The Top Activities to Experience at Key West Beaches

Key West is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back island atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-filled escape, spending time at the Key West beaches is a must. When you stay with Rent Key West Vacations, you’ll be close to some of the island’s most popular shorelines, each offering something unique. From swimming and snorkeling to water sports and relaxing in the sun, here are the top ways to have fun at the beach:

Swimming

By far one of the most popular beach activities here is swimming. The shallow, clear, and calm waters surrounding Key West offer the perfect conditions for everyone to enjoy swimming on the island.

Best Beaches for Swimming

Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West and features a long stretch of sandy shoreline and gentle waters ideal for swimming. Nearby Higgs Beach is another excellent option, offering calm conditions and easy beach access for families.

Snorkeling

Home to North America’s only living coral barrier reef, Key West offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. Access snorkeling right off the beach and swim with tropical fish in the vibrant coral reefs. There are even more fantastic snorkeling opportunities offshore if you are interested in going beyond the beach.

Best Beach for Snorkeling

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is widely considered the best shore-snorkeling spot in Key West. Its rocky shoreline creates the perfect conditions for snorkeling.

Relaxing

Sometimes the best Key West beach activity is doing absolutely nothing. Bring a beach towel or chair from home, or rent one on the beach and set up your spot for the afternoon. Bask in the sun, listen to the sound of the waves, stroll along the shoreline, watch the sunset, and read a book.

Best Beaches for Relaxing

All of them!

Play Games and Enjoy the Amenities

Key West beaches offer much more than sand and surf. Many feature recreational amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, and volleyball courts for active travelers looking to mix relaxation with fun.

Best Beach for Activities

Higgs Beach is packed with amenities, including volleyball courts, tennis courts, a children’s playground, picnic areas, and walking paths.

Water Sports

Adventure seekers will find plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Popular activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and sailing. Select the adventure that matches your interests and splash into the water for a day of fun.

Best Beach for Water Sports

Smathers Beach is the island’s hub for beachside water sports. Several vendors operate directly on the beach, making it easy to rent equipment or book guided adventures.

Book Key West Beach Rentals Today

After a day of sun, sand, and adventure, return to the comfort of your vacation rental with Rent Key West Vacations. Our Key West beach house rentals place you close to the island’s most popular beaches, allowing you to spend less time driving and more time in the sand. Book with us today and find your perfect retreat!

Best Places to Eat in Key West for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Staying in a Rent Key West vacation rental comes with plenty of perks, including the freedom to cook your own meals whenever you want. But let’s be honest: no one wants to spend their entire vacation in the kitchen. Fortunately, Key West is packed with incredible restaurants serving everything from fresh-caught seafood to authentic Cuban cuisine and island-inspired favorites. Whether you’re searching for the perfect breakfast spot, a casual lunch, or an unforgettable dinner, this guide will help you discover the best places to eat in Key West!

Best Breakfast in Key West

Start the day with a delicious breakfast in Key West. Whether you are looking for a quick cafe to grab a sandwich or a sit-down restaurant serving up all your favorite classics, there is an eatery for everyone:

Blue Heaven is one of the most iconic restaurants on the island. Sit outside in the open-air courtyard and enjoy a hearty breakfast of authentic Floridian-Caribbean cuisine. It’s quirky, laidback, and quintessentially Key West!
Banana Cafe brings a taste of France to the Keys. Stop in at this French bistro for crepes, eggs Benedict, omelettes, and waffles in a low-key setting.
The Breakfast Club, Too is one of the best spots for brunch, serving breakfast foods and signature Bloody Marys all day long.
Harpoon Harry’s proclaims itself as Key West’s last true diner. Enjoy the vintage charm of this classic restaurant and choose from breakfast classics like omelets, sandwiches, po-boys, eggs Benedict, and key lime pie French toast.

Best Lunch in Key West

Take a break from exploring the island and pop into one of Key West’s restaurants for lunch. From casual seafood shacks to oceanfront restaurants, there are endless options available. Here are a few of our favorites:

Garbo’s Grill is a hidden gem for lunch on the island. The restaurant is housed in an Airstream food truck at Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon. Enjoy a casual lunch here and order tacos, burritos, or burgers.
Eaton Street Seafood Market is one of the best spots for fresh seafood on the island. Visit the restaurant for freshly prepared seafood dishes like lobster rolls, fish tacos, and fried baskets.
Santiago’s Bodega is a unique lunch spot where you can enjoy a variety of tapas in a relaxed, social setting. Stop in and share small plates like bruschetta, empanadas, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Salute! offers a great place to enjoy lunch right on the water. Dine on fresh seafood, sandwiches, and island-inspired dishes while taking in ocean views.

