Is Key West Worth Visiting in 2024? Top Reasons to Plan Your Visit Now
Is Key West Worth Visiting?
Nestled down in the Southernmost part of the United States is this tropical paradise that will make you feel like you are in another country. Wondering if Key West is worth visiting? Well everything from the scenery, the sunsets and the unique architecture will leave you wanting to bask in this utopia.
The island is rich in history, nightlife and has an extensive array of restaurants and shopping plazas. There’s a reason around 5 million people visit Key West per year!
So is Key West really that great? I can tell you from my own experience that it is definitely a place you will want to check out at least once in your lifetime. It’s a great place for a family vacation or a girls’ trip, like a Key West bachelorette party!
Is Key West Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! If the sunsets and beaches aren’t enough to convince you, how about the wildlife, history and infinite activities to choose from? Whether it’s water sports, shark tours, historical sites or nightlife, you’re bound to find ways to have an unforgettable experience in Key West.
There are so many reasons to book a trip to Key West and I can tell you firsthand after leaving this beautiful slice of paradise you will be anticipating your next trip!
10 Reasons to Visit Key West
Key West has so much to offer with its culture and history of being one of the top vacation destinations in the world. There are so many reasons to visit Key West but here are my top 10:
1. Something for Everyone
There is literally no reason you could not enjoy yourself here, Key West is the perfect place for people of all ages and walks of life.
For the outdoorsy ones in the family, Key West has the largest sport fishing fleet in the world and attracts both experienced anglers and weekend fishermen. There are also numerous fishing charters and tours.
For the people watchers and nature lovers in the family, Key West offers several shopping plazas, beautiful sunsets and wildlife conservatories. For kids, there’s everything from an aquarium to beginner-friendly scuba diving and snorkeling.
So, whether you want to just relax on the beach or spend a night out, Key West really does have it all.
2. Gorgeous Scenery
It’s no secret that Key West has some of the most beautiful beaches and sunsets in the world. You get your first glimpse of this when driving over the famous 7 mile long overseas Highway.
Key West also has the third largest coral reef in the world which is amazing for checking out all the underwater wildlife with snorkeling. There are also several National Parks, including Dry Tortugas National park which is famous for its beaches, historical fort and coral reefs. A great place to spend the day.
3. Walkable and Easy to Navigate
There’s no need for a car in Key West, as it is super walkable. There are affordable bike rentals throughout the island and some shops will even deliver the bike to you.
You can also rent a moped and there are numerous shuttles from the local hotels as well. There are Trolleys that you can hop on and off of at your leisure; or, you can choose to do a guided Trolley tour through the town which is a fun experience for groups and families.
4. Delicious Food
If you have looked into Key West at all, you will have heard about the Key Lime pie. You can get this at Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe and I can confirm it is worth all the hype!
Besides that, Key West has many restaurants and cafes ranging from 5-star, reservation-only types to more laid-back seafood joints. The seafood in Key West is, naturally, very good.
Key West is called the Conch Republic and conch is served in many different forms here. Conch is a large sea snail and my personal favorite is when it is fried. There are even restaurants that will cook the conch that you catch. It is definitely worth trying conch fritters while you’re in town. (Note: ‘conch’ is pronounced ‘conk’).
A great way to explore the food scene in Key West is by taking a guided food tour.
5. Interesting History
If you are a history buff like myself then it will excite you to learn of the list of historical sites and tours that are offered here. The 2 main attractions are Ernest Hemingway’s home and former President Harry S. Truman’s little white house.
The unique architecture here dates back to the 1800s and is influenced by the immigrants from the Bahamas. With its pastel colors and detailed work, the town literally looks like something out of a storybook.
Beyond that, the town is abundant with Civil War historical sites, museums, a lighthouse and a shipwreck museum. There is also a sprinkling of Cuban history as Key West is the closest point of the U.S. to Cuba. You can learn about the history of the cigar factories and immerse yourself in Cuban culture.
6. Endless Activities
Key West has an endless amount of activities for everyone and the ones I suggest crossing off your list more than any other are water sports like: snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, and at least 1 city tour of your interest.
Snorkeling is great if you’re like me and aren’t quite ready to take the leap into full on scuba diving. Snorkeling in the Key West reefs, you will see species of underwater wildlife that you won’t see anywhere else.
There are numerous scuba schools that are great for beginners on scuba diving, and you don’t need a certification to take the plunge.
As an avid kayaker, I was excited about the glass-bottom kayaks that others had told me about before my own visit. I am a sucker for a unique experience and the clear Kayaks are it! You can join a tour or venture out on your own and there are many locations to choose from.
