Key West Local Guide: Best Beaches, Dining & Day Trips on Florida’s Island Town

Even if you’ve explored every nook and cranny of Florida, there’s not any other spot in the state that is quite like Key West. It’s a quirky, unique town and although it may not actually be legal, the residents there declared their independence back in 1982. You may even hear some of them refer to Key West as the Conch Republic. To fit in with the locals, make sure you master the pronunciation before you go. It’s pronounced “konk,” not “kontch.” Also make a point to try some of the famous conch fritters while you’re there—you can find them on most menus. 

This is a pretty small town: the entire island is only about four miles long and about two miles wide. Good things come in small packages though, and Key West is proof of that. For such a tiny town, there’s a lot to do. It can be easy to hang out on Duval Street and bar hop around the whole time you’re there, but you’ll find there are several other things to keep you busy during your time in Key West. I’ve been there multiple times, and experienced a lot over the years. In my opinion, these are the best things to do in Key West. 

This is without a doubt, my favorite beach in Key West. This state park offers a great place to snorkel just off the shore, and I’ve seen so many cool reef fish there around the rocks. The park is nicely maintained and there’s also a fort that you can walk through and explore. At certain times, they even do Civil War reenactments. This is also a great spot to see the sunset. 

In addition to activities like swimming and beach volleyball, Higgs Beach also has a Civil War fort. The Key West Garden Club is based there too. It’s an interesting place to check out, and you’ll also find an African refugee gravesite and memorial there.

Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West and is located on the south side of the island. Sunset Watersports offers a beach pass for Smathers Beach that allows visitors to have day use of beach toys like kayaks, paddleboards, and floats. 

This is my favorite way to explore the island. I’ve had so much fun riding a scooter around Key West and seeing all of the sights. There are multiple rental companies in town, and you can rent one for a half day, full day, or week. 

If you don’t want to rent a scooter, I think this is a good thing to consider doing on your first trip there, as it serves as a way to get a lay of the land. You can hop on at any of the stops, and you can use this as a way to show you where everything is before setting out to explore on your own. 

This is the most festive place to see the sunset in Key West. Situated right along the water’s edge, you’ll find artists set up selling their creations and lots of unique entertainment. You never know what you’ll see there—I once actually saw a cat walking a tightrope in Mallory Square. 

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is such a neat place and I thoroughly enjoyed walking through the home of this literary genius. Maybe it was the cool house, or maybe it was the six-toed cats. Be on the lookout because you’ll likely see the kitties strutting around this gorgeous home. Some of them are descendants of Hemingway’s original cat. 

Mel Fisher is Florida’s most famous treasure hunter, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is one of the only places where you can see actual treasures that he found just off of Florida’s coast. Their gift shop is a little different than most tourist attractions, too. This is where I purchased my favorite vacation souvenir of all time—a pendant made from an actual coin that was found on one of the shipwrecks. 

The only way you can get there is by booking a ticket on the Yankee Freedom Ferry or taking a flight with Key West Seaplane Charters, but this island is worth a visit. No matter which option you take, the fort surrounded by crystal blue water will make this the most unique national park you’ve ever visited. 

I love butterflies, so I decided to give the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy a shot on my last visit to Key West.  I was so surprised when I went inside and found myself in a tropical paradise surrounded by a plethora of butterfly and bird species. 

A visit to Key West gives you the opportunity to snorkel among North America’s only living coral reefs. If you want to see marine life, I highly suggest this. Even if you’ve never snorkeled before, going out on a guided tour in this clear water is the perfect place to try it. 

It’s a surreal feeling to kayak among the mangroves and their twisted, gnarled roots. It literally feels like you are meandering through tunnels. You can rent a kayak and go on your own, or take a guided tour. 

Yes, this is one of the most touristy things you can do, but a stop by the Southernmost Point Buoy is a must for your first trip to Key West. You may have to wait in line with the others as you await your turn, but a selfie in front of this iconic spot is just a right of passage for your first visit to the city. 

Located right on the edge of the water, Conch Republic Seafood Company is my top pick for the best fresh seafood in Key West. I’m also a big fan of their Conch Fritters. Just like Key Lime Pie, this is another food you have to try when visiting Key West. 

If you’re coming to Key West, you’re required to indulge in our scrumptious Florida dessert. Lucky for you, you’ll find it on almost every menu in Key West, but if you want the best Key Lime Pie, go to Kermit’s. My go-to is the chocolate-dipped key lime pie on a stick. 

Sloppy Joe’s is an iconic bar and restaurant that has been around since the 1930s and is said to have been one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite places to hang out. They fondly pay homage to the beloved author each July with a Hemingway Look-Alike Contest.

If you want to hear live music, Hog’s Breath Saloon is a fun spot. There’s also a full menu and bar. If you want your signature Florida dessert in liquid form, you can get that here, too. Try their Key Lime Cocktail if you visit. 

Blue Heaven is a cute and whimsical spot located within the Bahama Village area of Key West and is a fun spot with outside dining, tropical foliage, and unique art. The ambience makes this place worth visiting, but the food is really great, too, and they’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Key West International Airport (EYW) is a small airport, but services multiple airlines. There’s even a couple of low-cost carriers that fly there, such as Allegiant. Earlier this year I even found a really great deal and booked a roundtrip ticket from Orlando to Key West for less than $80 on Breeze. 

This is one of those epic journeys that you have to make at least once in your life. If you’re coming from out of the state, you can fly to Miami, rent a car, and drive for about three and a half hours. Plan for a longer drive though, because once you get to Key Largo, you’ll follow the Overseas Highway and pass through several unique spots where you may want to stop – including Islamorada, which I think is one of the most charming beach towns in Florida.   

The Key West Express offers round-trip ferry service from two southwest Florida locations: Marco Island and Ft Myers Beach. You’ll be on the boat for about three and a half to four hours each way.