Destination guideFlorida · United States
27 Things to Do in Key West (2026)
Key West, Florida, is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States, located approximately 129 miles southwest of Miami and 90 miles north of Cuba.
Read more
The island’s documented history includes habitation by the Calusa and Tequesta people, followed by Spanish exploration in 1513. It was historically known as Cayo Hueso, or "Bone Island," and became a United States territory in 1821. By the mid-19th century, Key West was the wealthiest city per capita in the country, with an economy based on maritime industries such as shipwreck salvaging, sea salt production, and turtle harvesting.
- 27 spots
- 5 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Key West5 dishes
Hogfish Sandwich Where to order it in Key West
Mix-and-Match Cuban Coffee & Pastelitos Where to order it in Key West
Richard’s Very Good PancakesAt Blue Heaven
Pink Shrimp Ceviche Where to order it in Key West
Lobster Roll (Key West Style) Where to order it in Key West
The short answer
- The top things to do in Key West, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- 5 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
27 places worth your time in Key West
Things to see and do
The Hemingway Home and Museum
Why it’s on the map
The definitive Key West landmark, this 1851 Spanish Colonial estate was the residence of author Ernest Hemingway throughout the 1930s.
907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Why it’s on the map
A premier research and archaeological institution housing the world-renowned treasures recovered from the 1622 Spanish galleons Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita.
200 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden
Why it’s on the map
A dense, one-acre environmental art garden and parrot sanctuary that serves as a rescued habitat for intelligent macaws and cockatoos.
518 Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
State Park
Botanical Garden
Museum
Place to see
Hotel
International Airport
Art Gallery
Where to eat
See the full Key West food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Blue Heaven
Why it’s on the map
Known for: Richard’s Very Good Pancakes. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Richard’s Very Good Pancakes
729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Asian Fusion Restaurant
Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant
Cafe
Bakery
Cafe
Restaurant
Cuban Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant
Food Court
Restaurant
Cuban Restaurant
Restaurant
Coffee Shop
Shops and markets
Besame Mucho
Why it’s on the map
Located in the historic Bahama Village, this boutique offers a romantic and old-world shopping experience that feels worlds away from the tourist-heavy main drags.
315 Petronia St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Shopping Mall
22 more places on the map
14 to eat · 7 to see and do · 1 to shop · 5 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Key West?
- The best time to visit Key West is between March and May, when you can enjoy idyllic spring weather and lower crowds before the summer heat. While winter offers the most comfortable temperatures, it marks the peak tourist season with the highest hotel rates; conversely, the off-peak summer and fall months offer the best deals but come with intense humidity and hurricane risks. For the ideal balance of sunny skies, manageable humidity, and moderate pricing, aim for the shoulder season in late spring.
How do I get around Key West?
- Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) Drive 113 miles from mainland Florida across 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, for a scenic road trip that takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from Miami.
- Key West Express Ferry High-speed jet-powered catamarans provide daily service from Fort Myers Beach and seasonal service from Marco Island, reaching the Key West Historic Seaport in about 3.5 hours.
- Bicycles and Local Transit The 2x4 mile island is best explored via rental bikes or the 'Duval Loop' bus, a free hop-on-hop-off service that connects the Historic Seaport to major downtown attractions.
What should I know before visiting Key West?
- Rent a bicycle to navigate the narrow streets and avoid the high cost and scarcity of parking for cars.
- Respect the local 'island time' pace and always yield to the protected feral chickens that roam the city freely.
- Book dinner reservations well in advance and expect a casual dress code even at the most upscale establishments.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen and stay hydrated to manage the intense tropical sun and high humidity levels.
- Carry small bills for tipping the numerous street performers and live musicians that define the local nightlife culture.
What’s new in Key West in October 2026?
- Fantasy Fest 2026: The island's massive 10-day costuming festival begins October 16, featuring the theme 'Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals' with parades, masquerade balls, and street fairs.
- Stone Crab Season: Starting October 15, local restaurants across the island are debuting fresh stone crab claws, a major seasonal culinary highlight in the Florida Keys.
- Fishwife: A recently opened, high-end raw bar and seafood restaurant in Bahama Village that has quickly become a viral spot for its elevated take on local catches like cobia crudo.
Research receipt
How this Key West guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Key West replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Key West?
Start with The Hemingway Home and Museum, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden, Blue Heaven, and Besame Mucho: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 27 places are pinned on the Key West map.