Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with one of these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Travel
  3. Florida
  4. The 20 Best Things To Do in Key West

The 20 Best Things To Do in Key West

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors Updated December 16, 2021
Skip gallery slides
FB
Key West, Florida
Credit: Peter Unger/Getty Images

Key West is calling. When nothing else will do but days filled with sand and sea, you have to set your sights on the southernmost vacation destination in the continental U.S. With its picturesque streets, restaurants galore, and countless adventures on the shoreline, Key West has it all. There's plenty to do, see, and experience in its relatively small island footprint; to prove it, we've put together a round-up of some of our favorite activities in this storied seaside town. From exploring the historic sites and meandering the shopping districts to kayaking the blue waters and nibbling the island delicacies (Key lime pie on a stick, anyone?), there's something for everyone to enjoy in this sun-soaked South Florida spot.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Go for a Paddle Adventure

<p>Launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard through mangroves and float out to crystal clear water where you can jump in and go for a swim with sea turtles, tropical fish, and maybe even a dolphin or two. Lazy Dog Kayaking and Paddleboarding offers group tours and private charters, plus fun classes like PaddleYoga. </p>

Launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard through mangroves and float out to crystal clear water where you can jump in and go for a swim with sea turtles, tropical fish, and maybe even a dolphin or two. Lazy Dog Kayaking and Paddleboarding offers group tours and private charters, plus fun classes like PaddleYoga.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Climb the Key West Lighthouse

<p>Pay homage to Key West's maritime heritage with a trip to the Key West Lighthouse &amp; Museum. It's run by the Key West Art &amp; Historical Society and dates to the 19th century. Climb the 88 steps to the top and learn about Barbara Mabrity, the first lighthouse keeper and one of the only women in history to hold the position during that period. </p>

Pay homage to Key West's maritime heritage with a trip to the Key West Lighthouse & Museum. It's run by the Key West Art & Historical Society and dates to the 19th century. Climb the 88 steps to the top and learn about Barbara Mabrity, the first lighthouse keeper and one of the only women in history to hold the position during that period.

2 of 20

3 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Visit the Southernmost Point

Visit the Southernmost Point
Credit: Peter Unger/Getty

Get ready for the ultimate selfie. The brightly colored buoy of the Southernmost Point (at Whitehead and South streets) marks the spot at which there are a mere 90 miles between the United States and Cuba. The City of Key West constructed the oversized concrete buoy in 1983 and the landmark has been one of the most photographed places on the island ever since.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tour the Hemingway House

<p>With so much history and folklore on such a small island, you'll find plenty of museums to explore. Start with the Ernest Hemingway Home &amp; Museum in the heart of Old Town Key West. Wander through the Nobel Prize winner's lushly landscaped abode and make friends with one of the infamous six-toed cats. </p>

With so much history and folklore on such a small island, you'll find plenty of museums to explore. Start with the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in the heart of Old Town Key West. Wander through the Nobel Prize winner's lushly landscaped abode and make friends with one of the infamous six-toed cats.

4 of 20

5 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Stroll Down Duval Street

<p>There's no doubt that Duval Street is the heart of all the activity in Key West. Stretching from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point, this main drag is lined with outdoor cafes, funky boutiques, art galleries, and some of the most famous bars and saloons in the country. </p>

There's no doubt that Duval Street is the heart of all the activity in Key West. Stretching from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point, this main drag is lined with outdoor cafes, funky boutiques, art galleries, and some of the most famous bars and saloons in the country.

