We Recommend

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum lets you experience the calming contrast that this Key West home offered this complex man as you take a leisurely and inspiring tour of his mansion and gardens.
It is located at 907 Whitehead St. in Key West, and is open 365 days a year from 9am – 5pm.

Key West Trolley Tours

Here are just two of the many ways to see the island of Key West.

Old Town Trolley Tours
Phone: 305-296-6688
122 Simonton Street
Key West, FL 33040 

Key West Trolley Tours
Conch Tour Train
Phone: 305-294-5161
501 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040

Most of the tours are round trip with many stops. Want to visit at one of the stops? With some of the tours, you can get off and visit a while, then catch the next alike train or trolley that dropped you off, and continue your tour, stopping to visit when needed on your way back to where you began your Key West tour.

Key West Aquarium

The oldest attraction on the island, the Key West Aquarium is a modest but fascinating exhibit. A long hallway of eye-level displays showcases dozens of varieties of fish and crustaceans.

You'll see delicate sea horses swaying in the backlit tanks. Kids can touch sea cucumbers and sea anemones in a shallow tank in the entryway. If you can, catch one of the free guided tours, where you can witness the dramatic feeding frenzy of the sharks, tarpon, barracudas, stingrays, and turtles. Expect to spend about 1 to 1 1/2 hours here.

Mallory Square

Located by the historic Key West waterfront, and within view of The Ocean Key Resort & Spa, this open-air marketplace and entertainment complex is a great place to start or end your visit to Key West. Known for its magnificent sunsets, the area is also home to many shops, including Shell Warehouse, Key West Sponge Market and Caribbean Cargo.

The Square also features daily entertainment, which includes guitar music, juggling, and animal performances. Local sightseeing tours also depart from the Square. Call for additional information 305 296 4557.

Local Activities

 

Key West Aquarium

1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33403
(305) 296-2051WebsiteDirections
 

Bayview Park

Virginia St, Key West, FL
Directions
 

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Southard St, Key West, FL
(305) 292-6713Directions
 

Key West Lighthouse Museum

938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33403
(305) 294-0012Directions
 

Key West Golf Club

6450 E. College Road Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-5232Directions

Upcoming Events

April 20, 2012 - April 29, 2012
30th Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration
Events are held throughout Old Town for the duration of the festival.  Great fun and warm weather!  Don’t miss the annual “Bloody Battle” in Key West Harbor, Friday, April 22rd.  Join hundreds of revelers on the Sunset Pier for a “non-combatant” viewing party!
Location: Old Town and Harbor – Ocean Key Resort

305-294-2298
www.conchrepublic.com



May 2, 2012 – May 6, 2012
17th Annual Songwriter's Festival
Location: Throughout Old Town – Festival Opening Kick-off Party – on the Sunset Pier Wednesday, May 2, 2012.
The Key West Songwriters Festival enjoys its 17th year in paradise!  This year’s festival will feature more than 100 top songwriters, all performing their most-loved hits. All in intimate tropical settings.
Location: Throughout Old Town – Festival Opening Kick-off Party – on the Sunset Pier Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com


July 4, 2012
Annual 4th of July Fireworks
Time 9:00pm
Location: White Street Pier


July 19-22, 2012
32nd Annual Hemmingway Days
Location: Duval Street and other Old Town Locations

305-292-8445
www.sloppyjoes.com


August 7, 2012
19th Annual Battle of the Bars

Location
: Schooner Warf Bar
305-292-3302
www.schoonerwharf.com


August 10-12, 2012
Lobster Fest
Thousands of lobster lovers descend on Key West for three glorious days and nights. Events include the Duval Crawl on Friday night and a free concert and Street Fair on Saturday.

Location: Duval Street
305-743-2437
www.keywestlobsterfest.com


August 11-14, 2012
Captain Tony Days
Captain Tony Tarracino, was an American icon, saloonkeeper, boat captain, gambler and Mayor of Key West. He has been called arguably the city's most beloved resident. Reporters sought him out, movies were made about his life, and Jimmy Buffett sang about him in “Last Mango In Paris.” This festival is a celebration of Tony’s life, featuring storytelling contests, street fairs and film showings, culminating in a birthday party through the streets of Key West.