Best Dinner in Key West

End the day with a delicious dinner in Key West. Whether you want something romantic and upscale or a laidback place to watch the sunset, we have it all. Check out some of the top dinner restaurants below:

Latitudes is an incredibly popular fine dining spot for couples. Its romantic, beachfront ambiance offers the perfect backdrop for shared meals and drinks.
El Siboney Restaurant offers some of the best authentic Cuban food in town. Stop by and try one of their mouthwatering Cuban-style pork, beef, seafood, and chicken dishes.
Sunset Pier offers a wonderful setting to watch the sunset with your meal. Find a spot under one of the colorful umbrellas on the pier and enjoy tropical culinary delights, live music, and ocean views.

Stop at Better than Sex Desserts after dinner for a sweet treat!

Book Your Key West Vacation Rental Today

These are just a few of the best places to eat in Key West. There are many more options available throughout the island. Book your accommodations with Rent Key West Vacations and find the perfect condo rental near the island’s best restaurants. Whether you want to stay near the beach or in the heart of the historic district, we have you covered. Book your Florida Keys vacation with us today!

Experience the Lively Atmosphere of Key West’s Mallory Square

No visit to Key West is complete without watching the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. But, this historic plaza is more than just a vantage point to breathtaking island sunsets; it has been Key West’s social and commercial hub since the early 1820s. Experience this piece of Key West history during your visit and join the sunset celebration festivities, stroll along the waterfront, shop for souvenirs, and dine at restaurants nearby. Stay close to the lively atmosphere of Mallory Square with Rent Key West Vacations and enjoy these activities during your visit:

Attend the Key West Sunset Celebration

By far the most popular activity at Mallory Square is the nightly Sunset Celebration. This lively event has brought the community together since the 1960s and has become a true tradition on the island.

Each night, the incredible sunset is complemented by live entertainment like music, stunt performers, magicians, jugglers, clowns, local musicians, and artists. There will also be food vendors selling delicious eats and vendors selling local wares. It’s a true cultural celebration with something for everyone. Head to Mallory Square two hours before sunset and join the festivities!

Explore the Shops at Mallory Square

In the heart of Mallory Square, you will find the Shops at Mallory Square building. Inside, you can browse dozens of locally owned shops, boutiques, and art galleries in an air-conditioned setting. Support local and find a unique souvenir from one of these popular shops:

Cuban Coffee Queen: Stop in for authentic Cuban coffee and food.
Backyards of Key West Gallery: Find a beautiful photograph of Key West to take home with you from their collection of canvas prints.
AQUA D’ KEYS: Find your next signature scent at this luxury perfume store selling hand-crafted fragrances.
Greywolfe: Shop for a unique piece of handmade high-quality jewelry here.
Key West Polar Bear Ice Cream: Cool down with a delicious ice cream treat after a day of shopping.

Dine at Restaurants Near Mallory Square

You are sure to work up an appetite while exploring Mallory Square. Luckily, there are dozens of restaurants within walking distance of the Square. Refuel at one of these eateries nearby and enjoy everything from fresh seafood to tropical cocktails:

Conch Fritter Stand: Grab a classic Key West snack, crispy conch fritters, at the charming concession stand next to the Key West Aquarium.
El Meson de Pepe: Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine with waterfront views, live music, and a lively atmosphere steps from the Square. One of the best spots to watch the sunset!
Two Friends Patio Restaurant: Sit down for a relaxed seafood meal or have brunch together at this restaurant near Mallory Square.
Hog’s Breath Saloon: Enjoy casual food, cold drinks, and live music at this Key West bar.
Amigos Tortilla Bar: Stop in for quick, affordable Mexican food like tacos, burritos, and margaritas

Book Key West Vacation Rentals Near Mallory Square

Stay just steps from the energy of Mallory Square with Rent Key West vacation rentals in the heart of Old Town. Our homes on Ann Street place you within an easy stroll of the waterfront, sunsets, and local attractions. Explore your options, choose the space that fits your stay, and reserve your perfect Key West getaway today!

Learn About Key West History on Vacation

Key West is a city where every street tells a story and history comes alive. Unravel the rich history of Key West during your getaway and learn about the island’s rich maritime heritage, military past, famous residents, and diverse culture. Grab a drink at a bar that’s been open since the 1800s, stroll through the colorful architecture of Old Town, and visit the home where Ernest Hemingway once resided. Book one of our vacation rentals in the heart of Old Town and enjoy staying in the historic district, just minutes from the area’s rich history and attractions!

