Key West Activities

Each year millions of people come to visit the Florida Keys in South Florida. Key West is the last stop on US highway 1 and the final destination for many of these visitors, vacationers and tourists. They have come to have fun in the sun as they do throughout the Florida Keys, but in Key West people come for the nightlife, the bars and drag shows, the festivals and the history that has seen politicians and pirates roam the same streets. There are numerous museums, historical sites, guided tours of all kinds and plenty of other things to do and see in Key West. This guide will help you to enjoy your days and your nights when you stay in Key West.

Museums

This small paradise city is rich with history and mystery. Pirate ships, sunken shipwrecks, treasures and more have made their way to this island paradise and Key West has a number of museums that are dedicated to its incredible nautical history.

• Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: Pirate ships, slave ships, fishing fleets, military ships and many other ships have explored these unpredictable waters. This museum has one of the largest collections of shipwrecked treasures of gold, silver and other artifacts. Learn about the history of this island and all of the ocean-going visitors that have come here to Key West and the Florida Keys.
• Pirate Soul Museum: When you come to the Pirate Soul Museum in Key West you are transported back in time to the Caribbean of the 1600's and undertake a journey of the Pirates of that time. Learn about the lives of Pirates like Blackbeard, Anne Bonny and others and see the weapons, maps and books they used to take over and terrorize anyone that tried to sail their waters.
• Key West Shipwreck Treasures Historeum: In the 1850's over 100 ships passed the island of Key West a day and on average one of these ships would wreck on the treacherous reefs that surround the island. Brave men called wreckers would risk their lives to become rich by going out and saving the ships and salvaging their cargo. This interesting museum takes you back to this time by use of actors, films and the actual artifacts of these men.

There are other museums here in Key West that spotlight more than just the Pirates and other nautical adventurers. Presidents, politicians, actors and others have all called this small island home and the homes and residences they lived and stayed in are now on display for you to visit and see how they lived and loved Key West.

• Harry S. Truman Little White House: This is Florida's only presidential site, but it is more than just a Presidential retreat. This house has been a naval officer's home, and command headquarters for the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II. The home has been a retreat for Presidents like William H. Taft, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and of course Harry S. Truman, who stayed in his "Little White House" for over 170 days of his presidency.
• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Ernest "Papa" Hemingway is one of America's most honored authors and for more than 10 years he called Key West home. Now you can explore the Key West house that he, his wife Pauline and his cat snowball called home.
• Audubon House and Tropical Gardens: This is actually three attractions in one. There is the house itself that shows the antiques and furnishings of this home where John James Audubon the famous ornithologist lived in the early 1800's. There are the tropical gardens, the finest in the Florida Keys, featuring almost an acre of beautiful orchids and bromeliads, foliage and trees of this island paradise. And there is the Gallery that features 28 first editions of John James Audubon. This is a house for art lovers, bird lovers, flower and plant lovers and anyone that is interested in history as well.
There are plenty of other museums in and around Key West that show more of the history and mystique of Key West. The museum section will detail all of these museums so that you can find the ones that you want to visit during your vacation here in Key West.

There are also many historic sites as well as many guided tours that take you to these sites and more.


• Haunted Key West Walking Tours: These nightly tours takes you through the cities dimly lit streets and lanes and explores the most infamous haunted locations and the tales and legends that are spoken of them. There are a few different tours to take so use this guide to find the one that you are looking for.
• The World Famous Conch Tour Train: This tour aboard the Conch Train has become one of the most popular Key West Attractions. See the architecture and tropical beauty of Key West. Learn about the history of the pirates, artists, politicians and more that have made this island home. It is a must see attraction when you come to Key West.
• Old Town Trolley: Take a trip through the historic Old town of Key West in this old-fashioned, open-air trolley car. Enjoy the tropical breezes and learn about the most interesting aspects of Key West's history from the knowledgeable tour guides.
• Historic Homes and Garden Tour: Experience the beauty, architecture and history of this beautiful city in this 1 ½ hour walking tour that strolls along the tree lined streets and visits some of the old homes and mansions of this historical city.
• Other Walking and Bicycling Tours: There are many guided and self guided tours of this island paradise. This guide will help you find the perfect one(s) to enjoy on your stay here in Key West.
There are also a few tours that have nothing to do with the history of this city but are more for the fun that his city is known for.


• Key West Pub Crawls: Looking for something a little different? Key West is famous for its bars and nightlife and many of the famous drinking establishments have or are a part of weekly pub-crawls. Have a drink at each bar on the crawl and during the walk you might even learn a little about the history of the seaport and island.
• Key West Food Tours: Walk through the city and experience not only the history and architecture but on these unique tours you will also experience the tastes and flavors of the city as well. Stop at different restaurants and try some of the food that Key West is famous for. This tour is a flavorful and fun way to experience Key West.

Water Sports

Key West is surrounded by water like the rest of the Florida Keys and there is plenty to do on and in the water here. While it may not be known as the destination for fishing, diving and snorkeling, the waters here are still rich in beauty, fun and fish.



