Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Key West?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Key West?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Key West, Florida? Most people spend at least 5 or as many as 7 days in Key West during their visit. After all, the active town will let you swim at the beach, learn about the history of the town, admire the quaint setting, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Key West has long been known for its quirky personality and its welcoming atmosphere for all personalities. It is at the southernmost point of the Florida Keys, and for many, this is their top pick for a Florida Keys vacation. The town has both charm and personality, with pastel houses and a beach town atmosphere. There are also many opportunities to experience wildlife and beautiful beaches.
Do you have one or two days to visit Key West? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Key West?
One day is usually not enough time to experience the active town of Key West, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to swim at the beach, learn about the history of the town, admire the quaint setting, and take advantage of the local nightlife. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around five to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.
How to spend a day in Key West
Don't miss Duval Street during your trip to Key West, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt ($32)
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Key West?
Key West is home to a multitude of sights and attractions, making it an extremely popular destination for tourists. So with a weekend, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the active town has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have at least 5 or as many as 7 days to fully enjoy the town. If you have a weekend or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.
Key West
How to spend 2 days in Key West
Having a weekend (two to three days) in Key West will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.
The beautiful beaches await you in Key West, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Sail, Snorkel, Kayak, Dolphins, and Lunch with Honest Eco ($212)
- Adults only Sunset Cruise from Key West with Champagne ($81)
- Half-Day Cruise from Key West with Kayaking and Snorkeling ($122)
Key West is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2-Hour Sunset Sailing With Wine In Stock Island ($134)
- Southernmost Key West History and Culture Small-Group Walking Tour ($40)
- Key West Small-Group Sunset Sail with Wine ($134)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Key West, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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