Traveling to the southernmost city in the US soon? Whether you’re planning on a vacation, or just passing through, you’ll find plenty to see and do. But once you’ve experienced the beauty of a Key West sunset, you won’t leave in a hurry. So we compiled this list of the best things to do while in Key West.
Honor A Literary Icon
Let’s start with a bit of history. Literature buffs, take note. Iconic author Ernest Hemingway called this island his home. See the house where he was inspired to write some of his best works.
Hemingway’s residence at 907 Whitehead St. is now a national historical landmark. Take a guided tour for $17 for adults or $7 for kids aged 6-12. Entrance is free for children 5 years and younger. The tour is available daily, from 9 am – 5 pm.
See The Light…house
Take your stay in Key West to new heights. Eighty-eight steps high to be precise. The Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum at 938 Whitehead St offers a view from a different perspective. Built in 1848, it was presided over by a female lightkeeper, which wasn’t the norm in the 19th century.
Take a tour for $17 for adults or $8 for kids aged 7-12. Entrance is free for children under 7. There are tours available from 10 am – 5 pm daily. Opinions are divided as to whether the historical aspect of the tour is worth it. But everyone agrees that the view most definitely is.
If you suffer from claustrophobia or don’t like heights, this may not be the best activity for you. But there are other options for getting an awesome view. And Mallory Square in the Old Town is top of the list.
Celebrate The Sunset
Nothing compares to the magnificence of a sunset over Key West. If you have not yet experienced this, we highly recommend that you make your way to Mallory Square to view it. One glimpse of the dusky orange sky and you’ll understand why Frank Sinatra claimed that “Orange is the happiest color”.
The free, nightly Sunset Celebration is a mini arts festival that culminates with the famed sunset. However, as this has become a popular vantage point for locals and tourists alike, you may find it a bit crowded. And we don’t want anything to spoil your enjoyment of the gorgeous sunset.
So take to the water with one of the affordable Key West boat rentals on offer. On your own, with a loved one, or with a group of close family or friends, this will be the highlight of your trip.
Explore The Crystal Waters
Of course, no visit to Key West would be complete without indulging in your favorite watersports. Kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, or scuba diving, it’s all here. Coral reef scuba diving possibilities are rather limited in the US. But not in Key West.
Here you will find the best diving opportunities. And one of the top diving sites is the General Hoyt S. Vandenberg wreck site. The Vandenberg was sunk in 2009. It has become known as the world’s second-largest artificial reef as well as one of the most famous wreck diving sites
Many dive tours are available to this site s well as others in the Key West area. But be sure to have your diver’s certification, or enquire about a guided dive.
Party Like A Pirate
If you love the nightlife, you won’t be disappointed. The Key West First Legal Rum Distillery at 105 Simonton St. should be your first port of call. Take a free 20-minute tour anytime between noon and 5 pm. Or a class to learn how to make the perfect mojito. And sip on some fine rum.
Then head on over to Captain Tony’s Saloon at 428 Greene Street. Captain Tony’s has welcomed many illustrious guests in its time, including Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and Truman Capote. And we’re sure you’ll love it just as much as they did.
This famous bar still welcomes influential visitors to this day and is a favorite of both locals and tourists. Established in 1851 as an icehouse and morgue, it has a very intriguing history.
This is celebrated with fun and fantastical fests such as the zombie, steampunk, and pirate parties, which are a regular feature here. So if you want to party like the Pirates of the Caribbean, while in the US, this is the place to go.