Fishing

The waters of Key West are the waters where legends have been born. "Papa" Hemingway and Zane Grey both fished these waters and wrote about them as well. Giant Blue Marlin, Sailfish, and other hard-hitting trophy fish can be found in the deep waters off shore between Key West and Cuba. Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit and Sharks can be found in the flats and inshore backcountry waters. Take a private charter or join one of the many Key West Party Boats.

• Offshore and Reef Fishing Charters
• Flats and Backcountry Fishing Charters
• Light Tackle and Fly Fishing Charters
• Party Boat Charters

Diving

Key West has pristine crystal clear water and beautifully colored reefs that make it perfect for scuba divers and snorkeling. While there are great areas for diving there are many dive spots that are not accessible because they are archeological dive sites. However there are plenty of dive shops that can take you and your family to snorkel or scuba dive at the many dive sites that are available here in Key West.


• Coral Reef Dives: There are inner reef dives that are perfect for anyone that wishes to snorkel or scuba dive. These dives range in depths of 3 ft. to 30 ft. and feature colorful reefs that are abundant with marine life. Outer reef dives are a little deeper with depths of 45 – 60 ft. These dives feature larger coral reefs and also larger fish as well.
• Wreck Dives: There are a few wreck dives that are open to the public for exploration. These dives are for the more advanced divers as they start at a depth of 60 feet at Joe's Tug, the Cayman Salvage Master in a depth of 90 feet and all the way to a depth of 140 feet at the Vandenberg.
Your local dive shop will be able to set up the perfect dive or snorkel packages for your family and this guide will let you find the sites you want to see and the dive shop you want to use.

Other Water Sports: Many come to Key West to have a good time and enjoy the spirit and the spirits of this island paradise but there is plenty to do during the day as well as the night.


• Jet Ski and Wave Runner Rentals and Tours: Take a tour of the islands while riding a wave runner. Your guided tour will take you around the island, show you some of the historic sites of the Key West as well as point out some of the wildlife that call the waters here home. You might even see a manatee or dolphin. Or if you prefer you can just rent a wave runner or Jet Ski and tour the area on your own.
• Waterskiing, Kite boarding, Wind surfing: On many of the beaches there are shops that rent kite boards, windsurfers, and take you waterskiing. If you have never done any of these fun activities they will offer you professional lessons so that you will have the best time possible while riding the waves here in Key West.
• Parasailing: Take an exciting trip as you float high above the water. You can see the island, the water and even spot some dolphins and sharks.
• Yacht and Sailboat Rentals and Charters: Take a day trip or rent a sailboat or yacht and take a week on the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. There are plenty of day and sunset cruises for all ages.

Of course there are plenty of other things to do when you visit Key West. Festivals and tournaments occur frequently throughout the year. The Ernest Hemingway Day and Fantasy Fest are the two most popular but there are plenty of other events as well so check the calendar here to see what is going on during your trip here or plan your trip around these fun and exciting festivals. There is always the afternoon party on Mallory's Dock where thousands of people each day meet to celebrate the end of the day and watch the sun disappear into the sea. This is a must see and do when you come to visit Key West.

For those looking strictly for relaxation there are plenty of beaches, spas, and shopping to keep you happy and content.


• Shopping: There are specialty stores, gift shops and other stores and shops in Old Town and throughout Key West. Duval Street is one of the areas where these shops are concentrated. There are shops for everyone and everything. Use this guide to find what you are looking in the vast choices of shops and stores here in Key West.
• Spas and Massages: There are many hotel and resorts that have world class spas in them but there are also many other day spas that offer many professional services as well. Visit beautiful Key West and relax, be pampered and treat yourself. This guide lists the day spas, resort spas, fitness centers, massage parlors and yoga centers here in Key West so that your stay here can and will be as relaxing as possible.

Key West is famous for its nightlife and there is so much to do and see when the sun goes down. Of course the bars are open all day and many visitors get started before the sun goes down. But when the lights come on in the streets the real parties start in the Keys. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs here that cater to everyone. Key West is a very open community and there are many gay and lesbian clubs and bars that have some wonderful and fun drag shows daily for both the gay and lesbian community as well as anyone that wants to come enjoy. There are hundreds of bars and nightclubs here in Key West that are always packed with party people. This guide will show you a list of them and help you find the ones you wish to go to during your stay here in Key West.

• Restaurants: Key West has its own culinary flair but in Key West there are hundreds of restaurants that offer cuisine from all over the world. Of course most people that come here want to partake of the freshest seafood around and, of course, a slice of Key Lime Pie, but there are so many choices of fine dining resorts and restaurants, chain restaurants, and mom and pop joints to give you and your family a memorable dining experience. This guide lists all of the gourmet, and ethnic choices that Key West has to offer so that you can find the restaurant or restaurants that will make your stay here in Key West a wonderful and celebrated experience.
• Bars and Nightclubs: Key West might just be the best place to party in the US. With so many choices of bars and nightclubs to choose from, perfect weather, and such friendly people, Key West is a place where the party never stops. This guide will show you all the famous dive bars, the nightclubs, the drag shows and everything else that happens at night on Duval Street and throughout Key West.