Things to Do in Key West
Plan your days in Key West, your way
Begin with the essential photo at the Southernmost Point buoy, then wander Old Town's side streets where the conch cottages hide their gardens.
Stop into the Hemingway Home for an hour of history and six-toed cats, no deep expertise required.
Lunch is a Cuban sandwich and a cafe con leche at a walk-up window, eaten standing in the shade.
Spend the afternoon at Fort Zachary Taylor, where a historic fort and the island's best beach share one entrance fee.
Cool off with a swim, then wander Bahama Village for color, roosters, and a slice of key lime pie at Blue Heaven.
Toward evening, find a seat at the harbor and order whatever fish came in that day.
Join the crowd at Mallory Square for sunset, because some traditions earn their reputation.
Afterward, drift down Duval for one live band and one cold drink, as long as it feels right.
Take the long way back along the seawall with the water on your left.
That's Key West in one well-balanced day, with plenty left for tomorrow.
Top attractions and places to eat in Key West
Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.
A large painted concrete buoy marking the southernmost point of the continental United States. A famous photo landmark for visitors to Key West.
attraction · 4.5 rating · Free
The Hemingway Home and Museum
The former Key West residence of author Ernest Hemingway, now a museum known for its Spanish Colonial architecture and resident six-toed cats. Travelers come for the literary history and lush grounds.
attraction · 4.6 rating · $18
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
A climate-controlled glass conservatory home to hundreds of live butterflies, exotic birds, and tropical plants. Travelers visit to walk among free-flying butterflies in an immersive indoor habitat.
attraction · 4.8 rating · $17.50
Mallory Square
A waterfront plaza in Key West famous for its nightly Sunset Celebration featuring street performers, artisans, and crowds gathering to watch the sunset. Travelers go for the festive evening atmosphere and views.
attraction · 4.7 rating · Free
Duval Street
Bustling heart of Key West filled with restaurants, bars, art galleries, and shops.
landmark · 4.7 rating · Free
Truman Little White House
The former winter residence and working office of President Harry S. Truman, now a preserved historic house museum. Travelers tour it for its presidential history and period interiors.
attraction · 4.6 rating · $24
Key West Lighthouse
A historic 19th-century lighthouse and museum in Key West with a keeper's quarters and tower offering city views. Travelers climb it for panoramic vistas and maritime history.
attraction · 4.3 rating · $17
Key West Gardens at Fort West Martello
A botanical garden set within the historic Civil War-era Fort East Martello-adjacent West Martello Tower, run by a local garden club. Travelers visit for tropical plants amid historic fort ruins.
attraction · 4.6 rating · Free
Smathers Beach
The largest public beach in Key West, a long stretch of sand popular for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. A go-to spot for a relaxed day by the ocean.
attraction · 3.7 rating · Free
Hemingway Distillery
Rum distillery honoring Ernest Hemingway, producer of Papa's Pilar rum.
experience · 4.8 rating · Free
Blue Heaven
A famous Key West restaurant set in a lush open-air courtyard, known for Caribbean-influenced breakfast and brunch dishes and free-roaming roosters. A popular spot for its distinctive atmosphere.
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Latitudes - Sunset Key Cottages
An upscale waterfront restaurant on Sunset Key, reached by a short boat ride, offering fine dining with beachfront and sunset views. Travelers come for a special-occasion meal in an exclusive island setting.
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Louie's Backyard
An iconic oceanfront Key West restaurant set in a historic house with a waterside deck, known for its refined cuisine and views. Travelers go for a memorable meal by the Atlantic.
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El Siboney Restaurant (Downtown)
A long-standing Cuban restaurant in Key West serving traditional dishes like roast pork and ropa vieja. A favorite for hearty, authentic Cuban fare.
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Santiago's Bodega
A popular Key West tapas restaurant serving shareable small plates in a cozy setting. A favorite for a relaxed, social dinner.
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