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Things to Do in Key West

Things to Do in Key West

Key West Florida, USA Travel Guide

Water Sports & Activities

The surrounding waters are ideal for a variety of aquatic adventures.

Reef & Underwater Exploration

Snorkeling/Diving

World-class opportunities on the Florida Reef Tract, the third largest barrier reef. Boat tours daily. Tours provide Snorkeling gear. Bring Reef-safe defogger for visibility.

Wreck Diving

Numerous shipwrecks, including the Vandenberg (a former military transport ship intentionally sunk), attract experienced divers. Unique underwater exploration opportunities.

Deep-Sea Fishing

West is world-renowned for sport fishing. Charters offer half-day or full-day trips targeting species like marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi. A Travel fishing scale might interest keen anglers.

Surface & Aerial Adventures

  • Kayaking/Paddleboarding: Rentals to explore calm waters of the West Bight, mangrove channels, or public beaches. Guided mangrove tours are popular.
  • Jet Skiing: Rentals and guided tours are available from various operators along the waterfront, offering an exciting way to explore the coastal waters.
  • Parasailing: Offered by numerous operators departing from the waterfront, parasailing provides exhilarating views of West from above.
  • Seaplane Tours: Offers scenic flights over West and the Dry Tortugas National Park, providing breathtaking aerial views of the islands and reefs.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Dolphin Watching Tours: High chance of seeing wild dolphins. Operators follow "Dolphin SMART" guidelines.
  • Bird Watching: West a stopover for migratory birds. Opportunities at Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, Fort Zachary Taylor.
  • Shark Encounters: Specialized tours offer shark viewing (with or without a cage) for safe observation.
  • Turtle Hospital (Marathon): Educational tours for rescued sea turtles. Insight into conservation efforts. (Located an hour north).

Land-Based Exploration

  • Hiking/Trekking: Limited strenuous routes due to flat terrain. Trails are paved paths or boardwalks.
  • Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Trails: Easy, flat paths winding through natural areas. Leisurely walks.
  • West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden: Easy walking paths through diverse plant collections.
  • Nearby Trails: Bahia Honda State Park offers easy-to-moderate nature trails 30 miles north.

Cycling

  • Excellent destination for cycling. Paved paths and designated bike lanes.
  • Easy for all types of bikes. Leisurely rides through town and along coastal paths.
  • No specific mountain biking trails due to flat terrain.
  • Bike rentals are widely available.

Important Considerations

Respect marine life and local regulations during all outdoor activities. Always check weather forecasts before water excursions.

Cultural Immersion & Festivals

West offers many avenues to immerse yourself in its unique culture.

Workshops & Classes

  • Art Classes: Local galleries and art centers offer workshops in painting, pottery, or other crafts. Create West-inspired art.
  • Cooking Classes: Some private chefs or culinary schools offer classes on local or Cuban cuisine.
  • Cuban Dance/Music: Check local community centers or bars for informal lessons or performances. Experience lively musical heritage.
  • Language Learning: No formal schools for short-term visitors. English is main language, Spanish widely spoken. Basic Spanish phrases Online appreciated.

Cultural Performances & Initiatives

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

Features street performers, musicians, and artists daily. A free, dynamic cultural performance.

Live Music Scene

Abundant in bars and restaurants, especially on Duval Street. Genres range from reggae to rock, folk, and blues.

Community Tourism

Supporting small, locally owned businesses, guesthouses, restaurants, and tour operators directly benefits the West community.

Major Festivals

Fantasy Fest (October): A 10-day costuming and parade festival, drawing large crowds. Hemingway Days Festival (July): Celebrates the life and work of Ernest Hemingway with various events.

Literary & Culinary

West Literary Seminar (January): Attracts writers and readers for lectures, panels, and workshops. West Food & Wine Festival (January): A culinary event demonstrating local flavors, chefs, and wine pairings.

Unique Local Celebrations

Conch Republic Independence Celebration (April): Celebrates West's tongue-in-cheek secession from the U.S. With parades, parties, and events.

Relaxation & Wellness

West offers opportunities to rejuvenate and focus on well-being.