If you like something a little more fast-paced and exhilarating, jet skis are the way to go.
I have mentioned some of the tours offered but there are many more. Whatever piques your interest you will find there’s a tour for it: from food and beverage tours, pub crawls or historical tours.
7. Wildlife and Nature Views
Almost immediately upon arriving in Key West, you will notice the abundance of chickens and roosters roaming the streets.
The story goes that they were brought over from Cuba and the Caribbean islands for food and cockfighting. Since it became illegal for chickens to be killed or used in this sport, they roam free and are now deemed the “Gypsy Chickens of Key West”.
That’s simply one example of the wildlife you will see here. There are many other exotic and tropical species of birds to see as well. You can find some in a whimsical garden located at the end of Duval Street, the main street in town.
Personally, I was surprised that there were National Parks in such a tropical, beachy place but they exist and are so cool! The fort at Dry Tortugas National Park spans 7 small islands and 100-square miles.
This is definitely one to check out. Dry Tortugas is only accessible by boat or seaplane. It offers picturesque blue waters and an assortment of marine life and even more birds to observe.
8. Fun and Well Organized Tours
If you want something a little more structured and fun, you can take a tour. The island has tours specific to shark or whale watching on a boat. You can take a fishing charter where you can bring your catch to the local restaurant to be cooked for you.
Jet skiing and kayaking tours are great if you are uncomfortable with going out alone. There are kayak tours that go through the mangroves, which are very unique to Florida. If you are new to Florida, this is a great way to experience the mangroves.
The walking tours are great for exploring the town and getting the history and fascinating insight that only the local guides can provide!
9. Cuban Culture
Because Key west is located in the Southernmost part of the U.S., it is only 90 miles from Cuba and there is a Cuban influence that dates back to the 1800s. The Key West Cigar Factory is a unique experience where you can learn about some of the rich Cuban culture.
There is also an abundance of Cuban coffee shops and restaurants. Another cool experience is the sunset celebration that occurs every night in Mallory Square, where you can also experience traditional Cuban music and dancing!
10. Nightlife and Shopping
The nightlife in Key West is very festive and ranges from poolside parties to beachfront bars and live music venues. Duval street is the main strip where you can find both high-class wine bars and nightclubs. Order the infamous Rum Runner of Key West.
Mallory Square is another popular spot where you can sip on a margarita at the marina and watch the breathtaking sunsets.
Mallory Square is also home to some great shopping boutiques and souvenir shops. There are several shopping plazas around, some waterfront and some in the form of a shopping mall. You are sure to find some great souvenirs for everyone on your list here.
Is Key West Worth Visiting? FAQ
As you plan your own trip to Key West, here are some FAQs to keep in mind:
How many days should I spend in Key West?
Because the island is small, I would say 3 to 4 days is considered a good time to knock out the activities on your list but you could also spend a week here if you want more down time.
When are the best and worst times to visit Key West?
The best time to visit Key West is in the spring months from March to May because of the comfortable temperatures and the slow down from winter tourism. It will be less crowded and you’ll benefit from cheaper rates on hotels and excursions.
Winter time, when I went, is still a good time but keep in mind that it will be more crowded. This is the time when snow birds flock to their paradise for the winter and costs of hotels, activities and such do go up accordingly.
June to November is hurricane season in Florida so you risk being stuck in some bad weather. There is a good possibility of tropical thunderstorms which can make your experience at this time of year not so fun.
What is so great about Key West, is it worth the hype?
Key West is absolutely worth the hype, as evidenced by looking at the sheer number of visitors and return-visitors that come each year.
There are so many experiences that can only be had on this beautiful gem of an island, and it’s worth visiting to see for yourself.
Final Verdict: Is Key West Worth Visiting?
You have probably already guessed my answer here, but in short, YES! This island can be enjoyed by all because of its unique beautiful scenery, wildlife and amount of excursions and activities.
If you are looking for a laid back vacay, sitting on the beach, tropical drink in hand or you want a more exciting experience, pub crawling and eating some of the best seafood, you will have come to the right place.
Though a small island, only 2 to 4 miles long, this place is packed with activities and fun. Great for a solo trip, Key West bachelorette party, family vacations or a relaxing getaway.
You can experience so many different things here and have whatever kind of vacation you desire. So enjoy the food, culture and history of this beautiful oasis and take some amazing photos!
About the author: Sapharra is an American who gave up life in the U.S. to move to Colombia. She is a content writer and lover of Latin culture who loves writing about her adventures in other countries.
