Key West has been an essential destination for visitors around the world for decades. Everyone from major celebrities to ordinary, everyday folks dreams of enjoying beautiful beaches, rich history, and the simplicity of island life, even if it’s just for a quick trip.
Many travelers also have a “bucket list” for Key West, which contains the places and activities they’d most like to see and do on their visit. This can include visiting national parks, enjoying a Key West sunset, seeing marine life, relaxing on a Key West beach, and many other parts of a Key West vacation.
A tour we think you'll love
If you’ve never thought about your list or you need help choosing the essentials that you’d like to add, here’s a list of five must-see and can’t-miss experiences to add to your Key West bucket list:
1) Relax And Enjoy Gorgeous Views With Key West Boat Trips
Visiting Key West and skipping the sandbars would be like traveling to Paris and skipping the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower. At Key West Boat Trips, we take you to the best sandbars with the best views the area has to offer.
We’ve helped thousands of visitors experience unforgettable sandbar trips and boat tours. If you love snorkeling, wading, relaxing in the sun, or any other sandbar-based activity, you’re in for a treat.
Our amazing tour offerings include:
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On our Hopping Sandbars in Key West tour, you’ll enjoy some of the best sandbars in the area. Snipe Point, a spot beloved by locals, is where we’ll spend most of our time. You’ll also get to enjoy a few of our other favorites!
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If you’re looking for the perfect romantic getaway or just want to view some amazing scenery, our Sunset Cruise has you covered. This two-hour tour takes you to multiple sandbars before you can enjoy the breathtaking views and serene surroundings that make the Key West backcountry so special. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the amazing views!
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The Mud Key Mangrove Safari takes you through the Key West Mangrove Sanctuary on a peaceful, private charter, allowing you to view pristine nature, gorgeous sunsets, and much more away from the crowds.
No matter which of our amazing tours you choose, you’ll be sure to have an amazing time in Key West. They do sell out fast, though, especially in peak season, so don’t miss out – book your next amazing Key West sandbar tour today!
2) Visit National Parks, Historical Sites, And Learn About Key West History
If you’re driving from Miami International Airport on the Overseas Highway, you can make a detour to visit Everglades and Biscayne National Parks before continuing to Key West. For the full national parks experience in the area, you’ll also want to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, which is only accessible by boat or seaplane from Key West.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Once you arrive, however, you’ll enjoy crystal clear waters, marine life, relaxing beaches, and even a bit of history. Garden Key, part of the park, is the site of the former Fort Jefferson, which served as a military prison during the Civil War, most famously holding Dr. Samuel Mudd and other conspirators in President Lincoln’s assassination. Today, visitors can explore the fort’s impressive brick structure and learn about its historical significance through informative exhibits and guided tours.
If you’d like to camp at Dry Tortugas National Park, there are several campsites available on Garden Key. Regular campsites (up to six people) are first-come, first-served, but the larger campsite (up to 20 people!) must be reserved in advance.
Truman Little White House
After arriving in Key West, take some time to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the area. Consider checking out the Harry Truman Little White House. It was originally used as a winter White House by President Harry S. Truman during his presidency. Visiting this landmark gives you a chance to see how a former president lived and learn about important events that happened during his time.
The Truman Annex is a historic area next to the Harry Truman Little White House, featuring lovely homes and parks. It used to be a naval base and is now a great place to walk and enjoy the scenery.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
The nearby Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a historic site featuring a well-preserved fort that played an important role during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its history through informative displays.
The park also has beautiful beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, along with nature trails for hiking and birdwatching. With its mix of history and outdoor activities, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a great place to visit.
Pro Tip: While driving is a popular way to explore the area, consider renting a bike or scooter for a more leisurely way to explore Key West. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
3) Visit Historic Duval Street For Food, Fun, And More
In the same way that Las Vegas has The Strip and New York has Broadway, Duval Street is the heart of Key West, Florida. Many of the city’s biggest attractions are either on Duval Street or are located within a block on either side.
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You’ll find many local restaurants here, including several that serve delicious Key Lime Pie made from locally sourced key limes.
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You’ll also find the old Key West Lighthouse, which is now a museum. You can climb the steps of the lighthouse and see a stunning bird’s-eye view of Key West and the beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
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Just a block over on Whitehead Street, you’ll find the Key West home of beloved author Ernest Hemingway. The Hemingway House is open 365 days a year for visitors to learn more about both the man himself and the beautiful island which he proudly called home.
