The Best of the Best of Key West

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The Best of the Very Best of Key West

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by Marjorie Spoto

Related Tags: key west restaurants Key West Bars 

Destination: Key West, Florida          

List Created by the Staff at PartyInKeyWest.com, Voters were people just like you from all of our social media accounts. Be sure to follow us to get on the next voting!  

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The "Must Do" List of The Very Best of Key West

Whether you're short on time or simply looking for the ultimate Key West experience, Party in Key West has the inside scoop on the very best the island has to offer. Whatever your vacation plans, the list below can help save you time and money during your Key West trip by taking you straight to the top of every must-do list out there.

THE BEST OF THE BEST IN KEY WEST FOR 2017

Best People-Watching: Duval Crawl

A stroll down Key West's most famous street is practically a sociological investigation in itself. Street performers, eccentric locals, and drunken revelers are just the tip of the iceberg. The Duval Crawl, a tour and drink sampling of the bars along Duval, will give you plenty to watch - maybe even more than you bargained for! 

Best People-Meeting: Southernmost Scavenger Hunt

The Scavenger Hunt has all the fun of a Pub Crawl with the excitement of a Scavenger Hunt. This adult only event focuses on the more uninhibited side of Key West. It’s a whirlwind adventure around some of our most well known watering holes and hidden local hotspots – think of it as the “Duval Crawl” with a twist!  More Info on the Scavenger Hunt.

Coldest Beer in Key West: The Tiki Hut at Caroline's

Caroline's is an all-outdoor bar right at the heart of Duval. Its square, thatched-roof bar sits practically on Duval's sidewalk and consistently lures thirsty travelers with the irresistible temptation of ice-cold bottled brews. Don't feel like hanging out? Pour your beer in a cup and keep on strolling. More Info

Best Happy Hour: Conch Republic Seafood Company
You can't beat icy cold beer and their buy 1 get 1 free! They also have well drinks and good house wines with the same discount. They have live music with talented locals singing island music. There's always a crowd, so you know it's going to be a fun time. They have amazing appetizers and great happy hour prices. Not to mention, the view from the bar is quite amazing. It's a local and tourist favorite place to go for happy hour and then dinner after (the fish is locally caught and fresh and delicious!). It's a must-go!  More information on the Conch Republic Seafood Company

Best Bloody Mary: Blue Heaven

A Bloody Mary is one of the best hangover cures (we've heard). The best Bloody Mary in Key West is at Blue Heaven, a laid-back spot on Thomas St. with live music twice a day. You don't even have to wait for lunch - Blue Heaven is open for breakfast and Sunday brunch! You just gotta have it! More Info on Blue Heaven

Fun-est Bar: Irish Kevin's

The biggest nightly party in Key West is definitely at Irish Kevin's on Duval. Located near the north end of Duval, Irish Kevin's is a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. Single girls, be on the lookout for local Coasties and Seamen - Irish Kevin's is a popular military bar too! Find Fun Bars In Key West.

Best Live Music: The Green Parrot

The Green Parrot is more than a bar; it is a Key West icon; it is Key West. It has been so many things, to so many people, for so many years. And that spirit will never change. The Parrot is a jury of non-judging peers, a rugged and ragged council of friends. It is a place of hi-jinks and misadventures, of understated kindnesses, and everyday miracles. It has seen all manner of human exploits, from poetry slams to divorce celebrations, from memorial services to hurricane parties and pet birthday bashes, from tattoo contests to fundraising benefits. Oh, and they always have the best bands. Catch the warm up at 6:30pm, go have dinner and then come back for the live shows at 9pm.

Best Beach: Fort Zachary Taylor

Key West isn't known for it's beaches, but we do have a few nice ones. So throw on your swimsuit, and don't forget sunscreen, and head to Fort Zack. More Info On Things To Do

Best New Hotel On the Island - Marquesa 4-1-4

The transformation of the historic properties across the street from the original Marquesa is now complete! Introducing Marquesa 414, a compound of three buildings set around a central swimming pool and fountain. As a Marquesa guest, you’ll have access to both Marquesa properties, the three pools and dining at Cafe Marquesa. A block from Duval Street, and a short walk to anything downtown, it's beautiful, relaxing, and a great new addition to our little island. More Info on the Marquesa 4-1-4

Best Sunset on the Water: Sunset Watersport's Live Music Sunset Cruise
From the best seat in the house aboard the World Famous "Party Cat". LOWEST PRICE ON THE ISLAND. 2 Hour Cruise in Key West harbor Free Draft Beer & Soft Drinks. Best Party sunset cruise on the island! It's a blast! You make a lot of friends! Best photo sunset photo opportunities. And did we mention fun?!