Visit the Homes of Literary Legends and US Presidents

When you visit Key West, you will be walking in the footsteps of legends. Visit the historic homes of Key West’s most famous residents and learn how they contributed to the island’s history:

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: See where Ernest Hemingway resided and wrote during the years he called Key West home.
Harry S. Truman Little White House: Visit this historic home, best known for being the winter residence of Harry Truman during his presidency.
Tennessee Williams Museum: Learn about Williams’ literary accomplishments and life in Key West at this local museum.

Discover Key West Maritime and Military History

Key West’s history has long been tied to the water. Our convenient location on the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean drew the Navy here in the 1820s to establish military forts. Later on, our waters, industries like wrecking, salvaging, and salt manufacturing thrived. Learn about all this and more at these historic sites:

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: Step back in time and explore this historic fort that played an important role in the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.
Fort East Martello Museum: Explore this unique Civil War fort, featuring exhibits on the Civil War, industries, folk art, and even ghostly encounters.
Key West Lighthouse Museum: Climb the stairs of the island’s historic lighthouse and learn about maritime history while soaking in the views.

Uncover the Rich Cultural Heritage

The people make the place. And that’s abundantly clear in Key West. The island’s diverse cultures and people are what make us who we are and what we are today. Learn the story of the indigenous people who first called the island home, immigrants who came to Key West and helped it thrive, and much more:

Key West Museum of Art & History: Learn about two centuries of history, art, and people on the island in a historic building originally used as the island’s post office.
Historic Key West Cemetery: Walk through the historic cemetery, featuring many unique tombstones and stories of past residents.
San Carlos Institute: Explore this unique historic site, founded in the 1870s by Cuban exiles. Today, it serves as a community space and preserves the rich history of Cubans on the island.

Book Your Vacation Rental in the Key West Historic District

These are just a few of the ways you can learn about Key West’s history during your visit. Discover even more Key West historical tours and sites, including Sloppy Joe Bar, Key West Historic Seaport, and Mallory Square. Stay close to it all with our Key West vacation rentals in the historic district, ranging from charming one-bedroom cottages to grand estates. Find the perfect rental for your Florida vacation and book with us today!

7 Key West Attractions to Add to Your Vacation Itinerary

For an island of only a few square miles, Key West has an impressive number of attractions and activities that keep visitors coming back year after year. If this is your first time visiting Key West, there are a few must-see attractions that will help you make the most of your island getaway. From the vibrant atmosphere of Duval Street to the beautiful beaches of Fort Zachary, there is something for everyone. Stay close to the island’s top attractions with Rent Key West Vacations and enjoy the perfect basecamp for your adventures!

1. Southernmost Point Buoy

Key West is famous for many things, including being the southernmost city in the continental United States. Make a stop at the Southernmost Point Buoy and snap your picture at this iconic landmark!

Important Note: The roads around the buoy are undergoing repairs. The temporary location is at 1499 Duval Street.

2. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

See the residence where Ernest Hemingway lived and worked during his time in Key West: Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Stroll through the gardens, meet the adorable six-toed cats, see photos from his fishing adventures, and shop for unique mementos.

3. Key West Lighthouse

Just across the street from the Hemingway Museum is the historic Key West Lighthouse, opened in 1848. Climb the stairs to the top and admire the panoramic views of the island. Then visit the museum to learn more about the history of the Florida Keys.

4. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor has something for everyone, blending history and nature in one destination. Tour the historic fort, learn about its important role in the Civil War, and see artifacts like cannons and port guns. Beyond the fort, you can access a scenic beach perfect for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and fishing.

5. Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is the largest beach in Key West and a must-visit during your vacation. Plan a classic beach day and relax in the soft white sand, and soak up the sunshine. You can also access several water activities with Sunset Watersports from here, including parasailing, jet skiing, and sunset cruises.

6. Duval Street

Duval Street is the heart of downtown Key West and the hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment in town. Take the Old Town Trolley and hop on and off the trolley to grab a drink at famous bars like Sloppy Joe’s and Green Parrot. You are also close to the shops and attractions of Mallory Square!

7. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Walk amongst hundreds of colorful butterflies at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Stroll through the tropical gardens, observe over 60 butterfly species, and learn about butterflies’ role in the natural world.

Reserve Key West Vacation Rentals Today

Book your trip with Rent Key West Vacations and add these Key West attractions to your itinerary. Find even more things to do in Key West during your stay on our blog page. Browse our Key West vacation homes and find the perfect rental for your Florida Keys getaway. Whether you want to stay near the beach or close to Duval Street, we have you covered!