The summer months fly by, and before you know it, early August has arrived. Now, you’re searching for that perfect last summer fling. No need to worry—this is the ideal time to visit Key West.
During the shoulder season, you will find fewer crowds, lower prices, and plenty of sunshine. While August marks the midpoint of hurricane season in the Florida Keys, don’t let that stop you. Key West in August is simply unbeatable, offering unique events, local attractions, and plenty of outdoor activities.
A tour we think you'll love
Get ready for seven fun-filled activities that make Key West the perfect summer send-off:
1) August In Key West – Your Water Adventure Playground Awaits
August in Key West means warm waters and the perfect conditions for a paddling adventure. Whether you want to cruise through the Mud Keys and spend time on the sandbars or explore the glowing underwater world at night, at Key West Paddle we are ready to show you our island’s natural beauty.
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Key West Sandbar Trip – Discover Key West’s hidden gems with this sandbar adventure. Our guided trip takes you to secluded sandbars where you can lounge in the shallow waters, snorkel among the sea life, or soak up the sun.
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Night Kayak Guided Tour – Experience Key West’s waters in a whole new light—literally. The LED-lit glass-bottom kayak tour will allow you to paddle in the shallow waters, illuminating the marine life beneath you. Watch as nurse sharks, stingrays, and glowing jellyfish come to life under the illuminated kayaks.
Don’t let summer slip away without making the most of it! Grab your gear, gather your friends, and dive into an unforgettable Key West adventure before the season ends. Visit our website now and start planning your perfect summer escape!
2) Things To Do In Key West In August – Fun Events Await!
August in Key West isn’t just about sunny days and ocean breezes—it’s a month packed with celebrations, flavors, and high-energy events. From seafood feasts to rum tastings, there’s no shortage of events and fun to dive into:
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Key West Lobsterfest (August 7-10, 2025) – Celebrate the start of lobster season with one of Key West’s main summer events. Get ready for fresh Florida lobster prepared in every way imaginable—grilled, steamed, and even baked into mac and cheese. The festival kicks off with an Original Lobster Boil, followed by a free street fair featuring live music and food vendors.
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Rum Fest Key West (August 11-17, 2025) – Raise your glass to island life at Rum Fest Key West, where rum lovers can sample over 300 different rums, enjoy live music, participate in a rum cake competition, and take part in other fun events.
Fun Fact: Key West is home to Waterfront Brewery, the southernmost brewery in the continental U.S. If the festivals leave you craving more island drinks, stop by for a local brew with unbeatable views.
3) Sunny Key West – Stunning Beaches
Key West’s beaches may be small, but the sandy beaches are above all others when it comes to beauty and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for soft sand, crystal-clear waters, or a perfect sunset spot, August is an ideal time for a perfect day at the beach.
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Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach – Higgs Beach offers more than just a scenic shoreline—it’s a place for relaxation, recreation, and history. Visitors can enjoy sandy shores, the 400-foot Reynolds Street Pier, and shore snorkeling.
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South Beach – Located at the southern end of Duval Street, South Beach is a small but charming beach perfect for a quick dip or a peaceful afternoon by the water. Its calm waters make it ideal for splashing around without fighting the waves.
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Simonton Street Beach – Tucked away near the Key West Bight, this hidden gem offers an intimate beach experience. The clear waters and soft sand make it an ideal place for a quick swim or a peaceful place by the ocean.
Fun Fact: Key West’s beaches are mostly man-made. The sand is imported, giving it a unique feel and color.
4) Soaking In Key West’s Rich History
Key West’s past is as colorful as its sunsets. From shipwreck hunters and cigar makers to famous writers and political unrest, the island’s history is woven into every street and shoreline. Whether you’re exploring historic homes or uncovering tales of pirates and pioneers, Key West has many attractions to take you on a historic journey.
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Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum – Hemingway lived here in the 1930s, writing some of his most famous works while surrounded by the island’s laid-back charm. Today, visitors can tour the home, admire the gardens, and meet the famous six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway’s original feline companion.
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The Key West Shipwreck Museum – Key West’s economy once relied on wrecking, the practice of salvaging goods from ships that ran aground on nearby reefs. The museum brings this history to life through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and a 65-foot lookout tower where visitors can enjoy the island views.
