Perhaps the best part of visiting Key West is that the city is filled with fun experiences that everyone of all ages can enjoy. Unlike some cities that are more geared toward either adults or children, there are attractions in Key West for the entire family.
Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure and traveling with your family, work colleagues, your significant other, or taking a solo trip, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to do and places to see in Key West.
For lovers of historic sites, sunset cruises, water sports, or anything else, Key West has you covered. Let’s look at seven exciting Key West attractions that can be enjoyed by everyone under the sun:
1) Experience Key West Like Never Before With Key West Boat Trips
Key West Boat Trips offers an extensive range of tours and adventures, enabling visitors to explore breathtaking sights, stroll along sandbars, navigate the stunning waters near the southernmost point of the continental US, and much more. These memorable experiences include:
- Our three or four-hour Hopping Sandbars Tours take you to some of the best sandbars in the Florida Keys. The journey takes about an hour roundtrip, so you’ll enjoy two or three hours soaking up the sun with picturesque views depending on which cruise you choose.
- For the perfect romantic setting, our two-hour Key West Sunset Cruise lets you see the amazing views around the island like never before. You and your favorite person can enjoy an unforgettable experience guaranteed to make everyone back home insanely jealous.
- If you like lobster or other delicious seafood options, our three-hour Lunch or Dinner Cruises combine an amazing meal with a visit to a local sandbar. The captain himself cooks your meal as you enjoy turquoise waters and breathtaking views.
- The two-hour Mud Key Mangrove Safari takes you on a thirty-minute journey through beautiful backcountry waters before arriving at a gorgeous sandbar where you can enjoy swimming or relaxing on the sand.
- On our four-hour Boca Grande Island Time and Snorkeling adventure, you’ll enjoy snorkeling in a sponge garden in five-foot-deep waters before heading to Boca Grande to relax in the sun. It’s a great way to get away from it all, as the island has no cell phone service.
The boats on private tours have Bluetooth-enabled speakers on board that allow you to choose your own music! You may want to download a few songs onto your phone or other device before the tour departs, however, as you may not get enough signal for streaming.
Ready to create unforgettable memories in Key West’s backcountry? Book your adventure with us today and immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of the Florida Keys! Don’t miss out – reserve your spot now and let the adventure begin!
2) Explore The Iconic Duval Street And Mallory Square
No visit to Key West would be complete without a visit to the iconic thoroughfare of Duval Street or the nearby world famous Mallory Square. Filled with restaurants, bars, shops, events, and much more, you’re almost guaranteed to find something you love here:
- Mallory Square is home to the world famous Sunset Celebration, a nightly event that features street performers, live music, entertainment, great food, and so much more. Many travelers come to Key West specifically for the Sunset Celebration, so don’t miss out!
- Mallory Square is the endpoint of the Conch Tour Train, that takes you to some of the best places to see in Key West.
- Duval Street is filled with quaint shops, art galleries, and local eateries, making it the perfect spot to soak in the unique Key West atmosphere. A great place to get a slice of authentic Key Lime Pie from many great restaurants, like Kermit’s Key Lime Shop.
- Stroll through the charming streets of Old Town, where you can admire the historic architecture and vibrant colors of the buildings.
Pro Tip: If you aren’t sure where you want to go in Old Town or want a better look than you’d get from a map, take the Old Town Trolley Tour. Don’t forget to snap a few photos of the iconic gingerbread houses!
3) Get A Glimpse Of The Past At The Hemingway House And Museum
Ernest Hemingway, the beloved Nobel Prize-winning writer whose works were adapted into timeless films starring Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, Gary Cooper, Ingrid Bergman, and countless others, proudly called Key West his home for over a decade.
Today, the house in which he once lived serves as a museum that celebrates not only his life and works but also the city’s rich history. Take a tour, and if you’re lucky, you might even see one of the six-toed cats who live nearby that are rumored to be direct descendants of those owned by Hemingway himself.
Good To Know: Tours start every 15 minutes and the museum is open 365 days a year (or 366, if it’s a Leap Year!), making it the perfect stop for trips of any duration.
4) Take In History And Go Snorkeling At Historic Fort Jefferson
In Dry Tortugas National Park (about 70 miles from Key West), you’ll find the ruins of an abandoned military base known as Fort Jefferson. Guided tours are available, allowing you to learn more about this historic National Monument and its use as a military prison after the Civil War.
After the tour, you can relax on the beach or go snorkeling (don’t worry, rental equipment is available on site!) in the gorgeous turquoise waters, allowing you to see many marine creatures closer than you ever have before.
Good To Know: There is daily ferry service from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. However, if you prefer alternative transportation, you can charter a seaplane or boat from the city.
5) Explore The Key West Historic Seaport And Its Surroundings
The Historic Seaport in Old Town is home to many amazing attractions in Key West, including:
- Animal lovers won’t want to miss the Key West Aquarium, one of the most popular all-ages stops in Old Town. See amazing animals up close like never before, such as colorful tropical fish, playful sea turtles, and fascinating sharks.
- No Key West vacation would be complete without a stop at the Key West Turtle Museum, which serves to bring awareness to the local species of turtles that were once nearly wiped out by turtle hunters many decades ago.
- Grab a bite of fresh seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants, where you can enjoy tasty local dishes while soaking in the beautiful views of the harbor and the lively activity of the seaport.
- Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk to enjoy some amazing views while visiting shops, bars, museums, and much more.
Pro Tip: Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds and make the most of your time exploring the seaport and its attractions, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the fun!
6) Get A Bird’s Eye View Of The Florida Keys With The Famous Key West Lighthouse
Across the street from Ernest Hemingway’s former home, you’ll find the Key West Lighthouse, which once lit up the night sky and helped guide many sailors on their journeys. Although decommissioned over 50 years ago, it now serves as a museum that allows travelers to look back into the location’s history.
The tour takes you through the Keeper’s Quarters, which gives a glimpse into what life was like during the lighthouse’s heyday. If you’re physically able, you’ll want to walk up the 88 steps to the top of the tower to get a stunning overhead view of the entire area.
Pro Tip: Both the lighthouse and the Hemingway House across the street close daily at 5 PM with the last admission being at 4:30. If you have time, consider visiting both after lunch so you’ll have time for both before heading a couple blocks south to see the Southernmost Point Buoy.
7) See Harry Truman’s Little White House
Truman Annex Park, more commonly known as “The Little White House”, which was used by President Truman during his frequent visits to the southernmost point in the country during his time in office.
As you wander around the lovely grounds, you’ll get a peek into the life of one of America’s famous presidents and the important choices he made. The guided tours are fun and easy to follow, helping you picture what it was like for Truman to relax and work in this beautiful place.
Many great historical artifacts and fascinating pieces of history can be found here. Be sure to check out the original furnishings and personal items that belonged to Truman, which add a special touch to your visit. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about the past while enjoying the serene surroundings of this historic site!
Incredible Fun For Everyone In The Stunning Backcountry Of Key West
No matter what brings you and your party (or you by yourself!) to the southernmost point in the continental United States, you’ll find fascinating history, beautiful sights, delicious restaurants, exciting entertainment, great attractions, and so much more.
Key West Boat Trips proudly offers the best guided boat tours in all of the Florida Keys and whether you choose the Sandbar Hopping Tour, a Sunset Cruise, or any of our other amazing adventures, you’ll have an unforgettable experience that’ll make you want to keep visiting Key West year after year. These tours do fill up fast, though, so don’t get left ashore – book your next exciting Key West boat trip today!
The post 7 Must-See Key West Attractions – Fun Experiences For All Ages! first appeared on Key West Boat Trips.
