9 Best Things to Do in Key West: Beaches, Tours & Local Food
The best things to do in Key West include cycling through Old Town, watching sunset at Mallory Square, exploring the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and combining Fort Zachary Taylor with beach time. Add live music on Duval Street, seafood and key lime pie, then choose a boat trip that suits your interests.
Two bookings to consider for a first visit
The guided bike tour suits visitors who want an introduction to Old Town and can ride comfortably in traffic. The sunset sail with live music suits a social evening on the water. They are separate activities, not a pass or package.
The bike route does not include admission inside the houses it passes. The sail is not a snorkeling excursion, and appetizers do not mean a full dinner. Compare your date’s inclusions, meeting point and cancellation terms. Mallory Square is a free sunset alternative.
Key West evokes images of a sun-drenched American island escape. Who doesn’t want to experience that carefree existence, if only for a weekend?
After two days of touring the city, I learned that Key West, Florida, is a party town and a lot more. Here are my best things to do in Key West, or, as the locals like to call it, the Conch Republic.
For visitors, Key West is famous for its warm weather, coral reefs, nightlife, colorful buildings, and history. It is also a cruise-ship stop, so allow extra time around popular Old Town sights when ships are visiting.
Key West at a glance
- Time: Two full days for these core experiences; add a third for more water time or a slower pace.
- Base: Old Town makes the sights and evening stops easier to combine on foot.
- Weather: December–April is the drier season; boat plans still depend on conditions.
- Costs: Mix free walks and sunset with one paid tour. Check hotel fees and parking before comparing room totals.
- Timing note: Visit durations below are editorial estimates unless a tour operator is specified.
Building a longer trip? Our Florida activities guide and US destination ideas help put Key West into a wider route.
Choose by interest
1. Go on a Bike Tour
Whenever I visit a city for the first time, I like to go on a cycling or walking tour. Local guides can cover off the important places and give a good overview of the city. They’ll also recommend the unknown spots you might like!
We learned so much about Key West on the delightful Key Lime Bike Tour. Our tour guide shared stories about the people and places that make Key West quirky and interesting.
While biking through Key West, you’ll learn why locals are called Conchs and spot the chickens and find out where they came from.
The tour visits landmarks such as the historic US Route 1 Mile Zero sign and the Southernmost Point. The current GetYourGuide itinerary also passes Truman’s Little White House gates and stops outside Hemingway’s house; these are sightseeing stops, not interior admission. Allow 2.5 hours for the currently listed ride.
You pair exercise with learning about this cool city, and you’ll know which sites to return to for further exploration. On our visit, the guide gave everyone a city map at the end of the ride.
Practical information
- Location: Old Town Key West; use the meeting point on your confirmation, not the supplier’s registered office.
- Admission and costs: Paid guided tour; check the total for your date. The listing includes helmet, water and a slice of pie; no hotel pickup.
- Hours and access: Scheduled departures; current listing is in English. You need to be able to ride a bicycle.
- Time needed: 2.5 hours for the listed tour, plus check-in.
- Planning tip: Book early in your stay to get your bearings. Museum interiors require separate tickets.
2. Watch the Sunset in Mallory Square
Sunsets are a must at the seaside, but in Key West, it’s a spectacle. A daily event at Mallory Square, the Sunset Celebration brings street performers and visitors together by the waterfront.
Nature’s show is the highlight, but don’t miss the food vendors and street performers ranging from flame throwers to musicians. Even if it’s cloudy, there can still be plenty happening around the square.
Get there early for a good spot. The celebration generally begins two hours before sunset. The show is free, but don’t be shy about giving the buskers a tip if you enjoyed yourself.
Practical information
- Location: Mallory Square waterfront, 400 Wall Street.
- Admission and costs: Free to attend; bring money for optional tips, food and drinks.
- Hours and access: Celebration generally starts about two hours before sunset; weather can affect performances.
- Time needed: About 1–2 hours, depending on how early you arrive.
- Planning tip: Walk here from Old Town. Choose Mallory Square or a sunset sail for the same evening, not both.