More Info on the Best Sunset Sail in Key West.

Best Key West Bucket List: The Seaplane Adventure to The Dry Tortugas

70 miles west of Key West, Florida lies North America's most inaccessible National Park, the Dry Tortugas. The park is renowned for its marine life, pirate legends and sheer unspoiled beauty. It is dominated by its central feature, the majestic Fort Jefferson, the largest brick building in the western hemisphere. Step back in time and explore the history that is Fort Jefferson. Sunbathe on a remote white sand beach or snorkel the living reef in the warm crystal clear waters. See More Info

Best Outside-Your-Comfort-Zone Experience: Garden of Eden

Feeling daring? Climb those nondescript stairs near the middle of Duval (at The Bull and Whistle) and head straight on up to the Garden of Eden, a clothing-optional bar that draws the island's most devoted partyers. You don't have to totally disrobe, but hey, why not at least get a little ... topless?

Best Way To Get Around The Island: Pirate Scooter Rentals

The best way to experience your vacation is on your own Moped or Scooter! There is nothing like strolling around on your scooter, with the wind in your hair, navigating around the island with ease.  Electric Cars when you're in Key West, FL. We are open 9:00 am to 9:00 pm 7 days a week. Our trained staff offer free training to ensure your safety. We want your stay to be as enjoyable as possible, after all you are going to be on a vacation. More Info on Pirate Rentals

Best Pool for Drinking and Swimming: Dante's

It's hot in Key West...so you may as well get a refreshing beverage and hit the pool at Dante's. It's always a party. It's always fun. The drinks are refreshing. It's one of the only places in Key West that you can publicly eat, drink, relax and make friends of course. During Spring Break...it will be busy and never a dull moment. Find Fun Bars in Key West

Best Sunset on the Island: Sunset Celebration on Mallory Square

No competition here. Mallory Square has the most beautiful sunsets in Key West, hands down. The nightly Sunset Celebration is always different but always exciting and memorable. Grab a drink and enjoy the view! 

Best Watersports Adventure: Key West Water Tours Ultimate Island Jetski Tour

Three times a day, Key West Water Tours at Hurricane Hole Marina offers an unparalleled two-hour, 26-mile jetski tour of the Key West perimeter and small neighboring islands. Passengers enjoy stops along the way at the Southernmost Point and historic Key West Harbor, among others, as well as time to play in the water! Keep your eyes peeled during the tour for glimpses of urchins, stingrays, turtles, jellyfish, dolphins and manatees. It's so much fun riding free out on the water on your own jetski! And you get a free beer at the end of the tour. Can't beat that! More info on the Best Jetski Island Tour

Best Midnight Snack: Angelina's Pizza

Dinner was hours ago and you're six drinks deep, but everything's closed. Well ... not everything. Angelina's serves hot, cheesy, delicious slices until the wee hours of the morning. Pass all the others and go directly to Angelina's. Girls, you may even get a flirt or wink from the guys making the pizza. Don't go back to your room hungry!

Best Dance Music: "TIE" between Garden of Eden and Rick's/Durty Harry's

Key West doesn't have many clubs, but you can still get your dance on at a number of nightspots in Old Town. Get sweaty on the dance floor to the hottest club hits at Garden of Eden or Rick's/Durty Harry's. The party goes on almost all night, so dress to impress nobody...come as you are...and pace yourself! Find Fun Bars in Key West

Don't miss the FUN! Make sure you check these amazing places off of your list! Let us know how your party was!

by Marjorie Spoto / Editor & Chief/CEO & Kate Bradley/ Senior Staff Writer

Voting by our visitors who love to https://PartyinKeyWest.com from Facebook, Twitter & Instagram accounts.

http://PartyInKeyWest.com Your Online Source for where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and where the party is in Key West, Florida.

