Key West has a well-earned reputation as one of the best vacation destinations in the United States. Over two million visitors head to Florida’s southernmost point for fun, relaxation, and amazing weather.
However, the city (and the Florida Keys in general!) has much more to offer than just incredible views of nature (although we like those, too!). There are many amazing activities to enjoy and places to explore around the island.
A tour we think you'll love
If you’re planning a trip to the area, you may want to know what to do in Key West for a day. Here are nine wonderful options for must-see fun and entertainment for you to consider.
1) Enjoy Amazing Night Kayaking Tours
The only night kayaking tour through the mangroves in the city, Key West Paddle offers a unique opportunity for families, singles, coworkers, and everyone else. In a single or double-glass bottom boat, you’ll explore the amazing natural beauty of the island and its surrounding areas.
A local, knowledgeable guide will lead you through the waters and tell you all about the amazing marine life you’ll see up close. The boats are specially equipped with LED lights to light up the waters and show you things you’d never see anywhere else.
Key West Paddle is a family-owned and locally-operated tour company that has dazzled visitors to Key West for over a decade. If you want a fun experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, you won’t want to miss this unique opportunity.
If you have a limited amount of time to explore Key West, these kayaking tours should be at the top of your list. Book your unforgettable night kayaking trip today!
2) Enjoy Shopping And Entertainment – Visit Key West’s Historic Duval Street
One of the most well-known thoroughfares in the Florida Keys, Duval Street in downtown Key West is home to some of the best entertainment and shops in South Florida. No day trip to Key West could be complete without a visit here.
Restaurants, bars, shops, and more line this mile-long strip, letting you experience the magic and wonder of island life. Be sure to check out these must-visit restaurants on Duval Street:
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La Trattoria serves some of the finest Italian cuisine. The perfect setting for a romantic dinner, this award-winning restaurant is located right in the heart of Duval Street.
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For something a little different, the Nine One Five Restaurant and Bar offers a fusion-style menu filled with combinations you never thought possible, like General Tso’s Cauliflower. You’ll also want to try the tropical ceviche.
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Rams Head Southernmost, the Key West location of the famous Maryland-based Rams Head restaurant and entertainment group, offers some of the best seafood on the island, just off of Duval Street. If you aren’t in the mood for fish, try the pork tacos.
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In addition to seafood, Stinkin’ Crawfish also has fine Cajun cuisine, like jambalaya and gumbo. For appetizers or a smaller meal, check out the frog legs or the fried pickles.
Pro tip: To make the most of your visit, consider exploring Duval Street during the early evening when the shops are open, and the restaurants start to come alive with music and entertainment. This way, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, sample delicious food, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere as the sun sets over the island.
3) Experience Island Life – See The Sunset Celebration At Beautiful Mallory Square
Beautiful Mallory Square in Old Town Key West is home to street performers, delicious food, live music, arcades, a tattoo parlor, and much more. Some of Key West’s most popular events and locations can be found here.
There’s so much to do here that you could almost plan an entire day trip just to Mallory Square. You’ll be surprised at how fast time flies while you’re shopping at Boutique Alexandra or watching street performers sing and dance.
Mallory Square is also home to the Sunset Celebration, a nightly festival that starts two hours before the sun sets. You may have seen some amazing sunsets in your life, but you’ll never see one like you will here. Famous attendees over the years include Mark Twain, Tennessee Williams, and Ernest Hemingway.
4) Get Some Delicious Key Lime Pie
Other than its natural beauty and popularity as a vacation destination, Key West is perhaps best known for being the namesake and birthplace of the famous Key Lime Pie. The exact year is disputed by some sources, but most people agree that it was invented here in the 1930s.
If you want to grab a slice and enjoy some delicious, authentic Key Lime Pie as a snack or as a dessert after your meal, head to the Blue Heaven restaurant on Thomas Street in downtown Key West.
5) Enjoy Our Nation’s Rich History – Visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
To add a little bit of history and culture to your visit, you won’t want to miss this former Civil War-era fort, named after the man who served in the Oval Office during the early part of the area’s construction.
In addition to cannons used during the Civil War and other artifacts of our nation’s rich history, Zachary Taylor Park also contains one of the best beaches on the island.
Pro tip: If you get hungry, there’s delicious food at the Cayo Hueso Café (try the Traditional Cuban sandwich!). They also host weddings and other private events for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you and your guests will cherish forever.
6) Snorkel The Day Away – Take A Cruise To Dry Tortugas National Park
Hop aboard a ferry and head over to Dry Tortugas National Park, 90 miles west of the island. You can also charter a seaplane if your time is limited and you’d prefer not to make a day trip out of it. If you’ve already experienced the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, you may want to enjoy a sunset of your own in a more intimate setting.
As the waters here are protected, they are a clear blue that allows you to see for miles. This makes it an attractive destination for divers and snorkelers who want to explore underwater near a colony of living coral reefs.
Good to know: Don’t worry about bringing your own; you can rent snorkel gear here. It also contains another Civil War era fort, Fort Jefferson.
7) Increase Your Knowledge Of Literary History – Visit The Hemingway House
No trip to Key West would be complete without stopping by the historic Hemingway House, the residence of famed novelist Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. It is now a museum dedicated to his life and works that has become a can’t-miss for both Hemingway fans and those who aren’t as familiar.
Open 365 days a year from 9 AM to 5 PM, if you’re going to spend a day in Key West, you’ll want to make time to stop here. Tours begin every 15 minutes, so you’ll never have to wait very long.
8) Learn About South Florida’s Conch Republic
One of the country’s most famous micronations, The Conch Republic, humorously “seceded” from the United States in 1982. After tensions (legitimately) arose from a Border Patrol checkpoint that disrupted life for both locals and visitors, the fully autonomous Conch Republic was born.
Souvenirs, including passports and license plates, are available for sale around the island. You can also see the fleet of a dozen or so aircraft that make up The Conch Republic Air Force.
9) Enjoy The Fun In Sun – Stop By Gorgeous Higgs Beach
One of the most popular beaches on the island, Clarence S. Higgs Beach State Park (or Higgs Beach, as the locals call it) is another place you won’t want to miss. There are plenty of activities here:
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Swimming – Enjoy the clear, warm waters perfect for a refreshing dip
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Sunbathing – Relax on the soft sand and soak up the sun
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Water sports – Rent paddleboards or kayaks for an adventurous day on the water
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Picnicking – Utilize the picnic areas equipped with tables and grills for a fun outdoor meal
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Beach volleyball – Join a game or start your own with friends and family
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Nature trails – Explore the nearby trails for a chance to see local wildlife and beautiful scenery
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Historic sites – Visit the nearby African Cemetery and the White Street Pier for a touch of history
Pro tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach, especially during peak tourist season. Consider bringing a beach umbrella and some snacks to make your day more comfortable.
Enjoying A Beautiful Day Trip To Sunny Key West
No matter what you and your family or group want to see and explore during your visit to the southernmost city in the continental United States, you’ll be sure to find it during your next exciting day trip to Key West.
Whether you’re here for a sunset cruise, visiting Blue Heaven or Mallory Square, experiencing the Sunset Celebration, snorkeling on the beaches, or enjoying the many other amazing sights and attractions that Key West offers, we can’t wait to welcome you during your next visit to the Florida Keys!
If you only have a limited amount of time while visiting Key West, you’ll want to book your night kayaking trip with us early. Our cozy, intimate tours of the mangrove tunnels and pristine waters of the Florida Keys will make you want to come back again and again with friends and relatives. Book this amazing experience today!