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Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – Fort Zachary Taylor is a Civil War-era fort offering stunning ocean views and a glimpse into Key West’s military past. Visitors can explore the fort’s cannons and brick corridors.
Fun Fact: Key West was first named Bone Island. The Spanish explorers called the island Cayo Hueso, which translates to Island of Bones, inspired by the human remains they found on the island.
5) Chasing The Sunset In Key West
There is no place quite like Key West to enjoy a sunset. Whether you’re sailing into a beautiful sunset or joining the party at Mallory Square, watching the sun dip below the Gulf is an unforgettable experience.
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Sunset Cruises – For those who want to enjoy a luxury cruise, Key West offers a variety of options that combine stunning views with onboard amenities. Whether you’re sipping cocktails or enjoying a gourmet dinner, sunset cruises provide a relaxing way to end the day.
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Sunset Sails – For a fun sailing adventure, hop aboard a classic schooner or private sailboat. Sunset sails often include a history lesson for guests to learn about Key West’s maritime past while admiring the view.
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Sunset Celebration – Mallory Square is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Every evening, it comes alive with street performers, food vendors, artists, and musicians. It has been a Key West tradition since the 1960s.
Fun Fact: Key West is famous for its green flash sunsets. On rare occasions, a brief green glow will appear as the sun dips below the horizon. When the atmosphere bends light, colors separate, creating the flash. Clear skies and good views over the water provide the best chance to witness this event.
6) Visit Key West In August And Enjoy The Great Outdoors
Key West is an outdoor paradise. Whether you’re diving into the vibrant coral reefs, biking through scenic trails, or exploring, the island offers ways to enjoy the outdoors.
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Snorkeling & Diving – Key West is home to some of the most vibrant coral reefs in North America, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers alike. Popular dive sites include the USS Vandenberg, an artificial reef, and the Sand Key Lighthouse Reef, known for its coral formations.
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Bike The Overseas Heritage Trail – The trail offers a scenic bike ride through the Florida Keys. Stretching over 90 miles, the paved trail follows the historic route of the Henry Flagler railroad, passing through forests, coastal views, and charming island towns.
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Nature Walks – The Key West Nature Preserve has boardwalks that wind through native habitats. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park combines history with scenic trails. Watch for herons, pelicans, bald eagles, and more.
Helpful Hint: August is known for its storms, making it necessary to stay weather-ready during hurricane season. Whether facing tropical storms or sudden rain showers, always have a way to receive weather alerts. Local weather apps provide quick updates, while a NOAA Weather Radio ensures you stay informed even when exploring outdoors.
7) Must-Stop Local Attractions In Key West
From iconic streets to scrumptious delights, Key West offers plenty of unforgettable experiences. Whether you want to check out the shops in the heart of the island or try the island’s famous pie, no trip is complete without checking out these attractions.
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Duval Street – Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, browsing quirky shops, or enjoying live music at legendary bars, this street is a must-see for visitors.
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Lobster Delicacies – Restaurants across Key West celebrate lobster season with special dishes, from lobster rolls to buttery grilled tails. Now is the perfect time to indulge in this seasonal delicacy.
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Key Lime Pie & Sweet Treats – No trip to Key West is complete without a slice of Key Lime Pie. Whether you prefer the classic graham cracker crust or a chocolate-dipped version, local bakeries serve up some of the best Key Lime treats. Stop by Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe or Key West Key Lime Pie Co. for a taste of this iconic dessert.
Did You Know? Did you know that Key limes are yellow when ripe, not green like the Persian lime? They’re also smaller, more aromatic, and pack a stronger tartness, making them perfect for a pie.
Key West In August – The Place To Be
From underwater adventures to historic sites, Key West in August is full of experiences. Whether you are ready to adorn a lobster bib, enjoy the outdoors, or take in unforgettable sunsets, Key West has it all.
At Key West Paddle, we want to be part of your last fling of summer. Whether kayaking for the first time or planning to party on the sandbars, we want to help you make lasting memories.
Summer is going to fly by quickly; book your last summer hurrah before summer fades away!
