Famous for its conch-style houses, coral reefs, and delicate pastel color palette, Key West is a favorite travel spot for many. Although just a short trip from Miami, it offers a much more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere as everyone lets loose and enjoys the beautiful sights and sounds of this island city. With turtle nesting beaches, fascinating museums, gorgeous parks, and much more, there is so much to see and do. Here’s just a glimpse into what a fun-filled day in Key West could look like.
Higgs Beach
Start your day off with the turquoise waters of Higgs Beach. Take in the crisp seaside air and clear blue skies as you grab a bite to eat at a lovely beachside cafe. Afterward, you can soak in the warm sun as you relax on the sand, stroll down the pier, or cool off in the clear waters. Higgs beach offers numerous activities, including diving and snorkeling, historical sights, a children’s playground, a dog park, the only shore-accessible underwater marine park in the US, and much more. The only problem you’ll have is deciding what to do first!
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Leave your worries behind and enter this fairytale-like world of butterflies at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. With some 50 to 60 different species of live butterflies from around the world and over 20 exotic bird species, this climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat is breathtaking in every aspect. Walk amongst hundreds of butterflies as you take in the rich collection of flowering plants, gentle waterfalls, and stage-setting trees.
Ernest Hemingway House
A must-see in Key West, don’t miss out on the Ernest Hemingway House. This popular attraction is where the novelist, short story writer, and journalist wrote some of his most famous and beloved works, including A Farewell to Arms (1929), “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” (1936), and For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940). Featuring a gorgeous garden, a 60-foot long pool (an architectural feat and extraordinary luxury for the 1930s), dozens of cats, and a lovely veranda overlooking everything, the house is rich with stories of its construction and time spent there. Take a tour or just peruse the grounds; who knows, you might even be inspired to create some works of your own.
Tropic Cinema
Let’s go retro with the Tropic Cinema. Sporting a mini marquee, vibrant neon letters, and an eye-catching vertical sign, the Tropic Cinema is the perfect place for some of the gloomier days. Opening its doors in 2004, it had just one simple goal: to bring quality movies to those seeking more than just Hollywood blockbusters. Today the cinema boasts a range of mainstream and indie films, as well as cultural events and lectures. Artistically diverse, there’s something for the average movie-goer and for folks who value going beyond the typical.
Mallory Square
Before the sun goes down, make sure to make your way to Mallory Square. Beginning two hours before sunset, the nightly Key West Sunset Celebration takes place. Dating back to the late 1960s, the celebration invites everyone to enjoy the glowing pink and red sun as it meets the edge of the horizon in the Gulf of Mexico. With local musicians, artists, magicians, and food vendors, the energy and excitement are palpable. It’s a view and celebration that has enamored figures such as Mark Twain and Tennessee Williams, and many travel from all over the world to partake in this incredible cultural experience.
With beautiful sights and the chance to make unforgettable memories, Key West is a great place to relax and getaway. These are just 5 of many great spots that the island offers. To see more, check out the Exploring Paths app both online or in the Apple App Store!
Travel now from home or in person!