TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN KEY WEST

On my recent trip with Visit Florida, I was in Palm Beach and did a road trip to Key West. The drive is an easy drive and took us 5 hours. This was my second time in Key West and I wanted to make sure I did the top activities this time around. If you’re planning a trip to Key West, here are my top 10 things to do in Key West.

WHERE TO STAY

The Perry Hotel Key West is a charming boutique hotel located in Key West. Although it is not located in the old town of Key West, the car ride is a little less than 15 minutes. They offer scheduled shuttle services, scooters, and bicycles that you can use to get into town! The hotel features a waterfront pool, Sea to Table cuisines, and direct access to Stock Island Marina. Even better, the airport is only 8 minutes away!

MUST DO ACTIVITIES IN KEY WEST

1. THE ERNEST HEMINGWAY HOME

Former residence of the famous author, a visit to the Ernest Hemingway home is a unique and highly recommended experience. You will not only be able to visit where he lived, but you’ll also be able to see his studio, garden, 6-toed cats that may be descendants of his cat.

2. SUNSET CELEBRATION AT MALLORY SQUARE & EXPLORE DUVAL STREET

Bustling with restaurants and shops, Mallory Square is known for its waterfront square and Sunset Celebration, a nightly “street carnival” at overlooking Key West Harbor. It features arts and crafts, street performers and food carts.

Duval Street is also lined with restaurant and shops and the street is closed for patrons to walk through, I’d recommend taking a stroll down the vibrant and lively street after lunch and dinner to check out all the boutique shops.

3. THE SOUTHERNMOST POINT OF THE CONTINENTAL US

I highly recommend visiting the Southernmost Point because not everyone can say they’ve been to the southernmost tip of the continental US! It sits 18 feet above sea level and just 90 miles north of Cuba.

4. THE KEY WEST BUTTERFLY AND NATURE CONSERVATORY

If you have time, another Key West activity to do is The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, which is also a few blocks from The Southernmost Point of the Continental US. It’s a butterfly park that houses from 50 to 60 different species of live butterflies from around the world in a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat.

5. CONCH TOUR TRAIN

I did not get a chance to do this but throughout my stay, I saw plenty of people on the Conch Tour Train. Guests can see the best of Key West on the train, it’s been around since 1958!

KEY WEST RESTAURANTS

6. DJ’S CLAM SHACK

Dj’s Clam Shack is a charming and laid back seafood restaurant. It has been featured on Guy Fieri’s show, Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, so we knew it’s also one of the best seafood in Key West. What to order: lobster rolls, steamed garlic clams, and conch fritters.

7. FIREFLY

Firefly is a chef-driven restaurant that serves Southern cuisine. We were on the hunt for some chicken and waffles, and Firefly seemed like that right place to go! We ordered both the Chicken & Waffles and the Sausage Biscuit and wow were we surprised at the beauty of it! The Chicken & Waffles were smothered in syrup and powdered sugar, I highly recommend trying their homemade hot sauce on the side. The Sausage Biscuit was the biggest I’ve ever seen before, how fun!

8. KERMIT’S KEY LIME PIE

A trip to Key West is not complete until you’ve had some Key Lime Pie! We visited Kermit’s and was not disappointed. It was an all-around perfect pie of sweet and tart.

9. MATT’S STOCK ISLAND

Located in the Perry Hotel Key West, its American Coastal Comfort Food is cooked with fresh ingredients every day. I consider Matt’s Stock Island to be one of the best seafood restaurants in Key West! If you’re a seafood lover, add this place to your list! What to order: The Commodore For Two & Hackleback Caviar.

10. BLUE HEAVEN

Blue Heaven is a Key West staple so we had to experience it. The restaurant offers a fun dining experience from indoor/outdoor dining, live entertainment, and chicken and cats roaming the premises. Known for their Key Lime Pie, we had to order one for ourselves! Instantly, you are blown away by the presentation of the pie itself and how it’s made. On top of the key lime pie is a huge dollop of meringue that adds a nice touch of sweetness to the tart pie.

Key West is a great weekend getaway from the city life. It has a really unique old charm to it and I love the cute colorful homes. I now have a new found love for key lime pie!