“Is Key West Worth Visiting?” is a common question that is asked by many people every year. Sure, it gets five million visitors a year, but most people have visited a tourist destination in a different state which made them say, “I don’t get the hype.”
However, visitors almost never say that about Key West. It’s one of the most popular places for visitors from around the world for a very important reason: no matter what you want to experience, the Key West area has something for you.
A tour we think you'll love
To expand on that reason, however, let’s look at five major reasons that you’ll not only have a great experience when you visit Key West for the first time, but you’ll love it so much that you’ll want to keep coming back year after year.
1) Unforgettable Experiences With Key West Paddle
Key West Paddle’s amazing tours offer an unforgettable experience that you and your group will talk about for years to come. Whether you come to Key West with friends and family, for a special event like a wedding, or on a corporate retreat, you won’t want to miss our amazing tour options, which include:
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On our one hour and 20 minute Night Kayak Guided Tour, you and your group will voyage through the nearby mangrove trails, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Our glass bottom kayaks are illuminated by LED lights, allowing you to see marine life like never before. This magical experience takes place on calm and clear waters, allowing you to relax and paddle without fear. No kayaking experience is required!
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Available in both three and four-hour versions, our Key West Sandbar Trip takes you to multiple amazing sandbars for snorkeling, relaxing, swimming, and other amazing beach activities. Both tours cover the same amazing locations (Jewish Basin, Mud Keys, and Snipe Point) only a short boat ride away from shore, but the longer version allows you to spend more time on each sandbar. No matter which one you choose, you’re in for a wonderful time!
Good To Know: Although our kayaking trip requires you to be sober for safety purposes, those enjoying the Sandbar Trip tour are encouraged to bring their own alcohol (water and soda will be provided on the boat). You can also bring some food if you’d like a picnic in the sand.
2) Great Food, Entertainment, And More In Our Tropical Paradise
Key West Florida provides an unparalleled view into island life and culture through its popular historic locales like Mallory Square. In addition to restaurants, bars, shops, and much more, it is also the home of the famous Sunset Celebration.
This festival is held every night around sundown and features live music, street performers, food trucks, and more. Many celebrity guests and famous figures have attended this amazing celebration since its inception in the late 1960s.
Another important place to see when you visit Key West is the nearby historic Duval Street, where you’ll find even more shopping, entertainment, and delicious food. It’s also the perfect place for dessert, especially if you’re craving authentic homemade Key Lime Pie.
If you’re wondering “is Key West worth it?”, come see the Sunset Celebration in Mallory Square and eat a piece of Key Lime Pie on Duval Street and, after a few hours, you’ll never have to wonder again because you’ll know the answer is a resounding “Yes!” These two locations are considered the heart and soul of the island.
3) Visit Key West And See Amazing Historical Sites
Although Key West Florida is an amazing place to relax in the sun, there are also many opportunities here to learn and view some of the awe-inspiring historical sites at the southernmost point in the continental United States.
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Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, a strategic base used during the Civil War, is now home to a museum and recreation area where you can see an actual cannon used in battle over 150 years ago and then relax in the sand afterward.
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The Truman Annex and the Winter White House are located in different parts of the island but are both important pieces of World War II history. President Harry Truman used these locations during his time in office and both now serve as museums that showcase the island’s rich history.
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Both fans and non-fans of mid-20th century literature will love the historic Hemingway House near Duval Street, a museum that served as the home to famous novelist, poet, and screenwriter Ernest Hemingway. It’s a great opportunity to learn about both the man and the way life used to be on the island.
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Across the street from Hemingway House, you’ll find the old Key West Lighthouse, one of the oldest remaining lighthouses in the United States. Not only is the site of great historical significance but a trip to the top provides stunning views of the surrounding area that can’t be beat.
Pro Tip: A lesser-known treasure in Key West is the Fort East Martello Museum. This historic fort, built during the Civil War, now houses unique art and artifacts, including a collection of works by local artist Mario Sanchez. It’s a quiet spot where you can enjoy history and creativity away from the usual tourist crowds!
4) Explore The Many Beautiful Beaches And Recreation Areas
Key West offers many amazing beaches, recreation areas, and sandbars that allow you to relax in and near the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Some are crowded and others are a bit secluded, but no matter what type of atmosphere you’re looking for, you’ll find it when you visit Key West.
Popular Key West beaches and recreation areas include:
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Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible by a ferry from Key West, is a great place for snorkeling, relaxing, seeing marine life up close, and much more. The ferry runs from Key West to historic Civil War fortress Fort Jefferson about 70 miles away.
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Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, as mentioned above, is one of the most popular beaches you’ll find when you visit Key West. In addition to the tour of the fort and the beach, there are also some great nature trails here if you’re up for a little walk.
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Clarence Higgs Memorial Beach Park, commonly called Higgs Beach, is the perfect location for those who’ve brought their pets, as there is a separate space for your furry friends to run free of their leashes.
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If you’d like to truly get away for a few days, Sunset Key Cottages offers a luxurious experience on the nearby island of Sunset Key. No cars are allowed, there are no shops to visit, and you can enjoy (relative) solitude away from the stresses and cares of daily life. It’s just a short boat ride away from Mallory Square.
Good To Know: Hurricane season in the Florida Keys section of the Atlantic Ocean runs from June to November, but with early detection, you should know a week or more in advance if a hurricane is predicted to land during your visit. You’ll likely be fine, but don’t forget to check the news!
5) Beautiful Nature, Sea Creatures, And So Much More!
Before you arrive in Key West Florida, you’ll enjoy amazing views of spectacular nature, especially if you drive down the Overseas Highway from Miami through the other Florida Keys and end at the Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West.
Once you get to Key West, however, things will get even more beautiful. Animal lovers will cherish the opportunities to see different creatures up close that Key West offers, including marine life at Key West Aquarium and butterflies at the Key West Butterfly Observatory.
The Key West Garden Club is another popular landmark in the Florida Keys that was built in the remains of a Civil War-era fort. It features plant life so beautiful and fascinating that you’ll want to come back every time you visit Key West.
On the boardwalk in Old Town Key West, you’ll find a museum dedicated to sea turtles, which have made up a large portion of the history of the Florida Keys as five separate species can be found in the waters nearby.
Enjoy A Fun Experience On The Tropical Island Of Key West
“Is Key West fun?” “Is Key West Worth Visiting?” “Is Key West Worth It?”
These are common questions asked by people who have never visited Key West or the Florida Keys. Once you arrive at the island, we’re confident that you’ll love Key West so much that you’ll want to keep coming back year after year.
Between the city’s rich history, beautiful beaches, Mallory Square, and spectacular nature, you’ll surely find something to love. Most important, however, are the amazing tour offerings from Key West Paddle.
Whether you choose the sandbar tour or you’d rather go night kayaking through the mangroves, you’re sure to have a time so good that you’ll want to keep coming back year after year. These tours do sell out, however, especially during peak tourist season, so don’t delay – book your next amazing voyage with Key West Paddle today!
