Tired of being stuck in the house? Plan a trip to Key West Florida.
Key West is the perfect spot to visit during this COVID Pandemic. Over the past six months, I’ve visited Key West twice and liked it so much that I’m planning a third trip in February. Masks are required when entering shops, bars, and restaurants but there are no longer any dining restrictions or curfew enforcement.
Let’s face it, it will likely be a while before international travel opens back up. In the meantime, why not explore the United States. Most of Florida is open for business. If you’re looking for a place with great weather and lots of activities, look no further than Key West. You can either fly into Key West airport or you can fly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami and drive the 3-4 hours to Key West.
Read all about what to see and do on your Florida Keys Road Trip.
Plan a Trip with Tropical Weather
On average, you can expect the high temperature in Key West to be in the 70s to 80s year round with low temperatures in winter dipping into the 60s and sometimes 50s. The weather is picture perfect and there really isn’t a bad time of the year to visit.
Plan Activities for Your Key West Florida Vacation
There is no shortage of activities in Key West. Keep reading to find out more about what to see and do during your visit.
Mallory Square Market
Key West is famous for its sunset. Every evening a crowd gathers in Mallory Square to watch the street performers and musicians celebrate the sunset.
Live Music Entertainment
There is no shortage of live music in Key West. My top choices include Hogs Breath, Sloppy Joe’s Bar, Two Friends Bar, and Irish Kevin’s. Most of the bars stay open until 4am seven days’ per week.
Visit Key West Beaches
Simonton Beach
When you plan your trip to Key West Florida know that beaches are tiny. My favorite is Simonton Beach at the North end of Duval Street. I prefer this beach over the Southernmost Beach because the water is much calmer and the scene is a little more lively.
Southernmost Beach
If you’re looking for a quieter beach than South Beach might be a better choice. It’s on the opposite end very close to the Southernmost Bowie.
Explore Downtown Key West
There is so much to see in Key West from the quirky decorations, to street art, to adorable mail boxes. You could spend an entire day, walking around and taking pictures. Below are a few of my favorites from my time in Key West.
Dinner on Sunset Pier
Enjoy waterfront dining and drinks while watching Key West’s famous sunset. Sunset Pier is part of the Ocean Key Resort and Spa where Duval Street meets the Gulf of Mexico. Stay entertained while you dine with live music and dancing.
Book Tickets to a Cabaret Show
Book tickets in advance to see the cabaret show at La Te Da on Duval Street. It will be a night to remember!
Walking Tropical Drinks
There are no open container laws in Key West so you are free to purchase alcohol and walk around. Stop into Flying Monkey or Fat Tuesday’s for some delicious cocktails. Bring your cups back to get a discount on refills.
Conch Train Tour
Tour Key West on the Conch Train. The tour is 90 minutes, departing from Front Street. It makes one full loop through Old Town Key West, ending at Mallory Square. You’ll learn about Key West’s colorful history and about the many famous writers, authors and musicians that have called Key West home.
Photos at the Southernmost Point
Key West is the most southern point in the contiguous United States. It’s actually closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. You can find the famous Southern Most Point Bowie at the very end of Whitehead Street. Plan to get there early as lines to take pictures can be very long mid day.
Enjoy Bottomless Mimosas
Ocean’s Grill has a bottomless mimosa special for $7.99 per person and they keep the champagne flowing. If you are planning to go on the weekend, make sure to make a reservation in advance. They are typically booked solid with reservations on Saturday and Sunday. Try the lobster mac & cheese and the brisket sliders!
Take a Sunset Sail Excursion
One of the best things to do in Key West is take a sunset cruise on a catamaran or schooner. We chose the Wind and Wine Sunset Sail with Danger Charters and had a fantastic time. The food and wine were delicious and the staff were knowledgeable and funny. Make sure to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket as it gets cold and windy on the water.
Tour Hemingway’s House
Visit the house that Ernest Hemingway called home for more than 10 years. The museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year and is also home to over 40 six-toed cats which are said to be decedents of Hemingway’s cat, Snow White.
Visit the Butterfly Nature Conservatory
The Butterfly Nature Conservatory in Key West is home to over 50 species of butterflies from around the world along with 20 exotic bird species.
Bike Rental
Key West only four miles long and relatively flat. If bikes aren’t your thing, you can also rent a golf cart or scooter or just walk everywhere.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Key West is home to the third largest barrier coral reef in the world. It extends 150 miles north towards Miami and 70 miles west to the Dry Tortugas. It’s the largest in North America and the third largest in the world behind Belize and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Dive Key West, Inc. is the largest full-service dive facility in the Florida Keys, offering scuba diving and snorkeling in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, including inner reefs, outer reefs, wreck, and night dives.
Shopping Vacation
Shop until you drop at the stores along Duval Street. You can find everything from souvenirs to fine art. Key West is full of small businesses selling unique and memorable items. I mean who wouldn’t want a life sized transformer?
Planning a Trip to Key West Florida During COVID
After New Years, Key West lifted dining and curfew restrictions. So whether you want to just kick back and relax or party until you drop, Key West offers something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Key West Florida now!
