15 Ways to Make Your Trip in Florida Keys Memorable
The Florida Keys are a great place to visit. You can enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife, as well as experience some of the best scuba diving in North America. But you don’t have to take our word for it! Here are 15 ways to make your trip memorable:
1) Take a cruise.
Cruises offer an experience that is like no other, and exploring the Florida Keys from the water means getting up close and personal with natural beauty and wildlife in ways that land-based travel couldn’t provide. But cruises also offer many opportunities for fun activities such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing or even just relaxing on deck while watching dolphins play at your side. Cruising is one of the best ways to make any trip memorable!
2) Swim with the dolphins.
Dolphins are one of the most beloved creatures on earth, and swimming with them is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. There are many places in the Keys where you can do this, so take your pick!
3) Go fishing.
Fishing offers an opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the Keys while also spending some time on a boat. Whether you’re pulling in a record-breaking billfish, catching dinner for your friends and family, or just hoping to hand-feed some small fish as they nibble at your fingers from below the surface, fishing is one of the quintessential Keys experiences.
4) Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
This is an indoor butterfly garden that is filled with tropical plants and flowers. You will be amazed at how many different species of butterflies there are in here! This is great for families with young kids who might not be able to handle spending a lot of time outdoors in the sun.
5) Go to a sunset party.
One of the best things about the Keys is their location at the southernmost point in the continental United States. This means that you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world here! There are many places where you can catch a good view, but we recommend finding a spot on Mallory Square in Key West to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
6) Go kayaking or canoeing.
You can enjoy the natural beauty of the Keys while also spending some time on a boat. Whether you’re pulling in a record-breaking billfish, catching dinner for your friends and family, or just hoping to hand-feed some small fish as they nibble at your fingers from below the surface, fishing is one of the quintessential Keys experiences.
7) Take a walk on the beach.
The beaches in the Keys are some of the most beautiful in the world. They are also usually quite deserted, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet.
8) Go snorkeling or diving.
The Florida Keys are home to some of the best snorkeling and diving in North America. That’s because of the warm, clear water. If you’re not sure how to go about snorkeling or diving, just follow the instructions on the boat deck. Snorkelers wear masks that let them breathe through their mouth while they gaze at beautiful coral reefs. Divers wear masks that allow them to breathe through both their mouth and nose so they can explore deeper waters—often looking for more serious treasures like sunken ships.
9) Explore the Hemingway House.
This is the house where American author Ernest Hemingway lived for a number of years. It is now a museum, and you can explore it to see how Hemingway and his family lived. You might also get to see one of Hemingway’s six-toed cats!
10) Visit Mallory Square.
Mallory Square is a great place to visit because it offers some of the best views of the sunset in all of Florida Keys. It’s also home to some great restaurants and bars, so you can enjoy a night out while taking in the gorgeous view.
11) Eat some conch fritters at Schooner Wharf Bar.
Schooner Wharf Bar is a Key West institution, and for good reason. They serve up some of the best seafood in all of Florida Keys. One of their most famous dishes is the conch fritters, which are made with local conch meat. If you’re looking for a taste of the Keys, you can’t go wrong with a order of conch fritters from Schooner Wharf Bar.
12) Drive the Overseas Highway.
The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile stretch of road that connects Florida Keys to the mainland of Florida. It offers some of the most beautiful views in all of Florida, and it’s a great way to experience the Keys up close.
13) Take a day trip to Islamorada.
Islamorada is one of the most popular towns in the Florida Keys. It’s located just south of Marathon, and it’s home to some great beaches, restaurants, and bars. If you’re looking for a day trip away from Key West, Islamorada is a great option.
14) Go to a music festival.
The Florida Keys are home to a number of music festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular ones include the Key West Jazz Festival, the Islamorada Beer & Music Festival, and the Key West Songwriters Festival.
15) Watch the sunset at Mallory Square.
This is mostly covered above, but it’s worth mentioning again because witnessing a beautiful Florida Keys sunset from Mallory Square is definitely one of the best ways to enjoy your trip here! Below are some more great ideas for making your trip to the Florida Keys an unforgettable experience!
It’s easy to see why the Florida Keys are some of the most popular tourist destinations in North America. The warm, clear water and miles-long beaches make for a beautiful setting that is perfect for fishing, snorkeling, diving, exploring historical sites like Ernest Hemingway’s house or Mallory Square, or simply enjoying a sunset on your own terms. These 15 ways should help you get started planning what to do during your trip in Key West!