Even if you missed the low-key Labor Day weekend festivities in Key West, there are many more events and exciting things to experience in Key West throughout the fall season. Though the hurricane season is drawing to a close in Key West in October, it’s not likely you’ll see a storm during your visit.

Escape the cooler temperatures of fall and enjoy 80-degree days where you can still enjoy watersports and lounging on the beach during your Key West vacation. With fun and excitement around every corner, we’ve made a list of must-see fall activities and local favorite locations you won’t want to miss during your trip to Key West in October!

1) Embark On An Exciting Boat Tour While Visiting Key West This Fall

The Florida Keys are a stunning tropical location to visit any time of year, but the fall brings beautiful weather and fewer crowds, making it the perfect place for an off-season getaway. If you’re visiting Key West and want to explore the backwaters and sandbars then be sure to catch a tour with us at Key West Boat Trips while you’re in town!

We offer private and shared tours of the mangroves and sandbars in the waters surrounding Key West. Here are just a few of the excursions available:

• Boca Grande Island Time & Snorkeling – Our expert captain will take you to the remote island of Boca Grande for a relaxing time of disconnection from the outside world. No cell service means fully immersed in island life and no disruptions as you explore the sponge gardens while snorkeling or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
• Key West E-foil Rides – Looking for something more exciting? Head out into crystal clear waters to ride an electric hydrofoil surfboard for two hours! Our expert crew will teach you how to make the most of your time on the water, so experience isn’t necessary for this tour!
• Lunch or Dinner Cruise – Book a lunch or dinner cruise with us to embark on a relaxing journey into the quiet backwaters of Key West. Whether you want to lounge on deck with the crew or hop out into waist-deep waters to mingle with marine life, a meal made with the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste will be made for you on the spot!

Be sure to check out our website to learn more about the tours available for your trip to Key West this fall!

2) Outdoor Fun For Nature Lovers In Key West

Even though it’s October in Key West, the warm water temperatures and summer-like conditions make it a wonderful place to have some fun in the sun while the rest of the country dons its sweaters!

Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for one last beach vacation before the holiday season begins, there’s plenty to do in Key West in October:

• Visit Dry Tortugas National Park – The Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island location you can only reach by ferry or seaplane! Once you’ve arrived, check out the historic Fort Jefferson, fish on the shoreline, or walk the trails to explore the island.
• Explore The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory – Wander through a magical gardenscape filled with more colorful butterflies than you can count! Take a twilight tour to see what the butterflies and local birds do as the sun dips beneath the sea, or set a date to hang out with the local celebrity flamingos, Rhett and Scarlett!
• Set Sail On A Fishing Excursion – It’s stone crab season in Key West from October to May, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to snag some of your own delicious seafood while in town. Whether you are bringing your own boat or renting one in town, there’s many exciting fishing opportunities in Key West!

Pro Tip: The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is located right on Duval Street where you’ll also find energetic nightlife, and many restaurants to grab a meal with family and friends.

3) A Wonderful Time Awaits At Key West Street Fairs In October

Full of live entertainment and delicious food, the various festivals that fill the fall calendar in Key West attract fun loving revelers from around the country to the Florida Keys. Whether you’re looking for adult-themed fun or family-friendly attractions, there’s something planned for everyone to enjoy!

Here are just some of the popular events happening during your Key West vacation this October!

• Fantasy Fest – Fantasy Fest is a 10-day Mardi Gras-like party with adult themes and fun for everyone in the family. At this popular festival, you can enjoy several parades, pool parties, live music, and food vendors! Check the event page online ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss any of the fun!
• The Bahama Village Goombay Festival – This family-friendly festival takes place as part of the larger Fantasy Fest in Key West. Learn more about the lively culture of the Bahamian and Caribbean people while enjoying live music, fresh food, arts and crafts, and much more!
• Key West Artisan Market – The Key West Artisan Market is the place to shop for your favorite Fantasy Fest merchandise! You’ll also find delicious food from international food trucks, live entertainment, and more!

Pro Tip: Even after these festivals are over for the season, the fall festival fun continues with the Key West Film Festival, which runs from November 12th to the 16th!

4) Discover Year Round Fun This Fall

Key West is the southernmost point of the Continental United States and lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Because of its rich maritime past, there are a few places you shouldn’t skip while you’re visiting the area in October.

If you’re looking to learn more about the area, here are some places and attractions you won’t want to miss:

• The Key West Lighthouse – The Key West lighthouse gives visitors a unique look into the past of Key West with its perfectly preserved artifacts from the past. Climb to the top and peruse the old keepers’ quarters to learn how they lived long ago.
• The Southernmost Point Buoy – While not a particularly historic location, the Southernmost Point Buoy is an iconic photo spot that marks the southernmost spot in the United States!
• The Key West Aquarium – Learn more about the marine life that reside in the crystal clear waters of Key West! Visit the touch tank to get up close and personal with your favorite species without swimming with the fishes!
• Sails and Rails Museum – Learn more about the maritime past of Key West at the Sails and Rails Museum! There are interactive exhibits and perfectly curated artifacts that give you insight into the early days of Key West!

Pro Tip: Want to pack the most fun into your trip as possible? Grab a hop-on hop-off ticket for the Old Town Trolley! Take the loop to learn all about the different locations around Old Town and hop on and off as find an interesting attraction or location. Tickets are good all day long!

5) Gather Under The Setting Sun To Kick Off The Night In Style

There are countless places to catch a beautiful sunset in Key West, but there are a few things to consider before heading to the beach or dining al fresco as the sun begins to set. Whether you’re looking to kick off a night of revelry or wind down the kids for bedtime, you’re sure to find the perfect sunset solution for your fall travels in Key West!

• Mallory Square Sunset Celebration – There is a nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square every evening! With street performers kicking off the opening ceremony, live music and lively vendors, this is a great way to start off an exciting night of fun in Key West!
• Take A Sunset Cruise – Our crew at Key West Boat Trips offers a magical sunset cruise that will either get your night started or relax the family before an evening of rest!
• Hit Your Favorite Beach – Nearly any beach in Key West is a prime spot to watch the sun go down. Grab a blanket and your favorite people and have a chill evening in the sand!

If it’s a night of fun and revelry you’re after, head to Duval Street after the sun sets to check out the entertainment at the many bars and restaurants lining the street!

Join Us On The Water For Fall-Time Fun In Key West

While the crowds may be thinner in Key West during the fall season, there’s still so much fun and excitement to be had! The water is an inviting 80 degrees, which makes our tours the perfect option for enjoying some fun in the sun this fall. Hop aboard one of our tours to experience the waters and marine life of Key West like never before!

Visit the our website to learn more about our tours and to book your fall excursion today!