22 Romantic Things to Do in Key West for Couples

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

By Air:
Key West International Airport (EYW) is small but well connected. Major airlines like Delta, American, United, and JetBlue all offer direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, and several East Coast cities. The airport is just a few minutes from Old Town, so you can get to your hotel quickly after you land.

By Car:
Driving from Miami to Key West is one of the most scenic road trips in the United States. The 165-mile Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) connects the islands with 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, but plan extra time for photos and short stops along the way.

PRO TIP: The stretch from Key Largo to Key West is the most beautiful part of the route. You’ll cross clear turquoise water, small islands, and endless ocean views. Well worth taking it slow and enjoying the drive.

By Ferry:
Another good option is the Key West Express, which runs daily between Fort Myers Beach and Key West (and seasonally from Marco Island). The trip takes about 3.5 hours each way, and the boat has indoor and outdoor seating, snacks, and drinks onboard.

Key West is small, only about four miles long and two miles wide, so getting around is easy.

Walking and Biking:
If you’re staying in Old Town, you can walk or bike to almost everything. Biking is the best way to explore, and there are plenty of rental shops. Many hotels offer complimentary bikes for guests.

Trolley and Conch Train:
The Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley and Conch Train Tour are fun and practical ways to see the main attractions, including Mallory Square, the Hemingway House, and the Southernmost Point.

PRO TIP: If you drove from Miami or anywhere else, park your car once you arrive in Key West and leave it parked until you head back. You won’t need it while exploring the island, and you’ll save on parking fees and stress.

Choosing the right hotel makes a big difference in Key West. Most couples prefer to stay in Old Town, where you can walk or bike everywhere. All the places below are our top choices, and always have high ratings for comfort, service, and location.

The Capitana Key West – A modern waterfront resort with a relaxed, boutique feel. It has a pool, small private beach, and a hot tub—plus free parking, which is rare in Key West. Rooms are spacious, and many have balconies with ocean views.

H2O Suites – Adults Only – This luxury, adults-only hotel is perfect for a quiet getaway. It offers all-suite rooms, and some come with private plunge pools. There’s also a rooftop pool and bar. Excellent service and spotless rooms make it one of the most romantic options in town.

The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton – An upscale resort with its own private beach, oceanfront pool, and on-site dining. Rooms are stylish, and the property feels private while still being close to the main attractions.

Eden House – A great mid-range choice with a friendly, tropical vibe. It has lush gardens, a pool, and hammocks for relaxing. Many rooms have porches or balconies.

Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton – A Key West classic. It offers a long stretch of private beach, two oceanfront pools, and a spa with couples’ treatments. The rooms are large and comfortable, and the sunsets here are beautiful.

PRO TIP: Book early—especially for winter and spring. Prices rise fast, and smaller boutique hotels often sell out months in advance.

Key West is warm year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for.

December through April is peak season. The weather is perfect—sunny, breezy, and around 75–80°F (24–27°C)—but hotels are expensive and crowds are larger. Book early if you plan to visit during these months.

May and October are great shoulder-season months with fewer crowds and lower prices. You’ll still get plenty of sunshine, and the water is warm for swimming and snorkeling.

June through September is hot and humid, with temperatures often in the upper 80s to 90s°F (31–33°C) and daily afternoon showers. It’s also hurricane season, so check forecasts before you go.

To help you plan your trip, here’s a map of all 22 romantic things to do in Key West for couples. Use it to group activities near each other and make the most of your time on the island.

PRO TIP: Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps and save it to your phone for easy access while exploring.

A fun and easy way to see the island together. The Conch Train Tour loops through Old Town, passing highlights like Mallory Square, the Hemingway House, and the Southernmost Point. You can hop on and off at different stops to explore at your own pace.

Time needed: About 1.5 hours for the full loop.
Cost: Around $45 per adult.

PRO TIP: If it’s your first visit, start here—it’s the quickest way to get your bearings.

You can’t visit Key West without snapping a photo at the Southernmost Point Buoy, the famous red, yellow, and black marker that sits just 90 miles from Cuba. It’s one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks and a fun stop for couples.

Time needed: 10–15 minutes.
Cost: Free.

PRO TIP: Go early in the morning for shorter lines. By mid-morning, it gets crowded. Bring a coffee from Cuban Coffee Queen and make it a quick photo stop before breakfast.

Every evening, locals and visitors gather at Mallory Square to watch the sun drop into the Gulf of Mexico. Street performers, musicians, and food stalls make it a fun, one-of-a-kind experience. It’s easily one of the most romantic and free things to do in Key West for couples.