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One of the best-known bars in Key West, Sloppy Joe’s Bar, is found at 201 Duval Street. If you want to eat, drink, or enjoy live music and entertainment, this historic bar is a great place for it.
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On your journey up Duval, take a detour two blocks over to Blue Heaven, one of the most popular restaurants in Key West, Florida. Their Caribbean cuisine and unique atmosphere make this one place you won’t want to miss.
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Visit the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, where hundreds of butterflies from around the world enjoy each other’s company (as well as yours!).
Pro Tip: If you book a tour with Old Town Trolley Tours, you’ll see much of Duval Street and see where you’d like to spend more time.
4) Complete Your Bucket List At The Key West Historic Seaport
The Historic Seaport downtown has great opportunities for dining at local restaurants, drinking at bars, and shopping. However, it’s also a great place to see many beautiful creatures and spectacular views, making it the perfect addition to your bucket list for Key West.
First, enjoy a leisurely stroll down the beautiful boardwalk (about two miles worth in total) and enjoy stunning views of Key West Harbor. You’ll find the Turtle Cannery Museum and the Sails to Rails Museum at Flagler Station. These museums are worth visiting because they offer fascinating insights into Key West’s unique history, from its maritime history to the impact of the railroad on the island’s development.
It’s also home to the dock for the ferry to Sunset Key, the gorgeous private island located nearby. You’ll need a reservation at the island’s restaurant (Latitudes) or one of the hotels, spas, and resorts found on the island before you can board. If you dine at Latitudes, save room for their famous Key Lime Pie!
If you don’t want to leave Key West, you’ll find some fantastic dining options just steps away from the Historic Seaport:
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A&B Lobster House – Known for its fresh seafood and stunning waterfront views, this restaurant offers a variety of lobster dishes and other local favorites.
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Conch Republic Seafood Company – A casual dining spot that serves delicious seafood and Caribbean-inspired dishes, with a lively atmosphere and outdoor seating overlooking the water.
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The Rooftop Cafe – Located above the historic Old Town, this restaurant features a diverse menu with fresh ingredients and a beautiful rooftop setting, perfect for enjoying a meal while taking in the views.
Good To Know: The Seaport was originally called “Key West Bight” (a bight is a bend or curve on a coastline). If you hear older locals or people who have visited in years past refer to the “Bight,” they’re referring to the Seaport!
5) Experience The Magic Of Mallory Square
At the northwest corner of Duval Street, you’ll find Mallory Square. There’s so much to do here that it deserves its own section and at least a few hours for day trips or one full day for longer stays.
The world-famous Sunset Celebration takes place every night (365 days a year!), starting about two hours before the sun goes down. Street performers, food trucks, live music, entertainment, and so much more can be found here every night underneath the gorgeous Key West sunset.
If you’re looking for coffee and a light meal (or both), the Cuban Coffee Queen can’t be beat. Their delicious Cuban coffee is a must-try, providing the perfect pick-me-up to fuel your day. Pair it with a tasty sandwich or pastry for a satisfying treat that captures the flavors of Key West.
Afterward, enjoy some of the best shopping in Key West. You’ll find a variety of unique boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops that showcase local crafts and treasures. Whether you’re searching for a special gift or a memento of your trip, there’s something for everyone to discover!
Fun Fact: Mallory Square is also home to the Key West Aquarium, the oldest attraction on the island, which was built in 1932. This interesting aquarium has hands-on exhibits and lets you see local sea animals up close, making it a great place for families and ocean lovers.
Make Your Key West Bucket List Unforgettable With Our Sandbar Tours
No matter if your Key West bucket list features taking in stunning views, savoring fresh key limes, playing beach volleyball, exploring national parks, visiting the iconic Sloppy Joe’s bar, snapping a photo at the Southernmost Point buoy, learning about sea turtles, touring historic Fort Jefferson, or any other adventure in the Florida Keys, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience as you check off these highlights during your visit!
At Key West Boat Trips, we take you to some of the most stunning spots the Florida Keys have to offer. Whether it’s breathtaking views, peaceful sandbars, or tranquil boat rides, what starts as a “Wouldn’t it be nice?” can quickly turn into unforgettable memories in just a few hours.
Our adventures do sell out fast, however, especially during peak seasons. If you want to check this amazing experience off your bucket list for Key West, reserve your spot on one of our awesome tours today!
