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!

Grab a Drink at the Duval Street Bars in Key West

Duval Street is world-famous for its historic bars, live music, vibrant nightlife, and diverse attractions. Experience the lively atmosphere of Duval Street during your trip to Key West and stop at one of the famous bars for libations, live music, delicious food, and great times. Whether you want to grab a drink at one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite watering holes or take a shot at the smallest bar in the country, there is a destination for everyone’s interest. Stay with Rent Key West Vacations and access the fun on Duval Street just minutes from our vacation rentals!

8 Must-Visit Bars on Duval Street

It would be impossible to visit all the bars on Duval Street in one vacation. To help you figure out which bars to visit first, we have narrowed down the list to our favorites. Stroll down Duval Street and grab a drink at one of these famous bars:

Sloppy Joe’s– One of Key West’s most iconic bars, open since 1933 and a favorite watering hole of author Ernest Hemingway. Expect live music and libations 365 days a year!
Hog’s Breath– Local bar and restaurant, famous for its daily live music, great food, drinks, raw bar, and creative merch.
Irish Kevin’s– Classic Irish pub serving Irish food, drinks, and daily live music. Try one of their world-famous Green Alligator cocktails served in a fun souvenir cup.
Captain Tony’s Saloon– Famous bar steeped in history, originally built in 1851. Enjoy a drink in a living piece of Key West history that has served legends like Ernest Hemingway and Truman Capote.
Green Parrot– Historic dive bar since 1890 and a popular spot to enjoy live music, original drinks, and great food.
The Smallest Bar– Literally the smallest bar in the country, serving up shots and drinks in 72 square feet of fun.
Willie T’s- Open-air bar and restaurant, offering daily drink specials, live music, and food. Join the tradition and add a dollar bill to the walls or ceilings.
Rick’s Bar– Entertainment complex with nine bars in one location, including dance clubs, karaoke bars, live music venues, and cocktail lounges.

Book Our Vacation Rentals near Duval Street

Plan a trip to our slice of paradise and discover the perfect basecamp for your adventures with Rent Key West Vacations. Stay in our Key West vacation rentals in the historic district and easily access the Duval Street bars just a short walk away. Enjoy all the comforts of home with amenities like fully equipped kitchens, linens, and laundry facilities. Discover even more fun things to do in Key West on our blog and start planning your Florida getaway today!

What to Do on Your Key West Boat Rentals

The Florida Keys are a paradise for boaters, offering endless opportunities for visitors to get on the water. Reserve a Key West boat rental and set out into our turquoise waters for fishing, snorkeling, swimming, island hopping, and wildlife-watching adventures. Be your own captain and familiarize yourself with local boating rules and regulations before exploring our waterways. Book your stay with Rent Key West Vacations and plan an unforgettable boating experience in the Keys!

Boating Rules in Key West

Our waters are home to vital Key West habitats that can be seriously damaged by irresponsible boating. Please help us protect the Keys and boat responsibly during your visit by reading through the boating information from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary:

Become familiar with the key guidelines of responsible boating.
Take the free boater education course to learn how to navigate our shallow waters and be a steward of our environment.
Learn how to use the mooring buoys maintained by the sanctuary.

Key West Boat Rentals

Reserve your Key West boat rental from one of these local outfitters:

Key West Boat & Jet Ski Adventures offers private boat rentals for four, six, or eight-hour adventures. Their rentals include a bimini top, floating lily mat, cooler, and snorkel equipment.
Sunset Watersports offers the largest fleet of rental boats on the island. Choose from pontoons, deck boats, Boston whalers, cobia, or cape craft for four to eight hours.
Fun in the Sun offers several private boat rentals, including bay boats, pontoons, seacrafts, deck boats, and double-decker pontoons.

Things to Do on Your Boat Rental

There are endless things to do on your Key West boat rentals, but here are a few of our favorites:

Purchase a fishing license and cast your line in the “World’s Fishing Capital.” Fish in the natural reefs, shipwrecks, backcountry, offshore, or deep sea. Target sought-after game fish like bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish, and snook.
Snorkel the coral reef and explore our underwater paradise, where you will see over 500 species of fish.
Take your boat to the beautiful sandbars around Key West. Head to the Boca Grande sandbar to hang out with the locals or Mud Keys to explore mangrove trails.
Spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat as you are cruising around at sunset.

Reserve Your Key West Vacation Rental Today

Whether you want to explore the water on a private boat rental or with a local guide, Rent Key West Vacations offers the perfect basecamp. Reserve tours, activities, and rentals on our website with Key West Hideaways and make your vacation extra memorable. Find the perfect Key West vacation home for your group and book with us today!