An Insider's Guide: 6 Must-Sees and Hidden Gems in Key West
Key West is full of secrets and hidden gems. Beyond the typical activities you can expect to do here, there is a very long list of activities that aren’t that obvious. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled our favorite spots in this guide, so that when you’re ready to discover the road less traveled… you’ll have a good place to start!
1. Go island hopping
Little Torch Key: A super-exclusive private island resort only accessible by boat. The Little Torch Key has colonial-chic bungalows, private decks, peaceful ocean views & provides the ultimate getaway experience. The best part: no technology! What a better place to disconnect with no cellphones or TV?
Another great option for island hopping is the "Big Pine Key", where visitors can soak up the sun with a cold beer & take advantage of a photo-op with Henry Flagler's historic railway that once ran to Key West. Outdoor-loving couples can reserve & spend the night in one of the stunning ocean cabins. For those living on the wilder side, pitch a tent in the park’s campground and enjoy the view from sea-level.
2. See wildlife
We're always seeking the perfect place to see wild dolphins playing in the waters. Here are some of our ideal places for wildlife watching:
Key Largo
Islamorada
Sanibel Island
Fort Myers Beach
Naples
Clearwater
Sarasota
Also, you'll find plenty of dolphin watching tours in the area, which you can combine with sunset cruises and exciting snorkeling adventures! If water isn’t your thing, then there is plenty to see on land! For example, the Key West Butterfly Conservatory has 50-60 different species of butterflies, some of which can only be found in Key West. You can also spot birds like flamingos and more at the rescue center in Marathon: Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, check out some cute (also rescued) turtles at the nation’s only Turtle Hospital, and spot the adorable, tiny Key Deer at the National Key Deer Refuge.
3. What’s better than a dog or a beach? A dog-friendly beach!
We are very animal friendly. There is a unique beach called Dog Beach!
Dog Beach is where all our besties are free to go & enjoy some fulfilled days with other furry pals! Think about this for your next vacation in the Florida Keys, and don't leave anyone behind.
Also, activities like paddle-boarding, kayaking, and bicycling are popular with our four-legged friends along for the ride.
Photo cred: Embark Pets
4. Get spooked during a ghost tour
Did you know that there is a spooky side to Key West? Yes... there are many haunted tales throughout the island, from Robert the Doll, to Lady in Blue.
The story behind the doll: Robert Eugene Otto – or Gene, as his family called him – was a young boy who grew up in the early 1890’s. His family's maid gave him a strange, straw-filled doll to play with. He loved his life-sized doll & brought it along everywhere, even naming it "Robert" after himself. It wasn't long, however, before people began noticing signs of the Doll's evil and mischievous nature... Robert is notorious for haunting those near to him and bringing bad luck to those who cross him. His previous “family” reporting footsteps in the attic, where he was stored, and a plumber reported giggling while fixing some things up. We’re not the superstitious type, but there are so many more accounts of creepy things happening around this doll that… well, let’s just say it’s a good thing that he’s locked up!
Also, have you heard the ghostly tales of the famous Captain Tony’s Saloon? “Before being a bar, it was an ice house, the city morgue, a wireless telegraph station, a cigar factory, a speakeasy and even a bordello. It was also the original home of the famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar.” Nowadays, you can't miss the large tree growing through the center of the bar. People know it as the "Hanging Tree." The rumor is that approximately 18 people were hanged there... At the saloon, they say that not all the spirits are stored in bottles. A woman was once hanged on that very tree for murdering her two sons and husband. The day she was hung was the day they discovered her committing the crime. She was wearing a blue dress, which held the stains of her victims. Many say she is the first ghost to inhabit Captain Tony’s. She’s been seen so many times that she’s referred to as the “Lady in Blue.” Locals say she can be seen walking around the bar and scaring customers.
5. Go rum tasting!
After getting spooked to death, you can head over and forget all about it at one of our many rum distilleries. It's no secret that Key West loves its rum! You’ll find a good handful of distilleries on your trip, among bars & wineries. The visitor’s favorite rum stops are:
Key West's First Legal Rum Distillery is on their top stops.
Key West Distilling is the next runner up
Their 3rd stop is Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery, Hemingway Rum Company
Learn some rum history, culture, & their distilling process, including personal notes & images from Hemingway’s life. If you're lucky, you may receive a generous tasting of dark and blonde rum varieties – which are phenomenal!
6. Eat your way through Key West!
Being an island surrounded by water, you can only expect that the seafood here is fresh and to die for! Taste the flavors of the sea by enjoying fresh lobster, shrimp, and all sorts of fish. Here are a few amazing food events happening at Key West each year:
Key West Lobster Fest - a celebration of freshly caught lobster (August)
Key West Brew Fest for those who have a more liquid diet (September)
Food & Wine Festival an amalgamation of cuisines for food & wine lovers (January)
Aside from events, you’ll be surprised to find plenty of dining options that not only impress, but make you want to come back for more. You can't miss our reviews: locals’ favorite Key West restaurants.
More hidden secrets
This isn’t the end of the list. When you’re ready to come to Key West and want to book any of these hidden spots or find more secrets, get in touch >