Key West Itinerary: How To Spend 7 Days In Key West

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Are you looking for the best way to spend a week in Key West, Florida? Follow this 7-day Key West itinerary to have the best week ever!

I’ve spent a lot of time traveling around Florida but never quite made it down to Key West. Until this past spring! My daughter requested a beach trip and I wanted to explore the keys. So off we went!

Having just a week to spend on this incredible island, we didn’t want to waste a minute. We also love adventures and exploring the places we visit, so we set off to do everything we could in those 7 days.

While some things in Key West aren’t worth mentioning, this is our list of the best things to do in Key West. You’ll get a full Key West Itinerary of where to go and what to see, to make the most of your family trip to the Florida Keys!

Planning Your Trip

Planning a trip to Key West can be a bit overwhelming, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to a stress-free vacation. Here are a few things to consider when planning your trip:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Key West is from December to April, when the weather is mild and sunny. If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting during the shoulder season (May to June or November to December). The island is less crowded, and you can enjoy the beautiful weather without the hustle and bustle.
• Getting There: The Key West International Airport (EYW) is a convenient option for flying into Key West. It’s a small airport, so you’ll be off the plane and on your way in no time. Alternatively, you can drive to Key West from Miami Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL). The drive down the Overseas Highway is an adventure in itself, with stunning views of the Florida Keys and the iconic Seven Mile Bridge.
• Accommodations: Key West has a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. Consider staying in Old Town for easy access to Duval Street and other attractions. Whether you’re looking for a charming bed and breakfast or a full-service resort, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs.
• Transportation: Key West is a small island, and many attractions are within walking distance. You can also rent a bike or take a taxi to get around. For a fun and eco-friendly option, consider renting a golf cart. It’s a popular way to explore Key West and gives you the freedom to zip around the island at your own pace.

Key West Activities and Adventures

Whether you’re looking for a chill beach day or an exciting adventure, I’ve got it all listed out here for you! And while 7 days probably isn’t enough time to see and do everything Key West has to offer, these are our favorites, so don’t miss out! Don’t miss out on visiting the Key West Aquarium, a notable attraction in the Old Town area.

Have a Chill Beach Day

Someone told me that Key West isn’t really known for its beaches since it’s such a small island with rocky shores, but I didn’t believe it! And thank goodness. Because I actually found Key West to have some pretty amazing beaches. While there are a few to choose from, my favorite is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.

Fort Zachary has everything you need to spend an entire day at the beach. First of all, there is plenty of parking which is rare in Key West. Second, it has a beautiful shaded area with picnic tables if you need shade. There is a concession stand that sells everything from lunches to snacks, ice cream, and even adult beverages.

The beach is soft and the water is warm and crystal clear, making it great for snorkeling and swimming. It’s also super calm so toddlers and young kids can swim without getting knocked over by waves. Fort Zachary has everything you need to comfortably spend an entire day at the beach.

Go Snorkeling on a Sail Boat

We love swimming and being in the water so going on a snorkeling excursion was a no-brainer for us. There are tons to choose from. You can do a full-day snorkeling tour or just go out for a few hours. Some are on big catamarans and some are on tiny private boats.

We booked a snorkeling tour on a sailboat. I have never sailed before so I thought this would be a unique experience and it was!

They supplied us with snorkeling gear and took us out to a coral reef not far from land. We saw tons of colorful fish, several large schools of fish, and many that swam right up to us. We also saw a sea turtle swimming around! And I also caught a glimpse of a nurse shark (dont worry… they are friendly sharks!) while snorkeling. It was a fantastic adventure I would do many times over.

Catch Fish and Then Eat Them!

You can’t visit the ocean without attempting to go on a fishing charter! We booked a small, private fishing boat for just three people and set out to catch some fish. You can choose to go reef fishing or deep sea fishing. We chose reef fishing, it’s a little more like fishing in a lake than I’m used to.

Our guide was fantastic. He knew exactly where to find certain kinds of fish. And if we went to a spot where the fish weren’t biting, we picked up and went to another spot. We had a good time fishing but often just enjoyed sitting in the sun and taking a boat ride around the island too. Our guide even found us a small shark and caught him! We released him of course.

What really made this a unique experience is that when you are done fishing, you can take the fish you caught and have a restaurant cook it for you. And you can choose from several different ways to cook it. You can grill it, fry it, try cajun style, or even panko baked. And let me tell you… it was delicious!

We chose Hurricane Hole Restaurant. It was located right on the water where our fishing boat was so we didn’t even have to take our catch far. Not only was it super tasty, but the restaurant is a super cute Key West-style place to eat, right on the water with great views. I highly recommend it!

Check out Dry Tortugas National Park

Did you know Key West is home to one of the most unique National Parks in the United States? Dry Tortugas National Park is several miles off the coast of Key West, and you’ll need to take either a ferry boat or a seaplane to get there. But it’s worth it!

