Tag: Things to do

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.

 

 

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.

 

Attractions in the Florida Keys and Key West

From the upper to the lower keys, there’s plenty of exciting things to do and attractions in the Florida Keys with no shortage of fun in the sun! From the treasures of a shipwreck, to more than a dozen museums, the Florida Keys offer more than 100 miles of opportunities.

In addition to the water and sky views on both sides of the Overseas Highway, the scenic drive south from Miami to Key West (about three hours) also includes plenty of opportunities to learn about the history of this island chain.

Attractions in Islamorada

The History of Diving Museum is hard to miss when passing on the road as paintings of underwater sea creatures decorate the building in ocean blue colors along with an old diving helmet. The museum (mile marker 83 bayside) houses a large collection of diving helmets and artifacts, charting 4,000 years of diving history. Finds include a gallery on treasure hunter Art “Silver Bar” McKee; an exhibition of 45 historic diving helmets from 24 countries; nearly 2,500 books on underwater exploration; and free monthly seminars. Open daily (except holidays), 10 am-5 pm Adults, $15; kids 5-11, $7.

The Keys History and Discovery Center is located at the Islander Resort, Guy Harvey Outpost (mile marker 82 oceanside). Exhibit topics include the early inhabitants of the Florida Keys, shipwrecks and salvage, pioneer families in the island chain, offshore and sport fishing legends, and the Flagler Railroad. Open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults, $12; Children 13 and under enter free.

For some retail therapy and local artisan gifts, stop by the Village Square. This enchanting bohemian village features an open air, curated collection of island shops including homemade gifts and home decor at Boo Kee Sue Botanics, delicious burritos at Bad Boy Burrito, and much more. Perfect for a chill Islamorada afternoon.

Attractions in Marathon

Pigeon Key Foundation and Marine Science Center located on the old bridge parallel to the Seven Mile Bridge on a coral island used as a camp between 1908 and 1912 for the 400 workers working on the Henry Henry Florida Keys Overseas Railroad Flagler that spread from Miami to Key West. The island is home to quaint homes and a museum filled with old photos, artifacts, and memorabilia. Marine educational programs are held on the island, which is also a great place for picnicking and snorkeling. Adults, $15, children 5-13, $12. Ferries sail to the island from the Pigeon Key Visitor Center (mile marker 47, ocean side of the road), 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.

Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, mile marker 50 bayside, features nature trails, a butterfly garden, a children’s activity center, and a natural history museum . Artifacts in the museum’s collection include a 600-year-old canoe and the remains of pirate ships. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm; Sundays.

Attractions in Key West

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, 907 Whitehead St., offers guided tours of the house where he lived for most of the 1930s and wrote some of his most notable works, including “To Have and Have Not.” Between 40 and 50 cats have taken over the house and gardens, and many of them have an extra toe, just like a six-toed cat that Hemingway owned. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Adults, $17, children 6-12, $7, one of the most popular attractions in the Florida Keys and Key West.

Custom House Museum, 281 Front St., near Mallory Square, is a national landmark operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society. The four-story building was once home to the island’s customs office, post office, and district courts and now displays art and historical collections, among other artifacts related to the history and culture of the Florida Keys. Open daily (except Christmas), 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Adults $16; children 7 and over, $8. Pro tip: save $2 off admission if you purchase online!

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, 200 Greene St., displays treasures from the 1622 Spanish galleons discovered by Fisher, an American treasure hunter known for his 1985 discovery of the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. The museum includes a rich collection of 17th century maritime and shipwreck artifacts. Open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 9:30am-5pm Adults, $17.50, children 6-12, $8.50.

With 100 miles ready to be discovered, there are plenty of attractions in the Florida Keys!

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