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Located on the southernmost point in the United States, famous for its spectacular sunsets, lively nightlife, conch-style architecture, all types of watersports, and several historical sites, Key West is a perfect weekend getaway. Here is how to spend amazing 2 days in Key West and not miss these 10 best things to do!

Amazing 2-Days in Key West – 10 Best Things You Can’t Miss

Key West At-A-Glance

  • How to Get to Key West

You can fly, drive or take a boat to Key West.

First of all, you can fly directly into Key West. The city’s airport, Key West International Airport (EYW), is serviced by all major carriers including Delta, American, USAir and United, Southwest, and Cape Air.

Second, you can also fly into Miami International Airport (MIA), rent a car in Miami, and then drive. The drive from Miami to Key West is about 3 hours and 40 minutes. The most spectacular section of that drive is between Key Largo to Key West along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the United States.

  • How to Get Around Key West

Key West is a small island. It is about four miles long and about two miles wide. The best way to get around in Key West is to either walk or bike. There are plenty of bike rental places in Key West and in my opinion, it is the best way to get around in Key West.

Also, there are taxis, and city buses and most of the hotels have shuttles. In addition, Old Town Hop-off Hop-on Trolley Tour is a good way to get around in Key West.

  • Where to Stay in Key West

The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton is my top choice whenever I am visiting Key West. It is a beautiful oceanfront resort with stunning views. It is meticulously maintained and spotless.

If you like hotels with some history then Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is definitely for you! It is a historic 1920s resort listed in the National Register for Historic Places with a lot of old-fashioned charm and elegance.

H2O Suites Hotel is a brand new, all-adult, luxury all-suites hotel featuring 22 one-bedroom king-bedded suites. And, 11 of those suites have individual plunge pools. There is a rooftop swimming pool and bar as well. I have to say that it is meticulously maintained and the service is great. If you are looking for a relaxing couples gateway then this is a perfect spot!

Santa Maria Suites Hotel is another one of my favorites in Key West. First of all, it is clean and well-kept. Second, the location is quiet, yet close enough to walk to all the action. There is access to a beautiful little beach next door!

The Capitana Key West is probably my top choice in Key West. It pretty much has it all. The rooms are a good size and very charming, there is a pool, hot tub and a nice sandy beach. To top it off, you will like the staff at The Capitana Key West. They are friendly and will make sure you have a great stay.

Amazing 2-Days in Key West - 10 Best Things You Can't Miss

Amazing 2 Days in Key West – 10 Best Things You Can’t Miss

DAY 1 in Key West

NUMBER 1

Visit Key West Lighthouse and Explore the Keepers Museum

The Key West Lighthouse is one of the oldest buildings in Key West. It was built in 1825 to help ships entering the port avoid the dangerous reefs.

You can climb to the top of the tower, however, there are 88 iron steps to take before you reach the top, so make sure you are up to it. However, once at the top, you will be rewarded with some great vistas of Key West.

Also, make sure to tour the grounds to see the Keeper’s Quarters which have been restored to their original charm, and view the displays of nautical artifacts, antique furnishings, maps, and vintage photos.

2 Days in Key West

Visit Key West Lighthouse and Explore the Keepers Museum / 2 Days in Key West

NUMBER 2

Stop for Lunch at Santiago's Bodega and Enjoy Delicious Tapas

I have been to Santiago’s Bodega numerous times and always had a wonderful tapas dinner. Every dish is fresh and tasty, and there are so many choices.

My recommendation is to try beef tenderloin, pear and avocado salad, roman meatballs, short ribs, and brussels sprouts. However, you really can’t go wrong with any other choices. Everything is delicious!

Santiago's Bodega in Key West

Every dish is fresh and tasty at Santiago’s Bodega / 2 Days in Key West

Santiago's Bodega in Key West

My recommendation is to try beef tenderloin and pear and avocado salad / 2 Days in Key West

NUMBER 3

Check Out Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is one of a kind place that you cannot skip on your first visit to Key West! It is a fascinating place!

“Today’s the day” was Mel Fisher’s mantra and the day was July 20, 1985, when, after 17 years of searching, Mel Fisher and his crew recovered Nuestra Señora de Atocha vessel, which contained millions worth of buried treasure, from the ocean floor just offshore from Key West.

A Quick Read:

On September 4, 1622, 28 galleon ships left Havana en route to Spain.

Aboard these ships were silver from Peru and Mexico, gold and emeralds from Colombia, pearls from Venezuela, and so much more. The very next day, the fleet was overtaken by a hurricane and eight of these ships ended up on the bottom of the ocean floor.

The most widely known vessel of a fleet of ships that sank in a hurricane was Nuestra Señora de Atocha. At the time of her sinking, Nuestra Señora de Atocha was heavily laden with copper, silver, gold, tobacco, gems, and indigo from Spanish ports at Cartagena and Porto Bello in New Granada (present-day Colombia and Panama, and Havana, bound for Spain. It was a heavily armed Spanish galleon that served as the almirante (rear guard) for the Spanish fleet. It would trail behind the other ships in the flota to prevent an attack from the rear.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

After 17 years of searching, Mel Fisher and his crew recovered the Nuestra Señora de Atocha vessel / Amazing 2 Days in Key West

Must-Do Activities for Couples in Key West

Nuestra Señora de Atocha contained millions worth of buried treasure, from the ocean floor just offshore from Key West / Amazing 2 Days in Key West

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum has several exhibits. No doubt, the 1622 Fleet Exhibit is where you should start. You will see the buried treasures acquired from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha and the Santa Margarita. There are hundreds of artifacts on display that include gold and silver bars, gems, jewelry, coins, and many more.

