What's your favorite things to do in Key West

[phinz]

I'm so glad I found your post here.. I was considering an electric car as I have two kids with me and didn't know if it was doable by foot. Thank you for this info!

The rock is only 2 miles wide by 4 miles long. Easily doable by foot.

Be warned if you have kids with you: The stuff in the windows of shops on Duval can be questionable to the easily offended, as can the language and songs coming out of the pubs (yes, I'm talking about Pete & Wayne at Sloppy Joe's, among others). If you don't mind answering uncomfortable or odd questions, then by all means hit up every $5 TShirt shop that exists while wandering down the one street that really doesn't exemplify the best of Key West.

Sorry. I just get really frustrated when people go to the one place in the world that I love with all my heart and they don't really see it, but instead just perpetuate the mess that is Duval Street. There is *so* much more to see and do that can be so much more enlightening than loud bars, ribald songs, weak drinks, and tchotchke and T-shirt shops. If nothing else, be sure to do the Trolley or Conch Train and see more than just the couple of blocks surrounding the Mallory and Westin docks, as well as the 5.5 blocks of Duval Street leading to Margaritaville.

If you *must* go to Margaritaville, please keep walking another couple of doors down to the San Carlos Institute and check it out since you're already in the neighborhood. It's open to the public (takes donations) and is a fascinating bit of history. The architecture is gorgeous (check out the tile work on the stairs to the second floor) and they have some fascinating pieces from the Cuban War of Independence as well as José Martí, the cigar rolling industry and Havana. It's a nice, quiet escape from the madness of Duval too. They even have restrooms that are open to the public, but they do ask that you donate if you used them. I don't consider that a bad thing, given that they keep them clean and rely solely on donations. They are a not-for-profit with an all-volunteer staff.

http://www.institutosancarlos.org/

Key West really is a spectacular place that few truly experience. There is so much history for such a small place that you wouldn't dent it if you spent a year there. Try and see more than what every other tourist sees. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[LilacBarries]

The rock is only 2 miles wide by 4 miles long. Easily doable by foot. Be warned if you have kids with you: The stuff in the windows of shops on Duval can be questionable to the easily offended, as can the language and songs coming out of the pubs (yes, I'm talking about Pete & Wayne at Sloppy Joe's, among others). If you don't mind answering uncomfortable or odd questions, then by all means hit up every $5 TShirt shop that exists while wandering down the one street that really doesn't exemplify the best of Key West. Sorry. I just get really frustrated when people go to the one place in the world that I love with all my heart and they don't really see it, but instead just perpetuate the mess that is Duval Street. There is *so* much more to see and do that can be so much more enlightening than loud bars, ribald songs, weak drinks, and tchotchke and T-shirt shops. If nothing else, be sure to do the Trolley or Conch Train and see more than just the couple of blocks surrounding the Mallory and Westin docks, as well as the 5.5 blocks of Duval Street leading to Margaritaville. If you *must* go to Margaritaville, please keep walking another couple of doors down to the San Carlos Institute and check it out since you're already in the neighborhood. It's open to the public (takes donations) and is a fascinating bit of history. The architecture is gorgeous (check out the tile work on the stairs to the second floor) and they have some fascinating pieces from the Cuban War of Independence as well as José Martí, the cigar rolling industry and Havana. It's a nice, quiet escape from the madness of Duval too. They even have restrooms that are open to the public, but they do ask that you donate if you used them. I don't consider that a bad thing, given that they keep them clean and rely solely on donations. They are a not-for-profit with an all-volunteer staff. http://www.institutosancarlos.org/ Key West really is a spectacular place that few truly experience. There is so much history for such a small place that you wouldn't dent it if you spent a year there. Try and see more than what every other tourist sees. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Thank you for this. We don't drink and have zero desire to go to margaritaville. Growing up from in a tourist town we very much like to try and avoid the tourist traps whenever possible. We do want to wander around and maybe do the lighthouse, or see the butterfly's. We're thinking of rent I scooters.

Our day there is really only a half day 12:45-5:45 if I remember correctly. what are the "must sees" on a short day?

 

[over50visits]

We will be on a double dip cruise the end of september and our first stop is Key West. My son wants to eat at Margaritaville. Is it close enough to walk to from the ship. What are some other favorite activities there?

Key West is by far one of the easiest ports to visit. It is very atmospheric, easy to walk around, welcoming, friendly...we love to walk the length of Duval Street and take in all the wonderful sights and people along the way. You'll pass Margaritaville, a great place to stop in for a drink or a meal. There are plenty of other outside eating places that are just delightful. You'll pass within about a block of Truman's House if that interests you (call your friends and tell them to watch for you on their live webcam in the front yard!).

