12 Amazing Things to Do When Visiting Key West

Photo by Mike, Underwater Exploring

I love Key West. Well, I love all the Florida Keys, really. But Key West has its own unique flavor… think chickens wandering around, six-toed cats, alcohol, key lime pie, and unusual, vibrant, very “Florida” art galleries. It’s 90 miles from Cuba and surrounded by ocean, yet doesn’t feel “beachy.” Plus, it’s known for having a drinking and partying culture.

I know, I know. This blog is an “introvert channel.” And Key West, the party city, doesn’t really uh, “go.”

Hear me out…

Underneath all the booze and neon-colored festivities, there’s something for everyone, including kids, introverts, solo travelers, etc.

It’s one of the places I would truly call “quirky” without any trace of pretense.

So what are some things to do in Key West? I’ve put together a list for you.

Things to do in Key West

1. Visit the Hemingway House (and cats)

The Hemingway House tour runs everyday from 9-5 for $18. It’s walk-in only, and the tour lasts about 20 minutes. After that, you can spend as long as you like on the grounds.

I’m convinced that more people visit the Hemingway House for the cats than the author. 

So I’ll talk about the cats. I’ll talk about the author, too. But first, cats!

Around 60 cats live on the grounds. You can find them everywhere–outside, inside, on the furniture, etc. Visitors are allowed to pet the cats but not pick them up. My tour guide knew every cat’s name. I was impressed!

Some of the cats are nice, some are not-so-nice. The guide let us know which ones were mean. Personally, I LOVE sassy cats!

Each cat is a descendent of Hemingway’s pet polydactyl (6-toed) cat named Snow White. All of the cats carry the polydactyl gene, but only about half of them actually have extra toes.

Hemingway’s writing studio is preserved exactly as he left it and is cool to see–even his original typewriter is there!

In addition, the grounds at the Hemingway House are beautiful and make for stunning photo backdrops.

2. Visit the Key West Lighthouse

Right across the street from the Hemingway house is the Key West Lighthouse. Climb the 88 steps to the top for a panoramic view of Key West. You can also see the Keeper’s quarters. The cost is $17, but you can get a discount when you buy online.

3. Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

Ahh, the Dry Tortugas. An introvert’s paradise on earth. You’ll need to plan a whole day for this one and book in advance. A ferry and seaplane to the park both leave from Key West. It’s a beautiful place that’s great for exploring or relaxing. Read all about my experience here.

4. Go to Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

See flamingos, exotic birds, and 50-60 species of butterflies right on Duval Street! Voted “Best attraction in Key West” and “Best place to take the kids,” this nature conservatory is a beautiful tropical paradise! The cost is $17.50, but you can get a small discount when you book online.

5. Party it up on Duval Street

Duval Street is home to several unique bars, quirky art galleries, cute shops, and more. Here are a few iconic bars:

Sloppy Joe’s:: Hemingway’s favorite bar–you’ll see a photo of him on the stage. There’s usually live music. Grab a drink, watch some music, and make some new friends here. I befriended and shared nachos with a group from Minnesota and later ran into them again at the Green Parrot!

Green Parrot Bar: Okay, technically this one’s a block off Duval street, but it’s worth the small detour. This is a locals’ favorite dive bar where you’ll find excellent live music and sometimes hurricane parties! It’s a true bar–there’s no food service here. You’ll see all sorts of music memorabilia on the walls, and it’s a great place for people watching. While the band played “When I Get Low, I Get High,” I watched a guy with dreadlocks throw down on the dance floor with a blonde woman he’d just met, then get ignored when he tried to chat her up in the back where the bar is…Ouch.

Garden of Eden: Dance naked in the moonlight or work on your all-over tan by daylight. This rooftop bar has dancing, great drinks, and…is clothing-optional! This one may not be for everyone, but I wanted to include it because…how very Key West.

6. Check out the art on Duval Street and all around Key West

In addition to booze, Duval Street is home to some cool art. You’ll find lots of unique art in galleries, on the street, and in shops!

7. Celebrate the sunset in Mallory Square

Key West claims to have the best sunsets in the world. In fact, they celebrate the sunset every single day in Mallory Square.

That’s how you know it’s a party city!

You’ll want to catch a sunset celebration in Mallory Square. There are street performers, people selling booze and delicious snacks, folks selling art, and of course, the star of the show, the Key West sunset.

8. Go on a booze cruise

Another way to see the sunset is to go on a cruise! These are fun. And there are many options to choose from. You could go with the classic sailboat or even a little floating tiki bar. It’s a great way to meet new people, see a spectactular sunset, and kick off a night of drinking.

Photo by Mike, Underwater Exploring.