Another exhibit that you should not skip is Henrietta Marie Exhibit. At Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum, the Henrietta Marie Exhibit tells the story of an English merchant slave ship that sunk off the coast of Key West in 1700 shortly after selling 190 captive Africans in Jamaica. Discovered by Mel Fisher’s dive time in 1972, the exhibit displays artifacts and information about Henrietta Marie, the Transatlantic slave trade, and Key West’s African Cemetery.

NUMBER 4

Take a Commemorative Photo with the Southernmost Point Buoy

The Southernmost Point Buoy, located at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street, is an anchored concrete buoy and it marks the southernmost point in the continental United States, the lowest latitude land of contiguous North American states.

Taking a commemorative photo with the Southernmost Point Buoy is a must!

Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West

Take a Commemorative Photo with the Southernmost Point Buoy / 2 Days in Key West

NUMBER 5

Take Part in Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

Mallory Square is famous for its fun shopping, great places to eat, fun street performers, and above all it is known for its Sunset Celebration.

It is a perfect spot to take a leisurely stroll, and have a drink while watching the sunset. Life can’t be any easier.

Take Part in Mallory Square Sunset Celebration / Amazing 2 Days in Key West

NUMBER 6

Do a Key West Pub Crawl and Experience Lively Atmosphere on Duval Street

A great way to experience the lively nightlife in Key West is to do a Key West Pub Crawl.

It is a 2.5-hour guided pub crawl during which you will visit some of its most popular and entertaining establishments, beginning downtown and then traveling to the historic seaport and back to busy Duval Street.

The tour includes a domestic beer or mixed drink at each of the five locations, plus you will get a t-shirt to commemorate the event.

If you are up to the crazy and rowdy atmosphere, then venture out on your own.

The most popular establishment includes the famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar well-known for hosting thousands of famous patrons through the years, the most celebrated being Ernest Hemingway.

Another place is Flying Monkey’s, which is famous for its frozen drinks.

Next, put The Rum Bar on your list. It is known for its rum of course, but you need to try a mojito or a painkiller here!

Finally, check out The Smallest Bar in Key West. It is a tiny place, and here you need to try their rum run.

Sloppy Joe's Bar in Key West

Do a Key West Pub Crawl and Experience Lively Atmosphere on Duval Street / 2 Days in Key West

DAY 2 in Key West

NUMBER 7

Do a Coffee Run to Cuban Coffee Queen

Do an early morning coffee run to Cuban Coffee Queen. Hands down, it is the best coffee you will ever have. It is rich, creamy, and smooth. And then, try out their Cuban burrito, or one of the Cuban sandwiches. Jeez, just writing about it, makes me want to book a flight back!

There are three locations. However, I always bike to the original Cuban Coffee Queen! located at Waterfront, 284 Margaret Street. It is open daily, 6:30 am – 7 pm.

Cuban Coffee Queen in West

Do a Coffee Run to Cuban Coffee Queen / 2 Days in Key West

NUMBER 8

Go on a Morning Key West Mangrove Kayaking Tour with Lazy Dog Adventures

Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour run by Lazy Dog Adventures is great! And, what an incredible way to start off your day.

First off, it is an easy-going and relaxing kayak tour winding through the mangroves. The guides are knowledgeable and entertaining. You will learn about this unique coastal environment and hopefully spot some wildlife.

Departure Location: 5114 Overseas Hwy, Key West, FL 33040, USA (At Lazy Dog Adventures, Hurricane Hole Marina)

Go on a Morning Key West Mangrove Kayaking Tour with Lazy Dog Adventures / Amazing 2 Days in Key West

NUMBER 9

Spend an Afternoon at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is my favorite beach in Key West. It is the best place if you are looking for some solitude, to snorkel, or sunbathe. It is like a hidden gem in Key West!

What I like about Fort Zachary Taylor beach is its natural shoreline, which is composed of ground coral instead of imported sand. However, it is tough to walk barefoot on it, so make sure to pack water shoes or flip-flops to protect your feet!

If you like snorkeling then Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is a great place to snorkel.

Also, you can stroll or bike along some beautiful nature trails at Fort Zachary beach. In addition, you can take ranger-guided tours of historic Fort Zachary, which explore the Civil War-era fortifications.

A lot of people come to Fort Zachary State Beach to take photos of the sign that has the distances to different places around the world. So, do not miss it and snap a couple of pictures as well.

Spend an Afternoon at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach / Amazing 2 Days in Key West

NUMBER 10

Go On Key West Sunset Sail with Sebago Watersports

One of the most amazing things to do is to end the day with a sunset sail.  

My top choice is Key West Sunset Sail with Full Bar, Live Music & Hors D’oeuvres operated by Sebago Watersports. It is top-notch! And, they do an awesome job!

Seriously, nothing beats watching a sunset aboard a 70-foot catamaran. To top it off, the appetizers are great, plus there is champagne, wine, a full liquor bar, ice-cold beer, and soft drinks (all included).

Go on Key West Sunset Sail with Sebago Watersports / Amazing 2 Days in Key West

Intrepid Scout's Tips for 2 Days in Key West

If you have an extra day, or if you are planning on coming back to Key West, you might want to add to your list a few more places worth checking out:

  1. Visit Key West Historic Seaport – it is just a perfect place where you can escape the crowds and go for a pleasant and leisurely stroll along the boardwalk. There are some cute little shops that you can check out and a few places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat, or just listen to live music, gaze at the boats, and people-watch.
  2. Go on a Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park – my recommendation is to splurge and take a seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park. It is a bucket list experience. Then, spend your time snorkeling!
  3. Have a Romantic Sunset Dinner at Latitudes – sunset dinner at Latitudes is one of the top things to do in Key West. If you decide to splurge, then make reservations as soon as possible.

Read All the Posts About Florida in: 

Florida Travel Guide 

 

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United States Travel Guide

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