3. Listen to Live Music on Duval Street
Embrace the Margaritaville vibe with drinks and live music! Head to the bars along Duval Street, the city’s answer to Bourbon Street, and check the venues’ music schedules before settling in.
Enjoy a margarita or michelada and listen to the many talented musicians at your choice of bars with fun names! I remember bars named Hog’s Breath and Sloppy Joe’s.
As you walk along the strip, you can often hear the music and peek inside while you decide which bar to enter.
Take a break between sightseeing stops to visit the bars, or spend an evening listening to a few different bands. Opening hours, cover charges and age restrictions depend on the venue.
If you enjoy the music-led nightlife of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, put Duval Street on your evening plan. Follow each venue’s rules and arrange your ride home before drinking.
Practical information
- Location: Duval Street and nearby bars; Sloppy Joe’s is at 201 Duval Street.
- Admission and costs: Walking the street is free. Drinks, food and any event cover are separate.
- Hours and access: Individual bar and live-music schedules vary; consult the venue calendar.
- Time needed: About 1–3 hours for a relaxed music stop or evening.
- Planning tip: Check age restrictions with the venue and choose accommodation away from the bar stretch if you prefer quiet nights.
4. Explore the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Key West’s past is full of “wreckers,” people who made a living salvaging wrecked ships in the punishing waters off the coast.
Mel Fisher is a famous name in more recent treasure recovery, and the museum celebrating him explores that story. Its exhibits cover maritime history and wreck archaeology in the Florida Keys.
In 1985, Fisher’s team found the main treasure deposit of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sank in 1622. As an avid scuba diver, I was hooked by Mel’s story.
Treasure hunters of all ages will be inspired by the deep’s gold, jewels, and other bounties and Mel Fisher, the man. As he himself frequently intoned, Today’s the Day!
Practical information
- Location: 200 Greene Street, near Mallory Square.
- Admission and costs: Paid admission; use the museum’s ticket link for current adult, child and optional laboratory-tour prices.
- Hours and access: Opens at 10 a.m.; last admission listed at 4 p.m. Confirm holidays directly because the museum’s pages give conflicting Thanksgiving information.
- Time needed: About 1–2 hours; allow extra time if booking a laboratory tour.
- Planning tip: A useful indoor option. Check the lab-tour schedule separately; it is not automatically part of general admission.
5. Enjoy the Beach at Fort Zachary Taylor
Downtown Key West has small beaches, but I recommend making time for Fort Zachary Taylor.
The beach is also part of an important historical site. You can explore the fort and its Civil War history before heading down to the water.
After immersion in U.S. history, you can easily spend an afternoon playing in the water and/or relaxing at this beautiful park.
Practical information
- Location: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, 601 Howard England Way.
- Admission and costs: Paid park entry. The official overview lists a $6 vehicle base fee; check “all fees” for your party and arrival method, including applicable surcharges.
- Hours and access: Park: 8 a.m. to sunset daily. The fort closes at 5 p.m.
- Time needed: About 2–4 hours for the fort and beach.
- Planning tip: Bring swim gear and footwear suitable for the beach. Review current park alerts and available facilities before leaving.
6. Spend Time on the Water
Key West is a base for boat trips to nearby reefs, with options for scuba diving and snorkeling. Choose an excursion that matches your swimming ability and the conditions on the day.
If you don’t want to get in the water, a sightseeing sail is a good option. Kayaking, fishing and snorkeling are different outings, so check what your chosen booking actually includes.
Take a sunset cruise on a sailboat, go fishing, or kayaking; you have your choice. Commune with nature, maybe see some sea life, and cool off on the water in Key West.
Practical information
- Location: Departure dock depends on the operator and excursion; use your booking confirmation.
- Admission and costs: Paid boat excursion. Compare the date-specific total and inclusions rather than just a headline price.
- Hours and access: Weather-dependent departures. The sunset sail linked below includes music, drinks and appetizers, not snorkeling.
- Time needed: The linked sunset sail is listed at 2 hours; allow additional check-in time.
- Planning tip: Choose a music cruise for a social evening. If you want quiet sailing or reef time, choose a different product. Confirm boarding access before paying.
