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Key West is well probably the most visited vacation spot within the Florida Keys, and one of the crucial common trip locations in all of America. It’s no secret why. With lovely seashores, incredible eating places, a vigorous Duvall avenue, and a vibe that can make you are feeling as if you simply stepped out of a Jimmy Buffet music video every single day, Key West is a vacation spot to not be missed.
Whether or not you’re on a Florida Keys street journey or spending a complete week in Key West, let’s dig into the perfect Key West actions to get pleasure from!
On this Key West journey information, we’re going to check out:
- The place is Key West
- Why Key West is a Should Go to
- Greatest Issues to do in Key West
- Greatest Eating places in Key West
- The way to Get to Key West
- The way to Get Round Key West
- The place to Keep in Key West
- The Greatest Time to Go to Key West
The place Is Key West?
Key West is a key within the Florida Keys and in addition a US island metropolis. It’s not solely Florida’s southernmost level, but in addition probably the most southernmost metropolis in the USA. It’s simply 90 miles north of Cuba.
Individuals journey from all around the world to expertise Key West’s seashores, scrumptious seafood, and general laid again island vibe. It’s a dream vacation spot, not like anyplace else I’ve been within the US, and a must-visit when visiting Florida.
The Greatest Issues To Do in Key West
1. Key West Lighthouse Museum
Constructed in 1847, The Key West Lighthouse is an iconic fixture on Key West’s coast and is without doubt one of the prime 25 issues to do in Key West.
Whereas it’s now not a working lighthouse, it’s open to guests who want to study what it was wish to be a lighthouse keeper. Inside, you’ll discover images and reveals showcasing objects that belonged to former lighthouse keepers and their households.
- Location: 938 Whitehead Avenue
- Tip: Climb the 88 steps to the highest of the lighthouse the place you’ll get pleasure from spectacular views.
- Worth: $17.00 per grownup
2. Ernest Hemingway Residence
When Ernest Hemingway arrived in Key West, it was love at first sight and in 1851, he constructed this house. This placing Spanish Colonial mansion, which is now a Nationwide Historic Landmark, contains a 60-foot swimming pool, lovely gardens, a set of Hemingway’s private objects and a colony of six-toed cats.
- Location: 907 Whitehead Avenue
- Tip: Take the 30-minute guided tour that’s included within the admission worth and study extra concerning the property and Hemingway himself.
- Worth: $13.00 per grownup
3. Take a Conch Tour Prepare
It’s not very arduous to get round Key West however among the best methods to get acquainted with it’s with a journey on the Conch Tour Prepare. Working since 1958, this tour is rated among the best issues to do in Key West. Alongside the way in which, you’ll see beautiful views, study concerning the historical past of the area and move by greater than 100 of the island’s sights.
- Location: 201 Entrance Avenue
- Tip: Hear intently to the commentary that features fascinating tales of pirates, hauntings, treasure and artists.
- Worth: $50.60 for a 90-minute tour.
4. Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Heart
Inside this facility’s 6,000 sq. ft of reveals, you’ll discover an array of interactive options that supply a private look into the distinctive ecosystems of the area.
As you discover this fascinating place, you’ll see a satellite tv for pc map of the Florida Keys, a mannequin of the one underwater ocean laboratory and a digicam that displays the situation of coral reefs. You’ll study varied marine habitats equivalent to mangroves, seaside dunes and sea grass flats and you can even watch a movie about these ecosystems.
- Location: 35 East Quay Street
- Tip: Don’t miss the unimaginable Dwelling Reef exhibit which options an enormous tank with dwelling corals and tropical fish.
- Worth: Free
5. Wild About Dolphins
Captain Sheri Sullenger is enthusiastic about dolphins, and he or she loves sharing every thing she is aware of about these unimaginable creatures with guests. The Wild About Dolphins expertise is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Key West.
Board the Superb Grace and head out to a identified dolphin habitat the place you may go swimming, snorkeling, reef exploring and interacting with pleasant dolphins. Alongside the way in which, you’ll additionally discover abandoned seashores and shallow sandbars.
