If you’re searching for the ultimate family-friendly summer vacation destination this year, you must consider traveling to Key West in July! Not only do you avoid the peak tourist season and winter crowds, but there are always fun events to partake in when visiting Key West during the summer holiday season.
Key West is full of family-friendly outdoor activities and is known as the Conch Republic due to its stunning tropical atmosphere. Whether trying to avoid peak season in this Florida Keys paradise so you can indulge in the finest hotel accommodations or simply searching for the most exciting summer activities to fill your calendar with, a visit to Key West should definitely be on your vacation radar!
A tour we think you'll love
1) See A Different Side Of Key West
There are plenty of exciting things to see and do in Key West, but there is no more fantastic way to see the environment and wildlife quite like a night kayaking trip with Key West Paddle in one of their glass-bottomed kayaks. Each vessel is fitted with colorful LED lights to illuminate the crystal clear waters beneath your kayak for the ultimate marine life experience.
You’ll see a wide variety of nocturnal marine life and other creatures as you calmly glide through the still waters of the mangrove tunnels here in Key West. This is a family-friendly activity, so be sure to book a tour with the entire family for an unforgettable experience you’ll take with you for years to come. Stop by our website before you finalize your trip details to ensure you get a tour at your preferred time and date.
2) Don’t Skip A Trip To The Key West Historic Seaport
The Key West Historic Seaport has a wide variety of activities available, but one thing you enjoy for free is a stroll on the Key West Harbor Walk. You’ll find stunning schooners to snap pictures of, hungry tarpon meandering through the clear waters, and fascinating historical markers and exhibits to teach you about the rich history and culture of the Florida Keys.
On top of the stunning scenery, you can embark on several different nautical adventures from the historic seaport. Hop on a sunset cruise, rent a boat or kayak, or head to the Dry Tortugas National Park for a day of fun in the sun at one of the most secluded national parks in the country.
Some other activities you can find along your harbor walk include:
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Happy hour specials
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Scuba or snorkeling outings
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Fishing charters
3) Indulge Your Tastebuds At Key West’s Key Lime Festival
When you head to Key West in July, the Key Lime Festival is a can’t-miss event! Not only is Key West the birthplace of the delectable key lime pie, but every year during July, the city hosts an all-things-key-lime festival featuring the area’s citrus favorites!
Though you might think a festival surrounding a single fruit would be limited in activities, this year’s five-day event is full of fantastic things to see and eat! Indulge in the key lime pie hop, sip on key lime-inspired cocktails, and so much more!
Here are just a few of the other fun activities on the lineup for this year’s Key Lime Festival in Key West!
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Pie eating championship
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Mini pie making
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Scavenger Hunt
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Key lime tree master classes
4) Stroll The White Street Pier
On your visit to Key West, you have to make your way to the massive White Street Pier. This long pier juts out into the crystal clear waters to provide unforgettable views of the horizon and the marine life swimming below.
Many visitors come to this spot to drop their lines and take their chances at catching a few fish, while others stroll to the end after a long day of adventure to capture the sweetest views of the setting sun.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to fish or want a moment away from the crowds in a place where you can embrace the natural wonders of Key West, this is a spot you don’t want to miss.
5) Celebrate An American Icon At Hemingway Days
The annual Hemingway Days event in Key West returns this year to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Ernest Hemingway, an American author who spent most of the 1930s writing in the Keys at his home on Whitehead Street.
The Hemingway Days event pays homage to Ernest Hemingway’s sporting lifestyle with a three-day marlin fishing tournament, the Hemingway 5k sunset run/walk, and a paddleboard race.
Lookalikes, writers, and enthusiasts from around the globe flock to Key West during the celebration to indulge in contests, competitions, and other events set up to honor the great American writer.
6) Cool Off At A Pool Party
The warm weather is one of the significant reasons people visit Key West every year, whether during the mild hurricane season or in the shoulder season. July is the perfect time to take a dip at one of the many pool parties going on across the city. Because there are several poolside bars and resorts throughout Key West, there’s always a party to be found, no matter what your ideal scene looks like.
Check out one of these prime locations to enjoy drinks, music, and a dip in the pool!
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Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant
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Sunset Tiki Bar & Pirate’s Cove
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McKee’s Tiki Bar
7) Find Indoor Fun When You Need To Duck The Rain
Occasionally, tropical storms and afternoon thunderstorms will appear during the hurricane season in Key West, but luckily, there’s always something to do, even when the weather is less than ideal. Head to Duval Street to enjoy live music, dancing, and some of the area’s best dining and shopping opportunities.
If it’s live music you want, try one of these establishments to get your groove on:
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Sloppy Joe’s
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Rockhouse Live Key West
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The Bull
Looking for somewhere to stop and grab a bite to eat? Grab a table at one of these local favorite restaurants:
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Nine One Five
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Mangoes Restaurant
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Martin’s Key West
Stop by and loosen your purse strings at one of these classic shopping locations on Duval Street:
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Market Place – Clothing Store
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Duval Square Mall – Shopping Mall
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Duval Village Inc – Shopping Mall
8) LGBT Friendly Activities In Key West
Key West is known for being a very accepting location, being one of the first places in the country to welcome an openly gay official and welcoming people from all walks of life. If you’re looking for a fun way to let your hair down and have a good time, then one of the drag shows in Key West just might be your cup of tea.
Whether you want to experience a drag show for the first time or want to explore the LGBT community in Key West, the drag shows at the Aqua Bar and Nightclub, and 801 Bourbon Bar are some of the local favorites you won’t want to miss.
9) Set Off Your Vacation With Fireworks On The 4th Of July
Get ready to light up the sky because the 4th of July is just around the corner! This is the perfect time to celebrate and enjoy some spectacular fireworks in Key West. When the sun goes down, you can see them illuminate the water from the Pier at White Street, or you can head to Smathers Beach or Higgs Beach to watch two of the most beloved fireworks displays Key West has to offer.
Picture yourself sitting on the sand, feeling the warm breeze on your face, and watching as the fireworks burst into the night sky. It’s a magical experience that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Make The Most Of Your Key West Vacation
There are so many fun and exciting things to do in Key West when you visit in July, but if you’re looking to beat the crowds and have an intimate experience with nature and the impressive wildlife, then a kayak trip with Key West Paddle should be on your Florida Keys bucket list.
There’s nothing more beautiful than seeing tropical fish and other marine life glide beneath your glass-bottomed kayak as you navigate through the glorious mangrove tunnels with your friends and family. Contact us on our website to organize your unforgettable experience today!