Spa & Healing

  • Spa Centers: Many luxury resorts feature full-service spas with massages, facials, and body wraps.
  • Independent Therapists: Smaller wellness centers and independent massage therapists operate throughout the island.
  • Natural Therapy: No natural hot springs. Focus on ocean, pools, and spa treatments.
  • Yoga/Meditation: Several yoga studios offer drop-in classes. Some guesthouses host occasional retreats.

Beach & Pool Life

Hotel & Resort Pools

Many hotels and resorts have pools for guests, often with poolside service.

Day Passes

Some beach bars or resorts offer day passes for pool or beach access to non-guests.

Public Beaches

Smathers, Higgs, Fort Zachary Taylor beaches are free and open to all for sunbathing and swimming.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music

Duval Street bars feature live music from afternoon into night. Sloppy Joe's, Green Parrot Bar, Captain Tony's Saloon are popular.

Theater & Dance

Waterfront Playhouse, Red Barn Theatre, Tennessee Williams Theatre offer plays, musicals, concerts. Clubs like Bourbon St. Pub and Aqua Nightclub for dancing.

Pub Crawls

Duval Street is the main bar district. Pub crawls are popular, often organized by local companies for guided tours of famous watering holes.

Shopping & Markets

West offers diverse shopping, from markets to unique artisan crafts.

Markets & Local Crafts

  • Mallory Square: Local artisans and craftspeople sell unique items, jewelry, and art during Sunset Celebration.
  • Farmers Market: Operates seasonally (Thursdays near Truman Waterfront Park). Local produce, prepared foods, crafts.
  • Artisan Workshops: Galleries and studios in Old Town feature original paintings, sculptures, handmade jewelry.
  • West Pottery: Unique handmade ceramics, often with tropical designs.

Souvenirs & Ethical Shopping

Souvenir Picks

Lime products (pies, candies, lotions, rum). Conch shells/art. Local art. Sponges/sea shells. Hemingway-related items. A copy of Islands in the Stream is a literary souvenir.

Ethical Guidelines

Avoid illegally harvested conch or real coral. Choose artificial or sustainably sourced alternatives.

Support Local

Prioritize buying from local artisans, independent shops, and small businesses rather than large chain souvenir stores.

Luxury & Boutique

  • Limited luxury brands.
  • Focus on unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops.
  • Find unique clothing, jewelry, and home goods.
  • Mostly on Duval Street and its parallel streets.

Practicalities

  • Most shops arrange shipping for larger items.
  • U.S. Customs regulations apply for international visitors.
  • Keep receipts for all significant purchases.
  • Declare items as required by your home country's customs laws.

Emerging Destinations

  • Stock Island offers a grittier, more authentic Keys experience.
  • Increasingly affordable lodging options.
  • More local vibe with artist studios and working marinas.
  • Local seafood markets and authentic eateries.

Photo Opportunities for Shopping

Colorful Backdrops
  • Duval Street: Capture the energy and unique storefronts.
  • Tropical Gardens: Lush greenery and exotic flowers offer serene photo settings.
  • Sunset Views: Iconic West sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico provide dramatic backdrops.
Quirky Elements
  • Hemingway Cats: Capture the famous six-toed felines.
  • Southernmost Buoy: The iconic marker with its distinctive colors.
  • Historic Seaport: Boats, docks, and maritime elements.

Customs Information

U.S. Customs regulations apply for international visitors departing with purchases. Keep receipts for all significant purchases. Declare items as required by your home country's customs laws.

Activity Planning Summary

Adventure & Exploration

  • Snorkel/Dive the Reef: Florida Reef Tract for world-class marine life.
  • Kayak Mangroves: Explore serene channels and unique ecosystems.
  • Sunset Cruise: Combine dining with stunning ocean views. For activity bookings, consider GetYourGuide.
  • Cycle Island: Explore town and coastal paths on two wheels.

Culture & Relaxation

  • Visit Art Galleries: Discover local and national artists.
  • Enjoy Live Music: Experience the island's diverse musical scene.
  • Indulge in Wellness: Spas and yoga studios for rejuvenation.
  • Explore Historic Homes: Ernest Hemingway Home and Harry S. Truman Little White House.