Home on Whitehead.
Why visit this? Snorkeling, fishing, relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming – all of these can be done at Key West’s best beach. If you choose to visit the Fort, history buffs can do that. The beauty of the Florida Straits and the Atlantic Ocean makes for a great picture-taking opportunity.
Who should go? Anyone who likes beaches, water and the sun will love this stop. Kids can enjoy the shoreline.
Key Lime Pie at Blue Heaven
Where is it? Blue Heaven is at 729 Thomas St. That is just two blocks west of Whitehead Street, not far from Hemingway Home.
Why visit this? First of all, Key West claims to be the origin of Key Lime Pie. No one visits without trying this treat. Even more popular is Blue Heaven. This restaurant, loved by locals and tourists, is all that Key West is about. Quirky, but great food, in the backyard of an old house setting. The chickens roost in the trees while you feast on breakfast and lunch. Jimmy Buffett even sang about Blue Heaven in one of his songs!
Who should go? Anyone who is hungry! The restaurant makes one of the best versions of key lime pie on the island.
The Conch Train allows you to see the whole Island in a few minutes.
The Conch Train
Where is it? You can catch the Conch Train at multiple locations along Duval Street or the main station at 201 Front Street at the north end of the island.
Why visit this? Key West is a relatively small island with an amazing number of things to see and do. We highly recommend a trip on the train to see all the things throughout the island that you could never visit in one day. History, architecture, well-known places and popular restaurants are highlighted on your tour. Reserve tickets today.
Who should go? Everyone loves this tour. You learn where things are, how Key West became famous and some things that make it infamous.
The Butterfly Conservatory
Where is it? The Butterfly Conservatory is located at the south end of Duval Street. The address is 1316 Duval Street.
Why visit this? The Butterfly Conservatory is one of our favorite attractions when the weather is too rainy or too hot. Children will love the multiple types of butterflies and birds that inhabit the giant walk-through aquarium-like structure. This is one of the best ways to see Mother Nature in action.
Who should go? All ages will love this attraction.
Spectacular sunset from Mallory Square over Sunset Island.
Sunset Mallory Square
Where is it? You can access Mallory Square in many ways. It is along the waterfront at the north end of the island at 420 Wall Street. You can also enter from the Ocean Key Resort from the east and the Opal Key Resort from the west.
Why visit this? There are a lot of sunset celebrations in Florida. None is any larger or more fun than this nightly attraction in Key West. Entertainers start the celebration about an hour before sunset with all kinds of unique acts. You will see spectacular views of the sun meeting the waters of the bay. Cameras are highly suggested.
Who should go? Children and adults will love the performances of the entertainers who love to treat the kids as part of the act.
Fort Jefferson – The Dry Tortugas
This island building is amazing considering it was built over 150 years ago.
Why visit this? Historically, Fort Jefferson is one of the most astonishing feats man ever put together in the 1800’s. Should you visit these islands on your first visit to Key West? Probably not unless you are staying for multiple days. You can visit it in a day by a short seaplane flight or take a tour boat west for the day. In our opinion, this is one of the top three things to see when visiting Key West.
Who should go? Teens and adults will be mesmerized by this trip. Learn a lot about our history and see a brick structure that was unbelievably built on an island with no fresh water in the Civil War era.
So Much More To Do in Key West – Plan Your Next Trip
If your one-day in Key West itinerary wasn’t complete, or if you are already planning your next trip, here are a few more ideas to do in Key West –
No matter what the weather is, there is plenty to do on the mile-long Duval Street in Key West. Shops, bars, restaurants and hotels line the street.Explore Duval Street – Stroll along this vibrant street filled with shops, bars, restaurants, and live music. Lots to explore!
Snorkel or Dive at the Florida Keys Reef – Discover beautiful marine life in the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S..
Tour the Harry S. Truman Little White House – Learn about the “Winter White House” where Truman spent time during his presidency.
Take a Sunset Sail or Catamaran Cruise – Watch the sunset from the water with a relaxing boat tour.
Explore the Key West Cemetery – Discover quirky epitaphs and learn about the island’s history.
Kayak or Paddleboard Through Mangroves – Explore the tranquil backcountry and observe unique wildlife.