Location: Duval Street

Saturday - Sunday, September 1- 2, 2012
3rd Annual Key West Brewfest

Location: Duval Street
800-354-4455
www.keywestchamber.org




Friday & Saturday, September 14 & 15, 2012
2012 BIKE WEEK/ POKER RUN
Official Poker Run starts Friday morning 16th at 8:00AM as usual and ends in Key West Saturday the 17th at 5:00PM; awards will start between 10 & 11PM that night.
Be sure to see the site of bikes parked in paradise – as far as the eye can see.
Custom bike show and vendors will be on Duval & Caroline Streets both Friday & Saturday.

For info please visit: http://www.petersonsharley.com



Friday & Saturday, October 19 & 20, 2012
GOOMBAY FESTIVAL AND STREET FAIR
Family-friendly street fair in Bahama Village – just 6 blocks from Ocean Key Resort. Enjoy crafts and music, as well as beloved local fare. Many islands in the Caribbean are represented, primarily the Bahamas, Haiti and Cuba. Free admission.

Location: Bahama Village
Time 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
(305) 294-2587
 info@keywestchamber.org


Friday – Sunday, October 19 - 28, 2012
FANTASY FEST 2012 –
10 day annual festival has grown to be Key West’s busiest week of the year. Think Carnivale like in so many Latin countries – but with a Key West Twist. Events every day and night, in addition to the happenings, the main draw? The people watching! Over the top to be sure, this festival is revered as one big happy time. Safe, warm, friendly, and outrageous! Come and experience the fun!

Location: Old Town Key West
Time 11:00 am - ???
(305) 296-1817
 www.fantasyfest.net



Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
The Original "Homemade Bikini Contest"
This is a FREE EVENT.  Tropical Libations and great drink specials, along with music from the island's best bands will insure this is the place to party tonight!  Join the Backstage VIP section with open bar, light food and a contestant meet & greet.  Beginning at 9pm, the judging begins.
Make no mistake - this contest is taken seriously!  You will be amazed by the creations you'll witness.  Each entry fee of $20 will be donated to "Reef Relief."

Location: Zero Duval Street – On the Sunset Pier!
Time: 7pm gate opens – first come first served.
(305) 295-7047
 www.fantasyfest.net
Tickets available at keystix.com or at The Sunset Pier Tiki Bar.



Friday, October 26, 2012
12th Annual Living Art Airbrush Expo – On the Sunset Pier!
This is a FREE EVENT Contestants will use the human form as a living canvas for artistic expression in competition for more than $1,500; drink specials and live entertainment! Painting and partying starts at 6:00 p.m., judging begins at 9:00 p.m.

Location: Zero Duval – The Sunset Pier!
Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm
(305) 295-7045
www.keystix.com



Saturday, October 27, 2012
CAPTAIN MORGAN FANTASY FEST PARADE 2012
Join 70,000 frolicking partygoers as this year’s parade surfs down Duval Street. Featuring glittering floats, marching bands and dancing groups, it doesn’t get any wilder than this! Parade steps off at 7:00 p.m. www.fantasyfest.net/parade.cfm; FREE

Location: Duval and Whitehead Streets
Time 7:00PM
(305) 296-1817
 www.fantasyfest.net


Thursday – Sunday, November 1-4, 2012
20th ANNUAL PARROT HEADS – MEETING OF THE MINDS
Non-stop weekend event celebrating all who covet the Margaritaville state of mind.
Food, drink. great music, new and old friends.

Location: Old Town – Duval Street
Time 11:00 am - ??
www.phip.com/MOTM.asp


Wednesday – Thursday, November 7 - 11, 2012
ANNUAL KEY WEST SUPERBOAT RACES
Amazing superboat race trials and races throughout the week.

Location: Key West Harbor – straight past The Sunset Pier!
Times: Vary
305-296-6166
www.superboat.com

NOTE: Sunset Pier tables are still available but not for long – hurry!
VIP Tent tickets are available but selling fast! Tickets are $250 per person – open bar and light fare all day. Contact: Katherine at 305-295-7044.