12 Finest Issues to Do in Key West on a Cruise


Will your subsequent cruise trip or land trip take you to stunning Key West? In that case, you might be questioning what it is best to do whereas your ship is in port. The chances are countless and multiple journey to this stunning paradise is required. 

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12 Finest Issues to Do in Key West on a Cruise

The primary time that I had the pleasure of visiting Key West, I used to be overwhelmed in probably the most fantastic means. I wasn’t certain what I needed to do. I simply knew that I needed to see and expertise every part. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a Key West beginner or skilled customer, you may want some solutions on your subsequent go to. Hold studying for 12 of one of the best issues to do in Key West whereas on a cruise. 

1. Make the Trek to the Southernmost level

When visiting Key West, you may as effectively go as far south as attainable, proper? If that’s your thought course of, don’t miss a visit to the southernmost level. 

Most have seen images of the southernmost level buoy. It’s virtually a ceremony of passage to go to the buoy and have your picture taken. While you’re right here, you’re a mere 90 miles from Cuba. 

Is that this a vacationer entice? In fact. Will you be ready in line some time to have your picture taken? You higher consider it! 

2. Go to the Hemingway Dwelling and Museum 

Hemingway House Key West

It was virtually extraordinary to have an inground pool in Key West within the 1930’s. You’ll discover that right here and different luxuries of the legend, Ernest Hemingway. 

Probably the most distinctive aspect of the house is the presence of the six-toed cats. Ernest Hemingway was gifted a six-toed cat by a sea captain. The cats that reside on the residence in the present day are descendants of the unique pet of Hemingway. 

To be honest, I can not stand cats and six-toed cats sound like one thing out of an 80’s sci-fi movie. However guess what? These cats guard the legacy of Hemingway and all issues “Outdated Man and the Sea”. 

3. Take a look at Captain Tony’s Saloon

If you wish to bask in a number of drinks and eats the place previous native celebrities preferred to hang around, you’ll want to go to Captain Tony’s Saloon. This location was initially in-built 1851 and served as an icehouse. In truth, the icehouse doubled because the native morgue and is supposedly haunted. 

Seize a pint and sit in the identical spot as Jimmy Buffet, Truman Capote, Ernest Hemingway, and Tennessee Williams as soon as sat. Don’t overlook to select up your very personal Captain Tony’s Saloon t-shirt’s, books, koozies, and extra. 

I personally assume that is the right dive bar for cheap, potent drinks. Pair a beverage and the prospect at seeing a ghost. What extra might you want? 

4. Stroll Down Duval Road

Duval St Key West

The “key” to Key West’s celebration scene is Duval Road. This avenue is a mile lengthy and was named after the primary territorial governor of Florida, William Duval. 

You could find virtually something on Duval Road. Memento outlets are plentiful and native eating places line this space with an abundance of selections. The world well-known Sloppy Joe’s Bar is right here and different favorites like Inexperienced Parrot Bar and Cowboy Invoice’s Honkey Tonk Saloon. 

In fact, there are many choices apart from bars on Duval Road. A yearly Key West Meals & Wine Pageant is held right here, amongst different occasions. We positively suggest utilizing the Outdated City Trolley whereas visiting. It is a nice hop-on, hop-off choice for seeing Duval Road. 

It’s just about a assure that you’ll not see the identical sights twice on Duval Road. I bear in mind wandering down Duval Road pondering, “This can be the funkiest and coolest avenue, this aspect of NOLA”. 

5. Discover Mallory Sq.

On the heart of Key West’s social scene, you will see Mallory Sq.. Surrounded by native retailers, eating places, and museums, Mallory Sq. is an open-air plaza adjoining to the gorgeous Key West waters. 

There may be really one thing for everybody in Mallory Sq.. Take a look at a cup of specialty espresso at Cuban Espresso Queen or seize a chew to eat at Aqua D’Keys. When you have the prospect to remain later within the day, sunsets are unforgettable right here. 

Wandering out to Mallory Sq. whereas visiting the outlets is an unbelievable expertise. A few of my finest trip images had been taken right here and I can not wait to return. 

6. Take a Day Journey to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park

Dry Tortugas National Park Fort Jefferson

For longer journeys to Key West, visiting the Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park must be on the prime of most lists. Positioned 70 miles to the west, this 100 sq. mile park is really paradise. 

