Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Key West?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks 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 eclectic 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 weeks 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 week enough time in Key West?
One week is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Key West, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Swim at the beach, learn about the history of the town, admire the quaint setting, and take advantage of the local nightlife on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Key West as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend a week 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)
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)
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Southernmost Key West History and Culture Small-Group Walking Tour ($40)
- Guided Bicycle Tour of Old Town Key West ($53)
- Old Town Key West Literary Walking Tour ($30)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours ($93)
- Historic Seaport Food & Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours ($93)
- Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas ($90)
Key West offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. This island is probably the quaintest of all of the Florida Keys. Head to Duval Street to see the charming history of the area.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Southernmost Key West History and Culture Small-Group Walking Tour ($40)
- Old Town Key West Literary Walking Tour ($30)
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours ($93)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
The surrounding waters are great for scuba diving and snorkeing, so spend some time in the water to see nature up close. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Sail, Snorkel, Kayak, Dolphins, and Lunch with Honest Eco ($212)
- Half-Day Cruise from Key West with Kayaking and Snorkeling ($122)
- Key West Full-Day Ocean Adventure: Kayak, Snorkel, Sail ($163)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
The small-town atmosphere of Key West is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. The town has held on to it's small town vibe. It feels more quaint and charming than any of the other Keys.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Southernmost Key West History and Culture Small-Group Walking Tour ($40)
- Old Town Key West Literary Walking Tour ($30)
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours ($93)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
After you've explored most of Key West, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Key West?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see everything that Key West has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend five to seven days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the beaches, the historic old town, the quaint atmosphere, and the nightlife at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Key West
How to spend 2 weeks in Key West
Having 2 weeks in Key West will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Key West. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Key West. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Key West. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Key West. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
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