The Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in Key West

Key West is a special place, and can make a perfect romantic getaway. We actually spent our honeymoon here and thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed island atmosphere after the chaotic wedding planning. It was a great budget option for us that avoided the extra cost of an international plane ticket, but still felt like an escape. The Florida Keys truly showed us a side of the United States we hadn’t experienced before. Key West has so much to offer in a small package, making it an ideal weekend destination whether you’re looking to relax or in search of adventure.

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Some Things to Keep in Mind For Your Weekend in Key West

• Depending on the season, the sun can be brutal. Stay hydrated, don’t forget sunscreen, and bring along a sun hat (which doubles as a great photo prop!)
• Space is limited, and parking can be a challenge. You’ll want to make sure parking is available at your accommodation.
• Again depending on the time of year, you’ll want to bring along some bug repellant for biting midges (aka no-see-ums). Bug spray or essential oils like eucalyptus should do the trick. I failed to do so on my trip, and while it didn’t dampen my experience, the bites proved annoying on the way back home.

Day 1: Explore Old Town Key West

Tour a Historic Home or Take a Walking Tour

Key West is overflowing with historic sites to visit. You can opt to take visit a house museum for an in-depth history of a particular home or choose a walking tour that provides a more general snap shot of the historic sites in Key West. As a history buff, I’d likely choose to do both if I had the time.

Climb the Key West Lighthouse

Since its decommission in 1969, the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters has been converted into a heritage museum. Purchasing a ticket to the site includes access to climb to the top of the lighthouse. The views of Key West from the top of the lighthouse are something you won’t want to miss during your visit.

Experience Duval Street

Duval Street is the bustling center of Key West, and there is no better place to experience the atmosphere of this island for yourself. From restaurants to boutiques to art galleries, Duval Street has something for everyone. There are lots of tours based around this area, so it is a great place to take a ghost tour. If you’re looking for a more laid back evening, live music is never far away.

Day 2: Beach Day & Water Adventure

Go Parasailing

Start your day with an adventure on the water. Water sports and activities of all kind are easy to find in Key West, and there are a wide variety of tours to choose from. Parasailing was a personal favorite of ours (like this tour), but whatever you choose, just take the morning to appreciate the natural beauty of the island. It is sure to be an experience you won’t forget.

Spend the Afternoon at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Once you’ve made it back to dry land and had some time to unwind, head to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park for some more exploring and an unforgettable sunset. Take some time to tour the historic fort that dates back to 1866. Then, spend the afternoon relaxing on the pristine beach with ample shaded areas to enjoy a picnic. The park is open from 8am to sunset everyday, and you’ll want to stick around for those spectacular sunset views.

So, Is Key West Worth Visiting?

As someone who decided to return here for their honeymoon, I would definitely consider Key West a place worth visiting. This little island, jampacked with history and water activities, has something to offer everyone. The best part of Key West is taking time to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this island. It is a special place, and your visit can be as intensive or as laid back as you wish.

Exploring Beyond Key West?

If you have more than a weekend to spend in Key West, check out this list of things to do on your visit to the Florida Keys.