You will want to experience a ferry to discover this oasis. It takes roughly 2 hours and quarter-hour to get to the park. You possibly can discover Fort Jefferson, snorkel, or go to pristine seashores. 

I”m undecided that there’s a extra stunning seashore in the USA. The water is a colour of blue like no different and the snorkeling can’t be beat. My husband likes to snorkel and this is able to be very first thing on his listing for our subsequent go to. 

7. Seize Drinks at Sloppy Joe’s 

The primary phrase that involves my thoughts when pondering of Sloppy Joe’s is “iconic”. Simply passing by this bar makes me really feel like I’d run into Ernest Hemingway and be a part of him for a beer. Go to Sloppy Joe’s in July, and also you may see the yearly Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. 

Music lovers will love spending time right here. There may be reside music each single day of the yr. Don’t depart with no memento t-shirt to recollect this really distinctive expertise by. 

Don’t depart Key West with out attempting the award profitable Sloppy Rita – Cazadores Reposado Tequila, Citronage, bitter combine, orange juice, membership soda, and lime. It’s actually perfection in a glass. 

8. Go to the Key West Cemetery

For one thing a little bit off the overwhelmed path, make a journey to the Key West Cemetery. This historic cemetery was established in 1847 and is positioned on the nook of Margaret and Angela Streets. The cemetery is nineteen acres and the ultimate resting place for a various group of residents. 

If you wish to go to the cemetery, there are maps out there on the entrance. Horror film lovers like myself is likely to be tempted to strive a Ghosts & Gravestones Tour. I’m all the time up for a great ghost tour and Key West isn’t any exception. 

9. Take an Outdated City Trolley Tour

For a straightforward and handy technique to see Key West, the Outdated City Trolley Tour is a incredible choice. They provide a Hop-On, Hop-Off tour that options 13 completely different stops. After the acquisition of a ticket, you possibly can cease and return to the bus anytime that day. 

A number of of the attainable stops for this tour embrace Mallory Sq., Truman Little White Home, Duval Road, Bahama Village, East Martello Fort, and the Southernmost Level. 

For my household, an Outdated City Trolley Tour is a should. We will “hop on” and “hop off” as a lot as we’d like, with out having to fret about paying every particular person time. Look into buying your tickets forward of time for extra perks and reductions. 

10. Cease by Blue Heaven for Lunch

Blue Heaven is an area favourite serving a few of the tastiest, freshest meals round. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are an choice for dinner solely. The environment is extremely genuine right here. Artwork within the type of a leopard-spotted model is the norm. 

Selection is vital at Blue Heaven. The Caribbean “BBQ” Shrimp is a favourite, as is the Well-known Key Lime Pie. 

Personally, I feel Blue Heaven has among the finest vibes anyplace. In case you look within the dictionary for “Blue Heaven Key West”, you’re more likely to see the phrase, “Key West appeal and deliciousness”. 

11. Decide Out a Excellent Pair of Soles at Kino Sandals 

An actual deal with awaits those that determine to go to Kino Sandals. Since 1966, this Key West institution has offered one of the best in handmade leather-based sandals, created by Roberto “Kino” Lopez himself. Kino moved to Key West from Cuba within the 60’s and alongside along with his spouse, created an enduring Key West custom. 

You possibly can go to the shop and select from over 17 completely different kinds of sandals. Plan some additional time for this cease and also you might be able to see the artisans crafting the sandals.  

For the worth and the craftsmanship, Kino Sandals are onerous to compete with. I’m personally a fan of the “Skinny Strap” design within the Girls line. I can not wait so as to add one other pair to my shoe assortment. My husband doesn’t have to know that. 

12. Catch a World-Well-known Sundown 

Sunsets in Key West are “World Well-known” for a purpose. They’re arguably a few of the most stunning you’ll ever expertise. Guests will make their technique to Mallory Sq. 1 or 2 hours earlier than the occasion. Positively plan to look at the sundown from Mallory Sq. or on one in all a number of sundown cruises. 

A sundown in Key West is one thing that may reside on in your reminiscence ceaselessly. For me, it’s proper up there with the primary “Furry Chest Contest” I witnessed on the Carnival Fantasy. 


Hopefully our intensive listing will make it easier to to plan your subsequent Key West cease. The chances are limitless and there’s something for everybody. What do you propose to do in your subsequent journey to Key West? 



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