Dry Tortugas is home to an old fort you can walk around and take a tour of. Otherwise, it’s home to an amazing beach with great snorkeling. A trip to Dry Tortugas will be a full-day adventure so plan accordingly! Because it’s a long boat ride, they only go out once a day and return once a day. And it books up fast! So make sure to grab your tickets in advance if you want to go.

Spend a Day Downtown Exploring Duval Street

You could spend an entire day just walking around Duvall Street. The street literally goes from one end of Key West to the other. There are tons of restaurants and shopping along this popular street, where you can find everything from clothing to souvenirs to multiple key lime pie shops.

Walking down Duvall street, you’ll even find walk-up bars serving shots and drinks in the middle of the day.

While exploring Duval Street, make sure to visit the Key West Lighthouse for a scenic view of the island. Walk all the way to the south end of Duvall street to take a photo with the Southernmost Bouy, an icon of Key West.

There are trolley tours, buses, and pedicabs to get you from one end to the other. There are also places where you can rent bikes or even golf carts to go explore more of the island.

TIP: Duvall Street only has street parking and it fills up fast. It’s almost impossible to find parking. So ride a bike or take an Uber from your hotel.

Visit the Hemmingway House and Butterfly Garden

Want to get into some air conditioning? Check out the Hemmingway House! Located right near Duvall Street among all the shops and restaurants, you’ll find this historic home that once belonged to Ernest Hemingway.

After touring the Hemingway House, head over to the nearby Key West Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the island.

The home is still set up with all his furnishings and even some cats too! It’s a fun and quick home to tour if you are a history fan.

The Butterfly Garden is also nearby and a favorite place for kids to go. You walk through this wonderland and butterflies land right on your head. It’s a hidden oasis that is definitely worth checking out.

Check Out Mallory Square

Mallory Square doesn’t look like much during the day. It’s really just an open market on the north end of Duvall Street. But at night… it comes alive!

Mallory Square is located in Old Town Key West, known for its historic charm and vibrant energy. Mallory Square is known as one of the best places on Key West to view the sunset and it definitely is, if you can see it through the crowds. But even if you miss a sunset, check out Mallory Square anyway.

Once the sun sets, Mallory Square turns into a fun place for street performers. Stay and watch the show (dont forget to tip) of several different performers who do all sorts of crazy tricks. Mallory Square even has arts and crafts booths from local vendors and food trucks as well.

Visit Bahia Honda State Park

Located about 45 minutes outside of Key West, this Florida State park is worth the drive! Even if you just go for a half day. The beaches are absolutely gorgeous. And there are three of them!

But this state park also has lots to offer. There is a concession stand that offers food and drinks. Or you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, or fishing equipment. There are bathrooms and showers here too.

Bahia State Park was so pretty, we ended up wishing we dedicated a whole day to hanging out there. There are even several campsites where you can camp on the ocean. I’ll definitely be back one day to do that!

Food and Drink

Key West is famous for its fresh seafood, key lime pie, and Cuban cuisine. Here are a few must-try restaurants and bars:

• Blue Heaven: This popular breakfast spot is known for its key lime pie and live music. Nestled in a lush garden setting, Blue Heaven offers a laid-back vibe with roosters roaming around and a menu that will make your taste buds dance. Don’t miss their famous Eggs Benedict or a slice of their heavenly key lime pie.
• Cuban Coffee Queen: This charming cafe serves up delicious Cuban coffee and pastries. It’s the perfect spot to start your day with a strong cafecito and a warm, flaky pastelito. The friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit.
• El Siboney: This family-owned Cuban restaurant has been a Key West staple for over 30 years. Known for its authentic Cuban dishes, El Siboney offers hearty portions and flavors that transport you straight to Havana. Try the roast pork or the paella for a true taste of Cuba.
• Sunset Cruise: Take a romantic sunset cruise and enjoy the stunning views of the Key West skyline. Many cruises offer drinks and appetizers, making it a perfect way to unwind and soak in the beauty of the island as the sun dips below the horizon.
• Duval Street: This lively street is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. Be sure to check out the famous Sloppy Joe’s bar, where Ernest Hemingway used to hang out. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual drink or a night of dancing, Duval Street has something for everyone.

A Week in Key West: Things To Do

Hopefully, you’ve booked more than just a day or two in Key West because there are just too many things to do and see there!

For those flying in, the Key West Airport offers a convenient entry point, though flights can be pricier compared to larger airports like Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

We found that a week was just perfect to do everything we wanted to do and that included a beach day to just hang out by the water. However, we could definitely have planned for more than one beach day after seeing how crystal clear and warm the water was!

Whatever it is you decided to do for your Key West Itinerary, you won’t be disappointed. I can easily say Key West is my all-time favorite Florida destination and I will be back one day!

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