6. Mallory Sq. Sundown Celebration
You must attend the Mallory Sq. Sundown celebration a minimum of as soon as throughout your go to to Key West. This nightly occasion attracts locals and guests alike who collect to observe varied entertainers, equivalent to tight-rope walkers and musicians. There are additionally many distributors on web site, so seize a margarita and benefit from the tunes because the solar goes down.
7. Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Escape right into a peaceable world surrounded by nature the place you may calm down and escape the crowds for some time. On the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, you’ll discover a gorgeous sanctuary for a lot of species of butterflies and birds who prosper within the conservatory’s tropical surroundings.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll discover fountains, benches, gardens and a glass-enclosed exhibit that includes cocoons.
The spotlight of the conservatory is its two resident flamingos, Rhett and Scarlett. This well-known Key West couple charms all guests with their mating calls, foot patting dance, and mesmerizing pink coloration.
- Location: 1316 Duval Avenue
- Tip: On the on-site reward store, you’ll discover many distinctive objects together with lovely butterfly artworks.
- Worth: $14.00 per grownup
8. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
At this beautiful park, you get a style of two worlds; nature and historical past. The seaside is clear, giant and sandy and is without doubt one of the greatest seashores in Key West. Seaside gear, together with chairs and water sports activities gear, can be found to lease and snorkelers get pleasure from exploring the coral reef. Nature trails and a picnic space are additionally on-site.
Fort Zachary, which was in-built 1866, is an enchanting place to discover with an extended and fascinating historical past.
- Location: 601 Howard England Means
- Tip: Excursions of the Nationwide Historic Landmark happen each day at 11:00 AM
- Worth: $7.00 per automobile
9. Stroll Duval Avenue
In case you’re questioning the place the occasion is in Key West, look no additional than Duval Avenue. Because the island’s most important avenue and city middle, that is the place you’ll discover all the perfect Key West eating places, bars, pubs and cafes.
By day, browse the little galleries and outlets and admire the Victorian mansions. By night time, occasion till the wee hours within the space’s greatest bars together with Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, The Flying Monkeys Bar, The Bull and Whistle and Bourbon Avenue Pub.
- Location: Outdated City, Key West
- Tip: On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday evenings, you may be part of the Duval Pub Crawl.
- Worth: The pub crawl prices $34.95 per individual. Strolling Duval Avenue is free!
10. Harry S. Truman Little White Home
For the reason that late 1800s, Key West has been a favourite presidential retreat and Harry S. Truman was a kind of presidents who cherished his time on the island.
This as soon as belonged to him and his spouse Bess and he even presided over necessary occasions from the situation. The fantastically restored property is now a dwelling museum and through a guided tour, you’ll see how the president lived throughout his time there.
11. Key West First Authorized Rum Distillery
An intriguing story and fabulous rum. That’s what Key West First Authorized Rum Distillery is thought for. As a thanks to the Cuban individuals who ran rum to Key West throughout prohibition, the homeowners have been the primary People to do the identical for Cuba and have become skilled Mojito masters within the course of!
Style prize-winning rum aged in salt-cured barrels and utilizing solely native and pure elements. Key West First Authorized Rum, Key West Satan’s Rum and Cuban Espresso Rum are among the rums out there.
- Location: 105 Simonton Avenue
- Tip: Take part in one of many Mojito-making lessons which might be provided on web site.
- Worth: Excursions and samples are free
12. Take a Tiki Cruise
Cruisin’ Tikis affords a enjoyable and distinctive expertise the place you may embark on a seafaring journey in a Tiki-inspired watercraft. There are a number of totally different cruises out there together with a sundown cruise, swim cease cruise and Garrison Chunk Cruise. Excursions final from 90 to 180 minutes.
- Location: Cruises depart Mellow Ventures dock at 1605 N Roosevelt Blvd, The Hurricane Gap Marina at 5110 Abroad Hwy and Schooner Wharf Bar docks 202 William Avenue.
- Tip: There are iced coolers on board so deliver your individual snacks and drinks.
- Worth: Costs fluctuate relying on the tour however common between $59.00 and $80.00
13. Edward B. Knight Pier
If fishing is one thing you look ahead to doing throughout your go to to Key West, the Edward B. Knight Pier is without doubt one of the greatest spots. This 200-meter-long pier can also be a preferred place to take a stroll at dawn or sundown.
