An Epic Key West Day Trip: The Best Things to do

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Is it worth spending just one day in Key West? Is 24 hours enough time to see Key West?

A Key West day trip is a must-do for anyone visiting Southern Florida or the Florida Keys. If you’re looking for a tropical paradise with perfect weather and plenty of things to do, you’ll love this beautiful place

There are so many things that you could do in the Florida Keys from fishing to kayaking, but it all comes down to what type of traveller you are! So, if you’ve got your mind set on a day trip to Key West, here’s exactly how to do it and some of the things that you simply cannot miss!

How to get to Key West?

There are several ways that you can get to Key West and ultimately, it depends on where you’re starting from. You can take a bus, drive, fly, or even take a boat there. If you are flying, the closest airport is in Marathon which is about a 30-minute drive from Key West. 

Alternatively, you can visit Key West as a day trip from Miami which is about a 3.5-hour drive away. Plus driving is going to be a beautiful journey as the Keys are known for their stunning scenery!

You can also visit Key West from Miami via a guided tour. We were spending a few days in Miami at the time and decided to visit Key West – this is how we visited as we didn’t have a car, but still wanted to see this beautiful part of the world.

Is a Key West day trip a good idea?

Yes, a Key West day trip is a great way to experience this beautiful city. It will give you a really good feel for one of the prettiest parts of Florida.

So, if you’re thinking about booking a Key West day trip then go for it – enjoy your time in this beautiful city, and don’t forget to take lots of photos!

What are the 11 best things to do on a Key West day trip?

There is no shortage of amazing things to see and do in Key West. Some of our favourite activities include swimming, exploring the history of the area, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

If you’re looking for some more ideas then check out these 11 things to do on a Key West day trip:

1. Visit Hemingway House

This is the house of Ernest Hemingway, one of America’s most famous writers. He lived here in his later years with his wife and three cats and the house is pretty well known as being one of the top attractions in the Keys. 

The house has been preserved just how it was when the couple were still living there. You can see all their personal belongings which are displayed throughout this unique museum and the entire place feels like a step back in time.

2. Wander Around Duval Street

Duval Street is the main street of Key West. It has lots of great bars, shops, and restaurants – making it a really popular place to visit both day and night.

Duval Street is also home to The Southernmost Point in the Continental US, which is worth a visit.

3. Head to the Southernmost Point

Speak of the devil! The Southernmost Point is a must-see when in Key West. It’s located at the very tip of Duval Street and it is, as the name suggests, the most southerly point in the USA.

The spot is marked by a large buoy and it’s a great place to snap some photos.

4. watch the Sunset at Mallory Square

Mallory Square is located right on the waterfront and it’s one of the best places in Key West to watch the sunset.

Every night, locals and tourists come here to enjoy live music, street performers, and of course – an amazing view of the sun setting over the water.

5. Visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Taylor is a National Historic Monument on the southern outskirts of Key West, featuring the world’s largest collection of Civil War weapons.

It’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you are interested in US history.

The monument also has a beautiful surrounding park. This is a great place to spend an afternoon. There’s a beach, nature trails, and plenty of history.

The fort was built in 1845 and it played an important role in both the Civil War and Spanish-American War. 

6. Explore The Shipwreck Museum

This museum is another really interesting place to visit if you want to learn more about Key West’s history as a pirate haven.

It tells the tale of 400 years of shipwreck salvage in the Florida Keys using actors, films, and real relics. This is easily one of the best places to stop on a Key West day trip.

7. Visit The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

This is another one of our favourite places in Key West. It’s basically a giant greenhouse full of exotic butterflies, fish, birds, reptiles, and more.

Come face to face with a toucan or watch as hundreds of butterflies flutter around you – it’s definitely a unique experience!

8. See The Harry S. Truman Little White House

This is the house where President Harry Truman spent his vacations after he left office.

It’s now a museum that tells the story of Truman’s life and political career. If you’re interested in US politics then this is definitely one of the places to visit on your Key West day trip.

9. Explore The Martello Towers

These towers were built in the 1800s to protect Key West from attack by sea. There are now three of them open to the public as museums, and they offer some great views of the city and harbour.

10. Climb Key West Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse was built in 1847 and it’s now a National Landmark.

For a small fee, it can be climbed for amazing views of Key West, as well as the nearby islands.

11. Visit Key West Aquarium

This aquarium is a small but fun place to visit. It has a wide variety of fish and sea creatures on display, as well as interactive exhibits which are perfect for learning more about the ocean.

We really enjoyed seeing the eels and the rescue turtles here.

12. Participate in Watersports

Last but not least, you should definitely try out some watersports if you’re visiting Key West. We’d recommend kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or even riding a jet ski – anything that gets you in the water!

As well as being a great adrenaline booster, Key West is just a beautiful place to enjoy the ocean, and, well, it’s just good fun!

How much time should you spend in Key West?

You can definitely plan a Key West Day trip that visits a lot of the best places to see in the area. However, if you want to do some fishing, swimming, or kayaking then you might need more time. Ultimately it depends on what your interests are and how much time you have!

We would recommend spending at least a day in Key West – this will give you enough time to see the highlights of the city. But for seeing absolutely everything, 3-4 days is perfect.

What is the best month to go to Key West?

The weather in the Keys is pretty bearable all year round – even in the winter months, it can sit in the low 20s. However, there are specific times when it’s better to visit Key West. 

For example, May is a great month to visit as you’ll avoid both really busy crowds that arrive in the summer months but still have warm weather. Other good months include October through to April. Plus, this is off-season, so prices are lower than in the peak summer months.

The worst time to go is from July until September as it’s really hot and really busy. 

Final Thoughts on a Key West Day Trip

Overall, a day trip to Key West is a great way to get a taste of the area. It’s a great place to visit in the US in winter and summer and is a wonderful spot for some winter sun. It’s also a great place to learn about the history of southern America and there is so much to do there. If you’re considering visiting Key West, don’t skip this spot.

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