5 of 20

6 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Spend a Day at the Beach

<p>You've explored the city, now lounge on the shore. Play a game of beach volleyball; splash in the aquamarine water; take out a mini sailboat; or just find a perch, lay a beach towel, and take in the view. Seek out Smathers Beach, Higgs Memorial Beach Park, Dog Beach, and Rest Beach for sun and sand. </p>

You've explored the city, now lounge on the shore. Play a game of beach volleyball; splash in the aquamarine water; take out a mini sailboat; or just find a perch, lay a beach towel, and take in the view. Seek out Smathers Beach, Higgs Memorial Beach Park, Dog Beach, and Rest Beach for sun and sand.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Set Sail at Sunset

<p>Key West is famous for its dazzling sunsets, so set sail for an evening steeped in equal parts tradition and natural beauty. Fury Key West offers a variety of sunset cruise options from romantic champagne-style trips to lively rum and reggae parties. Head to Mallory Square to see the sunset from dry land. </p>

Key West is famous for its dazzling sunsets, so set sail for an evening steeped in equal parts tradition and natural beauty. Fury Key West offers a variety of sunset cruise options from romantic champagne-style trips to lively rum and reggae parties. Head to Mallory Square to see the sunset from dry land.

7 of 20

8 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Shop Local Art

<p>Inspired by the tropical landscape and eccentric local culture, artists have long called Key West home. Browse the many art galleries that line Duval Street, including Gallery Uno, home to works of art by long-term island resident Alberto DeAndrea. Stop into Gallery on Greene (located on Greene Street) too. </p>

Inspired by the tropical landscape and eccentric local culture, artists have long called Key West home. Browse the many art galleries that line Duval Street, including Gallery Uno, home to works of art by long-term island resident Alberto DeAndrea. Stop into Gallery on Greene (located on Greene Street) too.

8 of 20

9 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Taste a Slice of Key Lime Pie

Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shop
Credit: Photo: Graciela Cattarossi

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice (or three) of delicious Key lime pie. Kermit's Key Lime Shoppe has been a Key West mainstay for decades and offers everything from Key lime pie and homemade taffy to Key lime mango chutney and citrus salsa. You can also find it at the Key West Key Lime Pie Company and the Southernmost Key Lime Shop.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bike Around Town

<p>Cruise around the island via bicycle and revel in the warm tropical breeze and Key West sunshine. There are lots of bike rental services, and many of the hotels around town also offer bicycle rentals to guests. It's the perfect way to see the sights, as well as ditch the headache of trying to find parking on the island.</p>
Credit: Boogich/Getty

Cruise around the island via bicycle and revel in the warm tropical breeze and Key West sunshine. There are lots of bike rental services, and many of the hotels around town also offer bicycle rentals to guests. It's the perfect way to see the sights, as well as ditch the headache of trying to find parking on the island.

10 of 20

11 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Dine al Fresco

<p>Ready to eat your way around Key West? Start at Caroline's Café located at the historic Dr. Joseph Y. Porter House on Duval Street. Dine on classic Key West conch fritters or Caroline's Famous Fish Sandwich. Then cool off with a handcrafted cocktail at Caroline's Other Side, a speakeasy style bar connected to the cafe.</p>
Credit: Bruce Yuan-Yue Bi/Getty

Ready to eat your way around Key West? Start at Caroline's Café located at the historic Dr. Joseph Y. Porter House on Duval Street. Dine on classic Key West conch fritters or Caroline's Famous Fish Sandwich. Then cool off with a handcrafted cocktail at Caroline's Other Side, a speakeasy style bar connected to the cafe.

11 of 20

12 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Walk Among the Butterflies

<p>Home to hundreds of vibrant butterflies, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is truly a sight to behold. You'll find lush gardens, cascading waterfalls, and more than 50 species of the winged beauties. Keep an eye out, because you may happen upon the resident flamingos too. </p>
Credit: Peter Ptschelinzew/Getty

Home to hundreds of vibrant butterflies, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is truly a sight to behold. You'll find lush gardens, cascading waterfalls, and more than 50 species of the winged beauties. Keep an eye out, because you may happen upon the resident flamingos too.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ferry to Dry Tortugas

Dry Tortugas

Comprised of seven islands located about 70 minutes by ferry boat off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is home to Fort Jefferson, one of the nation's largest 19th century fortresses. Charter your own boat or hop aboard the Yankee Freedom ferry for a ride out to paradise.

