Best things to do in Key West
Find out more about those top places in Key West
Key West: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Florida’s Quirky Paradise
At the southernmost point of the United States, Key West is a place where isolation breeds creativity, eccentricity, and a whole lot of fun. This little island at the end of the Florida Keys is where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic, making it the perfect spot for sightseeing, exploring, and indulging in some of the most unusual things to do in Florida. So, buckle up for a ride through this funky, colorful town filled with quirky charm and history.
Key West’s Top Attractions: A Perfect Blend of History and Fun
When you arrive in Key West, you’ll quickly see that it’s not your average beach town. While it may have the usual sunshine, beaches, and clear blue water, it also offers a hearty dose of history, art, and just the right amount of weird. The first stop? Well, it’s got to be Duval Street, the heart and soul of Key West, and the place to start your sightseeing adventure.
Duval Street: The Neon Playground
Duval Street is an iconic parade of dive bars, art-deco burlesque theaters, and quirky artists’ studios. It’s the kind of street where you’ll find yourself strolling past neon-lit bars where people are already sipping margaritas at 11 a.m. The vibe hasn’t changed much since the 1950s, and frankly, it doesn’t need to. If you’re looking for a combination of places to visit that are fun, historical, and a little wild, Duval Street is where the magic happens.
Hemingway House: The Writer’s Sanctuary
One of the top things to do in Key West is visiting the Hemingway House, where the famous writer spent most of his time in the 1930s. It’s like stepping into the mind of the man who gave us "The Old Man and the Sea" and the timeless "A Farewell to Arms". The house, with its lush gardens and vintage charm, gives you a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most celebrated authors. But don’t forget to keep an eye out for the six-toed cats—they’re descendants of Hemingway’s own cats, and they roam the grounds like they own the place. Spoiler: They kind of do.
Mallory Square: The Eccentric Heartbeat of Key West
Now, if you’re looking for a party scene, Mallory Square is where the action happens—especially at sunset. The square transforms into a carnival of street performers, artists, and eccentric characters. You’ll witness everything from fire-eaters and tightrope walkers to musicians and psychic readings. As the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico, the square erupts into a giant celebration of everything that makes Key West so unique. It’s the perfect place to sip a frozen margarita, people-watch, and enjoy some of the best sunset views in the world.
Hidden Gems of Key West: Bahamian Village and Beyond
While the popular spots like Duval Street and Hemingway House get all the love, Key West has a few hidden gems waiting to be discovered. For a taste of Key West's rich history and culture, head to the Bahamian Village, a charming area that feels like a step back in time. Here, you’ll find unrestored colonial houses, ramshackle churches, and traditional Cuban restaurants that serve up some seriously delicious dishes. It’s an area that has remained largely untouched by modern tourism and offers an authentic experience that can’t be found anywhere else on the island.
The Key West Vibe: Where Weird Meets Wonderful
Key West’s beauty lies not just in its scenic views or historical sites, but in its laid-back, anything-goes atmosphere. The island is a haven for alternative lifestyles and subcultures, attracting free spirits from all over the world. Whether you’re a hippie, art lover, or just someone who enjoys a good cocktail, you’ll fit right in. The town encourages individuality, creativity, and a healthy dose of fun.
Things to Do in Key West: Sun, Sea, and Surprises
Beyond the obvious sightseeing spots, Key West offers a range of activities for the adventurous traveler. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters, take a sunset cruise around the island, or rent a bike and explore the island’s scenic backroads. If you’re into water sports, there are plenty of opportunities to kayak, paddleboard, or sail into the horizon. And of course, no trip to Key West is complete without a visit to one of its many beaches for some r&r.
Conclusion: Why Key West Is the Place to Be
From its eclectic art scene to its wild nightlife and beautiful natural surroundings, Key West is a place where you can truly be yourself. Whether you’re soaking in the sunset at Mallory Square, diving into history at the Hemingway House, or discovering the hidden gems in the Bahamian Village, there’s always something to surprise and delight you in this quirky paradise. So pack your sunscreen, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for one of the most unique trips of your life in Key West, Florida.
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Snorkeling Adventure
Key West is where you’ll find the only living reefs in all of North America. While you’re there, you can bask in the beauty of nature as the warm sun caresses you from above and the clear waters below gladly carry your boat as you sail on it.
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Key West Shipwreck Museum
Many shipwrecks happened in the Florida Keys so the Key West Shipwreck Museum was raised to hold artifacts from the shipwrecks and movies are made to tell stories of these sad happenings.
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Key West Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium serves as a home to many fascinating marine lives like tarpons, eels, sea turtles, stingrays, barracuda, and many others. Also, the guides at Key West Aquarium are always ready to tell tourists about these species and their habitats.
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Mallory Square
Mallory Square is an interesting place that is popular for their nightly festivals, mouthwatering delicacies from their restaurants and nice looking souvenirs from their shops. This Plaza is located in Old Town and runs the entire length of wall street.
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Ghosts & Gravestones Tour
Key West is tagged as one of the most haunted cities in all of America, and rightly so. The city has houses that were built long ago in the 19th century. These houses are said to have bone-chilling stories and histories. In fact, it is rumored that some of these houses are still haunted. If you want to see for yourself, you can book yourself a tour around the place.
