Things To Do Archives - Cheap Florida Keys

Cheap and Free Things to do in Key West

We have some great options for you if you’re looking for free, cheap, and fun ideas to do in Key West. Although this tropical paradise can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be!

Free Things to do in Key West

Get your picture taken in front of the Southernmost Point and Mile Marker 0.

These iconic locations offer a free and fun way to see the island. The large painted buoy was established as a tourist attraction in 1983 and has remained popular ever since. Arrive early (or late at night!) for a prime photo opp since there’s often a long line. But you can enjoy the gorgeous turquoise water views while you wait. You’ll find the Southernmost Point at the corner of Whitehead St & South St in Old Town. And here you’ll be closer to Cuba (90 miles to be exact) than the rest of the Continental US.

Another iconic Key West landmark is Mile Marker 0, which signifies the end of US-1 that runs all the way up the East Coast to Maine. You’ll find this unassuming green sign at the intersection of Whitehead and Fleming streets and can be easily missed if you’re not on the look out. Just like the Southernmost Point, this landmark is one of the most photographed places in Key West and a must-see on your next trip.

Take a Stroll down world-famous Duval Street

Running the full length of Key West from North to South, this famous road boasts an array of unique bars, restaurants, shops, and more. If you’re looking for the action, you’ll find it here! Spend a full afternoon window shopping, people watching, and grab a drink or two while you’re at it!

Take a photo in front of Sloppy Joes, Irish Kevins, Hogsbreath Saloon, The Bull Bar, and any of the iconic establishments that line this strip.

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, a must free thing to do in Key West

One of the most popular free things to do in Key West is to take a walk on Mallory Square, besides the stunning sunset on display every night from this perfect viewing location, you can see a plethora of entertainment acts at this famous Key West spot. During the day Mallory Square serves as the docking space for incoming cruise ships and it’s otherwise empty. But at night this spectacular square comes alive! Thousands of people flock here for the nightly festival. Here you’ll see magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists, and food vendors that combine for an incredible cultural experience.

Take a walking tour of the Historic Seaport

This charming corner of Key West offers a look at what this island was like in years past. Coastal charm lines its walkways and there’s no shortage of delicious waterfront restaurants with the days freshest catch. Key West Historic Seaport is located along the harborwalk waterfront at the ends of Front Street, Greene Street, Elizabeth Street, William Street & Grinnell Street. For a relaxing afternoon, head over to the Seaport for some classic Key West scenery.

Festive Street in Key West Historic Seaport

Enjoy a beach day at Smathers Beach

As with any other tropical island, the number one free thing to do in Key West is to spend the day at the beach. Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West. Located on the south side of the island along the Atlantic Ocean, this beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Known for its pristine blue water, Smathers offers a stunning backdrop for the ultimate cheap Key West adventure. There are several vendors on-site if you want to rent water sports gear and beach chairs, but you can easily bring your own gear and a picnic lunch to enjoy for free.

Take a tour of Key West Cemetery

This historic cemetery attracts visitors from all over the island. Established in 1843, this eery tourist attraction draws crowds for its above-ground vaults, similar to the cemeteries in New Orleans, since the space for below-ground burials has become increasingly limited. When you’re there make sure to see the historic Angel grave marker and many headstones dating back to the mid-1800’s.

Not Free, But Cheap

Rent bikes for the day and tour the island on two wheels

This is the perfect way to cruise around town in comfort and see all that Key West has to offer. Key West Bicycles offers all day rentals for just $18, which gives you plenty of time to see the whole island. They also offer 2, 3 and up to 7 day rentals so you can use for your entire trip. Their really reasonable rates make this a must have when traveling around Key West. You can book online and some companies also offer discounts for multiple days purchased.

Spend the day at Fort Zachary Taylor

Pack your own cheap breakfast or lunch and head to Fort Zachary Taylor on your rental bike for a full day of fun. We recommend filling your cooler bag with a couple sandwiches from Cuban Coffee Queen or a delicious Publix sub, and some drinks of choice of course. When you arrive by bike you’ll only pay $2.50 per person ($6 per vehicle with up to 8 people), which gives you all day access to the full park. You can even leave and come back, just make sure to stop at the entrance for a hand stamp before leaving.

This state park offers the best beach in Key West with calm blue water and lots of shady palm trees for when you’ve had too much sun. Tip: arrive by 10am (park opens at 8:00) to secure a free picnic table in the shade. You can use the table as a home base while you swim and walk around the park. The park also offers lounge chair and umbrella rentals for a reasonable rate if you prefer that.