Attend a Drag Show – Experience Key West’s lively LGBTQ+ culture at venues like Aqua Nightclub or La Te Da.
Check Out the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum – Learn about shipwreck treasures and maritime history.
Tour the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens – View art and stroll through lush gardens at this restored 19th-century home.
Visit the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum – Step into Key West’s maritime past with artifacts and exhibits.
Key West must be haunted – at least there are a lot of tours that say so!Enjoy Local Seafood – Feast on conch fritters, fresh fish, and stone crab at local restaurants like Blue Heaven or Eaton Street Seafood Market.
Take a Haunted Key West Tour – Tour operators take you to places where paranormal activity is normal!
Visit the Key West History Center – a two-story historic building on Front Street.
Few places in Florida can offer the amazing realm of sights, activities, fun and excitement that the Conch Republic can provide.
Final Thoughts on What You Can Do in One Day in Key West
That’s our list of things to do for a one-day trip in Key West. We need to emphasize that you are just scratching the surface of things to do in the Conch Republic, as the locals call it.
There are many more attractions and oddities in Key West. You could spend a week here on the island and see many more, but Key West changes almost daily.
We hope you have a perspective of this unique island.
You can find out many more things to see in Key West in our Florida Travel Blog. Most of all, we recommend fun – that is the best of the things to do in Key West!
FAQs About One Day in Key West
Is one day enough in Key West?
Yes, one day is enough to see the highlights of Key West, including Duval Street, the Southernmost Point, Mallory Square, and the Hemingway House, but you’ll need a well-planned itinerary to fit it all in.
What should I do if I only have one day in Key West?
Focus on the must-see attractions like Duval Street, the Southernmost Point, Mallory Square, and the Hemingway Home, then add a beach stop or sunset experience if time allows.
Can you walk Key West in one day?
Yes, Old Town Key West is compact and walkable, making it possible to explore most major attractions on foot in a single day.
What are the must-see attractions in Key West for a day trip?
Top attractions include Duval Street, the Southernmost Point, Mallory Square, the Ernest Hemingway Home, and the Key West Lighthouse.
What is the best way to get around Key West in one day?
Walking, biking, or using a trolley tour are the best ways to get around quickly and see multiple attractions in a short amount of time.
Is a day trip to Key West worth it?
Yes, a day trip is worth it for the unique atmosphere, historic sites, and iconic landmarks, even though you won’t have time to see everything.
What is the best time to visit Key West for a day?
Early morning is the best time to start your day in Key West to avoid crowds and heat, especially if you plan to visit popular attractions.
Can you visit the Southernmost Point in one day?
Yes, the Southernmost Point is one of the easiest and quickest stops to include in a one-day Key West itinerary.
What should I not miss in Key West in one day?
Don’t miss Duval Street, a slice of Key lime pie, the sunset at Mallory Square, and at least one historic attraction like the Hemingway House.
Can you do a beach in Key West in one day?
Yes, you can visit a beach like Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, which is known for snorkeling and scenic views.
How do I make the most of one day in Key West without feeling rushed?
Plan your route ahead of time, focus on a few key attractions, and group activities by location to minimize travel time between stops.
What food should I try in Key West in one day?
Try local favorites like Key lime pie, Cuban coffee, fresh seafood, and casual waterfront dining for a true Key West experience.
Is Duval Street worth visiting during the day?
Yes, Duval Street is worth visiting during the day for shopping, sightseeing, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to its nightlife scene.
Last Updated September 9, 2026 Chattahoochee, Florida sits in the far northwestern corner of the state, in Gadsden County, just a few miles south of the
We’ve visited every beach on this list. Here are the 21 best beaches on Florida’s west coast — from Clearwater south to Marco Island — with parking, tips, and what makes each one worth the trip.
Florida isn’t just theme parks and family trips—it’s beaches with a pulse, neighborhoods with art and music until late, and water adventures you can’t get
Last Updated April 18, 2026 Clearwater Beach delivers powder-soft sand, calm Gulf water, a walkable marina-to-pier strip, and nightly sunset vibes. As Tampa Bay locals,
Our Number One Fact About The Everglades — “The Florida Everglades is one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth! An immense subtropical wetland famous