Booking choice: The option below is Fury Water Adventures’ two-hour sunset sail with a live band, drinks and seasonal appetizers. Choose it for the onboard atmosphere; skip it if quiet sailing is your priority. It is a current booking suggestion, not a claim that Melinda took this exact cruise.
7. Unwind at First Flight Brewery
Take a break at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, in the building where Pan Am sold its first tickets in 1927.
First Flight’s backyard setting will let you relax and enjoy a craft beer or two.
The aviation theme runs through the setting, and the restaurant brews beers on the property. Check the current beer list and food menu rather than planning around a particular brew from our original visit.
Practical information
- Location: 301 Whitehead Street, at Caroline Street.
- Admission and costs: Order from the current food and beer menus; no fixed meal budget is assumed here.
- Hours and access: The restaurant lists daily lunch and dinner service; check current hours and private events.
- Time needed: About 45–90 minutes for a drink or meal.
- Planning tip: An easy stop between Greene Street sights and the rest of Old Town. Reserve if you need a particular dining time.
8. Sample the Seafood
Key West’s culinary scene ranges from dockside dining to bars and casual takeout spots.
There are so many choices; you will only be disappointed that you can’t try it all. No matter how much time you have in town, make one of your meals seafood.
Look for fish that’s fresh and local, so you support the Florida fishermen. The options are plentiful and mouth-watering.
For a casual meal, The Conch Shack is a small Duval Street stop, rather than a food truck. Half Shell Raw Bar is another option for seafood by the historic seaport. Compare current menus instead of assuming either is the cheapest choice.
If you want to splurge, you’ll have lots of options. With a thriving restaurant scene, it’s easy to find a delicious place to sample local seafood in Key West.
Practical information
- Location: The Conch Shack: 118 Duval Street. Half Shell Raw Bar: 231 Margaret Street.
- Admission and costs: Current menu prices apply; ask about the catch and its origin before ordering.
- Hours and access: Half Shell currently lists daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Confirm your restaurant’s service hours for the day.
- Time needed: About 45–90 minutes for a meal.
- Planning tip: Combine the seaport with lunch, or lower Duval Street with Mallory Square. Check the bill for any service charge before adding a tip.
9. Indulge in Key Lime Pie
Last but not least, don’t forget dessert! As Florida’s official pie, key lime pie is on most menus in Key West.
We sampled a few of the sweets, and our favorite slice was at Key Lime Pie Company. They serve the traditional recipe and variations like mini pies and chocolate-dipped.
You can even take a class to learn how to make it and relive the flavors of Key West after you return home.
Practical information
- Location: Key West Key Lime Pie Company, 511 Greene Street.
- Admission and costs: Pay by item; pie-making classes are booked separately at the current rate.
- Hours and access: Check storefront hours and the class calendar on the official website.
- Time needed: About 20–30 minutes for dessert; the operator lists approximately 1 hour for the class.
- Planning tip: No on-site parking for the class. Book the class ahead; you do not need it just to try a slice.
A Realistic Two-Day Key West Itinerary
Part of the fun of visiting a warm-weather city is wandering the streets and stopping wherever it strikes your interest. Melinda explored these themes during a two-day visit; use the plan below to choose a comfortable mix rather than squeezing every tour into one weekend.
Day 1: Old Town, history and sunset
- Morning: Start with the guided bike tour. Leave a buffer afterward for lunch and heat breaks.
- Afternoon: Visit Mel Fisher Maritime Museum before last admission, then choose First Flight or a dessert stop on Greene Street.
- Evening: Mallory Square for sunset, followed by dinner and optional live music on Duval Street.
Day 2: Beach and a boat option
- Morning: Fort Zachary Taylor for the fort and beach.
- Afternoon: A seafood lunch and unhurried Old Town time. A pie-making class fits only if its departure time works with the rest of your day.
- Evening: A sunset sail, if you want a paid boat outing. Alternatively, keep the evening free. For a daytime snorkeling trip, shorten the beach visit or add a third day.
Where to Stay in Key West
Choose location before room price
For this itinerary, start your search in Old Town. Staying near the sights can save repeated drives, but check the exact street if you are sensitive to nightlife noise. A cheaper room farther away may add transport time and costs.
