Things to do in Florida Keys

Activities, attractions and tours

Higgs Beach showing tropical scenes and a beach as well as a large group of people
Dry Tortugas National Park which includes general coastal views and heritage architecture
Smathers Beach showing a bay or harbor, windsurfing and tropical scenes
Florida Keys
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park featuring marine life

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Top places to visit

1. Duval Street

Coming to Florida’s Key West and not experiencing Duval Street is missing one of the area’s most important commercial roads. It’s the main street on the island. Visit at any time. At the end of the day, when the heat abates and beachgoers have packed up, the street truly comes into its own. Being bored on Duval Street is a rarity.
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Along one of the southernmost streets in the continental U.S., enjoy a lively area filled with shops, pubs, restaurants and lots of sidewalk acts and vendors.

2. Southernmost Point

Visit the Southernmost Point of the United States for a unique photo opportunity and views toward Cuba. Pose in front of the huge structure emblazoned with the words, “Southernmost Point Continental U.S.A.” and “90 miles to Cuba,” for a memorable photograph.
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Snap a memorable photograph from the edge of North America at this monumental landmark.

3. Mallory Square

This popular town square, adjacent to excellent dining and lively bars is home to one of Key West’s longest-running traditions. Perched on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, Mallory Square hosts Key West’s Sunset Celebration every evening of the year. Watch as the square bursts with color and sound as hundreds of visitors to the island converge to watch one of the most picturesque sunsets in the United States. Surrounding the square are some of Key West’s best restaurants, great shopping and hotels catering to all budgets.
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Arrive at this square at day’s end to find street performers, food carts and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the United States.

4. Smathers Beach

On an island filled with private beaches, this popular stretch of public shoreline is among the most majestic. Featuring over a half-mile (0.8 kilometer) of white, palm-lined sand, Smathers Beach is a destination for water sports lovers and those seeking quiet time in the sun. Spend a day snorkeling, kayaking or playing beach volleyball as you make friends on the beach known for its social atmosphere.
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Smathers Beach which includes a sandy beach, a luxury hotel or resort and tropical scenes

5. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is unique for its location under the sea, the first subaquatic park in the United States. The park has ample space on land for beach activities. The real attraction is the massive 70 nautical square miles (240 square kilometers) area in the water. Explore the park in both your sneakers and your swimsuit.
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park which includes marine life

6. Sombrero Beach

Shady picnic areas, a carpet of white sand and dive sites just meters from the shore have helped cement this popular beach’s reputation as one of the best in the Florida Keys. Bring the family to Sombrero Beach to frolic in the calm water and enjoy beach activities or a barbecue.
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Sombrero Beach which includes a beach and general coastal views

7. South Beach

Conveniently located at the end of one of Key West’s main streets and just a short walk from the center of the town, this tiny beach is the most popular on the island. While its warm water, perfect swimming conditions and stunning views attract many visitors, some visit South Beach simply to say they’ve been to the southernmost beach in the continental United States. Find a spot on the crowded beach to immerse yourself in the lively Key West atmosphere or simply stop by for a quick swim on your way into town.
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The southernmost beach in the continental United States is a convenient sandy enclave, just minutes from the center of town.

8. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to reveal the eccentricities of Ernest Hemingway’s life. For most of the 1930s, one of the most revered authors of the 20th century lived in a Spanish colonial house in the heart of tropical Key West. Meet six-toed cats and see the studio in which some of Hemingway’s most famous novels were written. Find a vast collection of art, hunting trophies and household items as you wander through the house and gardens.
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Meet six-toed cats and watch as the life of one America’s great writers unfolds before your eyes at his former home.

9. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a sublime natural setting that provides idyllic swimming and birdwatching conditions. At its core is the historic Fort Taylor and what is thought to be the world’s largest Civil War arms collection. Bring U.S. history to life by walking down the passageways of this well-preserved fortress.
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The displays of old weapons and interpretive panels in a fort at the heart of the southernmost state park in the continental U.S. provide information about the Civil War.

What to do in Florida Keys


Popular places to visit

Areas of Florida Keys

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Old Town Key West

If you're spending some time in Old Town Key West, Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Old Town Key West
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Key West Historic District

Travelers to Key West Historic District praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Key West Historic District
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Downtown Key West

If you're spending some time in Downtown Key West, Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Key West
Smathers Beach showing a bay or harbor, windsurfing and tropical scenes

Beachside

If you're spending some time in Beachside, Smathers Beach and Florida Keys Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Beachside
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New Town

Though New Town might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Smathers Beach and Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.

New Town
Harry S. Truman Little White House showing a garden, heritage elements and a house

Truman Annex

If you're spending some time in Truman Annex, Harry S. Truman Little White House and Mel Fisher Maritime Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Truman Annex