Things to do in Key West

Activities, attractions and tours
Higgs Beach showing tropical scenes and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people

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Top places to visit

1. Duval Street

Coming to Florida’s Key West and not experiencing Duval Street is missing one of the area’s most important commercial roads. It’s the main street on the island. Visit at any time. At the end of the day, when the heat abates and beachgoers have packed up, the street truly comes into its own. Being bored on Duval Street is a rarity.
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Along one of the southernmost streets in the continental U.S., enjoy a lively area filled with shops, pubs, restaurants and lots of sidewalk acts and vendors.

2. Dry Tortugas National Park

Wander along the high ramparts of Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park and look out across the sparkling blue ocean all around you. Sunbathe on the sand of this idyllic haven or snorkel with an array of tropical fish.
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Dry Tortugas National Park featuring general coastal views and heritage architecture

3. Smathers Beach

On an island filled with private beaches, this popular stretch of public shoreline is among the most majestic. Featuring over a half-mile (0.8 kilometer) of white, palm-lined sand, Smathers Beach is a destination for water sports lovers and those seeking quiet time in the sun. Spend a day snorkeling, kayaking or playing beach volleyball as you make friends on the beach known for its social atmosphere.
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Smathers Beach showing a sandy beach, a luxury hotel or resort and tropical scenes

4. Mallory Square

This popular town square, adjacent to excellent dining and lively bars is home to one of Key West’s longest-running traditions. Perched on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, Mallory Square hosts Key West’s Sunset Celebration every evening of the year. Watch as the square bursts with color and sound as hundreds of visitors to the island converge to watch one of the most picturesque sunsets in the United States. Surrounding the square are some of Key West’s best restaurants, great shopping and hotels catering to all budgets.
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Arrive at this square at day’s end to find street performers, food carts and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the United States.

5. Southernmost Point

Visit the Southernmost Point of the United States for a unique photo opportunity and views toward Cuba. Pose in front of the huge structure emblazoned with the words, “Southernmost Point Continental U.S.A.” and “90 miles to Cuba,” for a memorable photograph.
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Snap a memorable photograph from the edge of North America at this monumental landmark.

6. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to reveal the eccentricities of Ernest Hemingway’s life. For most of the 1930s, one of the most revered authors of the 20th century lived in a Spanish colonial house in the heart of tropical Key West. Meet six-toed cats and see the studio in which some of Hemingway’s most famous novels were written. Find a vast collection of art, hunting trophies and household items as you wander through the house and gardens.
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Meet six-toed cats and watch as the life of one America’s great writers unfolds before your eyes at his former home.

7. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a sublime natural setting that provides idyllic swimming and birdwatching conditions. At its core is the historic Fort Taylor and what is thought to be the world’s largest Civil War arms collection. Bring U.S. history to life by walking down the passageways of this well-preserved fortress.
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The displays of old weapons and interpretive panels in a fort at the heart of the southernmost state park in the continental U.S. provide information about the Civil War.

8. South Beach

Conveniently located at the end of one of Key West’s main streets and just a short walk from the center of the town, this tiny beach is the most popular on the island. While its warm water, perfect swimming conditions and stunning views attract many visitors, some visit South Beach simply to say they’ve been to the southernmost beach in the continental United States. Find a spot on the crowded beach to immerse yourself in the lively Key West atmosphere or simply stop by for a quick swim on your way into town.
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The southernmost beach in the continental United States is a convenient sandy enclave, just minutes from the center of town.

9. Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park

Higgs Beach and its park are one of Key West’s most visited waterfront areas. Apart from white sands, tropical plants and warm water, Higgs Beach Park is also the site of many important historic and cultural attractions. Pay your respects at what is believed to be the United States only African refugee cemetery or commemorate the victims of AIDS at another impressive memorial. A tour through the Civil War–era fort and the Key West Garden Club that surrounds it reveals yet another side of Higgs Beach.
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Higgs Beach which includes tropical scenes and a beach as well as a large group of people

Popular places to visit

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Duval Street

4.5/5(47 reviews)

Along one of the southernmost streets in the continental U.S., enjoy a lively area filled with shops, pubs, restaurants and lots of sidewalk acts and vendors.

Duval Street
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Dry Tortugas National Park

Separated from the mainland and encased by golden beaches and colorful coral reefs, this is a national park of fascinating ocean scenery.

Dry Tortugas National Park
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Smathers Beach

4/5(10 reviews)

Key West’s popular party beach has an electric atmosphere on the weekends and is a destination for water sports lovers.

Smathers Beach
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Mallory Square

4/5(36 reviews)

Arrive at this square at day’s end to find street performers, food carts and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the United States.

Mallory Square
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Southernmost Point

4/5(39 reviews)

Snap a memorable photograph from the edge of North America at this monumental landmark.

Southernmost Point
Image for Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Meet six-toed cats and watch as the life of one America’s great writers unfolds before your eyes at his former home.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Image for Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

4.5/5(10 reviews)

The displays of old weapons and interpretive panels in a fort at the heart of the southernmost state park in the continental U.S. provide information about the Civil War.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
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South Beach

4.5/5(8 reviews)

The southernmost beach in the continental United States is a convenient sandy enclave, just minutes from the center of town.

South Beach
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Key West Golf Club

Play a round of golf in Key West at Key West Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as boating. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out the cycling trails.

Key West Golf Club

Areas of Key West

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Key West Historic District

4.5/5(66 area reviews)

Travellers to Key West Historic District praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Key West Historic District
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Old Town Key West

5/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting Old Town Key West, you might make a stop by sights like Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Old Town Key West
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New Town

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in New Town, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Smathers Beach and Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.

New Town
Harry S. Truman Little White House showing a house, a park and heritage elements

Truman Annex

If you're spending some time in Truman Annex, Harry S. Truman Little White House and Mel Fisher Maritime Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Truman Annex
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Historic Seaport

If you're spending some time in Historic Seaport, Duval Street and Audubon House and Tropical Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

Historic Seaport
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Midtown

Midtown might not have many top sights, but Duval Street and Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Midtown