- Location: White Avenue
- Tip: Canines are allowed on the pier so it’s an amazing place to take your furry buddy for a stroll.
- Worth: Free
14. Shipwreck Museum
Key West is thought for its maritime historical past which incorporates many shipwrecks. On the Shipwreck Museum, you’ll study this fascinating historical past and the distinctive livelihoods of the individuals who get better artifacts from these shipwrecks. Alongside the way in which, see many superb treasures that have been recovered from varied wrecks.
- Location: 1 Whitehead Avenue
- Tip: Climb the 65-foot Commentary Tower the place you’ll get pleasure from views of the encompassing space.
- Worth: $18.26 per grownup.
15. Dine at Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven has the perfect brunch in Key West however anytime is an effective time to go to this fabulous eatery! Upon arrival, you may select to sit down within the courtyard with the free-roaming cats and chickens or contained in the treehouse eating room.
Dine on Florida-Caribbean dishes equivalent to Jerk hen sandwiches, snapper in citrus sauce, lobster Benedict, carrot and curry soup and scallops provençale.
- Location: 729 Thomas Avenue
- Tip: The famend key lime pie is alleged to be the perfect on the island.
- Worth: Costs vary from $22 – $42
16. The Southernmost Level
Key West is house to the southernmost level within the Continental United States and it’s famously marked by a colourful concrete buoy that’s one of the crucial photographed sights within the nation. Individuals begin lining up at dawn to be photographed with this iconic buoy, so be affected person whereas attempting to get a photograph!
- Location: Whitehead Avenue
- Tip: Enterprise to this spot simply earlier than the solar goes right down to get pleasure from a spectacular sundown.
- Worth: Free
17. Kayak by means of Mangrove Swamps
Kayak Kings affords one-of-kind eco-tours by means of unspoiled mangrove swamps. Navigate your kayak by means of the slim river tunnels and alongside the way in which, see quite a lot of plant and animal life. Teams are small so that you’ll get a customized expertise with educated guides.
18. Take a Boat Tour
Whether or not you need to view dolphins, discover sandbars, do some snorkelling, go island-hopping or chase a sundown whereas sipping your favourite boozy cocktail, Enjoyable within the Solar Charters has simply the journey for you! Excursions final from 2.5 to 6 hours.
- Location: 6000 Peninsular Avenue
- Tip: If you know the way to function a ship, you can even lease one and go on an impartial journey.
- Worth: Between $495.00 and $895.00 relying on which journey you select.
19. Audubon Home
This beautiful mansion was constructed within the mid-1800s for Captain John Huling. When the home was about to be demolished in 1958, an area basis stepped in and fantastically restored it.
At the moment, it’s a museum depicting a lifestyle that was loved by rich residents within the 1800s. Inside, you’ll see interval furnishings and a set of lithographs.
- Location: 205 Whitehead Avenue
- Tip: Try the attractive tropical gardens which might be on web site.
- Worth: $15.00 per grownup
20. Key West Backyard Membership
The Key West Backyard Membership is a gorgeous place overlooking the ocean is run by volunteers with the aim of educating guests about tropical gardening. Bromeliads, orchids, a water lily pond and a waterfall are among the options you’ll see as you discover the gardens.
- Location: 1100 Atlantic Boulevard
- Tip: Try the West Martello Tower which is a Civil Battle citadel that was in-built 1862.
- Worth: Free. Guided excursions can be found on sure days for $25 per individual
21. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum
At this distinctive attraction, you’ll discover a historic, well-preserved Coast Guard Cutter that was utilized in many wars and life-saving missions between 1936 and 1988.
- Location: On the Truman Waterfront on Southard Avenue
- Tip: Browse the on-site reward store. On some nights, museum workers host a sundown pleased hour with cocktails.
- Worth: $15.00 per grownup
22. Key West Aquarium
This aquarium is without doubt one of the oldest in Florida and it contains a vary of fascinating reveals and experiences. American Alligator Exhibit, Jellyfish Exhibit and Atlantic Shores Exhibit are among the interactive shows you’ll see as you discover the location. You can even take part in quite a lot of experiences together with contact tanks and feedings.
