Things to do (south) – Key West Proper (Mile Markers 4 to zero)

 

Key West Island - info

 

Live Music

 

Classic KW Pub Crawl

 By no means exhaustive. Not that we are condoning, but open containers while not technically allowed, are also not exactly frowned upon. Please plan ahead and designate a driver or plan to taxi/Uber!

Food/Bars

There are SO many amazing restaurants in Key West, and you probably won't have a bad meal while you are here.

Some of our favorite places

  • Kaya Island Eats -- get the wings. You're welcome. 
  • Better than Sex Desserts -- Reservations needed, must try the French Kiss Affair champagne caramel cocktail
  • Garbo's Grille -- located in the yard of Hanks, 
  • Aqua - Fun and lively drag show
  • Hanks Hair of the Dog Saloon -- usually we stop off here from the airport before heading home. Pro tip: there is a paid parking lot next to here that almost always has spots and is easy walking distance to pretty much anywhere you'd want to go. Garbo’s Grill is the food truck serving Korean BBQ fusion in the yard of Hanks.
  • Latitudes -- One of the more famous spots for upscale, beach dining. Definitely requires reservations (often weeks) in advance and will need a small boat ride to get to the private island
  • Waterfront Brewery -- located right by the aquarium on the docks, and they have a ton of arcade games. Pro tip: Great place to go with kids when it's raining or need a break from the sun

 

Beaches & Parks

The Keys don't have wide sandy beaches seen in other Florida locations because the massive offshore coral reefs (fifth largest in the world!) prevents the erosion and sand from building up along the shore. So while the beaches aren't what make the Keys special, there are still some great beaches in the Keys. Be aware that seaweed can sometimes build up in the summer months making beachgoing less favorable on the major downtown beaches, but usually don’t affect the offshore sandbars and keys (all the more reason to plan a charter). 

      • Farmers Market - Thursday 2pm-7pm(highly recommend for locally made souvenirs and plan to graze multiple food stalls for dinner)
      • Easy parking, restrooms, Splashpad and playground for kids (and adults when it's hot)
  • Higgs Beach
    • Easy parking, beach, watersports, restrooms, tennis courts
    • free Pickleball pick-up (daily) - starting at 8am
    • Salute is a touristy but reliably good restaurant right on the beach that has FREE PARKING and usually no/minimal wait. Also a nice spot to hit after the airport before you head to the house. 

 

Museums

      • 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
      • Open 9am-5pm seven days a week
      • Book tickets in advance
      • All inside
  • Key West Aquarium
    • 1 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
    • Open 9am-6pm seven days a week
      • 907 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
      • Open 9am-5pm seven days a week
      • Walk-in tickets only - inc. 20-30 minute guided tour
      • Cash only - $18 per adult, $7 per child, free for 5 and under
    • 111 Front Street, Key West, FL 33040
    • Open 9.30am-4.30pm seven days a week
    • Book tickets in advance

 

Walking tours / Tram tours / Ghost tours

  • Tram/Trolley
      • Key West Island Tales (not to be confused with Capt Andy’s Island Tales Charter–common name around here) Amy is a knowledgeable and fun local guide who grew up here and does all sorts of golf cart tours. If you happen to be here around Christmas, be sure to take the Christmas Lights tour!
      • Key West Trolley Tours 
      • Conch Train Tours
        • I don't think we've ever heard a bad review about the Conch Train, even from locals
  • Walking
  • Special events/Holidays

 

Day/Sunset Cruises

      • Video - bar on a boat (actually a bar that is a boat)

 

Personal services

    • Excellent massages

 

Wet weather activities

  • See Waterfront Brewery, museums above