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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.

Florida Keys Road Trip

There’s many ways to get to the Florida Keys but we think the BEST way is by car! This allows you to go at your own pace and take in all the exciting sights and stops. So pack up and let’s hit the road in our Florida Keys road trip.. first up, Key Largo!

KEY LARGO

Getting to Key Largo is a whole adventure on its own. The experience of entering the island chain and its tropical environment is something that every avid traveler should do at least once.

Taking US-1 all the way to the Keys is the most preferred route by travelers who want to enjoy the scenery and the change in the environment as you approach the southern tip of the Florida peninsula.

The first island in our Florida Keys Road Trip

Right after you pass Florida City you will reach a crossroad. There, you can either take the famous 20 mile stretch to Key Largo or the less known and wilder Card Sound Road. If you opt for the “stretch,” you will be in a 2 lane road for 26 miles and the first signs of civilization will be Gilbert’s Resort and Marina on Jewfish Creek. At that point, you will also have arrived at the first of the 42 bridges connecting the more of 100 islands that conform the Florida Keys and the first island in our Florida Keys road trip.

If you opt to take Card Sound Road, you will be able to enjoy your ride with views of the ocean and mangroves until you reach the Card Sound Road toll. At the first bridge you will be able to spot a large crowd of fishermen and diving tours on the water.

Just a few more miles down the road further south, you will encounter one of the most picturesque sites on this road: Downtown Card Sound Road and its very own Alabama Jacks. An iconic bar frequented by locals and tourists alike. This ‘hole-in-the-wall’ offers cheap yet delicious, local food and drinks, served daily! After your mandatory stop for the Alabama Jacks photo you’ll drive a few miles South through nothing but tropical foliage and you’ll get to Key Largo – ready to start your unforgettable trip through The Florida Keys! If you have the extra time, we recommend taking Card Sound Road for an ‘off the beaten path’ adventure!

Another must-stop in Key Largo is Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen. Famous for their Key Lime Pie and delicious home cooked meals, this iconic restaurant is a favorite stop for many passing through, and locals alike, since 1976.Try their world-famous homemade chili or a fresh coconut shrimp basket among many fantastic options and the best Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys.

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen Best Key Lime Pie in Key Largo

ISLAMORADA

After you’ve entered The Florida Keys and went trough Key Largo, you’ll get to Tavernier. This is where the famous pirate Jean Lafitte supposedly rested on Tavernier Key. Rumor has it that Tavernier got its name from the thirsty sailors on nearby Plantation Key.

After you pass Tavernier you will get to Plantation key, history has that this was a favorite hideout for Rum Runners, and now house the new building of the Coral Shores School.

After a short ride you will see The Theater of the Sea and the Holiday Isle Resort and Marina. It’s then you know you’ve arrived in Islamorada so get ready to have the best vacation of your life if this is your final destination!

A trip to Islamorada is not complete without a stop at Robbie’s Marina

This iconic restaurant and marina offers hands-on tarpon feeding, delicious open-air dining, sunset cruises, and daily fishing charters – they’ll even cook the fish you caught when you get back to the dock!

Sit back and relax on the waterside deck after a long day out on the ocean and enjoy the local seafood cuisine, speciality drinks, and tropical atmosphere.

You can also spend the afternoon strolling through the shops under the shaded trees for local artisan finds. It’s truly an all day experience, so plan ahead and spend a full day at this awesome spot in Islamorada.

Pelican at Robbie’s in Islamorada in the Florida Keys

Whether you’re just stopping for lunch or staying awhile, there are plenty of cheap yet fun options in Islamorada! Lazy Days restaurant is a must. The name speaks for itself – this casual oceanfront restaurant is a local favorite for its fantastic food and drinks. Try their coconut shrimp and a cold key lime mojito and you’re in for the perfect afternoon.

After lunch, check out Rain Barrel Village for cheap and inexpensive, local artisan gifts. And Betsy the giant lobster is perfect for a fun photo opp! This top Florida Keys destination features arts, crafts, resort wear, souvenir’s and more. It’s a great place to spend a hot afternoon in Islamorada!