- Location: 1 Whitehead Avenue
- Tip: Guided excursions can be found all through the day.
- Worth: $22.56 per grownup
23. Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
In case you haven’t had sufficient sunken treasure, you may see extra unimaginable finds, together with silver and gold bars and centuries-old artifacts, at this museum. Most of the objects on show are from ships that have been wrecked within the 1600s.
A number of the exhibitions embrace The Treasure Gallery, The Seek for the Atocha, the Science of Shipwrecks and Piracy within the New World. This must-see attraction is one other one of many prime 25 issues to do in Key West.
- Location: 200 Greene Avenue
- Tip: Behind-the-scenes lab excursions are provided on weekdays at 11:30 AM and a pair of:00 PM.
- Worth: 17.50 per grownup
24. Key West Cemetery
Whereas a cemetery might not sound like a spot you’ll often go to on trip, the Key West Cemetery is not any extraordinary cemetery!
Some have estimated that as much as 100,000 individuals are buried throughout its 19 acres. A number of the headstones date again to the 1800s however probably the most fascinating factor about a lot of them is their humorous, and generally even mischievous, inscriptions.
- Location: 701 Passover Lane
- Tip: Remember to take a look at the map on the entrance so you may simply discover probably the most fascinating plots.
- Worth: It’s free to enter however a guided tour prices $15.00.
25. Smathers Seaside
Smathers Seaside is the opposite common sandy seaside in Key West and heading right here for a day on the seaside is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Key West. It tends to get much less crowded and at this public seaside, you’ll discover calm, shallow waters which might be protected for swimming, picnic areas, volleyball courts and Jet Ski leases.
- Location: 2601 S Roosevelt Boulevard
- Tip: Meals vehicles are often on web site so you may seize one thing to eat with out leaving.
- Worth: Free however parking is $5.00 per hour.
26. Get pleasure from a Espresso from Cuban Espresso Queen
An iconic factor to do in Key West is seize a fast cafe con leche from Cuban Espresso Queen close to the harbor. They’re fast and simple, so if you’re operating brief on time relaxation assured you may seize a fast chunk and low right here. And snap a “Key West photograph” when you’re ready.
27. Paddleboard Yoga with Lazy Canine Charters
For a leisurely morning out why not strive some yoga, besides make it Florida Keys fashion and observe your down canine on the water. Lazy Canine Excursions runs paddleboard yoga excursions proper on Inventory Island.
Excursions usually final about two hours, one hour of yoga and one-hour of paddling. If you’re fortunate you’ll get to see some manatees beneath your board! Ensure that to placed on plenty of sunscreen and canopy up with an out of doors hat as there may be little shade.
28.Get pleasure from Key Lime Pie on a Stick at Kermit’s Key Lime Café
You’ll be able to’t go to the Florida Keys and never have a style of the well-known Key Lime Pie! There are many locations promoting Key Lime Pie in Key West! Nonetheless, none stand out as a lot as our FROZEN key lime at Kermits. Kermits is well-known within the Key Lime world. Kermit Carpenter himself nonetheless bakes among the pies himself, even after 28 years in enterprise.
To say this place is an establishment is an understatement, and even for those who’ve already had Key Lime Pie within the keys, it’s effectively price popping in right here. There are actually two areas, the unique at 200 Elizabeth Avenue and one proper off Duval Avenue.
29. Land’s Finish Sundown Sail with Sebago Key West
I didn’t know what to anticipate after we boarded the Sebago Catamaran, however their sundown boat tour ended up being a spotlight of our time in Key West. The Sebago sundown sail is actually for people who need to let free and take heed to island music whereas consuming rum punch because the solar units on the water.
Reserving a night with Sebago begins at 6:30 and ends after sundown; a ticket consists of all-you-can-drink, appetizers, and loads of leisure. Oh yea – and epic views because the solar units within the lovely Florida Keys.
Tacos at Fisherman’s Café
A fantastic lunch spot to go to is Fisherman’s Cafe proper on Lazy Means Ave. It’s a enjoyable takeaway spot with scrumptious lobster tacos!
