Key West activities

Twenty Things to Do When Visiting Key West

There are tons of things to see and do while in Key West. Well, here are a few suggestions of things not to be missed that will offer you a true Key West experience.

1. Go out on a fishing charter with Dream Catcher Charters. Key West has some of the best fishing in the world. Flats fishing and offshore fishing trips are available year-round. Species targeted include tarpon, bonefish, permit, jacks, barracudas, sharks, trout, dolphin, snapper, grouper, marlin, sailfish, kingfish, wahoo, and tuna.

2. Visit the Eco Discovery Center. Admission is free and you will learn a lot about the ecosystem of the Florida Keys while having a fun time doing so!

3. Try some Key Lime Pie! There are several places to get a slice of this Key West original, and not one will taste like another. Some of the best on the island are from the Key West Key Lime Pie Company and Blue Heaven restaurant.

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State Parks of Key West and the Florida Keys

Florida State Parks are a wonderful way to see the real Florida, and not the touristy theme parks and other attractions. Florida has some amazing wildlife and a rich history. The state has around 160 state run parks, and 10 of these are in the Florida Keys. As one can imagine, most of the State parks in the Keys have some sort of water actives to partake in such as kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling. But we also have historical monuments, biking in and hiking trails, picnicking areas, and many opportunities for wildlife viewing too.

  • Bahia Honda State Park – 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
    This park is known for its beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and gorgeous sunsets. But these are just a fraction of the activities available for visitors to this park. Other activities include: bicycling, birding, boating, camping, kayaking, fishing, hiking, picnicking, scuba diving, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Anglers can fish from shore or bring a boat and launch it from the boat ramp. Snorkeling gear and kayaks can be rented on site. The visitors center is filled with interesting information as well as trinkets to bring home. And the concession stand serves some good grub too should you have forgotten your picnic basket. Full facility campsites and cabins are also available for rent. Admission charges vary.  The Park is open 365 days a year from 8:00 am to sundown.
  • Curry Hammock State Park – 56200 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
    This park is made up of a group of islands with public access to swimming, a playground, showers, grills, and a picnic area. This park is also home to one of the largest populations of thatched palm trees in the USA. Activities at Curry Hammock include a sandy beach for swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand, bicycling, camping, kayaking, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Admission charges vary.  The Park is open 365 days a year from 8:00 am to sundown.
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Key West: Mallory Square

mallory square key west
Mallory Square in Key West

Mallory Square has been a port for US Navy ships, a cigar roller’s mecca, and a place to buy sponges from the divers who harvested them. Now this famed square is a place to gather nightly and party while you watch the sun go down.

Mallory Square is the center of Key West’s historic waterfront. It is the home of the nightly Sunset Celebration, the Key West Aquarium, the Historical Sculpture Garden, the Key West Shipwreck Historeum, Cayo Hueso Historeum, Sponge Market, Shell Warehouse, and several other shops and restaurants.

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Key West’s Premier Yachting Race Week

This week is Premier Racing week. The 25th-anniversary challenge features world-class competition and yachting teams from more than 12 countries and 24 American states. Nearly 300 racing yachts compete for class championships in this international regatta. To view the action, fans can book seats on spectator boats ranging from excursion catamarans to historic tall ships or from land at Key West’s Atlantic-front restaurants, resorts and beaches.

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Key West Sunset Sail Aboard the America 2.0

Classic Harbor Line Key West America 2.0
Classic Harbor Line Key West America 2.0

Enjoying a beautiful Key West sunset on the water is an awesome way to spend an evening. There are several options to choose from, all of which I am sure would be enjoyable, but the America 2.0 is an amazingly beautiful boat.

For 2 hours you sail through the harbor, by Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach, and get a tour of Mallory Square while the revelers there wave exciting wishing that they were on the water too. The crew is so friendly and they serve up bottled water, beer, champagne, and wine, as well as snacks like a fresh fruit and veggie platter.

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