Key west, Florida is unlike any other place in the United States. It has an unique fun vibe all it's own. And honestly, one of my favorite things about the place, is the people. Everyone is so laid back, friendly, and having fun.
We just got home from another Florida road trip and was only able to spend a day there this time. But that's okay, it was an unforgettable day filled with adventure and sunshine!
I wanted to share some of our favorite spots from our trips. I still have several places on my list to cross off, but maybe I'll get to them next time!
Duval Street
Duval Street is the main street in Key West that everything is centered around. It is lined with small shops, restaurants, and bars. It is a fun place to visit during the day, but gets a little wild at night.
Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower
Located at Higgs Beach in Key West, West Martello Tower is a historic tower built in 1862 during the Civil War. It has been turned into a tropical paradise by the Key West Garden Club.
Address:
1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
Hours:
9:30am - 5pm daily
Admission:
Free
Mallory Square
Located on the waterfront in Key West, Mallory Square is lined with upscale restaurants and shops. It is popular for its nightly festivals to watch the sunset. About two hours before sunset, the crowd begins gathering to watch street performers and browse through local made crafts.
If you can only do one thing in Key West, attend a sunset celebration! It's unfrogettable!
Watch a live webcam -
https://www.mallorysquare.com/key-west-webcam/
Address:
400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040
Hours:
Hours vary from business to business
Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is the largest and prettiest public beach in Key West. It has about a half mile strip of white sand and tons of palm trees. It is absolutely beautiful! Parking is along the road and runs the length of the beach.
Address:
2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
Hours:
7am – 11pm
Admission:
Free
Higgs Beach
Small beach with volleyball courts, play ground, and pier. It was once the site of an 1800s African slave cemetery. Nice family beach with palm trees, white sand, and clear water.
Address:
1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
Hours:
7am – 11pm
Admission:
Free
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
The Butterfly Conservatory is a great place to take a break from the sun. Walk among 50+ species of butterflies from around the world in a climate controlled environment.
Flamingo Encounter - meet Rhett and Scarlett, two adorable flamingo. Spots are limited and fill up fast, so reserve early! Cost is an additional $37.63 per person.
Address:
1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
Hours:
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Admission:
General Admission - $12.00
Children 4-12 years - $8.50
3 years and under - Free
Seniors 65+ and Military - $9.00
Southernmost Point
The Southernmost Point in the continental United States is marked by a concrete buoy in Key West. It is in the open and can visited at any time. Be prepared to wait in a long line(in direct sunlight) for your chance at a photo.
Watch a live webcam -
http://southernmostpointwebcam.com/
Address:
Whitehead St & South Street, Key West, FL 33040
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor, located in Key West, was built to guard the harbor. The fort was used in the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Spanish American War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Snorkeling along the rock at the beach area is a popular activity. Palms and pine type trees provide tons of shade. It is a nice place to spend the day.
Watch a live webcam -
https://fla-keys.com/webcams/fort-zachary-taylor-beach/
Address:
601 Howard England Way, Key West FL 33040
Hours:
8:00 a.m. until sundown, daily. Fort closes at 5 p.m.
Admission Fees:
$6.50 per vehicle
*Key West is about 160 mile drive (3 1/2 hours) from the Miami International Airport.
Have fun exploring Key West!!!
