Things to Do In Key West

Discover the vibrant energy and endless possibilities of Key West, Florida with this Things to Do In Key West guide. From stunning sunsets at Mallory Square to snorkeling adventures in crystal-clear waters, this island paradise offers a wealth of experiences to create unforgettable memories.

Key West may be a small island in size but it is big in heart, soul, and fun with plenty of things to do in Key West. It even has its very own Key West International Airport. Key West has a population of approximately 28,000 year-round residents and plays host to almost one million cruise ship visitors, as well as countless others who make the trek by air and by auto.

Situated only 90 miles north of Cuba, Key West boasts a year-round tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 77 degrees that rarely varies more than 10 degrees in either direction. The rainfall averages only 39 inches per year.

Less than 10 miles square in area, 
Key West is one of the hottest vacation destinations in the country. There’s more packed into this small island than one would think possible, and visitors to the 
The Florida Keys are never disappointed. 

Key West has a busy central tourist district but has plentiful, quiet, palm-lined streets with beautiful Spanish-style houses.

For Things to Do In Key West and information on day tours of the island, visit Miami Everglades Tours.

The island itself boasts some remarkable attractions for the entire family, yet the island is small enough that visitors can see them all. The Ernest Hemingway House was home to the famous author when he penned some of his best-known novels.

Hemingway House, The Audubon House is an authentic home from the 19th century, fully restored and remodeled; authentic antiques and paintings by famed naturalist John James Audubon can be found inside. The Key West Historic Tour traverses the island — be on the lookout for the best places to enjoy conch, the local specialty. The residents of Key West have devised innumerable ways of serving this sea creature, and all are worth at least a try.

While it is uncertain whether or not he ever sampled conch, President Truman often vacationed in a small house at the naval base located on Key West, and his reasons for visiting are the same as for today’s visitors: sunshine, relaxation, and beach. Truman’s hideaway is open for tours, adding one more item to the list of fun things to do in Key West. This small town is perfect for families looking for a great beach holiday in an interesting and manageable location.

For day tours of the island, visit Miami Everglades Tours.

If water activities are your cup of tea, then Key West is definitely your preferred destination. The only living coral barrier reef in existence in North America is located off the coast of The Keys. It stretches 200 miles and provides excellent snorkeling and diving, without the expense and time of traveling to a far-off Caribbean island. These are only two of the many activities available in Key West.

Try a wave runner, dolphin tour, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, sailing, and more. Eco-tours are extremely popular. A boat trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park 70 miles west of the island makes for a fascinating day.
For those who wish to immerse themselves in the local history and culture, visit the historic Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum at 907 Whitehead Street. John James Audubon also made his mark here. See the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens at 205 Whitehead Street. There are several art galleries, three performing arts theaters, a symphony, and an annual literary seminar to enjoy.

Hemingway House

This National Historic Landmark is the place where Hemingway actually penned several of his novels. The house itself is lovely, as are the dozens of cats that make it their home.

907 Whitehead Street
Key West
305-294-1575

Key West Golf Club

Golf legend Rees Jones masterfully designed this public 18-hole, 6,500-yard course to be a challenge to players of all abilities.

6450 E. College Road
Key West
305-294-5232

Key West Lighthouse Museum

Visitors to Key West’s famous landmark lighthouse learn how the lighthouse lit the way for ships and travelers to the islands for years. The interior is filled with the history of the island.

1236
938 Whitehead Street
Key West
(305)294-0012

Little White House

This house was President Harry Truman’s favorite vacation spot while he was President. The inside is relatively unchanged from the late 1940’s and features interesting Truman memorabilia.

1229
111 Front St. (Truman Annex)
Key West
(305)294-9911

Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society Museum

Visitors will be dazzled by the rich booty from local treasure hunter Mel Fisher’s richest find, the Spanish ship Nuestra Senora de Atocha.


200 Greene Street
Key West
305-294-2633

Schooner Western Union

Sail into history aboard the 130′ schooner Western Union, the last tall ship built in Key West in 1939. It’s available for day sails, sunset and starlight cruises, private charters, and other seafaring adventures.


Docked at Schooner Wharf 202 William Street
Key West
305-292-1766

Key West may be a small island in size but it is big in heart, soul, and fun. It even has its very own Key West International Airport.
Key West has a population of approximately 28,000 year-round residents and plays host to almost 1 million cruise ship visitors and countless others who make the trek by air and by auto. Situated only 90 miles north of Cuba, Key West boasts of a year-round tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 77 degrees that rarely varies more than 10 degrees in either direction. The rainfall averages only 39 inches per year.

While it is uncertain whether or not he ever sampled conch, President Truman often vacationed in a small house at the naval base located on Key West, and his reasons for visiting are the same as for today’s visitors: sunshine, relaxation, and beach. Truman’s hideaway is open for tours, adding one more item to the list of fun things to do in Key West. This small town is perfect for families looking for a great beach holiday in an interesting and manageable location.