Old Town history, tropical gardens, beaches, boats, and sunset
Things to do in Key West
Key West is best read in layers: conch houses and literary history in Old Town, military and maritime history at the fort and seaport, tropical gardens in the shade, and the reef, mangroves, and open Gulf beyond the docks.
Whitehead Street history
The Hemingway Home, Key West Lighthouse, Truman Little White House, and historic residential blocks fit a walk with shade and indoor stops.
Fort Zachary Taylor
Tour the Civil War-era fort, walk under pines, and use the rocky beach when swimming conditions permit. Water shoes can help.
Historic Seaport
Walk the harbor, watch boats return, compare charter departures, and stay for seafood or sunset light.
Gardens and weather pivots
The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, Key West Garden Club, museums, and historic homes make useful heat or rain adjustments.
Pair the Hemingway Home with Whitehead Street
The author's house and six-toed cats draw crowds, but the surrounding lighthouse, side streets, and Bahama Village make the visit a broader Old Town walk.
Give Fort Zachary Taylor several hours
The state park combines fort history, shaded picnic areas, trails, and a coral-rock beach. Check current park hours, water conditions, and any construction notices.
Bookable experiences
Bookable Key West experiences
Compare sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, food outings, sunset cruises, and Dry Tortugas options by departure point, duration, weather policy, and group size.
GetYourGuide activities
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Official resources
Official sources for Key West access and current conditions
Hours, reservations, ferry and seaplane procedures, park notices, and weather can change.