Sun-filled streets, warm waters, and a never-ending breeze make Key West, Florida, the perfect place for your summer escape. This southernmost location offers a variety of activities perfect for long summer days, warm nights, and unexpected adventures.

Whether you’re planning a midsummer getaway or your last summer hurrah, these seven highlights belong on every Key West must-do list:

1) Must-Do Things In Key West – Take A Boat Tour

No trip to the Florida Keys is complete without heading out on the water. The water is not just part of the scenery; it is part of the adventure. At Key West Boat Trips, we want you to experience the very best Key West has to offer.

Whether you are looking forward to enjoying an afternoon meal at sea or want to glide through the mangroves, our tours allow you to experience an unforgettable adventure:

• Key West Lunch Cruise – Combine sightseeing with a leisurely meal as you glide past historic landmarks and beautiful waters. The midday cruises offer a laid-back way to enjoy local flavors and time in the water.
• Mud Key Mangrove Safari – Trade the open sea for twisting mangrove tunnels on this guided safari through Mud Key. A favorite for nature lovers, the eco-adventure mixes wildlife spotting with local lore as you explore a side of Key West most visitors never see.

Ready to make your Key West adventure truly unforgettable? Your must-do in Key West list will not be complete without a boat tour! Whether you want to relax or try something new, we have the perfect adventure for you. Book your tour today and start your unforgettable Key West experience!

2) Explore State & National Parks

Key West offers a surprising mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Whether you’re craving a beach day with a side of history or a remote island adventure, these parks and preserved forts offer a look at the island’s past and some of its most scenic spots:

• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – Fort Zachary Taylor is home to the largest collection of Civil War armaments in the U.S. This Civil War-era fort was later modernized to serve strategic purposes during the Spanish-American War.
• Fort Zachary Taylor Beach – Tucked inside the state park, this rocky shoreline is a local favorite for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. Bring water shoes and a snorkel mask to see coral and watch the colorful fish.
• Bahia Honda State Park – Just a short drive from Key West, the park is a favorite for its award-winning beaches, snorkeling, and the remnants of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway. It’s a peaceful escape with postcard views and a touch of South Florida charm.
• Dry Tortugas National Park & Historic Fort Jefferson – This park, accessible only by boat or seaplane, is home to a massive 19th-century fort. Explore the fort, snorkel coral reefs, and soak in the atmosphere of one of America’s most unique national parks.

Pro Tip: Planning to snorkel at the parks? Many boat tour operators and beachside rental shops offer affordable, high-quality masks, fins, and vests.

3) Discover Key West History At The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

Treasure, tragedy, and determination converge at this one-of-a-kind museum. Through immersive exhibits and real recovered artifacts, visitors can explore shipwrecks, stories, and the science of the sea.

• Mel Fisher – Dive into the story of Mel Fisher, the relentless explorer who spent 16 years searching for the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon loaded with gold and silver. His famous declaration—“Today’s the day!”—finally came true in 1985 when his team struck gold.
• The Science of Shipwrecks –Visit the museum’s working conservation lab, where archaeologists preserve and study underwater artifacts. The lab is one of the few places in the U.S. where visitors can watch real maritime history being uncovered and restored.
• The Henrietta Marie – This powerful exhibit centers on the remains of an English slave ship that sank in 1700. Artifacts recovered from the wreck—shackles, trade goods, and iron bars—help tell the story of the transatlantic slave trade.
• Forts, Wrecks, and Warships – Rounding out the museum’s deeper dives into maritime history are relics from the Civil War. The exhibits reveal a broader legacy of Key West’s naval past.

Fun Fact: When Mel Fisher’s team discovered the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha in 1985, they uncovered an estimated $450 million in treasure. One of the most interesting finds? A solid gold chalice believed to detect poison.

4) Explore Old Town Key West

Old Town Key West is where the island’s past and present collide in a colorful, sun-soaked swirl of history, architecture, and laid-back energy. This historic district—home to the island’s oldest buildings and most iconic landmarks—is best explored on foot or by hopping aboard the Conch Tour Train.