Marquesa Hotel is one boutique option in Old Town to compare for a more comfortable stay. This is a location-based suggestion, not a report of a personal hotel stay. Check the room category, total after taxes and fees, parking, breakfast and cancellation before reserving.
Getting to Key West and Around Town
Key West has its own airport, Key West International (EYW). Check your hotel’s transfer options against the current taxi or rideshare quote. If driving from Miami, treat the Overseas Highway as a travel day when you want photo stops and meals along the way, rather than scheduling a paid tour soon after arrival.
For the mainland part of the trip, see our Miami activities guide. If you are comparing an overnight stay with an excursion, our day trips from Miami provides wider context.
Airport transport options · Airport taxi fares and accessibility
Local transport and parking
Walk between clustered Old Town sights when practical. The city’s current fare page lists the Duval Loop at $1, with a $4 all-day pass. Confirm the route and timetable before relying on it for a timed departure. Parking and hotel parking are separate costs.
Best Time to Visit and What to Budget
The National Weather Service identifies December through April as the drier season, June through October as the wetter season, and May and November as transition months. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Leave room to move a water excursion if conditions change.
Build the budget around your priorities
- Keep costs down: Free Old Town walks and Mallory Square, then pay only for the museum or park you want most.
- Add an experience: Compare one bike tour or sunset sail using the full checkout price for your party.
- For more comfort: Prioritize a convenient hotel and relaxed meals before adding several tours to the same day.
- Check the total: Include lodging taxes and fees, parking, meals, transport, activity extras and gratuities. Quoted tour prices change by date.
Key West FAQs
How many days do you need in Key West?
Allow two full days for an Old Town introduction, one museum, beach time and a sunset. Three days give you more flexibility for a boat trip and weather changes. Count travel days separately, especially if you are driving from Miami. You do not need to book every activity to enjoy the island.
What can you do in Key West for free?
Walking around Old Town, browsing Duval Street and attending the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration can be free. Budget separately for food, drinks and optional performer tips. Fort Zachary Taylor charges park admission, and guided tours are paid activities. The Duval Loop bus also has a fare rather than being a free attraction.
Do you need a car in Key West?
For this Old Town-focused itinerary, you can often leave a car parked and walk between stops. A bicycle or local bus can help with longer distances, depending on your needs. Confirm hotel parking costs before booking. Airport transfers and accommodations outside Old Town need separate planning; not every trip is a short walk.
Is Key West worth visiting if you do not drink?
Yes. The bike tour, maritime museum, Fort Zachary Taylor, waterfront walks and key lime pie all work without a bar crawl. Choose a daytime water excursion if that is your main interest. A sunset cruise built around a live band and bar may be less appealing than a quieter sailing option.
Should you choose Mallory Square or a sunset cruise?
Choose Mallory Square for a free waterfront evening with performers and the freedom to leave when you like. Choose a sunset cruise for time aboard a boat and the specific onboard experience you have booked. They overlap in timing, so plan them on different evenings if you want to experience both.
Can you visit Key West on a day trip from Miami?
It is possible, but it makes a long travel day and limits your time on the island. Check actual departure and return times before adding tours. For this two-day itinerary, stay overnight. If you only have a few hours, focus on Old Town and one priority rather than trying to fit the full list.
What is the best time to visit Key West?
December through April is the drier season according to the National Weather Service. May and November are transition months, while summer and early fall bring wetter conditions. Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November. These seasonal patterns do not guarantee a sunny stay or calm seas, so keep outdoor plans flexible.
What should you book ahead in Key West?
Book accommodation and any must-do scheduled activity, such as a guided bike ride, sunset sail or pie-making class, once your dates are set. Check meeting points, language, inclusions and cancellation terms. Leave time between bookings. Casual walks, browsing Old Town and watching sunset from Mallory Square do not require a tour reservation.
Key West is a fun and lively small city with a rich history. Start with my recommendations of the best things to do in Key West and then find your own favorites. Let me know in the comments what you enjoyed once you have been.
- About the Author
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Pauline has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and is a professional content writer. She specializes in writing about travel and food. Pauline spent most of her career life in Dubai and is a Travel Expert for the United States and Costa Rica.
