Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on October 28, 2022
Key West is known for many things, where the laid-back, Caribbean vibes meet South Florida, creating a holiday destination going back generations. There are several fun things to do in Key West, whether it is spending the day at the beach or on the water, exploring the island's attractions, or partying it up after dark along Duval Street. This unique destination has Key West timeshares for anyone, at any time of year.
It may be no surprise that a day at the beach is consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in Key West. This island community has miles of beaches with all kinds of different conditions.
Smathers Beach is one of the biggest and most popular swimming beaches in Key West. Its sandy shore stretches for along two miles of shallow water and gentle current, so it is a great choice for families and casual swimmers. Plus, its popularity means you can find many amenities and vendors all along the waterfront. South Beach is another good choice for families, as it has very calm and shallow water for swimming.
Downtown Key West has one public beach, Simonton Beach, which is on the Gulf side of Key West. If you are planning to visit Mallory Square or spend some time downtown, this beach is close by, pet-friendly, and near many restaurants and shops.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, near the fort of the same name, is a rare natural beach in Key West. It is made up of ground coral, not sand, and is great for snorkeling and catching a glimpse of native Florida flora and fauna. While visiting this beach, be sure to take a tour of Fort Zachary, a civil-war-era fortification located nearby.
Not far from Fort Zachary Taylor is the famous marker for the Southernmost Point of the Continental US – one of those unique “have to do” items when visiting Key West.
Another three beaches are located one after the other: Rest Beach, County Beach, and Higgs Memorial Beach. While they are next to each other, each one caters to a slightly different crowd. County Beach is geared toward sunbathers, not swimmers, while families tend to prefer Higgs Beach, and Rest Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists wanting to see both epic sunrises and sunsets.
Ernest Hemingway might have been Key West's most famous inhabitant of the 20th century. You can still tour his house with many of his personal effects, plus the descendants of his beloved six-toed cat, at The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Whether you are a fan of his works or not, this unique Spanish Colonial Mansion is a definite must-see in Key West.
The Harry S. Truman Little White House is another historic home filled with interesting tidbits of history, including logs of visitors the former president met with during his stays at his Key West home. Guided tours will describe the history of this home and the Truman presidency, which is a definite plus for history buffs coming to the island.
It will take a boat ride, but while looking for things to do in Key West, do not skip over the Dry Tortugas National Park, which is about a 45-minute ferry or boat ride across the open ocean from Key West. This watery park is home to Fort Jefferson, a 19th Century fort, on the biggest island of the Tortugas, and has designated places for swimming and snorkeling.
Key West is easily one of the top destinations in Florida for someone looking at a great nightlife scene. You might want to start your evening with a romantic sunset cruise out of the Harbor, perhaps with a margarita in one hand.
The best nightlife in Key West is along famous Duval Street, going from a wild party scene on lower Duval to a classier vibe up the road where you'll find cocktail and wine bars. To match the destination with the vibe, just see where your Key West timeshare is compared to Duval Street, and plan on a fun night nearly until dawn.
If you are planning on spending the night out on Duval Street, consider beginning with an evening in Mallory Square, an artist's hub filled with street vendors, arts and crafts, fun parties, and picture-perfect views of fabulous sunsets.
Nightlife in Key West also can cater to the theater and show-goer. The Key West Theater is a venue in Old Town which hosts regular nighttime shows for comedy tours, live music, and other gigs.
If you've brought the kids along to your Key West timeshare, you'll want to visit some of the most child-friendly destinations on the island.
While the beaches can be a lot of fun, it might be just as interesting to learn about the animals which call the ocean their home at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. This marine sanctuary has interactive exhibits detailing the marine world surrounding Key West.
The kids might also enjoy exploring the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum, which is nearly a century-old coast guard cutter that saw active duty for fifty years.
Finally, you can take the family on a unique Conch train tour through Key West to see several of the top destinations, all while enjoying a fun and engaging train ride perfect for seeing many famous sights with minimal walking.