Time needed: About 1–2 hours before sunset.
Cost: Free.

PRO TIP: Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to grab a good spot along the seawall. Afterward, walk over to the Historic Seaport for dinner or drinks.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is one of Key West’s most popular attractions. It’s where the author lived and wrote for nearly a decade, and you can tour his house, gardens, and studio. The six-toed cats that roam the property are descendants of Hemingway’s pets and have become part of the island’s charm.

Time needed: About 1 hour.
Cost: $19 per adult

PRO TIP: If you’re a fan of Hemingway, you can also book a guided walking and food tour, The Hemingway Experience in Key West. It includes stops at his favorite bars and hangouts, plus lunch, drinks, and an entrance ticket to the museum. It’s a fun way to see Key West beyond the museum walls.

The Mile Marker 0 sign marks the end of U.S. Highway 1, which runs all the way from Maine to Key West. It’s a quick but iconic stop for couples who have made the drive down the Florida Keys. The sign sits at the corner of Whitehead and Fleming Streets, just a short walk from the Hemingway House.

Time needed: 10 minutes.
Cost: Free

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a peaceful, glass-enclosed habitat filled with hundreds of butterflies, tropical plants, and a few friendly birds. It’s quiet, air-conditioned, and a great break from the heat. It is perfect for couples who want something relaxing and easy to enjoy together.

Time needed: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: $15.50 per adult.

PRO TIP: Butterflies are most active in the morning, so plan an early visit for the best experience.

The Key West Lighthouse is one of the best viewpoints on the island. You’ll climb 88 steps to the top, where you get panoramic views of Old Town, the water, and the surrounding islands. Afterward, walk through the small Keeper’s Museum to learn how lighthouse families lived and worked here.

Time needed: 45 minutes.
Cost: Around $17 per adult.

Duval Street is the heart of Key West’s nightlife, lined with bars, restaurants, live music, and people out enjoying the evening. It’s fun to walk it together, stop for a drink, listen to a band, or grab a slice of Key lime pie. Even if nightlife isn’t your thing, a stroll here gives you a feel for the island’s energy.

Time needed: 1–2 hours.
Cost: Free to explore; drinks vary.

PRO TIP: Start at the northern end near the Historic Seaport and walk south. Popular stops include Sloppy Joe’s, The Rum Bar, and The Smallest Bar in Key West. If you want something easy without planning, you can book a Key West Pub Crawl —a fun way to try a few bars and meet other travelers.

The Key West Shipwreck Museum is a fascinating place for couples to visit and learn about the city’s rich maritime history.

The museum features exhibits and artifacts from the days of shipwreck salvage and the thriving wrecking industry that made Key West a wealthy city in the mid-1800s.

You can climb the lookout tower for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding waters, and learn about the brave men and women who risked their lives to save sailors and cargo from the treacherous reefs. With its engaging exhibits and stunning views, the Shipwreck Museum is an exciting and educational activity for couples to enjoy together.

What you need to know is that from the 16th to the early 19th century, enormous wealth was shipped from the Spanish Main to Spain in the form of gold, silver, gemstones, spices, hardwoods, hides, and other valuable goods.

More than 100 ships a day ventured past Key West filled with this valuable cargo. However, during the Age of Sail, these were some of the most treacherous waters in the world and at least one ship a week would wreck on the nearby reefs.

Wrecker captains would climb lookout towers to watch the reef day and night in an attempt to be the first to claim the salvage rights and the recovered goods would be sold at auction.

You will be able to view recovered sunken treasures from various ships that were lost at sea, including a 64-pound silver bar salvaged from the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas.

Also, do not miss hearing a fascinating story about Isaac Allerton. Many of the artifacts on display come from Isaac Allerton.

Visiting the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery is a great way for couples to spend an afternoon together.

This award-winning distillery offers tours that take you through the entire rum-making process, from the fermenting tanks to the oak barrels where the rum ages. You’ll learn about the history of rum-making in the Caribbean and the unique techniques used by the distillers to create their smooth and flavorful rums.

After the tour, you can sample the various types of rum produced at the distillery and even purchase a bottle to take home as a souvenir. It’s a fun and informative activity that’s perfect for couples who enjoy learning about the craft of distilling and appreciate a good rum.

Tours run from 12 pm to 5 pm and last about 15-20 minutes, and you get to enjoy some free rum samples as well. By the way, their rums are top quality, smooth, and full of flavor!

