Known throughout the world for its warm and sunny weather, sandy beaches, romantic wonderful breakfast spots, and amazing views, Key West accounts for many alluring attractions and should be included in every traveler’s bucket list. From attractive museums to lush, tropical gardens there are plenty of things to do in Key West. As for activities, you can indulge in scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Apart from eye-tempting attractions, you can also stroll the downtown district and streets of this city. The colorful architecture of the buildings found here is mainly Caribbean, with many of its older houses created from coral-rock or recycled ship-boards. The cuisine served here is Afro-Caribbean and Spanish, offering a tropical feel.
Feeling excited? Then let’s find out the top fun things to do in Key West, which you can surely do once you travel to this town. On that note, take a trip and book cheap flights to Key West for the most memorable experience.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Address: 907 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida
The famous author Ernest Hemingway purchased this 1851 Spanish Colonial house in 1931 and called it home until 1940. It features a lush tropical garden and the pool that he claimed nearly wiped him out financially, and contains his “last penny” pressed into the ground.
You can also take a look at the interior of this house, which contains the writer’s own collection of 17th- and 18th-century Spanish furniture. Forty descendants of Ernest Hemingway’s original brood of home cats still roam the property. He wrote numerous novels here including A Farewell to Arms, Death in the Afternoon, and For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Mallory Square
Address: 400 Wall Street, Key West, Florida
Mallory Square, a former warehousing district, is now the location of a nightly sunset-watching show with live musical entertainment. This is one of the best-known exciting things to do in Key West and is an absolute must visit when in town. Furthermore, located on Wall Street in Key West’s historic Old Town, it is a waterfront plaza just west of Duval Street.
Make your way to the base of Duval Street and soothe yourself as you admire the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Jugglers, musicians, and other street performers create a carnival-like atmosphere, with one-of-a-kind entertainments like dog unicycling, cats on a tightwire, and escape through the straitjacket.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Address: 40001 SR-9336, Homestead, Florida
The pristine soft-sand beaches and perfect opportunities for snorkeling are one of the top attractions of this island park. Taking a break from the bustling city and heading out to this place is the best decision you’ll ever take. Take cheap flights to Florida to spend a relaxing time beside the seashore.
Moreover, it is a cluster of seven artificial reefs located approximately 65 miles southwest of Key West, Florida. Owing to the number of turtles in the region, the islands were given the name Tortugas. Later, the dry part was added to describe the lack of freshwater on the islands.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Address: 200 Greene Street, Key West, Florida
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum tells the story of diver Mel Fisher, who discovered several shipwrecks, including one that carried exceedingly valuable artifacts and another that holds a wealth of historical value. Visiting here is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Key West for couples.
Although the ships he found did not carry a wealth of gold and jewels, its remains hold invaluable artifacts. One such ship is Henrietta Marie, that provides a look at the history and conditions of the maritime slave trade, and is the oldest slave ship wreck to be discovered. Interestingly, this museum displays numerous artifacts from these wrecks and others, including several rare items such as navigational instruments and other everyday tools.
Key West Aquarium
Address: 1 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida
The Key West Aquarium was originally open to the public in 1934, making it among the first open-air aquariums in the USA. Due to the algae control needs, a roof was installed over the aquarium, and the facility was improved and upgraded as a result.
The exhibits here proudly display the “South Atlantic Shores” and the aquariums housing local marine life, including puffer fish, snappers, and angelfish. There are also fish tanks with barracuda and sharks, and a “touch tank” that is always popular with kids, as they bury themselves in rich, squishy marine invertebrates.
Key West Beach
Many first timers are expected to get stunned by the stretch of coastline in Key West. But as a matter of interest, the city boasts a myriad of little beaches and visiting here is one of the best things to do in Key West. For example, those traveling with kids will want to include a visit to Higgs Beach on their list.
Key West’s southern Atlantic coast contains a string of delightful little beaches, including Rest Beach, South Beach, and Higgs Beach, all of which can be accessed along with one another on foot within a short stroll. Most of them are conserved keeping in mind the requirement of people traveling with families.
Key West Museum of Art & History
Address: 281 Front Street, Naval Air Station Key West, Florida
Handily located between Mallory Square and the Harry S. Truman Little White House attractions stand the Key West Museum of Art & History. Built in 1891 and located in the city’s Custom House building is worth a visit. The collection on display here is the biggest of its kind, featuring informative artifacts, Hemingway’s books, photographs, and other documents relating to the other famous personalities who visited here.
Make sure to also explore the rear of this excellent museum, where you will get the chance to pose with a number of enchanting sculptures, which include the ones that look like they’re derived straight from a painting.
Overall
Believe it or not, but Key West is a great place to spend a vacation, whether you’re looking to enjoy the ocean or just explore one of the museums. There are plenty of things to do in Key West, from swimming through the turquoise waters of the Keys to exploring the historical sites around town. Whether you wish to explore something new or to dive deep into history, this city has something for everyone. So go ahead and take some time out and enjoy yourself – it would be amazing.
