Things to do in Key West

Activities, attractions and tours

Key West
Higgs Beach showing a beach and tropical scenes as well as a large group of people
Key West
Higgs Beach featuring a sandy beach, a beach bar and tropical scenes
Key West
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Top places to visit

1. Duval Street

Coming to Florida’s Key West and not experiencing Duval Street is missing one of the area’s most important commercial roads. It’s the main street on the island. Visit at any time. At the end of the day, when the heat abates and beachgoers have packed up, the street truly comes into its own. Being bored on Duval Street is a rarity.
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Along one of the southernmost streets in the continental U.S., enjoy a lively area filled with shops, pubs, restaurants and lots of sidewalk acts and vendors.

2. Mallory Square

This popular town square, adjacent to excellent dining and lively bars is home to one of Key West’s longest-running traditions. Perched on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, Mallory Square hosts Key West’s Sunset Celebration every evening of the year. Watch as the square bursts with color and sound as hundreds of visitors to the island converge to watch one of the most picturesque sunsets in the United States. Surrounding the square are some of Key West’s best restaurants, great shopping and hotels catering to all budgets.
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Arrive at this square at day’s end to find street performers, food carts and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the United States.

3. Southernmost Point

Visit the Southernmost Point of the United States for a unique photo opportunity and views toward Cuba. Pose in front of the huge structure emblazoned with the words, “Southernmost Point Continental U.S.A.” and “90 miles to Cuba,” for a memorable photograph.
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Snap a memorable photograph from the edge of North America at this monumental landmark.

4. Smathers Beach

On an island filled with private beaches, this popular stretch of public shoreline is among the most majestic. Featuring over a half-mile (0.8 kilometer) of white, palm-lined sand, Smathers Beach is a destination for water sports lovers and those seeking quiet time in the sun. Spend a day snorkeling, kayaking or playing beach volleyball as you make friends on the beach known for its social atmosphere.
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Smathers Beach featuring tropical scenes, a beach and a luxury hotel or resort

5. Dry Tortugas National Park

Wander along the high ramparts of Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park and look out across the sparkling blue ocean all around you. Sunbathe on the sand of this idyllic haven or snorkel with an array of tropical fish.
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Dry Tortugas National Park featuring heritage architecture and general coastal views

6. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a sublime natural setting that provides idyllic swimming and birdwatching conditions. At its core is the historic Fort Taylor and what is thought to be the world’s largest Civil War arms collection. Bring U.S. history to life by walking down the passageways of this well-preserved fortress.
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The displays of old weapons and interpretive panels in a fort at the heart of the southernmost state park in the continental U.S. provide information about the Civil War.

7. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to reveal the eccentricities of Ernest Hemingway’s life. For most of the 1930s, one of the most revered authors of the 20th century lived in a Spanish colonial house in the heart of tropical Key West. Meet six-toed cats and see the studio in which some of Hemingway’s most famous novels were written. Find a vast collection of art, hunting trophies and household items as you wander through the house and gardens.
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Meet six-toed cats and watch as the life of one America’s great writers unfolds before your eyes at his former home.

8. South Beach

Conveniently located at the end of one of Key West’s main streets and just a short walk from the center of the town, this tiny beach is the most popular on the island. While its warm water, perfect swimming conditions and stunning views attract many visitors, some visit South Beach simply to say they’ve been to the southernmost beach in the continental United States. Find a spot on the crowded beach to immerse yourself in the lively Key West atmosphere or simply stop by for a quick swim on your way into town.
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The southernmost beach in the continental United States is a convenient sandy enclave, just minutes from the center of town.

9. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Lose yourself in a cloud of “flowers of the sky” as you amble along the walkway through this tropical glasshouse. Home to approximately 60 different species of butterflies, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is a beautiful experience. The conservatory is often among the most recommended attractions in the city. Families will appreciate the educational areas of the museum, while those wanting to unwind will enjoy sitting beneath tropical trees next to cascading waterfalls.
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Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory showing food, animals and zoo animals

What to do in Key West

Popular places to visit

Duval Street

Duval Street

Along one of the southernmost streets in the continental U.S., enjoy a lively area filled with shops, pubs, restaurants and lots of sidewalk acts and vendors.

Duval Street
Mallory Square

Mallory Square

Arrive at this square at day’s end to find street performers, food carts and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the United States.

Mallory Square
Southernmost Point

Southernmost Point

Snap a memorable photograph from the edge of North America at this monumental landmark.

Southernmost Point
Smathers Beach featuring tropical scenes, a beach and a luxury hotel or resort

Smathers Beach

Key West’s popular party beach has an electric atmosphere on the weekends and is a destination for water sports lovers.

Smathers Beach
Dry Tortugas National Park featuring heritage architecture and general coastal views

Dry Tortugas National Park

Separated from the mainland and encased by golden beaches and colorful coral reefs, this is a national park of fascinating ocean scenery.

Dry Tortugas National Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

The displays of old weapons and interpretive panels in a fort at the heart of the southernmost state park in the continental U.S. provide information about the Civil War.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Meet six-toed cats and watch as the life of one America’s great writers unfolds before your eyes at his former home.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
South Beach

South Beach

The southernmost beach in the continental United States is a convenient sandy enclave, just minutes from the center of town.

South Beach
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory showing food, animals and zoo animals

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

With about 60 species of butterfly, an indoor waterfall and a tropical rainforest, this nature conservatory is one of the most popular attractions in Key West.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Areas of Key West

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Old Town Key West

5/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting Old Town Key West, you might make a stop by sights like Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Old Town Key West
Smathers Beach showing a bay or harbour, windsurfing and tropical scenes

Beachside

If you're spending some time in Beachside, Smathers Beach and Florida Keys Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Beachside
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Key West Historic District

4.5/5(66 area reviews)

Travellers to Key West Historic District praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Key West Historic District
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Downtown Key West

While visiting Downtown Key West, you might make a stop by sights like Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Downtown Key West
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New Town

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in New Town, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Smathers Beach and Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.

New Town
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Historic Seaport

If you're spending some time in Historic Seaport, Duval Street and Key West Historic Seaport are top sights worth seeing.

Historic Seaport
Summerland Key

Summerland Key

Frequently asked questions

Is Key West worth visiting?
Key West offers a unique mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or local cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Key West?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Smathers Beach and South Beach. Then, explore other parts of Key West for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Key West?
Don't leave without visiting Smathers Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Key West.
Is three days enough to stay in Key West?
You can easily visit popular sights like Smathers Beach, South Beach and Harry S. Truman Little White House with a three-day escape to Key West. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to Stock Island.
Is Key West a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Key West is a good place to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between Smathers Beach and South Beach. Then take a stroll through Key West Historic District, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Old Town Key West, which is roughly 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Key West with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all of your group, here are some fabulous ideas for what to do in Key West with kids.

What to do in Key West for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Key West, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Key West Cemetery or Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit.
Are there free things to do in Key West?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Key West is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Smathers Beach is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.