You’ve gotten booked an epic journey to Key West, Florida, however are not sure the place to begin? Situated on the tip of the Florida Keys, there’s a lot to see and discover. So, irrespective of what number of days you’re spending in tropical Key West, these are the highest 10 issues to do in Key West you received’t need to miss!
Get able to discover lovely seashores, historic websites, and extra!
1. Smathers Seaside
Smathers Seaside is fingers down probably the greatest locations to go to in Key West. This sandy public seaside is lined with palm timber and actually encapsulates tropical vibes. You may as well hit the water with water sports activities leases or play seaside volleyball in case you carry your web. It is usually the most important seaside in Key West, supplying you with loads of room.
Sandy seashores are fairly uncommon in Key West, which makes Smathers a should! A lot of the seashores in Key West are both rocky or very small. Even with only a weekend in Key West, ensure this seaside is in your bucket listing.
2. Mallory Sq.
Whether or not you come for the sundown celebration or the retailers, Mallory Sq. is one other iconic place to go to. As talked about, this plaza is most well-known for its Key West sundown celebration that began again within the late Sixties.
Day-after-day, folks begin gathering round 2 hours earlier than sundown. You’ll discover folks from everywhere in the world doing performances, meals distributors, and souvenirs, all whereas the solar sinks under the horizon. Oh, and because you’re allowed to have open containers in Key West, the occasion is simply beginning right here!
Mallory Sq. can also be simply as pretty for purchasing through the day. And even in case you’re not out there to purchase one thing, the seaside vibes are price touring alone.
3. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
When you love historic forts, lovely seashores, and nature, you received’t need to miss out on Fort Zachary. Whereas not as sandy as Smathers Seaside, Fort Zachary additionally presents slightly slice of heaven in Key West. This seaside is ideal for shell searching and in addition presents glorious snorkeling.
When you’re in search of resort vibes, pop by the Cayo Hueso Café for meals and drinks, after which sit again and loosen up on one of many lounge chairs you possibly can lease with umbrellas.
You additionally received’t need to miss out on the historic Fort Taylor, which was named after President Zachary Taylor. The fort was occupied by the Union all through all the Civil Struggle after which used once more through the Spanish-American Struggle. Now, you possibly can tour by means of this brick fortress and see the cannons that have been used.
4. The Southernmost Level
A Key West basic factor to do is go to the well-known Southernmost Level Continental U.S.A. landmark. This colourful concrete bouy was inbuilt 1983 and is an emblem of Key West. It has withstood a number of hurricanes and is beloved by vacationers for photographs!
If you would like a photograph of your self with the Bouy, simply anticipate a line since it’s thought-about one of the photo-worthy locations in Key West.
5. Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters
Inbuilt 1848, the Key West Lighthouse is one other high attraction to go to in Key West. Guests will love the climb to the highest, which presents panoramic views of the island. After having fun with the views, head over to the Keeper’s Quarters.
That is the place you’ll be taught extra historical past in regards to the lighthouse. Curiously sufficient, this lighthouse had one of many first feminine keepers throughout this time interval. You received’t need to skip out on visiting.
6. The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Image having tons of of butterflies and tropical birds flying proper over your head. If that sounds cool to you, ensure so as to add the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to your Key West bucket listing. These touring with children will love a go to right here.
It is likely one of the hottest Key West points of interest to go to, so ensure to reach early if you wish to beat the crowds. Additionally, you will be greeted by the beloved pair of Flamingos that decision this house.
7. Ernest Hemingway Residence
A world icon, Ernest Hemingway wants no introduction.
Even in case you’re not an avid reader your self, getting to go to Ernest Hemingway’s house is a once-in-a-lifetime sort of exercise.
The home is now a museum and is open each single day. You’ll be able to select to stroll across the house your self and be enriched by the historical past, or you possibly can be part of a guided tour, which is included in your ticket worth, and go into much more depth about this well-known writer’s life.
Don’t miss out on having fun with the backyard, which is gorgeous, and in case you love cats, you will notice lots! This house can also be well-known for being the house of the 6-toed cats. Your complete location has a soothing ambiance that actually makes you need to sit down and browse!
8. Duval Road
Duval Road is a industrial road that results in the Atlantic Ocean, however this isn’t simply any road.
The road gained its identify from William Pope Duval, the primary territorial governor of Florida, and since then has turn out to be a outstanding a part of the Key West.
Alongside the size of the road, you’ll discover lovely Bohemian and Spanish mansions which have been preserved for the reason that Sixties. You’ll additionally discover a assortment of artwork galleries and boutiques which can be enjoyable to go to and add plenty of character to the road!
Moreover, the road is famend for having a fantastic assortment of eating places and bars. Within the evenings, this complete space turns into alive, with many vacationers and residents attending what the locals name a “Duval pub crawl.” When you like to occasion, return right here after the solar goes down.
This road holds a lot historical past, and it doesn’t matter what time of day you go to, there’s at all times one thing happening.
9. Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
Able to step again 150 years and attend the Shipwreck Museum?
That is such a novel go to and is nice for households! Contained in the museum, you’ll have the chance to find the world of shipwrecking, hear all in regards to the story of Isaac Allerton, and even find out about pirates.
To provide you some context, Isaac Allerton was a well-known ship inbuilt 1838. This ship was a formidable 137 ft lengthy and weighed a whopping 594 tons. In 1856, this ship was caught in a hurricane and sunk deep into the water. Over 130 years later, the wreck was rediscovered by native divers and is now an enormous a part of Key West’s historical past.
That is additionally the place you possibly can expertise the perfect views in Key West! Climb up the watch tower for some epic panoramic views.
10. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Probably the most distinctive experiences you possibly can have whereas visiting Key West is taking a day journey to the beautiful Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. This Nationwide Park consists of seven islands, however Backyard Key is by far the preferred. The distinctive side of visiting is that it requires both a ferry or a seaplane to get there.
Fort Jefferson, positioned on Backyard Key, is the preferred attraction. This Nineteenth-century Fort was one of many biggest navy belongings.
Surrounded by crystal clear water and thriving coral reefs, you should have an unimaginable alternative to snorkel right here with all kinds of tropical fish and marine wildlife. When you’re fortunate, chances are you’ll even see sea turtles.
A Key West journey tip to recollect is that the ferry and seaplane promote out quick – generally months upfront, relying on the season.
Greatest Issues to Do in Key West Wrap-up
This concludes the highest 10 belongings you received’t need to miss throughout a go to to Key West! Now pack up your seaside bag and head over to the Keys!
Samantha Oppenheimer runs Discover Love and Journey