Best Islamorada attraction on your Florida Keys Road Trip

If you’re looking for something to splurge on, head to Theatre of the Sea to see some exciting marine life. This iconic park is perfect for a family-friendly afternoon in the Keys and has an array of exciting animals. Visitors can swim with bottlenose dolphins and see other marine life like California sea lions, sting rays, sea turtles, and more. Tickets are $45 for adults and $30 for kids ages 3-10. This is a great family-friendly activity!

As you can see there’s a lot of things to do in Islamorada, but that’s not all. Let’s hit the road and continue our journey down the Keys!

MARATHON

After a great tour of Islamorada, the next island you’ll hit is Marathon, located in the heart of The Florida Keys. Marathon is one of the more populated keys and has a lot to offer visitors.

For the perfect, casual and cheap lunch or dinner you must stop at the Keys Fisheries located at 502 Gulfview Ave, Marathon, FL. This local restaurant and fish market features FRESH seafood (just caught!) and a variety of refreshing beers on tap. It’s a chill spot for conch fritters and other Keys specialties in an open-air fish house overlooking the bay. You just order at the counter and enjoy your meal at a casual picnic table overlooking the water.

After lunch, head to Sombrero Beach. This beautiful park features a gorgeous sandy beach and a shady area with restrooms, showers and picnic pavilions. Beach is open from Monday through Sunday. Hours are from 7:00am to Dusk. To get there turn South on Sombrero Beach Road and drive to the end of the road. You are there!

If you’re looking for an exciting family-friendly activity in Marathon, you must check out The Turtle Hospital. This small non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. Adult admission is $30, children (4-12 years old) are $15, and children under 4 are free. Education Center and Gift Shop is open daily from 9 am – 6 pm.

Now, let’s get back on the road and cross over the Seven Mile Bridge!

BIG PINE KEY & LOWER KEYS

Big Pine Key and The Lower Keys are located between Marathon (south end of Seven Mile Bridge) and Key West. Getting to this area is a whole adventure on its own.

As soon as you cross over the iconic bridge, you’ll see Bahia Honda State Park. This wonderful park is one of our favorites and a must-see when traveling through the lower Keys.

The Best Beach In the Florida Keys at Bahia Honda State Park

Spend the day hopping between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, both offering stunning, private beaches. Or enjoy the day kayaking or snorkeling with rentable gear available. Snacks, merchandise, and essentials like water and sunscreen are also available at the onsite store for your convenience.

If you’re spending the night at the Bahia Honda cabins or campground you’ll be able to enjoy the best stargazing in the Keys once night falls and dream about your next visit to this iconic Florida Keys location.

If you’re just staying for the day, let’s get back on the road and head to our final destination – Key West!

KEY WEST

Key West is located at the end of the overseas highway in The Florida Keys.

After you pass Big Pine Key, a short drive will lead you to Summerland Key and Cudjoe Key Most of these little islands have only residential homes. On Sugarloaf Key you will find Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Campground with full RV facilities.

Boca Chica Key is the next island with a Naval Air Base Station , and the next and last island before Key West is stock island. Congratulations, you’ve made it through the whole island chain, now you are a true Florida Keys expert!

The end of our Florida Keys Road Trip

Get to your hotel or campground, relax for a few and get ready to enjoy the town. You are in the southernmost city in the continental US., Key West is only 90 miles to Cuba (closer to Cuba than closer to Miami). Hit the town and get ready for that Duval Crawl.

Before dinner head Mallory Square for a free show in the sky. The sunsets here draw crowds from afar. Artists and jugglers gather to put on a show to provide a unique and unforgettable experience.

For a delicious, casual, and cheap dining option head to Schooners Wharf in the Historic Seaport. This local bar and restaurant has ben serving locals and island visitors alike, for many years. Our favorite menu items are the coconut shrimp and conch fritters, the best on the island!

There is definitely no shortage on fun and cheap things to do in Key west, read more here. And if you are looking for the best hotel in Key West, look no further than The Gardens Hotel.

For our guide in Spanish read more here!

