Coming to the Florida Keys to kick off summer? You’re probably already thinking of celebrating Memorial Day on the water in Key Largo in the Upper Keys or attending fun, patriotic celebrations in Key West.

The thing to know about Memorial Day weekend here is that it’s not confined to a single weekend. The fun spills over into the early weeks of summer. Check out seven exciting Key West attractions and activities you can’t miss during a Key West Memorial Day weekend!

1) Plan A Day Of Hopping Sandbars In Key West, Florida

Loop through lush mangrove trails to experience Mud Keys, Snipe Point, and other magical spots on the water just off Key West. Did you know that a 25-minute boat ride can take you far from the crowds to see the most splendid nature and wildlife in the Keys?

At Key West Boat Trips, we specialize in sandbar tours and sunset cruises. Our itineraries even leave time for snorkeling, swimming, and a seafood feast that’s freshly prepared by your captain while you relax in the sand. Our popular packages include:

• Hopping Sandbars in Key West – Cruise to several different sandbars that can include Jewfish Sandbar, Mud Keys, and Snipes Point.
• Key West Sunset Cruise – Anchor at a sandbar to view a Key West sunset in warm, waist-deep water.
• Key West Sunset Dinner or Lunch Cruise – Drift through backcountry waters before docking to snorkel, swim, or relax while a delicious fast if prepared!
• Mud Key Mangrove Safari – Devote your entire boat tour to exploring the natural beauty of the Mud Key Sanctuary.
• Boca Grande Island Time and Snorkeling – Experience sponge-garden snorkeling in just 5 feet of water. Our guests also enjoy beach walks in soft sand brushing up against stunning turquoise tides. If you prefer, this excursion can also include stops at neighboring Woman Key and Ballast Key.

Key West Boat Trips is the island’s premier excursion company! Our experienced, knowledgeable captains make every experience memorable. Book your Memorial Day boat trip in the Florida Keys with Key West Boat Trips today!

2) Visit A Beloved Local Animal Farm

Not many outsiders know that Key West has its own animal farm and petting zoo! Officially known as the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm, this fun attraction is located on the grounds of the Stock Island Detention Center on College Road. Tour hours take place on second and fourth Sundays of every month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Good To Know: While visiting the farm on second Sundays and fourth Sundays is free of charge, donations are highly encouraged!

3) Tour The Custom House Museum

Most people simply know the Custom House as the “big red house” in Key West, Florida. Standing like a beacon over Mallory Square, this iconic four-story brick building dates back to 1891. It served as a post office and court before becoming a museum. While touring one of Key West’s most beloved attractions, visitors can enjoy a large collection of artifacts that tell stories of Key West’s history and culture.

Visitors enjoy self-guided tours that allow them to go at their own pace. With more than 35,000 pieces in its permanent collection, the Custom House Museum can keep a history buff busy for several hours. Highlights include:

• Personal artwork and items from Tennessee Williams. This is one of the only places to see the playwright’s original artwork!
• Historical items from Ernest Hemingway’s time in Key West.
• Sculptures by Seward Johnson.
• Items dating back to World War II.
• An exhibit dedicated to the Florida East Coast Railway Overseas Extension

Planning Idea: With the museum just steps away from Mallory Square, it’s easy to plan to attend the big nightly sunset celebration. Vendors and street performers start setting up about an hour before sunset each night. Enjoy live music and freshly prepared food while watching the early summer sun set over the water in a lavender-and-orange blaze.

4) Visit The Southernmost Point Of The Continental United States

Key West is synonymous with Mile Marker 0 because it’s the starting point for the famed U.S. Highway 1 that goes all the way from the tropics to the Canadian border.

As you may know, Key West is also the southernmost point in the continental U.S. Don’t skip the chance to stand at the Southernmost Point Buoy located 18 feet above sea level at 1400 Whitehead Street.

Good To Know: The Southernmost Point Buoy is a free attraction. As you pose for a picture, be sure to look over the water to stare 90 miles out in the direction of Cuba!

5) Attend The Annual Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta

Experience the type of Memorial Day weekend Key West locals look forward to every year by attending this popular regatta event. Take your place by the water at Key West Historic Seaport to watch seaworthy homemade vessels set sail in a race to the finish.

The fun part about this race is that participants go all out with fun themes that can include outer space, popular movies and television shoes, animals, pirates, and more. The regatta also includes live music, food, raffles, an awards show, and other other fun events.

Good To Know: This event takes place right off the Schooner Wharf Bar on William Street on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

6) Relax On Smathers Beach

Looking for the best place to enjoy a little fun and sun during Memorial Day weekend? Don’t forget to fit a beach trip into your schedule. Running along Key West’s southern shore, Smathers Beach has the distinction of being the largest beach on the island.

It’s an easy spot for unwinding because visitors can enjoy public restrooms, showers, volleyball nets, easy watersport rentals, and plenty of food vendors. Soft white sand and swaying palm trees makes Smathers Beach the perfect spot to pose for a postcard-worthy picture in paradise to show off your Memorial Day weekend plans this year!

Good To Know: Entry is free daily from sunrise to sunset. If driving, use the public lots along the beach or metered parking on South Roosevelt Blvd.

7) Party “Island Style” On Duval Street

One of the most popular Key West Attractions both during the day and after dark, Duval Street is a mile-long street that’s home to many famous bars, pubs, restaurants, and shops. It’s also a hub for cultural and music events.

While the area around Duval is one of the best places in the country to grab a drink and hear some live music any weekend of the year, this place really comes alive for Memorial Day weekend. The list of places to party includes Sloppy Joe’s, the Green Parrot Bar, and Durty Harry’s.

Fun Fact: Need help ordering at the bar? The signature cocktail of Key West is something called the Rum Runner. Its made with a mix of dark and light rum with banana liqueur, blackberry brandy, grenadine, orange juice, and pineapple juice.

Celebrate Memorial Day In Key West On The Water

Don’t visit paradise without booking a sandbar-hopping excursion. While there are many events that let you celebrate the start of summer with the community, there’s nothing like booking a private cruise for your closest friends or family while vacationing in Key West.

Key West Boat Trips offers the easiest way to explore the enchanted sandbars and backcountry waters of Key West, Florida. Our sunset sails and daytime tours are tailored to your preferences. It’s never too early to book a spot for Memorial Day weekend. Contact Key West Boat Trips today!