With its white sand, turquoise waters, and just a 4-by-2-mile size, the island sits closer to Cuba than to mainland Florida! Among countless things to do in Key West are Ernest Hemingway house, USA Southernmost Point, etc.
P.S
Key West is the most tropical, Caribbean-like place you’ll find in the U.S.!
Things to do in Key West
1. Taking a walk down Duval Street
Duval Street is the heart of island, known for its vibrant atmosphere, mix of historic architecture, shops, and restaurants.
Fun fact: it is stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Walking through Key West Botanical garden
The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is a peaceful, open-air sanctuary showcasing native and rare plants from the Florida Keys and Caribbean.
It’s a great place to explore nature trails, see butterflies and birds, and enjoy a quiet break from the busy island streets.
3. Visiting Ernest Hemingway house
Ernest Hemingway, one of the most famous residents of Key West, lived there in the 1930s. He bought a beautiful Spanish colonial home, pictured below, and stayed for eight years:
Today, the Ernest Hemingway House is a major tourist attraction – also known for its 40 to 50 six-toed cats, believed to be descendants of Hemingway’s own pets:
Pictured below, more cats:
And two more, on the Ernest Hemingway bed:
4. Stopping at the Route 1 Mile zero landmark
U.S. Route 1 is one of America’s oldest highways, running along East Coast from the southernmost point, Key West, right to the Canada border!
Mile 0 of U.S. Route 1 is definitely worth a quick visit, it’s one of the most photographed signs in Key West:
5. Making pictures at the “90 miles to Cuba” or USA Southernmost Point
The iconic buoy “Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S.” is a colorful landmark and one of the most photographed spots in the country, with tourists lining up every day to snap a picture:
6. Exploring Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is home to over 50 species of butterflies from around the world and several species of exotic birds, including the famous flamingo couple, Rhett and Scarlett:
The conservatory is filled with lush plants, waterfalls, winding paths, and hundreds of free-flying butterflies.
Pictured below: it really feels like a tiny rainforest:
7. Celebrating sunset at Mallory Square
One of the most sentimental traditions in town is the nightly Sunset Celebration, a carnival that takes place in Malloy Square with street performers and crowd gathering for taking in the sunset:
Pictured below: there is always some action is going on Malloy Square at night:
8. Things to do in Key West: try famous dessert, Key lime pie
Key Lime Pie, Florida’s official state pie, is made with tangy Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, traditionally requiring no baking.
Its origins are debated, but it likely comes from the cook of Florida millionaire William Curry. The pie is naturally pale yellow:
Extra: budget stay in Key West, Boyd’s Campground
Staying on the island can be pricey, with mid-range rooms averaging around $350–$400 per night.
We were lucky to find a Boyd’s Campground with an excellent sunrise view (though that only works from certain campsites).
Pictured below: T25 campsite:
View from another side:
Besides sea star, pictured below, we saw lots of fish, and a nurse shark, right near our campsite!
Artem getting up early to watch sunrise:
Best time to visit Key West
For low hurricane risk, comfortable weather, and manageable crowds the really good times for visiting the Florida Keys are in late April to early June and November to mid-December.
Read next:
Florida unique wildlife experience:
Secluded, family-friendly, romantic gateway. Great also for bird-watching:
John Pennekamp underwater state park, Florida Keys. Plan a visit until it vanished completely: 98% of the park is gone.
Python invasion, last Florida Panther, amazing birds, etc. Shark Valley Tram Tour. Everglades:
P.S. The movies and book about Florida for kids and families
“Dolphin Tale” is a heartwarming and inspiring movie about friendship and rescuing a dolphin; based on a true story. Don’t be surprised if your kids will ask to be homeschooled and live on a boat in Florida! 😀
Kate DiCamillo is an awards-winning children’s writer who grew up in Florida. Her book “Because of Winn-Dixie“ (and the movie as well) is a great introduction to Florida through the eyes of 10 y/o, her challenges, and her joys.