Cheap Breakfast in Key West

Key West is full of exceptional dining options but it can be hard to choose a delicious yet budget-friendly option. Luckily we’ve tried many places on the island and have a few places we think you’ll love! where you can have your Cheap Breakfast in Key West.

Grab a Quick Bite To-Go

If you have not been to the Cuban Coffee Queen it’s time you discovered this local island favorite. One sip of their authentically delicious cuban coffee and you’re hooked. You’ll also enjoy a variety of hand-crafted breakfast sandwiches and healthy smoothie options to start your morning and one of the best cheap breakfast in Key West. Head to one of their three locations on the island and grab a coffee and a sandwich to-go or sit on a casual picnic table with the local roosters!

Our favorite menu items are the iced cafe con leche (for hot Key West days) and the Key Wester breakfast sandwich – yum! Order these on your next trip and you won’t regret it. Almost all of their items are very budget-friendly and under $10 making it one of the best cheap breakfast in Key West.

For cheap deals, coupons and specials make sure to check their website. Right now you can get a half Key Wester sandwich and a 12oz Cafe con leche for only $8.25! And if you love their coffee like we do, you can sign up for a roasted coffee subscription and receive 10% off discount every time.

Casual Open-Air Dining and Cheap Breakfast in Key West

Tucked away just off Duval we’ve found the perfect place to grab a delicious breakfast (and mimosa… or two!) and relax before a day at the beach. Stop into Two Friends Patio Restaurant in Old Town for the amazing stuffed crab omelette or lobster benedict. Say no more! Their menu has a variety of fresh seafood and delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Not only are the food and drinks delicious, but the casual atmosphere and (almost all) outdoor patio seating is what Key West is all about! Sit outside and enjoy the breeze while you people watch on Front street.

And don’t forget to try their award-winning Bloody Mary, the best in Key West!

A Cheap, No Fuss Breakfast Spot

Another great casual breakfast spot is Keys Coffee Co., loved by locals and tourists. Their menu features delicious coffee drinks like nitro cold brew, coladas, and cafe con leche. And their made to order breakfast items are yummy and fresh. This cheap spot is great for a low-key, no fuss breakfast or lunch with great sandwiches, salads, smoothies and more.

We’ve also compiled a list of great and cheap vacation rentals in the Florida Keys to save money and vacation in style, get your cheap breakfast to go and have breakfast in the comfort of your own Oceanview home.

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!

The Gardens Hotel Key West

At Cheap Florida Keys we’re endlessly searching for the ultimate tropical vibe to feed our soul, and we found exactly that at The Gardens Hotel – it’s everything you imagined your Key West hotel experience should be!

A hotel with grounds so lush, so tropical, so inviting, that you won’t even want to leave to explore the rest of Key West! In fact, we’ve spent days on the grounds relaxing by the pool and our private lanai without ever stepping foot onto the hustle and bustle of Duval, and we promise you, that’s perfectly fine! It’s your vacation to do whatever you please.

The Gardens Hotel, the most beautiful hotel in Key West

Proclaimed as “the prettiest hotel in Key West” this stunning property prides itself on its quintessential Key West architecture and meticulous grounds meant for getting lost in paradise and named one of the 5 things to do in your visit to this island paradise. With winding paths leading to hidden hammocks, a private and airy gazebo overlooking the pool, and plenty of lounge chairs strategically scattered throughout, there is no shortage of places to privately relax and unwind. In fact, you’ll feel like the only one there.

The guest rooms are classy, comfortable, cozy, and each come with a private lanai with two large patio chairs for enjoying the warm Florida breeze. Grab a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival and kick back while you wait for the sun to go down before heading out to dinner on Duval.

At Cheap Florida Keys, we’re all about value and spending where we feel it’s worth it. And let us tell you, The Gardens Hotel is worth it. Averaging $350-$500 per night, depending on the season, this exceptional hotel is right in line with the going rate in Key West so why not actually get something for your money? So bring on all the tropical vibes because this hotel certainly delivers on that!

Check out our pictures from our many stays and book yourself a little getaway to The Gardens Hotel in Key West – you won’t regret it!