What to do in Key West: the must-dos not to miss

Perched at the southernmost tip of the United States, just 145 kilometers from Cuba, Key West is much more than a Florida island. It is a world unto itself, where colorful Victorian architecture sits beside the turquoise waters of the Keys, where American history blends with a Caribbean-like laid-back lifestyle. Known for inspiring Ernest Hemingway and hosting several presidents, this island of a few square kilometers concentrates a density of experiences rarely found. Between cultural visits, nautical adventures and unforgettable sunsets, here is everything you need to see and do in Key West to compose a stay worthy of its expectations.

What cultural and historical sights should not be missed in Key West?

Key West is an island with a dense and unique history, whose every street seems to tell an anecdote. Old Town, the historic district, is the best entry point: its colorful facades, shaded lanes and iconic addresses make it the ideal area for a first immersion. Here are the places that deserve particular attention.

The Ernest Hemingway House, steeped in the spirit of a giant of literature

On Whitehead Street, the Ernest Hemingway House stands out as one of Key West's most memorable visits. Built in 1851 in a Spanish colonial style, this house listed as a National Historic Landmark is where the writer lived from 1931 to 1940 and wrote much of his work, including For Whom the Bell Tolls. Today transformed into a museum, it preserves period furniture, trophies brought back from Africa and personal objects of rare authenticity. The guided tour, lasting about an hour, gives a totally different dimension to exploring the place. As a bonus, about sixty polydactyl cats — direct descendants of those the author cherished — roam freely in the garden, making for a quirky attraction in itself.

The Little White House and the Key West Lighthouse, two gems of Whitehead Street

Just a few steps away, still on Whitehead Street, two neighboring sites perfectly complement Key West's cultural visit. The Little White House, built in 1890, is Florida's only presidential site. President Harry S. Truman stayed there for 175 days during his two terms, between 1946 and 1952. The museum, remarkably well preserved, allows you to rediscover an important chapter of American political history through personal objects and fascinating anecdotes. Allow about an hour to fully enjoy it.

Just across from it stands the Key West Lighthouse, a white lighthouse erected in 1848 to guide ships in the shallow waters of the Keys. After climbing its 88 steps, the reward is a breathtaking panoramic view over the entire island. The museum at the base of the lighthouse, devoted to maritime history and the keepers who have served there, is also worth a visit.

Old Town and Duval Street, between Victorian architecture and nightlife

Impossible to discuss what to do in Key West without mentioning Duval Street, the main artery of Old Town that runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Lined with Victorian houses dating from 1886 to 1912, adorned with verandas and carved motifs, this street is at once an open-air museum and the beating heart of local life. By day, art galleries, artisanal shops and cozy cafés make for a pleasant stroll. As evening falls, the street transforms: music resounds from bar to bar and nightlife takes over the place in a festive and relaxed atmosphere, typical of the island's spirit.

What outdoor and sea activities can you do in Key West?

Key West is surrounded by an exceptional natural environment, with underwater riches and mangrove landscapes constituting one of the destination's major assets. The sea is never far away, and opportunities for exploration are numerous, whether you are with family, as a couple, or with friends.

<p>Snorkeling, diving, and sunset from Mallory Square</p>

The waters around the Florida Keys host the third-largest coral reef in the world, making Key West one of the country’s most renowned diving and snorkeling spots. Sites such as Sand Key Reef, Rock Key, or Joe's Tug — an artificial wreck sunk in 1986 — offer underwater panoramas of rare beauty, accessible even to beginners. For those who prefer to stay on the surface, glass-bottom boat tours let you observe marine life without getting wet.

As evening falls, Mallory Square becomes Key West's must-visit gathering place. Every evening, dozens of people converge on this square to witness the Sunset Celebration: a sunset with remarkable visual intensity, accompanied by street performers, musicians and acrobats. For an even more intimate experience, a sunset catamaran cruise — with open bar and live music — offers an unforgettable perspective from the sea.

Kayaking, excursions and natural discoveries around the island

Beyond the open sea, the surroundings of Key West hold natural treasures accessible otherwise. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, at the tip of the island, is a state park that combines a historical visit to the Civil War fort with access to one of the most beautiful beaches in Key West, ideal for snorkeling. Plan half a day to enjoy it fully.

Nature lovers also appreciate the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, a tropical greenhouse housing more than 50 butterfly species from around the world, accompanied by exotic birds and lush cascades. It's a gentle and sensory escape, particularly enjoyed by families. For those who wish to go even further, Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible by ferry or seaplane from Key West (about a two-hour crossing), offers landscapes of absolute rarity: deep blue waters, protected coral reefs, and the majestic Fort Jefferson in the middle of nowhere.

Water activities generously complement the offering: kayaking in the mangroves, parasailing, jet skiing or paddling in the turquoise waters of the archipelago — there is something to satisfy all levels and all desires.

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What is the best time to visit Key West?

Key West enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 29°C depending on the month. The dry season, from November to May, is the most favorable period for a comfortable visit, with little rainfall and no hurricane risk. Summer, although sunny, is marked by frequent rain from June to October, with a peak in cyclone activity between mid-August and mid-October.

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Month	Average temperature	Rainy days	Attendance
December – February	21 – 22 °C	4 to 5	High
March – May	23 – 27 °C	4 to 9	High to Moderate
June – August	28 – 29 °C	15 to 17	Moderate
September – November	24 – 28 °C	6 to 17	Low to Moderate

Our Travel Planners' recommendations advise visiting from December to April to enjoy clear skies, ideal temperatures and the best atmosphere. It is also the perfect season to stroll to the Southernmost Point — the southernmost point of the continental United States, marked by a large red and black concrete buoy — without the crowds of summer.

Before leaving the island, one last step is required: taste the Key Lime Pie, an iconic sweet specialty of the Keys made with local Key lime juice, egg yolks and condensed milk, set on a crunchy biscuit and topped with meringue. A must-try at one of the many Old Town spots to end a Key West stay as it should be.