How many days do you need in Key West? I can spend at least one day whenever I come to Key West.
However, I don’t often complete my exploration of this beautiful destination. Therefore, the more days I spend, the better for me.
How many days do you need in Key West?
Two days can be enough to conquer Key West. However, if you like, you can extend your stay on the Island to a week, but if you want to fully explore the Island and still have time to relax, 3 to 4 days is optimal.
The Key West Lighthouse is now a museum. The museum is dedicated to the lighthouse keepers who lived and worked in the lighthouse over the years.
You can climb the 88 steps of the lighthouse to the top if you want a clear view of Key West Island. At the adjoining Keeper’s Quarters, you will see photographs and properties of the former keepers.
Some of the places you can visit include:
Key West Aquarium
From Key West Lighthouse, you moves on to the Mallory Square area for your lunch. Now you are ready for afternoon fun, go and visit the aquarium.
You will see the aquarium near Mallory Square, in the center of the town. The place was initially built as an open-air aquarium in the 1930s.
It is among the oldest aquariums Florida has. There are different kinds of native sea creatures, like sea turtles, tropical fish, sharks, and alligators in the aquarium.
The aquarium is not so big. Within an hour you will see all it has to offer. The animals are fed every 30 minutes, and educational talks take place at that time too.
I once took my son to the aquarium, and he enjoyed it so much. He loved feeding the stingrays, and the sharks. If the kids are younger, they will like to touch tanks and craft tables.
Shipwreck Treasure Museum
From Key West Aquarium you can go over to Shipwreck Treasure Museum. You will be taken back on memory lane to the mid-1800s. That was the era of the wreckers. This is the interactive museum that teaches kids the history of Key West maritime.
At the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, you will see a combination of actors, films, and the original artifacts from the wrecked vessel belonging to Isaac Allerton that capsized in 1856 in the Florida Keys.
The interactive exhibits will catch the attention of the children. They will enjoy climbing the 65’ tall lookout tower.
Go over to Sloppy Joe’s to enjoy your dinner and some drinks. You can go exploring the darker side of Key West to wrap up the day as you go nighttime ghost tour.
I took my son on a Ghosts and Gravestones Tour. This is a combo trolley and walking tour.
We went through the most notoriously haunted sites in the city, and into two buildings, the East Martello Fort, and the Shipwreck Treasure Museum. We had the experience of some haunts first-hand as we were led by ghost hosts.
My son enjoyed the ghosts and gravestones tour, although he was a bit scared as a 13-year-old would be. If you are a teen and want to embark on the tour, take an electromagnetic meter with you, to detect when the ghost is around.
Day Two: In, On, and Near the Water.
Key West has tropical warm waters and the most amazing coral reefs in Florida.
It is a perfect destination for snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, and other ocean adventures. Teens love visiting the Island, which is a good tourist destination for families.
Many tour companies on the Island offer fishing and watersport excursions.
The last time we visited, Sebago Watersports took us on a combo sailing and snorkeling tour. Book for their Power Adventure excursion if you need more actions.
They will take you snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. They will feed you on all the tours. They have very friendly and attentive staff.
You can plan to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, for other activities. You will see the magnificent 19th Century Fort Jefferson in the park.
It is located about 70 miles from Key West. Dry Tortugas National Park is a cluster of seven small islands. The only means of transportation to it is by boat or seaplane.
This moat-surrounded park can see all kinds of tropical birds, aquatic life, coral reefs, and Fort Jefferson. It served as a prison during the Civil War. The park has guided tours.
Go over to Mallory Square to relax when you get back to shore. The waterfront plaza faces the Gulf of Mexico and is a center in Key West’s historic Old Town. The location is known for its spectacular sunsets.
What is the best month to go to Key West?
March and May are the best months to visit Key West. This is the period there is less population of visitors on the Island.
The hotel rates are cheap these months, and the weather of these months is almost the same as the winter weather, between 70 and 80 degrees. Wintertime is the busiest and costliest time on the Island.
A lot of tourists visit Key West during the winter. The city gets overcrowded during this time. The cost of accommodation skyrockets, yet, numerous tourists go there to enjoy the warmth and sunshine the Island offers.
The Island plays host to fewer visitors during the summer months. The crowd this time is small, and the accommodation cost is low.
Remember that the summer months are always rainy and humid. Also, remember that June to November is the month of the hurricane.
So if you want to visit Key West, let it be during the spring months, that is, between March and May. By then, the winter crowd has gone, the accommodation cost is low, and the weather is warm and pleasant.
FAQs
Is two days enough in Key West?
Within 2 days you can perfectly explore Key West. Set aside the first day to visit historic places like Key West Historic District which are the Truman House, Hemingway House, Key West Cemetery, and Duval Street.
Use the second day to engage in watersports and sunset sailing.
Is Key West worth the money?
Key West is worth the money because the Island will allow you to enjoy lots and various activities. It is a perfect vacation destination for adults and children.
The Island has beautiful beaches and spectacular sunsets. You will have the opportunity to explore local wildlife and learn about maritime, literary, and political history.
What is so great about Key West?
The Island of Key West is situated in the southernmost point of America. It features watersports, lively nightlife, beaches, historic sites, and pastel, conch-style architecture at its best.