My recommendation is that you book their Mojito Making Class. It costs $60 and it is totally worth the money. The class is a lot of fun!  You will gain some mojito-making skills as well as learn some history of rum and the mojito. As a part of the class, you will sample many different rums.

Touring the Harry S. Truman Little White House is a fascinating activity for couples visiting Key West.

This historic house was once the Winter White House for President Truman, and it has been preserved exactly as it was during his stay.

You will see where President Truman retreated for rest and relaxation during his term in office, where he and Bess lived and dined, original furnishings, personal effects, and more.

Also, you will see the rooms where Truman met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, worked on the Marshall Plan, and wrote the Truman Doctrine.

You will learn about the notable people who visited, including Thomas Edison and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

You’ll have the chance to walk through the rooms where Truman made important decisions and hosted famous guests like Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy. The house is filled with original furnishings and artifacts, and knowledgeable guides provide interesting stories and insights into Truman’s life and presidency.

For couples who enjoy history and politics, this tour is a must-do when in Key West.

The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum is a perfect destination for couples interested in maritime history and treasure hunting.

The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, including treasures from the famous Spanish galleon, Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Couples can explore the museum’s exhibits and learn about the fascinating history of shipwrecks and underwater archaeology.

The highlight of the museum is the exhibit showcasing the Atocha treasures, including gold, silver, and emeralds, which were lost at sea for over 300 years before being discovered by Mel Fisher and his team.

“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.

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 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.

Make sure to book Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Admission Ticket and Audio Tour Combo. General admission is $17.50, however for $2 more, you get the audio tour as well.

Key West Historic Seaport is just a perfect place where you can escape the crowds and go for a romantic and leisurely stroll along the boardwalk. Take in the beautiful views of the harbor, boats, and sunset.

Stop by the local seafood restaurants for a delicious meal and a glass of wine, or simply sit by the water and enjoy the breeze.

You can also rent a sailboat or take a sunset cruise for a more intimate experience with your significant other. The Key West Historic Seaport is the perfect place to relax and spend quality time with your loved one.

Key West Historic Seaport used to be the hub of the island thriving with industries including sea turtle fisheries, shrimp, and sponge fisheries.

A fun way to learn about the history of Key West Seaport and to sample some food is to join Key West Historic Seaport Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour. Hands down, you will love it!

The tour is about 3 hours long and it will take you through some cool neighborhoods in Key West. You will sample some fish tacos, Key West pink shrimp, and spiny lobster, plus a  glass of white wine and famous key lime pie!

There are several beaches in Key West and each offers a different vibe.

Whether you like peace, quiet, serenity, a lively atmosphere, or some water sports, you will find the perfect beach for you to hang out in Key West! Here are my two top suggestions for you to check out:

• Smathers Beach

First of all, Smathers Beach is the longest beach in Key West with a half-mile of super soft and pristine white sand lined with palm trees.

Second, the beach is great for families with children since the water is super shallow for quite a distance from the shore. You can rent kayaks, and jet skis, and go parasailing, and windsurfing.

The beach is open every day from 7 am to 11 pm. Access is free for all beachgoers. Now, Smathers Beach gets very busy during spring break, so if you are visiting around that time, then there are other options if you want to avoid the crowds.

• Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Hands down, 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.

Snorkeling is great at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach!

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.

Now, since the ground is composed of crushed coral, you should wear water shoes or flip-flops to protect your feet! Also, what you need to know is that 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.

A sunset sail in Key West is a romantic and breathtaking way for couples to experience the natural beauty of the island.

As the sun sets over the horizon, the sky turns shades of orange, pink, and purple, and the water shimmers in the fading light. The cool ocean breeze, the sound of the waves lapping against the boat, and the company of your loved one make for a truly magical experience.

You can book a private sunset sail for just the two of you or join a group excursion with other couples. Some sunset sail packages may also include complimentary champagne or cocktails, making it an even more special and memorable evening. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views and the love between you and your partner.

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! Nothing beats watching a sunset from aboard their 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).

A day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park is an unforgettable experience for couples visiting Key West.

The park is located 70 miles west of Key West and can only be accessed by ferry or seaplane. The ferry ride itself is a scenic journey, offering couples a chance to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Once you arrive at the park, you can explore the historic Fort Jefferson, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving to see the colorful marine life and shipwrecks.

The secluded beaches on the island are perfect for a romantic picnic, and the stunning sunset views are not to be missed.

A day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-do activity for couples who are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience during their visit to Key West.

