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12 Finest Issues to Do in Key West on a Cruise


Will your subsequent cruise trip or land trip take you to stunning Key West? In that case, you might be questioning what you need to do whereas your ship is in port. The probabilities are infinite and multiple journey to this stunning paradise is required. 

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12 Finest Issues to Do in Key West on a Cruise

The primary time that I had the pleasure of visiting Key West, I used to be overwhelmed in essentially the most great method. I wasn’t certain what I needed to do. I simply knew that I needed to see and expertise all the pieces. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a Key West beginner or skilled customer, you would possibly want some solutions on your subsequent go to. Maintain studying for 12 of the very best issues to do in Key West whereas on a cruise. 

1. Make the Trek to the Southernmost level

When visiting Key West, you would possibly as properly go as far south as doable, proper? If that’s your thought course of, don’t miss a visit to the southernmost level. 

Most have seen pictures of the southernmost level buoy. It’s virtually a ceremony of passage to go to the buoy and have your photograph taken. When you are right here, you’re a mere 90 miles from Cuba. 

Is that this a vacationer entice? In fact. Will you be ready in line some time to have your photograph taken? You higher consider it! 

2. Go to the Hemingway Residence and Museum 

Hemingway House Key West

It was virtually extraordinary to have an inground pool in Key West within the 1930’s. You’ll discover that right here and different luxuries of the legend, Ernest Hemingway. 

Essentially the most distinctive ingredient of the house is the presence of the six-toed cats. Ernest Hemingway was gifted a six-toed cat by a sea captain. The cats that stay on the dwelling as we speak are descendants of the unique pet of Hemingway. 

To be truthful, I can’t stand cats and six-toed cats sound like one thing out of an 80’s sci-fi movie. However guess what? These cats guard the legacy of Hemingway and all issues “Previous Man and the Sea”. 

3. Try Captain Tony’s Saloon

If you wish to bask in a couple of drinks and eats the place previous native celebrities appreciated to hang around, be sure you go to Captain Tony’s Saloon. This location was initially in-built 1851 and served as an icehouse. Actually, the icehouse doubled because the native morgue and is supposedly haunted. 

Seize a pint and sit in the identical spot as Jimmy Buffet, Truman Capote, Ernest Hemingway, and Tennessee Williams as soon as sat. Don’t neglect to choose up your very personal Captain Tony’s Saloon t-shirt’s, books, koozies, and extra. 

I personally assume that is the proper dive bar for cheap, potent drinks. Pair a beverage and the prospect at seeing a ghost. What extra might you want? 

4. Stroll Down Duval Road

Duval St Key West

The “key” to Key West’s occasion scene is Duval Road. This road is a mile lengthy and was named after the primary territorial governor of Florida, William Duval. 

Yow will discover virtually something on Duval Road. Memento retailers are plentiful and native eating places line this space with an abundance of decisions. The world well-known Sloppy Joe’s Bar is right here and different favorites like Inexperienced Parrot Bar and Cowboy Invoice’s Honkey Tonk Saloon. 

In fact, there are many choices apart from bars on Duval Road. A yearly Key West Meals & Wine Competition is held right here, amongst different occasions. We positively suggest utilizing the Previous City Trolley whereas visiting. It is a nice hop-on, hop-off choice for seeing Duval Road. 

It’s just about a assure that you’ll not see the identical sights twice on Duval Road. I bear in mind wandering down Duval Road considering, “This can be the funkiest and coolest road, this facet of NOLA”. 

5. Discover Mallory Sq.

On the heart of Key West’s social scene, you’ll find Mallory Sq.. Surrounded by native retailers, eating places, and museums, Mallory Sq. is an open-air plaza adjoining to the gorgeous Key West waters. 

There may be really one thing for everybody in Mallory Sq.. Try a cup of specialty espresso at Cuban Espresso Queen or seize a chew to eat at Aqua D’Keys. When you’ve got the prospect to remain later within the day, sunsets are unforgettable right here. 

Wandering out to Mallory Sq. whereas visiting the retailers is an unimaginable expertise. A few of my finest trip pictures have been taken right here and I can’t wait to return. 

6. Take a Day Journey to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park

Dry Tortugas National Park Fort Jefferson

For longer journeys to Key West, visiting the Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park ought to be on the high of most lists. Positioned 70 miles to the west, this 100 sq. mile park is really paradise. 