13 of 20

14 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sip a Cup of Joe

Coffee
Credit: Jorn Georg Tomter/Getty Images

There's lots of great coffee to be found on Key West, and ordering up a cup is a great way to start a day of exploring. There are several locations of Cuban Coffee Queen around town, including on the waterfront and downtown, so you're never far from a freshly roasted cup. Try Key West Sunrise for a medium to dark roast or Smooth Sailing for decaf.

14 of 20

15 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Book a Southernmost Stay

The Southernmost House in Key West, Florida
Credit: Courtesy of The Southernmost House

During your visit, make your home base The Southernmost House, an adults-only boutique hotel on the waterfront. Built as a mansion in 1897, legend has it that Thomas Edison installed all the electricity in the house himself, and he left his personal phonograph as a present when he departed.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Enjoy Your Key Lime Pie on a Stick

Key West, Florida
Credit: Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images

One of the most memorable cool treats on Key West is Key Lime Pie on a Stick, a delicacy that comes about when a slice of tart key lime pie is dipped in a chocolate shell. You can order yours at Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe.

16 of 20

17 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Have a Lobster Roll

Eaton Street Seafood Market in Key West, FL
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Order up fresh seafood at Eaton Street Seafood Market on Eaton Street, where you'll find crab cakes, fresh seafood salads, and chowders. They also have the best lobster rolls in town. You can  find kits there that will help you make your own fresh Key West lobster rolls too. On the menu at the restaurant are seafood baskets, grilled lobster tails, and crab cake sandwiches, so you'll want to come hungry.

17 of 20

18 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Go Barhopping

<p>It's no secret that Key West is home to an impressive share of eclectic watering holes. There's no better place to start your bar hop than Captain Tony's Saloon. Originally opened in 1851 as an icehouse that doubled as a morgue, this old-school pub has attracted the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffett, and, of course, the legendary Captain Tony himself.</p>

It's no secret that Key West is home to an impressive share of eclectic watering holes. There's no better place to start your bar hop than Captain Tony's Saloon. Originally opened in 1851 as an icehouse that doubled as a morgue, this old-school pub has attracted the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffett, and, of course, the legendary Captain Tony himself.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Catch a Show

<p>Key West is all about great entertainment. Head to Mallory Square for the nightly sunset celebration featuring local artisans or the Key West Amphitheater for big shows. When you're in town, also try to catch one of the live concerts from COAST or  their annual music and arts festival.</p>

Key West is all about great entertainment. Head to Mallory Square for the nightly sunset celebration featuring local artisans or the Key West Amphitheater for big shows. When you're in town, also try to catch one of the live concerts from COAST or  their annual music and arts festival.

19 of 20

20 of 20

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Take a Trolley Ride

Perfect for families (kids 12 and under ride free!), the 90-minute Conch Train Tour has been introducing visitors to the unique aspects of Key West since the 1950s. The tour departs from the Front Street Depot, makes a loop through Old Town Key West, and
Credit: Jeff Greenberg/Contributor/Getty

To see the island on a swift spin through town, hop aboard a sightseeing tour. Book your spot on the Old Town Trolley Tours or the Conch Tour Trains for a fun train ride and a quick introduction to the island and its sights.

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Southern Living Editors

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20 Go for a Paddle Adventure
    2 of 20 Climb the Key West Lighthouse
    3 of 20 Visit the Southernmost Point
    4 of 20 Tour the Hemingway House
    5 of 20 Stroll Down Duval Street
    6 of 20 Spend a Day at the Beach
    7 of 20 Set Sail at Sunset
    8 of 20 Shop Local Art
    9 of 20 Taste a Slice of Key Lime Pie
    10 of 20 Bike Around Town
    11 of 20 Dine al Fresco
    12 of 20 Walk Among the Butterflies
    13 of 20 Ferry to Dry Tortugas
    14 of 20 Sip a Cup of Joe
    15 of 20 Book a Southernmost Stay
    16 of 20 Enjoy Your Key Lime Pie on a Stick
    17 of 20 Have a Lobster Roll
    18 of 20 Go Barhopping
    19 of 20 Catch a Show
    20 of 20 Take a Trolley Ride

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The 20 Best Things To Do in Key West
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.