Top Things to do in Key West, Florida: A Complete Guide

Beaches, Food, Drinks, and Activities: Our 3-Day Key West Itinerary

Key West, located at Florida’s southernmost point and just 90 miles north of Cuba, is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, pristine beaches, and charming pastel-colored houses. As part of the Florida Keys—a group of tropical islands nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico—Key West offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm, making it an ideal destination for travellers relaxation, great food, and scenic coastal experiences.

Here were some of our favourite things to do in Key West:

1. Duval Street : Key West’s Vibrant Hub for Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment

Duval Street, often referred to as "the main drag" of Key West, stretches over 1.25 miles and is lined with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries, and shops. Known for its lively atmosphere, Duval Street is always bustling with activity. Whether you're looking for a delicious breakfast spot, browsing for souvenirs, or enjoying live music, Duval Street is the place to be.

2. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park Beach : A Hidden Gem for Swimming and Relaxation in Key West

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park Beach, one of our favorite spots in Key West, charges a $7 entrance fee for cars and $2.50 for pedestrians or cyclists. While the main beach area can get crowded, walking to the right leads to a quieter cove perfect for swimming and relaxing, away from the crowds. Keep in mind, on windy days, swimming is not allowed, so check the weather forecast before your visit.

3. Sunset Cocktails at Sunset Pier: The Best Spot to Enjoy Key West's Famous Sunsets

The perfect place to watch the sunset and boats coming in. The views are the highlight of this bar, and we also loved the live music. Service can be slow, especially during the busy sunset hours, so be sure to arrive early if you want a seat or table for sunset.

Website: Key West Sunset Pier

4. Hire Bikes to Explore Key West: A Fun and Easy Way to Get Around

Key West is small, and traffic moves slowly, making it an ideal place to rent a bike and explore. Ride down Duval Street or venture further out to the beaches. Our hotel offered bike rentals, but there are plenty of places along Duval Street where you can easily rent one.

5. Go to Bobby's Monkey Bar (the bar with money hanging from the walls)

One of the most iconic bars in Key West, Bobby's Monkey Bar is famous for the money covering its walls and ceiling. With live music and a great atmosphere, it’s a fun place to spend the evening. Interestingly, the waitress didn’t know the story behind the money, but it’s still a must-visit spot for a drink in Key West.

Website: Bobby's Monkey Bar

6. Admire Key West’s Beautiful Pastel-Coloured Houses

The pastel-colored houses in Key West are a sight to behold, and it's definitely worth taking the time to explore them. While these charming homes can be found throughout Key West, the southwest side of Old Town features streets lined with the most picturesque examples.

7. Experience Key West from the Water: Must-Do Boat Trips

There are plenty of boat trips to choose from in Key West. Although we missed our planned trip due to a storm, we enjoyed watching the boats at sunset the day before, and they looked incredible. If I return, a boat trip would be at the top of my list in Key West.

8. Try Key Lime Pie: Key West's Signature Dessert

Key West is the birthplace of Key Lime Pie. Nearly every restaurant and cafe offers it as a dessert, and shops along Duval Street feature a variety of Key Lime Pie-flavoured treats to try.