Things to do in Key West
Key West is the kind of place where history, water, and nightlife all overlap.
Neighborhoods
Key West is the kind of place where history, water, and nightlife all overlap. You can spend the morning at a Civil War fort, the afternoon with Hemingway's cats, and the evening watching the sunset at Mallory Square. It's compact, walkable, and packed with things to do.
Start outdoors: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach has a pre-Civil War fortress plus snorkel rentals and trails, while Smathers Beach has volleyball and jet skis. For a quirky break, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory lets you walk among butterflies and birds. History buffs shouldn't miss the Hemingway Home and Museum, the Truman Little White House, or the Key West Lighthouse. When the sun drops, Mallory Square's Sunset Celebration draws street performers, and bars like Sloppy Joe's and Irish Kevin's keep the music going late. For a quieter bite, Blue Heaven serves Floridian-Caribbean dishes and key lime pie in a garden setting.
Frequently asked questions about Key West
What are the best outdoor things to do in Key West?▾
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach is a top pick—it has a beach, nature trails, and a historic fort. Smathers Beach is another option with volleyball and jet ski rentals. For something more relaxed, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden has shaded paths and a freshwater pond.
What can families do in Key West?▾
The Key West Aquarium has a touch tank with horseshoe crabs and sea stars, and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a hit with kids. The Key West Room Escape provides a family-friendly challenge. Many of the museums, like the Shipwreck Museum, are also good for children.
Where can I learn about Key West history?▾
Start at the Hemingway Home and Museum, where you can see his studio and the famous six-toed cats. The Truman Little White House gives guided tours of the former presidential retreat. For maritime history, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum displays artifacts from a 17th-century shipwreck.
What are the best spots for nightlife in Key West?▾
Duval Street is the center of it. Sloppy Joe's has live music and dancing, while Irish Kevin's is known for nightly tunes and a big stout list. For something more theatrical, Aqua Bar and Nightclub puts on drag shows, and Virgilio's is a tucked-away lounge with outdoor dancing.
Where can I get good food in Key West?▾
Blue Heaven is a landmark for Floridian-Caribbean food and key lime pie, served in a funky garden. For a casual outdoor meal, Schooner Wharf Bar has seafood and dockside views. If you have a sweet tooth, the dessert restaurant on Duval Street is a dim, intimate spot for decadent treats.
Things to do in Key West
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Santiago's Bodega
Charming tapas bar pairing global small plates with house-specialty sangria in a warm room.
Willie T's
Festive hangout for tropical drinks & Florida-inspired American eats in a mostly outdoor setting.
Key West Lighthouse
Now a museum, this historic lighthouse features access to the top via 88 steps & keepers quarters.
Boat House Bar & Grill
Harborfront restaurant serving American fare & draft beer in a casual space with nautical flags.
Key West Aquarium
Aquarium featuring a touch tank with horseshoe crabs, sea urchins & sea stars, plus guided tours.
The Stoned Crab
Open-air, dockside spot at Ibis Bay Beach Resort with local seafood specialties & organic cocktails.
Garbo's Grill @ Hanks!
Tiny, husband-&-wife-run food stand serving eclectic, inventive takes on tacos, burritos & burgers.
Latitudes Sunset Key Cottages
Upscale restaurant with sea views, outdoor dining & a menu of contemporary cuisine.
Harpoon Harry's
Cash-only diner offering hearty American comfort food in a cheerful atmosphere with quirky accents.
Sunset Pier
Relaxed dockside seafood eatery at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa with water views, drinks & live music.
Pepe's Cafe
Rustic joint with laid-back vibes dishing up signature breakfasts plus surf 'n' turf since 1909.
Higgs Beach
Fenced beachside dog park provides benches & grassy areas for small & large pets to roam off-leash.
Fury Water Adventures Key West
Fogarty's
Casual bar & grill offering American fare & local seafood, plus a variety of frozen drinks.
Rams Head Southernmost
Vibrant open-air bar with patio seating, offering seafood, sandwiches, and cocktails, plus live music.
Truman Little White House
Offering guided tours, this museum once served as President Harry S. Truman's winter White House.
Hurricane Hole
New American & seafood fare is served up in this lively eatery with outdoor seating on a boat dock.
Zero Mile Art
via Google MapsKermit's Key Lime Pie Shop - Elizabeth Street
Moondog Cafe Key West
Relaxed garden cottage offering separate menus for breakfast or lunch & dinner, as well as drinks.