Planning a Key West vacation is exciting because even before the actual journey, the tourists can already taste the tropical sunshine. That’s how enticing to travel to this Florida destination, which is the United States’ southernmost point. The Caribbean vibes are strong in this string of islands.
Whatever travelers do in Key West, be they enjoying the pristine beaches or doing non-touristy things, they are assured of long-lasting Florida memories. After all, The Sunshine State knows how to entertain visitors even if they just want to stare at the stunning waterways. In Key West, the straits will lead tourists to happiness.
10 Beach And Watersports
The beaches of Key West are its most popular attractions, and alongside the thrilling watersports, tourists will have a splashing good time in this tropical paradise. Smathers Beach is perfect for those who want a Jet Ski ride, while the Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park is ideal for a quieter moment under the sun. South Beach and the small Simonton Street Beach are good choices for a quick dip, while fur-parents are welcome in Dog Beach. From parasailing and kiteboarding to sunbathing and beachcombing, the shores of Key West are a place of adventure.
9 Score Big With Fishing
The waters of Key West are the able challenger to test fishers’ skills. Offshore captains are well-equipped to take tourists to the best fishing spots where they can score big ones. The Florida Straits and its 90-mile-wide trough of deep waters are ready to engage anyone, even beginners. Whether tourists are angling along the flats and backcountry waters or offshore, they are sure to catch some snappers, tarpons, groupers, permits, pompanos, jacks, bonefish, or even barracuda. The game is always on in Key West.
8 Sail, Paddle, Or Cruise
The abundance of waters makes Key West a paddler’s paradise. With over 150 islands to explore in the area, tourists will have a fun time sightseeing aboard a boat. Kayakers can visit Sigsbee Park or Fleming Key, while sailors can explore Sunset Key or Stock Island. Whether tourists want to paddle on their own or join a cruising trip, they all have expansive views of the straits and islands to take in. Boating has never been this good, thanks to Key West’s wonders.
7 Go Underwater
Key West has a colorful and welcoming underwater world that even frequent divers will find amazing. Tourists can try wreck diving, thanks to the majesty of the USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg and Cayman Salvager. Those who want to meet marine friends can visit the Sand Key Lighthouse Reef, the Looe Key Reef Marine Sanctuary, or the Ten-Fathom Ledge, known for its caves and overhangs. Whether divers and snorkelers want to find Nemo or be surrounded by wrecks, Key West won’t disappoint.
6 Stroll Along Duval Street
Duval is the only street in the country where tourists can walk from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. It has majestic Victorian mansions and other historic well-preserved structures. While strolling down this historic street, tourists can drop by art galleries, cafes, bars, shops, and other establishments. Cigarette lovers will also love visiting the street since Key West was once dubbed ‘Cigar City USA.’ Shopping and sightseeing in Duval will let tourists have their best morning or afternoon stroll.
5 Visit A Museum
Novelist Ernest Hemingway fell in love with Key West, especially with its offshore waters, where he enjoyed fishing. Lucky for Hemingway fans, they can visit the house where the literary icon once lived. Other than that, they can also drop by the vacation house of former President Harry Truman, the oldest house in Key West, a turtle museum, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center for science geeks, a firehouse museum, and other historic destinations. In Key West, there’s fun in learning.
4 Join A Walking Tour
Aside from beach adventures, sightseeing is another popular activity in Key West because of its abundance of attractions that will satisfy anyone’s curiosity. Other than Duval St. and museums, tourists can also visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory for nature lovers, Mallory Square for strollers, Martello Towers for a walk down memory lane, and Key West Aquarium for a close encounter with marine animals, and even a historic cemetery. One landmark tourists should not miss, however, is the southernmost point of the US, where a selfie is a must.
3 Visit A Remote Park
There are many parks in Key West but one that tourists should not miss is the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This destination has seven islands and thanks to its remoteness, has undisturbed reefs. It has a rich ecosystem, making it a diver or birder’s home away from home. Campers, fishers, paddlers, and boaters are also welcome to the island, where they can enjoy not just its rich waters but also the majesty of the historic Fort Jefferson. Underwater or inland, Dry Tortugas offers a wet and wild adventure.
2 Enjoy The Food
Key West is more than just its famous lime pie. Thanks to its Cuban influence, the local cuisine doesn’t just look good, they taste great. For an authentic Cuban food experience, tourists can visit the restaurants of El Siboney and El Meson de Pepe. Seafood lovers, meanwhile, won't have a hard time looking for tasty treats. For desserts, tourists can drop by the numerous cafes and bakeries in Key West, while bars and pubs await those who want to down a pint. It’s a yummy day in Key West, day in and out.
1 Partake In The Nightlife
There are many things to do in Key West in just a day, and enjoying the nightlife should be a part of it. When the sun sets in this Florida destination, the day just starts to be lovelier and livelier. Waterfront bars abound in town, making for a majestic drinking session with the stunning views of the straits, the gulf, or the Atlantic as background. In Mallory Square, there's a welcoming bar at Sunset Pier, and the tiki bar at the Galleon Resort and Marina is another perfect spot to watch the hiding of the sun. Painting the town red has never been this good.