One of the country’s sunniest spots is actually more fun after dark. That place is Key West! After a perfect day in paradise, there’s nothing like checking out the Key West nightlife scene. Warm year-round evening temperatures make it easy to chill out without getting chilled here.
There’s a reason why Key West has attracted authors, artists, and dignitaries over the years. This is the perfect spot for living on the wild side with a pub crawl, live music, ghost tours, and indulgent Key West food. When it comes to soaking up the magical nightlife scene, it doesn’t matter if you’re coming to the Florida Keys for spring break, a honeymoon, or a fun getaway with friends.
There are always fun things to do at night in Key West for people who like anything from a mellow scene with classy wine bars to wild dive bars where dancing on the tables is encouraged! Check out this list of 7 things to do in Key West at night!
1) Start The Evening With A Sunset Cruise
Bid farewell to another perfect day in Key West the right way by setting sail on a sunset cruise! While every inch of Key West is photogenic, there’s nothing like snapping photos of the sun setting behind you while you’re floating “in the middle” of the ocean. The way the setting sun sprays hazy tangerine and gold over the water like a shimmering canvas is indescribable!
If you’re wondering about the best way to book a sunset cruise in Key West, look no further than Key West Boat Trips. Our highly-rated tour agency specializes in sunset cruises on the sandbars around Key West. After your group boards, your captain will take you on a private cruise into the island’s gorgeous backcountry water.
Just before the sun goes down, you’ll anchor over the sandbar to take in incredible views. The best part is that you can jump in the water up to your waist to snap amazing pictures of the shimmering Key West sun setting behind you. Once sunset is over, you’ll head back to the marina. Here’s how the itinerary breaks down:
- Your boat departs 90 minutes before sunset
- 30-minute voyage to the sandbar
- 60 minutes spent anchored at the sandbar with incredible sunset views
- 30-minute ride back to the marina with the last light
Be prepared to get goosebumps during this magical experience! Hurry to book your spot on a private sunset boat tour with us and get ready for an unforgettable experience on the waters of the Florida Keys!
2) Go On A Key West Ghost Tour
Don’t let the year-round sunshine and lush palm trees fool you! Cheerful Key West is actually known as one of the most haunted cities in America. In fact, it is said that unsettled spirits of pirates, Civil War soldiers, and betrayed lovers haunt everything from mansions to lighthouses here. Here’s a roundup of the most haunted spots in Key West:
- The Porter Mansion
- The Key West Firehouse Museum
- The Key West Lighthouse
- Key West’s oldest house belonging to Captain Watlington
- Key West Cemetery
- The Ernest Hemingway House
There’s nothing quite like walking down the twisty, cobbled streets of Historic Old Town to hear the secrets of old wooden houses creaking in the breeze. Feeling apprehensive to venture to these places alone? You can easily book a spot with one of the many tour agencies in Key West that specialize in guided bus tours and walking tours.
3) Discover The Fun Things To Do At Night In Key West On Duval Street
Ready for a little bit of Duval Street history? This core street of Key West was named after Florida’s first territorial governor. Covering just over 1.25 miles in length, Duval runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.
As the heart of Old Town, Duval Street is the epicenter of fun attractions in Key West during both daytime and nighttime. However, many people know Duval strictly for its bars and nightclubs! Here’s a look at the top nightlife spots around Duval:
- The Green Parrot Bar: The Green Parrot has been Key West’s favorite dive bar for more than 100 years
- Rick’s Upstairs: Come here for a lively crowd with live DJs
- Aqua Drag Show and Nightclub: The ultimate spot for neon lights, strong cocktails, loud music, and drag shows in Key West
- Sloppy Joe’s: As an iconic island bar that has been a favorite spot for live music, dancing, and cocktails since 1933, Sloppy Joe’s covers all your bases with a “sports” tap room with screens to ensure you don’t miss a game or match during your night out
- Vinos on Duval: Enjoy a quiet night of sipping wine by the glass with a cheese plate while soft music plays in the background
This list barely scratches the surface when it comes to all of the best places to party on Duval! The good news is that you can walk to practically everything once you arrive.
Good to know: While Duval is the perfect spot for adults to play after dark, families traveling with youngsters should be aware that some risqué things go on here after dark!
4) Dip Your Fork In Some Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is the official dessert of the Florida Keys! If you’d like to be a little naughty by skipping dinner to go straight to dessert, finding a dessert-only restaurant is one of the best things to do in Key West at night. The best place to do that is a decadent dessert bar called Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant.
Offering an extensive menu of decadent desserts in a setting that’s dripping in red velvet, Better Than Sex is the perfect spot for lime pie, bread pudding, chocolate cake, crisps, cookies, and more. This dessert-centric eatery also has an incredible wine, beer, and cocktail menu full of libations that pair beautifully with sweets!
5) Groove With Music, Food, And Tradition At A Sunset Celebration At Mallory Square
Many people consider the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square the gateway to the Key West nightlife scene.
Located at Mallory Square Pier, this event draws out musicians, magicians, illusionists, buskers, and street performers of all kinds! In addition to having so much fun being inspired and entertained by local artists, observers can also mosey over to the food carts parked at the square to enjoy guacamole, conch fritters, chimney cakes, pineapple drinks, and other tropical favorites.
In fact, many people like to stop here for a quick bite before heading to local bars for drinks and dancing.
6) Catch A Performance At The Key West Theater
Seeing a live performance at the iconic Key West Theater on Eaton Street is one of the best things to do in Key West at night! For fans of music, you can look forward to seeing John Hiatt, The Wallflowers, The Verve Pipe, Ben Harrison, and many more acts that routinely roll through!
This theater is also a popular spot for tribute and cover bands. In addition, the Key West Theater is one of the best places to see standup comics in the Florida Keys!
Don’t miss a chance to have fun at one of Key West’s best nightlife spots if your idea of a good time doesn’t include drinks at a rowdy dance club!
7) Catch Some Flix At Tropic Cinema
Here’s another item to put on your list of fun things to enjoy on Key West’s nightlife scene if you’re not a big fan of bars!
Located on Eaton Street, Tropic Cinema is a retro-style movie theater that plays both big releases and independent films. While you may have plenty of movie theaters back home, it’s the state-of-the-art digital projection, gorgeously neon lighting, and plush seats that make Tropic Cinema an experience!
Snack Tip: You can even grab a beer, wine, coffee, and popcorn made with 100% real butter from the acclaimed concession bar here!
Start Planning Fun Things To Do In Key West At Night
With so many fun things on the roster in Key West, starting the evening before sunset is recommended. You can easily fit in a sunset cruise while still having plenty of time to get back to shore to enjoy the bars, clubs, and restaurants that make up the island’s nightlife scene!
We at Key West Boat Trips offer a one-of-a-kind experience that brings you out to the sandbars to see sunset views that most people only dream about. With every detail being planned for you by an experienced captain, you merely have to focus on taking in the magic of the moment. Book your spot for this in-demand excursion now!
