24 Hours In Key West
- Ashley
- Jun 22, 2018
- 7 min read
During my most recent trip to Florida, I found myself with only 24 hours in Key West. It would have been two whole days, but my second day was full visiting Dry Tortugas National Park (stunning - would highly recommend). So, I wanted to present some fun things to do if you find yourself with little time on this little island! Also, since I was under 21 the first time visiting the Keys, I'm going to include family-friendly options too. All too often that first trip, I was left feeling awkward and like a nuisance for not being able to walk into bars after 9 PM to listen to live bands.
When deciding what you'd like to do, think about my Westminster Abbey experience: I've been to London twice now, and both times I turned down the opportunity to go into Westminster Abbey either because of the cost (roughly £22, which is roughly $30 US) or because the group I was with didn't want to pay for it. Both times, I've mega regretted it. I don't know when or if I'll make it back to London in my lifetime, but I twice turned down the opportunity for a place I would really love visiting. It's something I think about every so often and I want to kick myself. If anything on this list jumps out as something you would thoroughly enjoy and regret if you turned it down, make it happen. Save the money, and visit. Because who knows if you'll get the opportunity to go back, but at least you got to experience it.
Top Picks for History Lovers
Ernest Hemingway House: I had wanted to visit this for ages. Ernest Hemingway is one of my favorite humans, let alone authors, so the opportunity to tour his Key West home was a must for me. If you find yourself in the same boat, I would highly recommend this tour. Get your $14/adult (cash only) worth though, and take a guided tour. I just walked around the home and gardens, and while I did get a lot out of it, I feel like I would have gained more knowledge if I had gone with a tour guide. Also, six- and seven-toed cats lounging in the shade, waiting to be pet?? Yes please!
Truman's Little White House: I haven't visited, but this little building has held a lot of history since the 1890s, originally serving as a naval command station from the Spanish-American War all the way up to World War II. Truman then used it as his winter home during his presidency, which is how it got its name. If you buy your tickets online, you save $2.20, but they're still a little steep at $19.25/adult. If you're a local of Key West, though, you get in for free! But also, if you're a local, why would you be reading this?? Haha.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park: Originally used as a U.S. Navy fortress during the Civil War, Fort Zachary Taylor now holds the largest collection of Civil War cannons in the U.S. Construction originally began in 1845, but moved slowly because of the tropical climate (read: hurricanes), yellow fever, remoteness, and shortages of supplies and men. Now, there are tours, walking trails, and beaches to enjoy. Entrance fees start at $4.50 for one person, $7.00 for two, and then $.50 for each additional person in your vehicle.
Key West Lighthouse: What makes this lighthouse so cool was that when it opened in 1848, the lighthouse keeper was a woman - very uncommon given the time. Now, the lighthouse is no longer in commission, but visitors can tour the museum on the grounds for $10/adult. If you're interested in the Keys' maritime history, it would be worth your time. You can also walk up to the top of the lighthouse for great views of the island and the waters surrounding it.
Audubon House and Gardens: What should be noted about this is that this is not actually John Audubon's house - it's the home he stayed in from 1831 to 1832 while he drew and painted the birds he saw in Key West. He was invited to stay there by the owner of the home, and in 1958, after the house was slated for destruction, it was turned into a museum and wedding venue. If you visit today, you get a little bit of history of Audubon and the work he did in drawing birds in Florida and beyond, and you have the opportunity to purchase some prints of his work. Admission is $14/adult.
Top Picks for Nature Lovers
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: This is another place I haven't been, but I've had family say it's great for kids. You can walk among butterflies, see flamingos, and visit a museum onsite. While I love butterflies and would probably love this experience, it just hasn't happened in my two visits to Key West. General admission is $12/person.
Dry Tortugas National Park: The link provided here is for booking a ferry out to the park. BUT I want to make clear I'm only suggesting this trip if a) you have quite a bit of money saved up because it's not cheap, and b) if you're committing 12+ hours to this. I would consider this trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's beautiful, there is a lot of history, snorkeling there is fun (while not the best I've snorkeled), and the boat ride there and back on open ocean filled me up with a sense of adventure. But, I don't know that I would do it again. Maybe only to take my mom there. But it was 100% worth the money for the experience, and if you're big into national parks, big into that sense of adventure, and big into beautiful blue water, I would certainly recommend this trip.
