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.

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.

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.

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.

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.