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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via Google MapsHot Tin Roof Restaurant
Charming seaside eatery with open-air patios serving up a menu of Latin American-style small plates.
via Google MapsNew York Pasta Garden
Cozy place for basic breakfasts, lunch menu with pizza & sandwiches, & Italian fare for dinner.
via Google MapsUSCGC Ingham Maritime Museum
Coast Guard vessel from 1936 open to the public as a maritime museum & memorial.
via Google MapsThe Lobster Shack Key West
A limited menu of shellfish-centric classics is offered with beer & wine in a casual, coastal space.
via Google MapsLa Crêperie French Café Key West
A sunny cafe serving crêpes for breakfast & lunch in cozy open-kitchen digs or on an outdoor patio.
Searstown Shopping Center
via Google MapsEl Siboney Restaurant ( Stock Island)
via Google MapsDuetto Pizza and Gelato
Pizzeria specializing in New York-style slices, plus salads, sandwiches & gelato.
via Google MapsThe Waterfront Brewery
Lively, 2-level place offering house-brewed beers & a diverse range of American & regional dishes.
Smokin' Tuna
Bustling, open-air hangout featuring 2 bars, local seafood & live music on the courtyard stage.
via Google MapsBruschetta Francesca
via Google MapsSouthernmost Beach Café
Beachfront, open-air cafe serving American fare amid ocean blue walls, French cafe chairs & a bar.
via Google MapsOcean Grill & Bar
Cosmopolitan, airy venue with patio seating specializing in refined seafood dishes.
via Google MapsNine One Five
Stylish old house with a big patio for globally accented American fare, plus a late-night wine bar.
via Google MapsClemente's Wood-Fired Trolley Pizzeria
Classic & creative pizzas are served along with pasta & homestyle mains at this old-school venue.
via Google MapsFirst Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery
American fare & house brews in a chill, aviation-themed space with a courtyard shaded by palm trees.
Seaside Cafe at the Mansion
Walk-up counter with outdoor seating & ocean views serving cocktails, seafood, pizza & sandwiches.
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
via Google MapsMangia Mangia
Eatery serving homemade pastas & other Italian classics in quarters with island-inspired decor.
via Google MapsMel Fisher Maritime Museum
Small museum & conservation lab displaying a collection of artifacts from a 17th-century shipwreck.