Key West Aquarium: While I haven't been to this aquarium, the website seems promising, especially if you have kids with you: a touch tank, meeting sharks and stingrays, seeing how technology is helping turtles. It all sounds really exciting, and would probably fill a lot of time, as well as provide an educational experience for yourself and/or your little ones. Online ticket prices for adults are $15.47.
Mallory Square: Every evening in Mallory Square, there is a sunset celebration. When I tried explaining this to my husband, he asked me if there would also be witches and pagan rituals -_- Mallory Square is a beautiful, picturesque location to view some of the most stunning sunsets in the world when the weather is right. There are street performers, local vendors, and food, but the best part is it can be a totally free experience if you want it to be (although I would recommend buying some conch fritters). Find yourself a spot along the water, and have your camera ready for some spectacular sunset views.
Food and Drink
Sloppy Joe's: Great food and drinks. I would recommend catching Wayne's Addiction, a local band that performs every Saturday, and enjoying either their Sloppy Joe sandwich or their fish tacos with a Hemingway Mojito. If you want to see the original Sloppy Joe's where Hemingway hung out, visit Capt. Tony's Saloon on Greene Street - there are bras hanging from, well, everywhere.
Green Parrot Bar: I've heard they have great live music and drinks, but I've never actually visited.
Flying Monkey Saloon at Fogarty's: Hands down, one of my favorite places. Not for food or atmosphere, but literally because it's a frozen drink bar that you can walk up to, get a cup filled, and walk away from. Plus, if you bring back your cup, you get discounted refills. Everything on their menu is delicious, but this time, the White Russian was the drink that my husband and I both finished and said, "Man, I wish I had more of this."
Irish Kevin's Bar: A great atmosphere for live music and drinks, and apparently really great food too.
El Meson de Pepe: This is a Cuban restaurant that sits off of Mallory Square and one I've always wanted to go to. It always smells so good, and their menu looks amazing. If you've been there, can you tell me how it was? Just fulfill all my hopes and dreams.
Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe: If you love Key Lime Pie, then you have to check this place out. You can get Key Lime Pie on a stick, dipped in dark or white chocolate, by the whole pie. You can buy Key Lime Pie candies, soaps, salsas, and tons of other gifts for the Key Lime lovers in your family. I unfortunately didn't get to visit this time, but it was a real treat during my first trip.
The Waterfront Brewery: While I thought the craft beer selection was okay (no customization of flights and standard brews), our friend said they had the best wings he's ever tasted. It could have been the heat of the day, or that he had just found out openly carrying alcohol is legal there, but either way - he said they have the best wings. I enjoyed the atmosphere with the big open windows overlooking the wharf.
Old Town Bakery: Delicious baked goods that can cure your hangover on smell alone! Stop in for a fresh baguette, a danish, or raspberry scone accompanied by a strong cup of coffee.
B.O.'s Fish Wagon: This is a hole-in-the-wall, cash-only seafood shack in a quieter part of town that looks so authentic and delicious. I have not tried it, but it looks like a local place, which means it's probably a great place to get seafood.
Hog's Breath Saloon: This comes off as a biker bar, with its rough name and logo, but it's just another bar in Key West with great live music, drinks, and food. Apparently it has world famous t-shirts, so pick one up when you're there! They are incredibly soft and come in some great colors.
A couple other "must-see" honorable mentions is the Southernmost Point buoy, and the end of Route One. Some people want to see them, others could care less. Either way, they're two free things to do that are kind of fun if you're into them. :)
If all of this seems overwhelming, I would suggest taking a Trolley Tour. It's a lot of fun, less walking if the heat is getting to you, and very informative. Plus, with your ticket, you can hop on and off all day, and you get free admission into the Papa Pilar's Rum Distillery (which is normally $10/ticket). Tickets start at $34.98/person, and if it's the only thing you do while in Key West, it can save you a bit of cash.
If you don't want to walk a lot in general (I walked over seven miles in a day while there), renting scooters, golf carts, or bicycles is another way to go, especially if you have small kids or large groups with various levels of fitness - or that one person who didn't bring tennis shoes. Haha.
If you've been to Key West, and have other suggestions NOT included on this list, let me know and I'd be happy to update mine! Happy travels! xoxo