• Conch Tour Train – The open-air train has been rolling through Old Town since 1958, offering a narrated tour of Key West’s past. It’s a great way to get your bearings and spot places you’ll want to revisit later.
• Live Music at Mallory Square – Mallory Square hosts a nightly celebration with street performers, musicians playing live music, and unbeatable views. It’s a Key West tradition that turns every sunset into a show.
• Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory – Near the southern end of Duval, this glass-enclosed habitat is home to butterflies, exotic birds, and even a pair of flamingos. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustle outside.
• Southernmost Point – The iconic buoy marks the southernmost point in the continental United States. It’s a national historic landmark and the best place for a selfie.
• Key West Cemetery – The 19-acre cemetery is full of history, humor, and local lore. Look for quirky epitaphs, Civil War graves, and the USS Maine memorial.
• Key West Garden Club – Set inside the ruins of a Civil War fort, this oceanside garden is a hidden gem. Admission is free, and the tropical plants and ocean views make it a serene stop.
• Key West Lighthouse – For panoramic views of the island, head up the 88 steps of this historic lighthouse. The adjacent Keeper’s Quarters Museum offers a glimpse into the lives of those who kept the light burning.
• Key West Aquarium – One of the island’s oldest attractions, the aquarium in Mallory Square offers close encounters with sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays.

Fun Fact: Duval Street is one of the few places in the U.S. where it’s perfectly legal to carry an open container of alcohol as long as it’s in a plastic cup.

5) Hit Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach, located on the southern shore, is Key West’s largest public beach. Whether you’re in the mood to sunbathe or rent a paddleboard, the beach is a must-do in Key West.

• Soak Up the Sun – The beach’s shoreline makes it easy to find your own sunny spot. Loungers are available to rent.
• Get on the Water – Paddleboards, kayaks, Hobie Cats, and jet skis are all available for rent. Calm, shallow waters make it beginner-friendly and perfect for a splashy afternoon.

As you step onto Smathers Beach, the soft sand beneath your feet and the blue waters invite you to enjoy the sun and sea. The vibrant energy of fellow beachgoers adds to the lively ambiance, making it a fantastic spot to connect with friends or meet new people.

Pro Tip: Parking at the beach costs $5 an hour. South Roosevelt Boulevard offers free parking and a short walk to the beach.

6) Food Indulgences When Visiting Key West

From tangy slices of Key Lime Pie to fresh-off-the-boat seafood and bold Cuban coffee, Key West’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its sunsets. Whether you’re a foodie on a mission or just hungry after a day of exploring, these indulgences are must-tries:

• The Best Key Lime Pie – No trip to Key West is complete without indulging in Key Lime Pie, the island’s signature dessert. Try the chocolate-dipped version on a stick at Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe, or savor a more traditional slice topped with sky-high meringue at Blue Heaven. Each bite is tangy, creamy, and unforgettable.
• Fresh Seafood – The Florida Keys are known for their delicious seafood. Try grilled lobster at Eaton Street Seafood Market, conch fritters at DJ’s Clam Shack, or a buttery lobster roll from The Lobster Shack.
• Cuban Coffee Queen – This beloved local chain is more than just a caffeine stop—it’s a cultural experience. Grab a café con leche or a sweetened colada to go, and don’t miss their Cuban Mix Sandwich or famous Key Lime Pie.

Pro Tip: The line at Cuban Coffee Queen can get long, especially in the morning—but mobile ordering is available at some locations, and it’s a game-changer.

7) Visit The Truman Little White House

Built in 1890 as part of the Naval Station’s command headquarters, this unassuming white cottage became a presidential retreat and a backdrop for major Cold War decisions. Today, it’s Florida’s only presidential museum—and a must-see for history buffs.

• Presidential History – Tour the home where President Harry S. Truman spent 175 days during his presidency, conducting official business and relaxing in the Key West sun.
• Explore the Naval Legacy – Learn how the house evolved from the navy’s headquarters to a working Little White House, hosting not only Truman but also Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Clinton.

Fun Fact: The Truman Little White House offers a VIP tour that includes a ride in President Truman’s 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan limousine—one of nine specially stationed across the country for his travels.

Check Off Your Key West Must-Do List

From historic forts and presidential hideaways to slices of Key Lime Pie and national parks, Key West delivers unforgettable moments at every turn. No visit is truly complete without getting out on the water! Whether you’re chasing dolphins, snorkeling coral reefs, or gliding into a sunset aboard a catamaran, at Key West Boat Trips, we offer a variety of ways to experience the best of Key West. Put us at the top of your list by booking your tour today!