Are you daydreaming of a visit to the Florida Keys or need help planning your Key West vacation? Read on for my top ten things to do when visiting the Conch Republic!

Enjoy the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

One of the first things you’ll want to experience in Key West is the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. This really kicks off your vacation. Head to the square early to check out the local vendors and grab a good spot to view the sunset. After the sun goes down, stick around to watch the street performances or grab a drink and some fried conch along the water. 

Visit the Hemingway House & Museum

Ernest Hemingway spent almost a decade enjoying the Florida Keys. His residence is now open to the public as a museum featuring original furnishings, manuscripts, photos, old typewriters, and the famous six-toed cats.

The museum is open daily and offers thirty-minute guided tours of the home. You can explore the house and grounds on your own and view the gorgeous pool. It’s a must-do on your trip to the Keys! Interested in learning more?Check out the museum’s homepage here!

Visit Smathers Beach

Key West has several different beaches throughout the island, but Smather’s Beach is one of the largest and offers plenty of activities. The beach features crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and rock-free ocean floors! You can rent chairs, jet skis, and paddleboards to make your day even more enjoyable.

TRAVEL TIP!

Many of the beaches in Key West are rocky. Make sure to pack some water shoes if you plan on visiting them.

Take a Food Tour (or Cocktail Tour)

One of the best ways to get to know a place is by booking a food tour (or in this case, a cocktail tour). You get to explore some favorite local restaurants and support small businesses – it’s a win-win! Book your cocktail tour here: Craft Cocktail Tour.

During the cocktail tour, you’ll learn about the history of Key West and visit multiple bars in the area. Some of my favorite bars we visited on the tour were General Horseplay and the Saint Hotel. We even got to try a Hemingway Daiquiri, which adds grapefruit and cherry liqueur to the normal daiquiri recipe. Delicious!

Spend the Day at Dry Tortugas 

Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this national park is home to a Civil War-era fort, beautiful beaches, and great snorkeling. It’s best to book this excursion a few days before you leave, just in case there’s bad weather.

Interested in hearing more? Check out my post all about spending the perfect day at Dry Tortugas here: More about Dry Tortugas

Take a Picture at the Southernmost Point

Did you know that Key West is the furthest south you can go in the continental U.S.? It’s only about 90 miles from Cuba. Seriously, it says that on the buoy.  Make sure to commemorate this visit by taking a photo in front of the famous Southernmost Point buoy.

TRAVEL TIP!

There is usually a small line to take photos at the Southernmost Point, but it moves fast!

Visit the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

If you are looking to do something a little different, check out the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. Featuring a beautiful greenhouse with lush plants, tropical birds, hundreds of butterflies, and even a pair of flamingos, this is a great spot for the whole family.

The conservatory is open daily, with final admission at 4:30 PM. Check out the conservatory’s website for more information on ticket prices and special events!

Go Snorkeling 

Some of the best snorkeling in the U.S. is found in the Florida Keys, specifically at John Pennekamp Coral Reef in Key Largo. If you’re just staying in Key West, there’s good snorkeling off the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

You can expect to see different types of tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and other sea creatures. Make sure to follow guidelines when snorkeling, and never snorkel alone!

Visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

The Flordia Keys is a hotspot for treasure hunters. There are an estimated 1,000 shipwrecks, each with its own story to tell. This museum showcases several of the treasures from the wrecks of the 17th Century as well as furnishings and other pieces of the ships.

Want to get a little spooky? Sign up for a ghost tour to hear all about the museum’s unofficial residents. Trolley Tours offers a nighttime ride throughout Key West. You’ll visit the museum and also learn more about some of the haunted spots downtown. Check out the tour I booked here!

Make Time to Relax! 

Listen, it’s not a vacation in the Keys if you’re not relaxing. Sit back and enjoy a Hemingway Daquiri by the pool, or spend the day indulging in Key Lime pie. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to fall in love with the Keys!