Key West is the perfect blend of everything you need. From amazing ocean views to the best nightlife hangouts, there is so much to do and enjoy in a simple three-day vacation. Follow our travel guide to find out how you can make the best out of this beautiful island city.
1. Lots of Sightseeing
You can start by hitting Mallory Square, a former warehouse district that is now home to a weekly sunset-watching ritual complete with live entertainment. This is one of the most popular free things to do in Key West and a must-do activity for everyone visiting the island. Make your way to the dock areas at the bottom of Duval Street to see the beautiful pinks and reds as the sun sets over the Mexican Gulf, a festive ambiance is created by jugglers, merchants, musicians, and other street performers, including some really unusual acts such as dog unicycling, animals on a tightrope, and straight-jacketed escapes.
You can also pay a visit to the Audubon’s house. Key West’s restoration effort began with the Audubon House. Rescued from demolition in the 1950s, the classic spot is now a museum flaunting John Audubon’s artwork. Audubon, who paid a visit to the house in 1832, is renowned for his beautiful bird drawings. Visitors to the museum get a guided tour of the home and grounds, as well as fascinating stories and information about the history of the locals. You will get the chance to see more than twenty of Audubon’s first-generation paintings.
Additionally, the home is filled with wonderful antiques and historical furniture, providing visitors with a sense of Key West’s elegance and flair throughout the nineteenth century. The gardens provide a beautiful refuge with delicate orchids, elegant bromeliads, thick tropical greenery, a herb garden, and a 1840’s-style nursery. Make a beeline for the gift store, where you can purchase genuine Audubon prints, books on local history and wildlife, as well as toys and other collectibles.
2. Hit the Exquisite Beach
For many, the most gorgeous beach in the Florida keys is this isolated island cluster. Climb aboard Yankee Freedom III, the official Dry Turtle Ferry, and make your way to the Dry Tortugas isolated. This spacious and elegant catamaran provides free breakfast and lunch, snorkeling equipment, and specialized staff to provide you with all the essential facts of the region. Once on the island, look into organizing your Key West holiday plans by exploring and discovering what the best beach attractions and activities are. You can go to the unspoiled beach, and experience the historic Fort Jefferson Civil War Fortress, you can then discover for yourself how this is one of the most unique eco-attractions in the world. There are also fun activities you can do at the Fort such as having a picnic, swimming or simply taking a stroll around the place. You can enjoy snorkeling there as well, whether you’re an avid snorkeler or if it’s your first time trying it.
The warm water can be quickly reached; there you can explore the vast coral reef housing the fish native to the area. Discover the sandy coastline through a stroll, or relax by observing birds, kayaking is also an available activity. Take a self-directed tour or go along with a guide of the enormous Fort Jefferson. Check out the war prisoners’ cells that were formerly the residence of Samuel Mudd, the most renowned prisoner at Fort Jefferson. You will understand that this was not an average beach day after day as you soak in sunlight, snorkel, and explore.
3. Great Night Life
After the sun sets, hopping on Duval Street is a must as Key West is renowned for its amazing bars. Places like Joe and Rick’s in Lower Duval are more refined, with wine bars and cocktail dens such as Grand Vin and Point Five. Amazing spots can be found at the center for artisan beer and drinks with a nice local atmosphere that you will find extremely unique. On the other side, Key West is known for many drag performances; La Te Da, a cabaret in Key West is a real jaw-dropper filled with talented vocalists performing as famous personalities Bette Liza and Cher. These elegant entertainers can catch an audience, engage them and laugh till they weep. In summer, the stars normally depart Key West and return in the autumn.
It’s important to note as well that there is a great historic side to the city if that’s an area of interest. Back in the 16th century, pirates were telling the Florida Keypads off the coast. Commodore David Porter banned the outlaws of the sea at the beginning of the 19th century, yet the stories continued to persist. Wreckers and treasure seekers have been looking for loot for years in the seas around the coast of Keys. You can play your own pirate adventure and discover performers, videos, and real objects in the Key West Disaster Museum, telling the story of more than 300 years of the Florida Keys shipwreck.