The park also has a cheap concession stand, Cayo Hueso Cafe, offering hot dogs, burgers, quesadillas, sodas, waters, beer, and more. Very reasonably priced if you’d rather not bring your own lunch and beverages.

Take an Old Town Trolley Tour

If you’ve been to Key West chances are you’ve seen the Old Town Trolley cruising around the streets even if you haven’t taken a tour yourself. Well, we highly recommend it! Its a cheap and fun way to stay cool while seeing all the exciting sights and attractions of Key West. You can use the trolley to learn about the history of some of the islands most famous places but you can also use it simply as your transportation around the island, hopping on and off as you’d like. And right now they’re offering tons of discounts as part of their summer promotion. An all-day, 1 day pass will run you $45 for adults and $16 for kids. The Conch Train tour is a little less, at $35, which is also a fun way to see the town.

Another favorite is the Ghosts and Graveyards nighttime tour where you’ll explore some of Key West’s most haunted sites. One hour ghosts tours are only $37 after their Summer discount, and run nightly starting at 7pm. A fun and spooky way to enjoy your vacation!

Stroll through the Truman Annex and tour Harry Truman’s Little White House

One walk through the Truman Annex and you’ll fall in love with its quiet, tree lined streets and quintessential Key West homes. This residential section of the island surrounds the beautiful former home of Harry S. Truman where he lived, worked, played, and held important government meetings. Take a guided tour inside this stunning period home. Tickets are only $22.20 ($9.68 for kids) when you purchase online, thats a savings and discount of over $2 vs. buying on-site.

Harry Truman’s Little White House is a must do attraction and one of the most popular in our list of cheap and free things to do in Key West.

The home, museum, and grounds offer a look into Key West history and a quiet refuge from the excitement of Duval street.

Key West Beach Weddings at Fort Zachary Taylor

How to Plan Your Key West Beach Wedding.

Warm ocean breezes and enchanting sunsets await you on your special day! If you are looking for the perfect location, look no further than Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, the best spot for amazing Key West Beach Weddings.

The park offers its own beach wedding event packages or you can hire outside vendors to create the perfect beach wedding of your dreams. Fort Zachary is a great spot for a cheap, budget-friendly elopement if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to make your wedding dreams a reality. There are also several locations within the park that you can use for your ceremony and reception space.

A Budget-Friendly Beach Ceremony

For the most budget-friendly options, check out Key West Weddings To-Go. This local Key West company is dedicated to providing the best experience to its customers and offer. And most packages include pricing for up to 30 guests. We have personally used this wonderful company for our own beach wedding at Fort Zachary and we highly recommend their services.

Key West Beach Weddings To-Go made our planning process an absolute breeze and everything was beautiful on our big day. We chose the Fort Zachary Point Package and we were able to customize to our liking as well.

The location we chose for our ceremony was “The Point.” This stunning location in the park overlooks the open water and is perfect for a sunset ceremony. Our photos speak for themselves!

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married on the Beach in Key West?

Our wedding package included a photographer, online photo album, all decor, flowers including a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, and much more. Pricing for this package averages around $2,989, which includes the mandatory $650 park usage fee. We chose their most expensive package but they have options starting at just $299!

Many Locations in the Park to Choose From

Another location many couples choose is the actual Fort itself. This presents a gorgeous and absolutely unique backdrop for your big day.

Photo by Key West Weddings To-Go

Or if you prefer an even more private setting, try “The East Beach.” Nestled on white sand and tropical vegetation on the east side of the Park. This site is in the midst of Jamaican palms and lush sea grapes, which creates a secluded atmosphere for small or large groups.

Whatever you choose, there is a budget-friendly and inexpensive way to have your perfect beach wedding in Key West!

Things to do in Key West

The sun, the sea and the sand make a multitude of tourists flock to Key West every year. Here, the sunsets are more spectacular and the water a little more spectacular, it’s hard to believe we’re not in the Caribbean!

This special island has a particular way of life for those who call it home and those who are lucky enough to visit. This Conch Republic offers a relaxed, slower pace and island vibe all its own.

Located at the southernmost point of the United States, surrounded on one side by the Atlantic Ocean and on the other by the Gulf of Mexico, this island town is second to none. Key West is a paradise that attracts anyone and everyone. How many wonderful things can be done here surrounded by so much beauty in one day?

