11 Best Things to Do in Key West, Florida

At the very end of the Overseas Highway, closer to Havana than to Miami, Key West is Florida at its most relaxed and quirky. Pastel wooden houses, wandering chickens, sunset parties and some of the best snorkelling in the United States make it a favourite road-trip and cruise stop. Here's what not to miss.

1. Watch the sunset at Mallory Square

Every evening, locals and visitors gather on the waterfront at Mallory Square for the Sunset Celebration, with street performers, musicians and food stalls. Arrive an hour before sunset to find a spot by the water.

2. Stroll Duval Street

Key West's main street runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, lined with bars, galleries, shops and restaurants. It's lively all day and loud at night – side streets such as Whitehead and Caroline are calmer and full of beautiful old houses.

3. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Hemingway lived and wrote in this Spanish Colonial house in the 1930s. Guided tours run throughout the day, and around 60 cats – many of them six-toed, descendants of his own cat – still live on the grounds.

4. Pose at the Southernmost Point

The striped concrete buoy marks the southernmost point of the continental US, 90 miles (145 km) from Cuba. Go early in the morning; by midday there's a long queue for photos.

5. Climb the Key West Lighthouse

Climb the 88 steps of the 1848 lighthouse for one of the best views over town, then visit the restored Keeper's Quarters museum next door. It's right across the street from the Hemingway House.

6. Spend a beach day at Fort Zachary Taylor

This Civil War-era fort is now a state park with Key West's best beach. Bring water shoes – the beach is rocky – and snorkel straight from the shore around the rocks.

7. Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

About 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West, this remote national park is reached only by ferry or seaplane. The 19th-century Fort Jefferson rises out of turquoise water, with excellent snorkelling around its moat walls. Book well ahead – places on the ferry are limited.

8. Snorkel or dive the reef

The only living coral barrier reef in the continental US runs just offshore. Half-day snorkel and dive trips leave from the Historic Seaport every morning and afternoon. Use reef-safe sunscreen.

9. Tour the Truman Little White House

President Harry S. Truman spent 175 days of his presidency at this winter retreat. Guided tours tell the story of the presidents who stayed here, and the gardens are free to wander.

10. Walk among butterflies

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is a glass-domed tropical garden with hundreds of butterflies, as well as flamingos and small birds. It's a lovely break from the heat.

11. Eat key lime pie

Key West's signature dessert is made with tart key limes and condensed milk. Try it in a few places and decide for yourself who makes the best one – and don't miss conch fritters and fresh shrimp, too.

Getting there

The drive down the Overseas Highway from Miami takes about three and a half hours without stops and crosses 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Key West also has its own airport and is a popular cruise port.

Exploring more of Florida's wild side? The Everglades are in our guide to the best national parks to visit in winter, and if you're arriving by ship, read our tips for a smooth first cruise.