Now, what you need to know is that the park is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Both options have some pros and cons and it all depends on how you feel about taking a boat or whether you prefer flying. Here is what you need to know:

• Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park by Boat

The first option is getting to Dry Tortugas National Park by boat. My recommendation is to check out Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key West.

Included in this day trip are a round-trip ferry service on the Yankee Freedom III catamaran, narrated tour of Fort Jefferson, snorkeling equipment, breakfast and lunch, and a National Park Service Fee ($15.00).  Cost: $190.

It takes about 2.5 hours one-way to reach Dry Tortugas National Park. The tour is about 45 minutes, which leaves you with about 3 hours of snorkeling. And, then 2.5 hours back to Key West. Just a heads up that food is just ‘ok’, so pack some snacks and water. Also, my recommendation is to bring your own snorkeling equipment. Don’t forget some towels, bathing suits, and sunblock!

• Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park by Seaplane

Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only Seaplane Service permitted in Dry Tortugas National Park. It takes about 40 minutes to reach Dry Tortugas National Park from Key West. The views along the way are simply breathtaking! It was the highlight of this day trip for me!!!

They offer half-day excursions (4 hours) or full-day excursions (6.5 hours). The cost is $361 for a half-day and $634 for a full-day excursion per person. The park service fee of $15 is not included.

To sum it up, my recommendation is to book a seaplane. It is totally a bucket list experience!

Parasailing is a thrilling and exhilarating experience that couples can enjoy together in Key West. Soaring above the clear blue waters while being towed by a boat is a unique way to take in the scenic views of the island.

You will feel the rush of the wind and the freedom of being suspended in the air as they take in the breathtaking views of the Key West skyline and the crystal-clear waters below.

Parasailing also provides an opportunity for the two of you to bond and share an unforgettable adventure together.

So, if you and your partner are looking for an exciting and memorable activity to do together, parasailing in Key West should definitely be on your list.

My recommendation is to go with Fury Water Adventures for 1-hour parasailing adventure. The guide will secure you into a double or triple-person parasailing device and you will be gently lifted off and glide above the water. You will not get wet, however, there is an optional ocean dip.

Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour run by Lazy Dog Adventures is great! Don’t miss it and put it on the list of activities to do on your first visit to Key West.

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)

Cost: from $50

Santiago’s Bodega is a hidden gem in Key West, serving up delicious and authentic Spanish tapas that are perfect for sharing with your significant other.

The cozy and intimate atmosphere of the restaurant makes it a great spot for a romantic evening out.

The menu boasts a variety of mouth-watering options, including patatas bravas, grilled octopus, and chorizo al vino. Pair your tapas with a glass of Spanish wine or a refreshing sangria, and enjoy a culinary adventure with your partner.

Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind dining experience in Key West!

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!

Blue Heaven Restaurant and Bar is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike for its delicious breakfast and brunch offerings.

The restaurant is located in a charming and rustic outdoor setting with a relaxing garden ambiance.

Both of you can start your day with a hearty breakfast or brunch featuring signature dishes such as Lobster Benedict, Banana Bread French Toast, and Southern Fried Chicken with Waffles.

The restaurant also offers live music performances on select days, adding to the overall ambiance.

With its delicious food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service, Blue Heaven is a must-visit spot for couples in Key West looking for a memorable breakfast or brunch experience.

If you are looking for a romantic sunset dinner and award-winning food, then I am recommending Latitudes.

Latitudes is located on the private island of Sunset Key. Their boat launch is located at Slip 29, behind the Opal Key Resort, 245 Front St. Your reservation time is your departure time (just arrive a few minutes before your departure time to check in). The boat ride is about 7 minutes long.

Reservations are required. And, my recommendation is to make reservations way in advance, because Latitudes gets completely booked! Especially, if you are planning a dinner, then be prepared to book months in advance.

However, if there are no reservations available for dinner, then do for breakfast or lunch. You will not be disappointed, because the food is delicious. And, not only the food is top-notch, but the service, quality, presentation, ambiance, and views are perfect.

My recommendation is to try cobia at Latitudes. Cobia is a deep-sea fish that is also known as a Crabeater or Sergeant fish. Cobia is often found living between 50-100 meters below sea level. Cobia fish has a mild, sweet taste to it, and it has little fat found in the meat.

And, save room for dessert, because their key lime pie is awesome! Plus, their beignets are to die for, served nice and warm.

Start your day at 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!

Location: Waterfront (original location!), 284 Margaret Street, Key West, FL 33040

Hours: Open daily, 6:30 am – 7 pm