Things To Do
Key West Travel Site
If you would like to look up restaurants, places to stay and things to do beyond what we have listed on our wedding website, please check out the Florida Keys Travel site.
Bars & Restaurants
Key west is not short on bars or restaurants however being a small island, reservations are strongly encouraged for breakfast and dinner! Some of our favorites or locations suggested to us are... Sandy's Cafe - Walk up/To Go Cuban https://www.sandyscafe.com El Siboney Restaurant- Casual Sitdown Cuban https://www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com Azur - Sit down restaurant with amazing breakfast! Try the Key Lime Pie French Toast! https://azurkeywest.com Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville - The food was quite good for being a chain! https://www.margaritavillekeywest.com Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden - Casual Sitdown Restaurant https://www.oldtowntavernkw.com Blue Heaven - Casual Sitdown Restaurant https://blueheavenkw.com The Waterfront Brewery - Casual Sitdown Restaurant https://www.thewaterfrontbrewery.com El Mason de Pepe - Sitdown Cuban https://www.elmesondepepe.com Click the View button for a more comprehensive list.
Key West Historic Seaport
The Historic Seaport runs along the northern shore of Old Key West. Attractions in this area include the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens (Our venue!), Key West Turtle Museum, Mallory Square, Key West Aquarium, Key West Shipwreck Museum (don't miss the view above Key West from the tower) and the Key West Art & Historical Society Museum to name a few. There are also an abundance of shops and restaurants here in this area. We were lucky enough to see a manatee hanging out next to the Turtle Museum as well as an abundance of Tarpin so be sure to walk the marina docks and peek around in the water.
Duval Street
Duval Street is the main drag of downtown, running north and south from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Roughly a mile long with a diverse array of restaurants, shops, world famous pubs and attractions.
Old Town Trolley Tours
A hop on, hop off open air trolly that takes you to 100 locations around Key West. Includes two guided walking tours, admission to the Sails to Rails Museum and $50 in discount coupons.
The Hemingway Home and Museum
The Hemmingway Home came in a close second on our search for a wedding venue and is high on our list of recommedned spots to check out while in Key West. If you are lucky like Jeremy, one of the 6 or 7 toed (yes 7 per the staff!!) cats will climb in your lap and make biscuits.
801 Bourbon Bar Drag Show
For those wanting to imbibe in the nightlife entertainment of Key West, take a stroll across the rainbow crosswalk to the 801 Bourban Bar to take in a drag show featuring Sushi and The 801 Girls. Shows nightly at 9pm and 11pm. Tickets are $15-20 and can be purchased via the link.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Walk through a tropical paradise with hundreds of butterflies and exotic colorful birds from around the world.
Harry S Truman Little White House
Take a guided tour through the former home turned museum of President Harry S. Truman. Explore where the man of his time lived, worked, played, and held important government meetings in this delightful journey through American history. Even if you opt not to do the tour, pop in the gift shop which has a small free exhibit that is well worth checking out. The gardens within the Truman Annex are also worth a stroll.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
On the southern edge of Key West, Fort Taylor predates the Civil War and is a National Historic Monument housing the largest cache of Civil War armament in the world. Beyond its historical importance, the park is the southernmost state park in the continental United States. Look for the large Iguana's up on the fort roof! The park also boasts Key West’s favorite beach, located at the southern end of the park, providing opportunities for picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, paddling and fishing. Water shoes required (trust us on this!) Entry fee: $6 per vehicle
Key West Lighthouse
Climb 88 steps to the top of the Lighthouse Tower to get one of the best views of the island and its surrounding turquoise waters.
Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West, Florida, United States. It is approximately a half mile long. The beach is located on the island's south side, along the Atlantic Ocean and State Road A1A, and begins at mile marker zero, the beginning of A1A. Amenities include: Beach volleyball nets Jet ski rentals Restrooms Shower facilities Volleyball courts Parking is $5 per hour. Beach is free.
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach
A smaller beach with a pier and jetty creating a calm almost waveless beach with the option for snorkeling (must bring own gear). There are restrooms and a beach side restaurant Salute! to grab lunch as well as a playground. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented on site. Parking and the beach are free! This beach is known for sand fleas so renting a chair and keeping your bags/towels off the sand are strongly recommended.
Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West
A small locally owned book store owned by author Judy Blume and her husband George Cooper.