Greatest Issues To Do in Key West Map
Greatest Eating places in Key West
Key West has among the greatest seafood within the US, so it might be a criminal offense to not eat at among the greatest eating places within the metropolis.
No journey right here is full with out discovering some deliciously locally-made fare, largely pertaining to contemporary and incredible seafood dishes cooked up within the conventional types of the realm. Just a few of our favorites are:
21 BEST Key West Eating places to Attempt in 2022
The way to Get to Key West
By Air: Key West Worldwide Airport is served by a number of airways, and isn’t removed from the core space of Key West. There are direct flights to most cities in Florida, Atlanta, and Charlotte, as effectively to a couple locations within the Bahamas. Flying into Key West is an effective choice if it’s your solely vacation spot, although fares are sometimes increased than flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and driving to Key West.
By Automotive: The Abroad Freeway hyperlinks all of the cities within the Keys with mainland Florida, it’s among the best street journeys on this planet, and driving from Key Largo to Key West was a selected spotlight for us. A preferred choice is to fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, lease a automobile and drive right down to Key West. You’ll be able to both fly out of Key West or return to the airport you got here from on the mainland! In case you don’t have your individual automobile for this journey, it’s greatest to lease one in both Key West, Key Largo, or Miami. We seek for the perfect offers on automobile leases on Uncover Vehicles.
Shuttle/Bus: There aren’t many shuttle or bus choices, however the Greyhound Bus Service does function a route between Miami, Key Largo, and Key West. It solely serves these few stops, so it’s not splendid for many vacationers. Nonetheless, it’s an choice for these that may not drive. In order for you non-public transportation, you may rent an organization like Florida Keys Categorical Shuttle. You can even take a look at Miami to Key West Bus which operates a method buses and excursions.
By Sea: Try Key West Categorical which connects Fort Myers and Marco Island to Key West through their jet-powered catamarans.
The way to Get Round Key West
We traveled from Key Largo to Key West in a rental automobile, and though the automobile was extraordinarily useful for the street journey, as soon as we received to Key West, we discovered it to be a little bit of a hindrance and left it parked at our resort more often than not.
Parking is dear in Key West, and the roads are fairly busy. Most of Key West is so compact you may simply get round by strolling or biking. It’s additionally doable to lease a scooter or golf cart (although this feature nonetheless requires parking).
Biking is well the preferred choice, and bike leases could be had for $10 a day (Verify Eaton Bikes). Many motels additionally supply bike leases to company so be sure that to examine beforehand.
Uber and Lyft additionally work effectively in Key West and is a good way to get round. Uber is rarely too costly since any vacation spot you’ll be going to shall be comparatively shut.
There may be additionally a Free Duval Loop Bus that runs each quarter-hour, 7 days every week within the core downtown space. You’ll be able to see extra right here!
The place to Keep in Key West
In case you don’t thoughts not being within the middle of all of the Key West motion, Oceans Edge Resort is a superb place to remain on Inventory Island. This secluded resort permits company to get pleasure from peace and tranquility in Key West, all in a gorgeous setting.
All rooms at Oceans Edge have ocean views and entry to the marina. There are six swimming swimming pools to get pleasure from with bar service to all! Oceans Edge additionally has kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles free of charge on-site. If you end up prepared to go into Key West, there’s a free shuttle that runs hourly downtown, which suggests you don’t must take care of the hectic parking state of affairs in Key West.
The oceanfront rooms all have a balcony, high-speed WiFi, and huge flat-screen tv. The rooms are bigger than common and adorned with fashionable seaside decor. We stayed three nights right here and by no means wished to depart!
Different Nice Choices for Key West Lodging are:
Key West Climate
The perfect time to go to Key Key West is between the months of December and April. That is when the Florida Keys are the dryest and temperatures are bearable. Don’t fear – they’ll nonetheless be loads nice sufficient to your trip.
Might by means of October is generally the moist season, and for those who go to round this time you’ll probably expertise a little bit of rain. We visited Key West in early Might and had incredible climate, although it was typically hotter through the center of the day than we’re used to.
The worst time to go to Key West is through the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins in June and runs by means of November, with the best likelihood of a hurricane being throughout August and September. Key West is alleged to be the driest metropolis in Florida.
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