Here are at least five things to do in Key West on your next visit. And you’ll easily see that this island paradise can be dangerously addictive because you may never want to leave!

1. The most beautiful sunsets in Key West

In Key West, sunsets are so beautiful that crowds turn out to watch them every day. The best place to see them is Mallory Square. The fall of the Sun in the middle of the sea together with artists, jugglers, food and drinks for all tastes provide a unique and unforgettable experience. A place for romantics, and bohemians to come together. Two hours before sunset people gather on the pier celebrating a unique sky that shines in a color palette of red, pink, and orange… like a painting in the sky.

As the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico, an art festival springs into action. People from all over the world enjoy a gathering of street performers, food vendors and artists. There are musicians, magicians, clowns, jugglers, arts and crafts exhibitors, psychics and many more. Colorful and vibrant, this fusion of talents captivates everyone.

It’s really hard to describe the sunset at Mallory Square in words. The important thing is that this place is paradise and being here calls for such a big celebration that it has to happen every night! You have to experience it and that’s when you realize it’s so much more.

2. There is something for everyone to do in Key West.

Who wouldn’t want to visit paradise? Key West is a generous island. It’s all about selecting the right accommodations and there’s no reason why you can’t have it all. There is something for all tastes and for every budget.

Select a gem like Margaritaville Resort Marina. It is located along the waterfront of Old Town Key West, near the popular MallorySquare and Duval Street, the main street of Key West. There you stay in the heart of the city enjoying all the best that the destination offers.

Enjoy a cocktail at The Gardens, hotel with grounds so lush, so tropical, so inviting, that you won’t even want to leave to explore the rest of Key West!

Every morning, you can go out in search of the beach or the water sports that are offered to enjoy the warm sun and the fresh breeze or go shopping, eating and entertaining, with the endless opportunities.

Then, after a day of activity, it’s best to take a break in the spacious, modern and cozy rooms that feature magnificent views of the marina. Each offers great comfort, furnished in a contemporary style, with a natural color palette.

Amenities include luxury bedding, separate bathtub and premium bath products, Wi-Fi access, ceiling fan, balcony, jetted tub, sofa bed, and sitting area.

Aside from the beach, there’s an on-site pool, fitness center, spa, marina and water sports, and dining options. Really, what more could you ask for?

3. Food with a stunning view

As if the sights of nature weren’t enough, Key West also seduces visitors with delicious food in a magnificent setting. Bistro 245 is the place to dine, choose from Key West shrimp, exquisite Angus beef or fresh pasta to satisfy your cravings. Even the locals love this restaurant – which is to say how wonderful the place is.

This leads us to discover why Key West is also known as the Conch Republic. Here it is fished and it is sold in restaurants in different preparations and preparations, each one more delicious. Among the best places to find premium conch are Louie’s Backyard, Conch Republic Seafood Company, and Schooners Wharf.

Try Bahamian conch chowder with hot pepper sauce at Louie’s backyard, or you can try the fried conch at Conch Republic Seafood Company and Schooners Wharf to see which you like best. Very difficult decision since both are delicious.

Of course, all three restaurants offer beautiful views that allow you to appreciate your food amidst the stunning landscapes surrounding the island.

4. Experience the freedom of the ocean.

You can enjoy the magnificent waters of Key West in many ways. If you like the beach there are endless opportunities for you to relax. But if you want something more, Key West has it all too.

There are plenty of companies that offer sailing tours and cruises, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel over the coral reefs.

Probably the best part is the Florida Keys Coral Reef tour, the only living coral reef in North America. It is located seven miles off the coast of Key West and its shallow waters safely allow beginning snorkelers a hypnotic view of the richness of marine life. There is no age limit to enjoy this experience, from children to grandparents can find pleasure in it.

It is the ideal activity to do as a family.

5. Taste Cuba on American soil.

The closest distance between Cuba and Key West is only 103 miles. We can find in Key West the influence of Cuban culture. The most notable is the rum. During the time of prohibition, the rum trade flourished in Key West.

It can be said that the island was saved, thanks to Cuban rum. These days, Key West makes its own specialty rum for a perfect blend of Cuban and local influences.

We can say the same about Cuban cigars. Here, having a cigar is an experience. The tradition began in the mid-19th century when Cuban refugees flocked to its shores. It didn’t take long for Key West to become the Cigar Capital of the World.

Even now, you can still enjoy excellent Cuban-style cigars handcrafted from cured and aged tobacco leaves here. If you are a cigar connoisseur, this is definitely the place to be.