Key West Travel Guide for First-Timers (Plus Hidden Gems Locals Love)

Updated 3/29/2026

Looking for the best things to do in Key West? Whether you’re visiting for the first time, planning a laid-back island escape, or searching for hidden gems beyond Duval Street, these are the experiences that make Key West unforgettable.

I love Key West. Well, I love all the Florida Keys, really. But Key West has its own flavor… think chickens wandering around, six-toed cats, alcohol, key lime pie, and unusual, vibrant, very “Florida” art everywhere you look. It’s 90 miles from Cuba and surrounded by ocean, yet doesn’t feel overly beachy.

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

This Key West travel guide covers the must-see highlights and the hidden gems locals love, along with tips for experiencing the island differently, whether you’re here to party, explore, or avoid the Duval Street circus entirely.

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Trying to plan your Key West trip quickly? Start here:

If you’re visiting for	Start with
First-time highlights	Hemingway House, Key West Lighthouse, Mallory Square
Hidden gems	Key West Cemetery, Robert the Doll, Secret Garden
Party scene	Sloppy Joe’s, Green Parrot, Garden of Eden
Outdoor adventures	Dry Tortugas, snorkeling, parasailing, boating

Must-See Highlights for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first time in Key West, these are the attractions that are genuinely worth seeing, even if you only have a short stay.

Visit the Hemingway House (and cats)

The Hemingway House tour runs every day 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.

Want more Hemingway history? Try this Hemingway Food and Walking Tour and check out Hemingway’s favorite haunts.

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.

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.

Tour the Little White House

111 Front St Naval Air Station, Key West

The Little White House was President Truman’s winter retreat and was used by other presidents too. You can take a tour and get a look at presidential history and a different side of Key West. It’s a surprisingly quiet, reflective stop in a town better known for bars and sunsets.

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.

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.

Eat Key Lime Pie

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!

Another great key lime spot is Kermit’s, and they have a koi pond!

If you only have a day or two in Key West, these highlights give you the clearest sense of what makes the island special.

What to Do in Key West If You Only Have One Day

If you only have one day in Key West, focus on the island’s most iconic highlights plus one experience on the water if you can squeeze it in. Here’s the route I’d recommend:

Morning
→ Hemingway House
→ Key West Lighthouse

Afternoon
→ Butterfly Conservatory OR Little White House
→ If you’re in more of a chill/drinking mood, hit up the Duval Street bars

Sunset
→ Mallory Square (non-negotiable!)

If time permits
→ snorkeling OR a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park (if overnight stay)

Unique Things to Do in Key West (Hidden Gems Locals Love)

If you’re looking for hidden gems or things to do off the beaten path, here you go:

10. Check Out the Art on Duval Street and Around Key West

In addition to booze, Duval Street is full of colorful, unexpected art, from galleries to street installations to hand-painted signs. Some of the best pieces are the ones you stumble on while wandering just off the main drag, especially around Bahama Village.

Tori Siebecker, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Turtle Hospital (a Worthwhile Day Trip)

Take a trip to the Marathon Turtle Hospital in nearby Marathon, Florida, and see the sea turtles! You could either drive there or book a tour that leaves from Key West and also includes Bahia Honda State Park.

Cayobo from Key West, The Conch Republic, CC BY 1.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/1.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Get Creeped out by Robert the Doll

Fort East Martello Museum
3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL

Robert the Doll is a supposedly haunted doll at Fort East Martello Museum. Visit the museum to see him, or go on a ghost tour.

Explore the Key West Cemetery (and Rooster Cemetery)

701 Passover Ln, Key West, FL

The Key West Cemetery isn’t your typical cemetery—it’s full of unusual and sometimes humorous headstones. For example, one reads “I Told You I Was Sick.” Plus, like everywhere else in Key West, there will be roosters running around. This is a peaceful, less touristy spot that’s very Key West.

And speaking of roosters, there’s a Rooster Cemetery in the courtyard of the Blue Heaven restaurant. Another unique sight to see!

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! This makes a great stop if you’re exploring more of the Florida Keys beyond Key West.

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).

Go Talk to Parrots at Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden

518 Elizabeth St

Visit with rescued parrots here at the smallest parrot rescue in the U.S. Dogs are allowed, but you must leave your parrots at home.

Get a Unique Souvenir at Besame Mucho

315 Petronia St.

Not your typical souvenir shop, Besame Mucho features curated products from all over the world. It’s a little off the beaten path in a neighborhood called Bahama Village and is a locals’ favorite. You can find cool jewelry, clothing, and fantastic-smelling soaps.

Outdoor Activities in Key West

If you want to spend time on the water (one of the best parts of visiting Key West), here are the outdoor adventures worth planning ahead for:

That’s yours truly doing snuba! Photo by Mike, Underwater Exploring

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. It’s an easy, low-effort option if you want to get in the water without committing to a full-day boat tour.

Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

Ahh, the Dry Tortugas. 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.

If You’re Here for the Party

Key West has a reputation as a party town, and if that’s what you’re after, you won’t be disappointed.

Party It up at Hemingway’s Favorite Bars

Sloppy Joe’s
201 Duval St, Key West, FL

Sloppy Joe’s was Hemingway’s favorite bar–you’ll even see a photo of him on the stage. There’s usually live music playing. 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!

Another favorite of Hemingway’s was Captain Tony’s Saloon, though in his time, it was known as the original Sloppy Joe’s. The bar later moved to its current Duval St. location, and Hemingway was a regular at both spots, but many believe that he actually spent more time drinking at the original location. This building is the oldest bar in Florida, and it used to be a morgue.

Check out a Cool Locals’ Favorite Bar

Green Parrot Bar
601 Whitehead St, Key West

Green Parrot Bar is just one block off Duval Street and 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. This bar is full of legendary music history and has the memorabilia on the walls to prove it. And like most places in Key West, it’s a great place for people-watching.

When I visited, there was a band playing “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.

Party in the Nude at Garden of Eden

Garden of Eden
224 Duval St, Key West

In the Garden of Eden, you can 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. No cell phones are allowed for uh…obvious reasons.

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 spectacular sunset, and kick off a night of drinking.

Image by Cayobo, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key West Masquerade Parade – Fantasy Fest

Celebrate at Fantasy Fest

Every October, Key West turns into even more of a party withFantasy Fest! Catch parades, get body painted, or come up with a fun costume, and enjoy all the drinking and people watching you can handle. While there are a few family-friendly activities, Fantasy Fest is primarily an adult festival. This celebration is not unlike Mardi Gras in New Orleans and in 2026 runs through October 16-25.

Where to 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, expect higher prices. An alternative is to stay outside of Key West, but you’ll need a car.

Map of where to stay in Key West:

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.

Spring brings lovely weather, but you may have to deal with spring break crowds.

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

Visiting Key West if You Don’t Drink

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 there are so many things to do in Key West besides drinking. You don’t need to drink to enjoy the sunsets, art, Hemingway cats, or ocean views!

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).

About the Beaches in Key West

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.

FAQ: Visiting Key West

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