Travel Thursday – Key West

In today’s Travel Thursday destination, we visit Key West! This spot combines the best of the U.S. and Caribbean. It combines the convenience of traveling in the U.S. with the beauty and beach atmosphere of the Caribbean.

When to Visit Key West

The only real downfall to visiting Key West is it gets really busy and packed. Summer is the peak season for tourists, followed closely by winter. If you can visit in the early Spring or during fall it is usually slightly less busy than the other two seasons.

How to Get to Key West

Both times I went to Key West I came down the keys from Miami. Yes, it is a very long ride at about 3 and half to 4 hours. But it is one of the most scenic too, especially if you love the ocean as much as I do. If long-distance driving isn’t your thing, you can fly into Key West International Airport. There is also an airport on Marathon Key, which is about an hour drive from Key West.

Things to Do in Key West

On my first trip, I only spent a day in Key West. On my next trip, I spent a full weekend. Even with two trips, I feel like there is still several things to try and do in Key West on future visits.

Here are some of my favorite things to do, see, and experience in tropical Key West.

Sunset Cruise – The sunsets on the water there are amazing! There are many companies to try out, but we used Sebago Watersports. The service was great, and we loved the bar and music they had on the boat.
Southernmost Point – Alright, this is a little touristy, but its is just one of those great photo opportunities!
Duval Street – This street stretches across the tip of Key West from one ocean to the other. It is home to so many amazing restaurants, bars, and shops. A few of my favorites are:
- Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden
- Martin’s
- Margaritaville Key West
Schooner Wharf Bar – We found this little but fun bar as it was right near the check in point and dock for our sunset cruise. The live music was great, and the service and drinks were excellent!
Snorkeling – Similar to the sunset cruises, there are many different companies to book this and any water sports activity through in Key West. We choose Shore Excursion Group, but most of the companies all went to the same reef so any will probably suffice.
Boat Tours – We used Shore Excursion Group for a Rum Runner Adventure Boat and went with Captain Brian. He is the best! He knew all the great spots. We got to see so much and even enjoyed some time in the water near a sunken ship.
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum – Believe it or not, even as a writer, I have yet to go inside this gem. But if I go back to Key West I’ll make sure to see the inside of this home! The outside is pretty though.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – the fort here is cool to walk through. Plus, there is one of the few beaches here. Be prepared it’s very rocky though. There is a café, restrooms, and water sports rental options here as well.