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Key West events and things to do, including Mallory Square sunsets, Duval Street, snorkel and sunset sails, Fantasy Fest, the Hemingway Home and Dry Tortugas trips.

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Key West Events & Things to Do: Sunset at Mallory Square, Snorkeling, Duval Street & Tours

Quick answer: The best things to do in Key West include watching the sunset at Mallory Square, snapping a photo at the Southernmost Point, touring the Hemingway Home and its six-toed cats, snorkeling the coral reef, taking a ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, and exploring Duval Street. The island's biggest party, Fantasy Fest, runs October 16–25, 2026.

Planning things to do in Key West for a day, a weekend, or a cruise stop? The southernmost city in the continental US packs a lot into four square miles: the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, bar-hopping on Duval Street, reef snorkeling, sunset sails, the Ernest Hemingway Home, and day trips to Dry Tortugas National Park. Big annual events like Fantasy Fest in October make it worth checking dates before you book.

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What Is the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration?

Every evening, locals and visitors gather at Mallory Square on the Old Town waterfront to salute the sunset, surrounded by street performers, musicians, artists, and food vendors. Plan to arrive about two hours before sunset for the full experience.

For a different view, book a sunset sail or catamaran cruise and watch the sun drop into the Gulf from the water.

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What Are the Must-See Attractions in Key West?

  • Southernmost Point Buoy: The famous marker at South and Whitehead Streets, just 90 miles from Cuba.
  • Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum: Hemingway's former home, still home to dozens of cats, many of them six-toed descendants of his cat Snow White.
  • Duval Street: Key West's lively main strip of bars, restaurants, shops, and live music.
  • Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Truman Little White House, and Fort Zachary Taylor round out a great day of sightseeing.

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What Are the Best Water Activities in Key West?

Key West sits near the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S., making it a top spot for water adventures:

  • Snorkeling and diving on the reef
  • Sunset sails and catamaran cruises
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding through mangroves
  • Deep-sea fishing charters
  • Dry Tortugas National Park: A remote island park with historic Fort Jefferson, reached by the Yankee Freedom ferry or seaplane.

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Where Should You Eat in Key West?

Key West is famous for key lime pie, conch fritters, fresh stone crab and lobster, Cuban coffee, and waterfront happy hours. Summer's Key West Lobsterfest is a favorite for seafood lovers.

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How Do You Get to Key West?

Most visitors drive the scenic Overseas Highway, which crosses more than 40 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Key West is about 160 miles from Miami, roughly a four-hour drive without stops. You can also fly into Key West International Airport or take a ferry from Fort Myers.

Many travelers pair Key West with a stay in Fort Lauderdale or Miami.

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Things to Do in Key West With Kids

Traveling with kids? Key West has plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities, including the Butterfly Conservatory, the Key West Aquarium, the Hemingway cats, the trolley tour, snorkeling trips, Fort Zachary Taylor's beach, and the Sunset Celebration's street performers.

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Free Things to Do in Key West

  • Mallory Square Sunset Celebration: Street performers, food carts, and the sunset over the Gulf every evening.
  • Southernmost Point Buoy: The classic photo stop at Whitehead and South Streets.
  • Duval Street and Old Town: Walk past conch houses, galleries, and open-air bars from the Gulf to the Atlantic.
  • Key West Cemetery: Quirky above-ground tombs with famously funny epitaphs.

Things to Do in Key West for Adults & Couples

  • Sunset sail: Champagne or cocktail cruises leave the Historic Seaport most evenings.
  • Duval Crawl: Sloppy Joe's, Captain Tony's, and the Green Parrot are Key West institutions.
  • Snorkel and kayak trips: Explore the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US.
  • Hemingway Home & Museum: Tour the writer's house and meet the six-toed cats.

Things to Do in Key West This Weekend & Today

Key West weekends start slow with breakfast and a bike ride, then build toward sunset at Mallory Square and a night on Duval. Book reef trips and sunset sails early on holiday weekends and during Fantasy Fest, when the island fills up fast.

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Popular Key West Questions

What are the best free things to do in Key West?

Free favorites in Key West include Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, Southernmost Point Buoy, Duval Street and Old Town, and Key West Cemetery. See the free things to do section above for details.

What are the best things to do in Key West for adults and couples?

Popular picks for adults and couples in Key West include a sunset sail, Duval Crawl, snorkel and kayak trips, and Hemingway Home & Museum.

When is Fantasy Fest 2026?

Fantasy Fest 2026 runs October 16–25, 2026 in Key West.

How far is Key West from Cuba?

The Southernmost Point is just 90 miles from Cuba, making Key West the closest U.S. city to the island.

How long is the drive from Miami to Key West?

About 160 miles, or roughly four hours without stops, along the Overseas Highway.

How do you get to Dry Tortugas National Park?

By the official Yankee Freedom ferry from Key West or by seaplane. Book early, since trips often sell out.

Are there really six-toed cats at the Hemingway Home?

Yes. About half of the cats at the Hemingway Home & Museum have six toes, and all of them carry the gene.

When is the best time to visit Key West?

December through April brings the most comfortable weather and busiest season. October is popular for Fantasy Fest. Summer is hot but great for snorkeling and Lobsterfest.

What is there to do in Key West this weekend?

Browse Key West tours and activities for sunset sails, snorkel trips, and tours you can book for your dates.

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Plan Your Key West Trip

Watch the sunset at Mallory Square, snorkel the reef, meet the Hemingway cats, stand at the Southernmost Point, celebrate Fantasy Fest, or sail out to the Dry Tortugas.

Start exploring Key West with Get Your Ticket and discover your next island adventure.

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