You will have to journey a ferry to discover this oasis. It takes roughly 2 hours and quarter-hour to get to the park. You may discover Fort Jefferson, snorkel, or go to pristine seashores. 

I”m unsure that there’s a extra stunning seashore in the USA. The water is a shade of blue like no different and the snorkeling can’t be beat. My husband likes to snorkel and this might be very first thing on his record for our subsequent go to. 

7. Seize Drinks at Sloppy Joe’s 

The primary phrase that involves my thoughts when considering of Sloppy Joe’s is “iconic”. Simply passing by this bar makes me really feel like I’d run into Ernest Hemingway and be part of him for a beer. Go to Sloppy Joe’s in July, and also you would possibly see the yearly Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. 

Music lovers will love spending time right here. There may be stay music each single day of the 12 months. Don’t go away with out a memento t-shirt to recollect this really distinctive expertise by. 

Don’t go away Key West with out making an attempt the award successful Sloppy Rita – Cazadores Reposado Tequila, Citronage, bitter combine, orange juice, membership soda, and lime. It’s actually perfection in a glass. 

8. Go to the Key West Cemetery

For one thing somewhat off the crushed path, make a journey to the Key West Cemetery. This historic cemetery was established in 1847 and is situated on the nook of Margaret and Angela Streets. The cemetery is nineteen acres and the ultimate resting place for a various group of residents. 

If you wish to go to the cemetery, there are maps accessible on the entrance. Horror film lovers like myself may be tempted to attempt a Ghosts & Gravestones Tour. I’m all the time up for a great ghost tour and Key West is not any exception. 

9. Take an Previous City Trolley Tour

Key West, Florida Old Tow Trolley Hop on Hop off Tour | MUST MAKE STOPS!

For a straightforward and handy solution to see Key West, the Previous City Trolley Tour is a unbelievable choice. They provide a Hop-On, Hop-Off tour that options 13 totally different stops. After the acquisition of a ticket, you may cease and return to the bus anytime that day. 

A number of of the doable stops for this tour embody Mallory Sq., Truman Little White Home, Duval Road, Bahama Village, East Martello Fort, and the Southernmost Level. 

For my household, an Previous City Trolley Tour is a should. We are able to “hop on” and “hop off” as a lot as we’d like, with out having to fret about paying every particular person time. Look into buying your tickets forward of time for extra perks and reductions. 

10. Cease by Blue Heaven for Lunch

Blue Heaven is an area favourite serving among the tastiest, freshest meals round. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are an choice for dinner solely. The environment is extremely genuine right here. Artwork within the type of a leopard-spotted model is the norm. 

Selection is vital at Blue Heaven. The Caribbean “BBQ” Shrimp is a favourite, as is the Well-known Key Lime Pie. 

Personally, I believe Blue Heaven has top-of-the-line vibes wherever. When you look within the dictionary for “Blue Heaven Key West”, you’re more likely to see the phrase, “Key West allure and deliciousness”. 

11. Decide Out a Good Pair of Soles at Kino Sandals 

An actual deal with awaits those that determine to go to Kino Sandals. Since 1966, this Key West institution has supplied the very best in handmade leather-based sandals, created by Roberto “Kino” Lopez himself. Kino moved to Key West from Cuba within the 60’s and alongside together with his spouse, created a long-lasting Key West custom. 

You may go to the shop and select from over 17 totally different kinds of sandals. Plan some further time for this cease and also you could possibly see the artisans crafting the sandals.  

For the value and the craftsmanship, Kino Sandals are arduous to compete with. I’m personally a fan of the “Skinny Strap” design within the Women line. I can’t wait so as to add one other pair to my shoe assortment. My husband doesn’t must know that. 

12. Catch a World-Well-known Sundown 

Sunsets in Key West are “World Well-known” for a motive. They’re arguably among the most stunning you’ll ever expertise. Guests will make their solution to Mallory Sq. 1 or 2 hours earlier than the occasion. Undoubtedly plan to observe the sundown from Mallory Sq. or on considered one of a number of sundown cruises. 

A sundown in Key West is one thing that can stay on in your reminiscence endlessly. For me, it’s proper up there with the primary “Bushy Chest Contest” I witnessed on the Carnival Fantasy. 


Hopefully our in depth record will enable you to to plan your subsequent Key West cease. The probabilities are limitless and there’s something for everybody. What do you intend to do in your subsequent journey to Key West?