9. Go snorkeling or scuba diving

Or parasailing, or jetskiing, or snuba! If you opt to visit the Dry Tortugas, you can snorkel there. If not, I recommend Fort Zachary

10. Take a little Road trip to No Name Pub

Located in Big Pine Key a little off the beaten path, you’ll find No Name Pub. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Key West. No Name Pub is unique because there’s an estimated $90,000 in $1 bills affixed to the walls, ceiling, and any other surfaces to which dollar bills can be attached. It’s fun to try to read the writing on the dollar bills!

For some reason, part of the mystique surrounding this pub is that it’s hard to find. The sign even says “You found it.” But. It’s not hard to find. It’s a hugely popular tourist destination!

But if you can’t get there, or don’t want to take time to go, don’t worry. You can get a similar experience right in Key West at Willie T’s on Duval Street. There are dollar bills all over the walls there, too (just not $90,000 worth).

11. Go see the Southernmost point (and wait in line)

Or—go at midnight, like I did.

I saw the line mid-day and said….no way. If you don’t want to wait in line, go early, early in the morning or late at night.

The only con—no one was around to take my picture, and I didn’t have my tripod.

12. Eat Key Lime Pie

I saved the best for last! Key Lime pie is everywhere here in Key West, where it was invented. Try Key Lime Pie Bakery, where you can get chocolate key lime pie on a stick. Sadly, this was the only pic I got of the Key Lime Pie–I couldn’t help devouring each slice immediately!

The basics of visiting Key West

How do you get to Key West?

2 ways–you can either fly into Key West Directly…

Or you can fly into Miami and road trip down there! It takes about 3 hours to get to Key West from Miami without stops, but you’ll want to stop and see the sights along the way, such as the 7-mile bridge, Robbie’s Marina, and Betsy the giant lobster! I recommend taking a few days to do this trip if you really want to take it all in, but it can be a fun day trip if you’re pressed for time. The ocean views are incredible!

Where do you stay in Key West?

Best deal: Seashell Hostel and Motel

Unique experience: stay on a sailboat!

For digital nomads: Furnished Finder is my go-to. If staying in Key West, be prepared to spend some money. An altnernative is to stay outside of Key West, but you’ll need a car.

Will Key West be underwater in 10 years?

Possibly. There are grumblings about part of Key West being underwater by 2025.

So—go now!

What if I don’t drink? Can I still enjoy visiting Key West?

Key West has a reputation as drinking city, and the locals love to joke about it. I remember a street performer in Mallory Square saying to a kid, “You’re here instead of Disney World because mommy wanted to drink.”

But you don’t need to drink to enjoy the sunsets, art, Hemingway cats, or ocean views!

When’s the best time to visit Key West?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Winter is going to be the busiest time to visit Key West. For a warm weather getaway in the dead of winter, go in December, January, or February.

If you want to go to Fantasy Fest, that’s in October.

If you want to deal with the least crowds, go in July (just be prepared to deal with the heat!)

Which airport for Key West?

Key West has a small airport, or fly into Miami and take a road trip!

What is Key West known for?

Besides the drinking culture, Key West is known for sunsets, the Hemingway House, the lively atmosphere, the turquoise waters, Fantasy Fest, and more. It’s also known to be a popular retirement spot and vacation spot for folks 50 and up.

But if you’re under 50? Don’t worry, you’ll have an amazing time.

Are Key West beaches nice?

They’re fine. But they’re rocky. Key West isn’t known for beaches, really. The rest of the Keys aren’t either. Water activities, like scuba, snorkeling, and boating are hugely popular, but lying around on a beach? Not so much.

That being said, if you want to go to the beach, try Fort Zachary.

What to pack for Key West?

A swimsuit and nothing else.

Just kidding…

Kind of.

Swimwear with a coverup is acceptable attire at many places in Key West. But you’ll also want to pack casual clothes. Think shorts, sandals, flip-flops, flowing tank tops, a wide-brim hat. Reef-safe sunscreen (or buy it when you get there). Maybe a light jacket or rash guard if you’re going to be on a boat in the wind. Rash guards are also useful for snorkeling (you don’t want to burn your back).

What if I want to quit my job and move to Key West?

Read this book!

Final thoughts on visiting Key West

Key West is a truly unique place with fun, quirky activities. It’s a great winter getaway with gorgeous turquoise waters, a festive atmosphere, and delicious Key Lime pie.

Want more Florida Keys?

Check out my post on reasons to visit the Florida Keys here.

Like this post? Pin it for later

Have you been to Key West? Want to go? Let me know in the comments!

What did you like best, or what interests you about Key West the most? I’d love to know!