We also like the trams. They are frequent, cheap, and VERY easy to use. Just walk to the area where they all seem to start, pick one company, and hop on and off to your heart's content.

A hidden gem is the pier area where all the beautiful boats and yachts are docked. Stay long the shore as beast you can and walk north (counter clockwise from an overall island view) and take the boardwalk looking at the great boats and ships.

Don't forget Key Lime Pie!

 

[LilacBarries]

The rock is only 2 miles wide by 4 miles long. Easily doable by foot. Be warned if you have kids with you: The stuff in the windows of shops on Duval can be questionable to the easily offended, as can the language and songs coming out of the pubs (yes, I'm talking about Pete & Wayne at Sloppy Joe's, among others). If you don't mind answering uncomfortable or odd questions, then by all means hit up every $5 TShirt shop that exists while wandering down the one street that really doesn't exemplify the best of Key West. Sorry. I just get really frustrated when people go to the one place in the world that I love with all my heart and they don't really see it, but instead just perpetuate the mess that is Duval Street. There is *so* much more to see and do that can be so much more enlightening than loud bars, ribald songs, weak drinks, and tchotchke and T-shirt shops. If nothing else, be sure to do the Trolley or Conch Train and see more than just the couple of blocks surrounding the Mallory and Westin docks, as well as the 5.5 blocks of Duval Street leading to Margaritaville. If you *must* go to Margaritaville, please keep walking another couple of doors down to the San Carlos Institute and check it out since you're already in the neighborhood. It's open to the public (takes donations) and is a fascinating bit of history. The architecture is gorgeous (check out the tile work on the stairs to the second floor) and they have some fascinating pieces from the Cuban War of Independence as well as José Martí, the cigar rolling industry and Havana. It's a nice, quiet escape from the madness of Duval too. They even have restrooms that are open to the public, but they do ask that you donate if you used them. I don't consider that a bad thing, given that they keep them clean and rely solely on donations. They are a not-for-profit with an all-volunteer staff. http://www.institutosancarlos.org/ Key West really is a spectacular place that few truly experience. There is so much history for such a small place that you wouldn't dent it if you spent a year there. Try and see more than what every other tourist sees. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Thank you for this-we don't drink and have zero desire to go to margaritaville. Having growing up in a tourist town we try to avoid the tourist traps and find the cute mom

 

[phinz]

Our day there is really only a half day 12:45-5:45 if I remember correctly. what are the "must sees" on a short day?

The Shipwreck Museum is interesting. The kids may very well enjoy the Aquarium, especially if there's a Nurse Shark feeding. I've gotten to feed them before and it's very cool.

The Butterfly Conservatory is beautiful. They're flying all around you. It can be a bit humid in there, so be aware it can get stuffy, but worth it. http://youtu.be/yCw1nNGObuI

I really like the Key West Cemetery. There are bicycle tours that will take you there and show you around. Find the mausoleum that says, "I told you I was sick." It's just outside the Jewish section, on the left. Can't miss it once you know where it is. The Battleship Maine Memorial is quite sobering.

The waterfront at the Bight is a really nice stroll (this is what the previous poster was talking about), and there is some good food to be found. B.O.'s Fishwagon (picture below) at the corner of Caroline and William is a neat, funky, *very* Key West place, and if you're not careful you'll miss it. The best dolphin sandwiches in all of the Keys are to be found here.

There is a turtle museum on The Bight near Turtle Kraals, as well as a really cool model of Fort Jefferson out on the Dry Tortugas, the fort where many of the Lincoln assassination conspirators were held.

The Hemingway House will be packed with tourists, but it's a neat destination, as is the Audubon House, which is closer to the cruise ship port. The grounds of both are beautiful (the Hemingway House is stunning. Check out the size of the white birds o' paradise) and worth a visit.

You can wander Truman Annex, a newer development (though beautiful) with the walking tour maps that are free at the entrance at the end of Front Street. You'll pass Truman's Little White House (I've not been inside, but I've had dinner on the lawn at night a couple of times) and see all sorts of pretty houses. It's lush beyond imagination.

Don't hesitate to get your picture taken at the Southernmost Point marker if you want to. It's touristy/kitschy, but it's a neat souvenir to take home on your first visit.

With only 5 hours to see Key West, you can't really see everything, and you really can't see much either. If you want to get a taste of most everything grab the Conch Train and at least let them give you a taste of the rock. You'll get a brief history of many of the places that are more popular, and it *will* give you a desire to come back and explore more. There is *so much* to see and do in Key West that I'd feel gypped if my cruise only stayed for a few hours. My wife jokes that if we ever are on a cruise that stops in Key West she'll have to get back on the boat without me because Key West is my One Particular Harbor and the only place in the world I would happily lay anchor for the rest of my life.