Planning a Trip to Key West from Miami: Top Attractions & Itinerary

Key West is a small island located in the Florida Keys and is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

Things to See in Key West

Key West is a tropical paradise located in the southernmost point of the continental United States. Known for its laid-back island vibe, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters, it is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Here is a closer look at some of the most popular activities and attractions in Key West.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

This historic home was once the residence of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, who lived and wrote there for over 10 years. Today, the home is a National Historic Landmark and has been preserved as a museum, a must-visit for any literature or history enthusiast. Tour the home and see the original furnishings, including Hemingway’s writing studio and his collection of six-toed cats, descendants of the cats that he kept while he lived there.

Take a tour of the island: Key West offers a variety of tours of the island, including walking tours, bike tours, and boat tours. These tours offer a great way to learn about the island’s history and culture.

Key West Beaches

Key West has several beautiful beaches, including Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach. The beaches are a great place to relax, swim, and soak up the sun.

Smathers Beach

This is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Key West. With its clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand, and gorgeous sunsets, it’s no wonder that Smathers Beach is a favorite among both locals and tourists. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and playing in the water, and there are plenty of amenities, including showers, changing rooms, and rental equipment.

Higgs Beach

This small beach is a hidden gem in Key West and is a great place for those who want a more secluded and tranquil beach experience. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, and its calm waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. There are also several picnic tables and shade trees, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a beautiful garden that is home to a variety of exotic butterflies and birds. The conservatory also has a gift shop and a cafe.

Southwestern Point

This is the southernmost point of the continental United States and a popular landmark in Key West. Visitors can take a short walk to the marker and take a photo of the famous “90 miles to Cuba” sign. This is also a great spot to watch the sun rise over the ocean and see the beautiful colors of the sky change.

Cats

Key West is known for its large population of cats, and there are several places to see them, including the Hemingway Home and Museum, where six-toed cats roam the grounds. Visitors can also see cats at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, where they live among the tropical plants and colorful butterflies.

Key West Chill

Key West is famous for its bar scene, and there are plenty of bars to choose from, including the famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where Ernest Hemingway used to drink, and the Green Parrot Bar, which is one of the oldest bars in Key West. Enjoy a tropical drink at one of the many outdoor bars, such as the Sunset Pier, which offers breathtaking views of the sunset over the ocean.

What to Do on Key West

Key West offers a wealth of outdoor activities for adventurous travelers. From snorkeling and diving to kayaking and paddleboarding, there’s no shortage of water sports to enjoy in Key West. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to consider while visiting Key West:

Biking

Rent a bike and bike through the town and to some of the nearby beaches.

Paddleboarding and Kayaking

Rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the turquoise waters surrounding Key West. Glide past mangroves and seagrass beds, and keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and other wildlife.

Watersports

From jet skiing and parasailing to kiteboarding and windsurfing, Key West offers a variety of thrilling water sports. Rent equipment and try something new, or take a lesson and learn from an expert.

Sunset sailing

End your day in Key West with a sunset sail, a relaxing and romantic activity that offers breathtaking views of the sun setting over the water. Sip a cocktail and enjoy the peace and quiet of the ocean as the sky turns pink, orange, and red.

Wildlife Watching

Key West is home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, sea turtles, and rare bird species. Take an eco-tour to learn about the local ecosystem, see wildlife in its natural habitat, and support conservation efforts.

Key West Snorkeling / Key West Diving

Key West is home to a number of excellent snorkeling and diving sites, and Key West waters are teeming with a variety of marine life. Snorkel or dive at popular sites like the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, the Christ of the Abyss statue, or the USS Spiegel Grove wreck.

Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

A trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-do in Key West – not only for its historical importance, but also for its snorkeling and diving sites. These sites offer a chance to see a variety of marine life, including fish, coral.

These are just a few of the many outdoor activities to enjoy in Key West. Whether you’re an experienced water sports enthusiast or a beginner looking to try something new, Key West offers something for everyone. With its warm waters, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery, Key West is the perfect destination for adventure seekers and water lovers.

Key West from Miami Road Trip Itinerary

A road trip from Miami to Key West is a popular way to experience the beauty and culture of southern Florida. The drive takes about 4 hours and takes you through a breathtaking landscape of lush green forests, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches. Here is a sample itinerary for a road trip from Miami to Key West, with suggestions for stops along the way:

Day 1:

Miami to Key Largo (1 hour)
Stop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to go snorkeling or scuba diving in the park’s protected waters.
Continue to Key West, stopping in Islamorada (1 hour) to visit the Theater of the Sea, a marine mammal park that offers dolphin encounters, sea lion shows, and a snorkeling reef.
Arrive in Key West and check into your accommodations.

Day 2:

Explore the beaches of Key West, including Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach.
Visit the Hemingway Home and Museum, where you can learn about the life and work of one of America’s most famous writers and see the six-toed cats that roam the grounds.
Take a sunset sail from the Sunset Pier, where you can enjoy a tropical drink and watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Day 3:

Go snorkeling or diving in the clear waters around Key West to see the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Take a bike tour of the island to see the famous southernmost point marker, the lighthouse, and other historic sites.
Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, where you can see exotic butterflies and birds and relax in the tropical garden.

Day 4:

Drive back to Miami, stopping in Key Largo (1 hour) to visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, where you can see rescued birds and learn about the wildlife of the Florida Keys.
Arrive in Miami and spend the rest of the day exploring the city, visiting South Beach, Little Havana, and other popular attractions.

This road trip from Miami to Key West is just one possible itinerary, but there are many other stops and attractions that you can visit along the way. The Florida Keys are known for their laid-back island vibe, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating road trip. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply soaking up the sun, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of the world.

These are just a few of the many activities and attractions that Key West has to offer. With its gorgeous beaches, stunning sunsets, and crystal-clear waters, Key West is the perfect destination for a tropical vacation. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply soaking up the sun, there is something for everyone in this island paradise.

Have you been to Key West? What was your experience? Are you planning your Florida trips soon? Share with us your adventures in the Comments section!

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