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KEY WEST NEWS & INFORMATION UPDATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY PARTYINKEYWEST.COM 

Posted On: November 1-2017 Updated June-2020

TOP 10 Things to Do In Key West

TOP 10 Things to Do In Key West

The "must-do" list when in Key West

KEY WEST, FL. Even if your Key West vacation lasted an entire month, you’d still have a list of unexplored places to see, adventures awaiting you, and loads of things to do (and eat and drink!). If you are feeling daunted by planning your itinerary, have no fear! We’ve done the work for you, so read on for our Top 10 Things to Do in Key West:

1 Stroll along Duval Street

Duval Street is to Key West what Bourbon Street is to New Orleans. In other words, it’s the center of all the action! This street stretches the width of the Island – from Gulf to ocean – and along it you will find a slew of bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. This is the ultimate Key West party experience, and as you stroll, you can stop every few feet to cool off at an outdoor bar with an ice cold frozen libation under refreshing water misters.

2 Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Walk the halls of the home of perhaps the most famous Key West resident in the island’s history, Ernest Hemingway. The stormy and mysterious writer penned some of his most famous works in this house, including “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “To Have and Have Not.” Hemingway’s extravagant home was the first ever to have a swimming pool (which cost a whopping $20,000 in 1928!), one of the first to have indoor plumbing, and boasts many fun and interesting architectural details (including a urinal Hemingway scored from his favorite watering hole “Sloppy Joe’s”, which he turned into a fountain in the front yard for his many 6-toed cats!). Travel back in time and get a feel for how Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West.

http://partyinkeywest.com/pages/keywestattractions.html

3 Conch Train

This classic sightseeing train has been around long enough to give Key West legend Ernest Hemingway a ride! It’s actually a motorized trolley on wheels rather than a train, and it will take you around to every major sight on the Island with an entertaining guided tour. It’s a great way to get a feel for the town, and to enjoy the sights without having to exert yourself. The staff is super friendly, and the company prides itself on an enjoyable ride – so much so, they offer a no-questions-asked, money back guarantee. You can also purchase a photo of you and your traveling companions on the train as a souvenir.

http://partyinkeywest.com/members/key_west_information_center.html

4 Key West Bight and Boardwalk

Key West comes up with its own names for things, and a “bight” is actually a harbor. This harbor is a beautiful place to walk (and it’s a pretty short walk, so no worries about overexertion!), and it’s a fantastic place to catch live music, and a hopping restaurant and bar scene. Enjoy the stunning vista of blue sky, crystal waters, boats and birds, as you enjoy some of the finest seafood in the country, or cool off with a cold beer. http://partyinkeywest.com/pages/keywestattractions.html

5 Key West Sunset - La Concha Hotel TOP IS CLOSED

It doesn’t get any more romantic or magical than watching the sunset in Key West. The sky is ever changing, and every night the sky promises a different show. Hands down, the best place to witness this marvel is the rooftop deck of The La Concha Hotel. The hotel is notably the tallest building on the island (a whopping 5 whole stories!), and the roof deck has a bar, seating, and is free and open to all, even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. Come sit with your honey, and enjoy the end to a perfect day in the most perfect place on earth.

http://www.laconchakeywest.com/

6 Key West Lighthouse

The southern tip of the Island is home to the famous Key West Lighthouse, built in 1848. This beautiful white structure stands strikingly against the brilliant blue Key West sky. If you are feeling ambitious, climb the 88 stairs of the lighthouse, and reward yourself with an absolutely stunning panoramic view of the island and surrounding waters. You won’t regret it. Besides, there is always a cold drink waiting for you somewhere on the island to cool off with!

http://www.kwahs.org/

7 Audubon House

This gorgeous place has a fantastic guided tour for kids and adults both. You can view the works of famous artist and naturalist, John James Audubon, which are displayed throughout the house. The building was home to a famous 19^th-Century Key West captain, Captain John H. Geiger, and you can experience what life was like back then as you walk through rooms filled with exquisite antique furnishings and architecture. The home also boasts lush and flamboyant tropical gardens, including a spectacular Koi fishpond and 1850's medicinal/herbal garden.

http://partyinkeywest.com/members/key_west_tropical_forest_and_botanical_garden_.html 

8 Key West Aquarium

This charming little aquarium was built during the Great Depression way back in 1935, and was the first of its kind. A great tour for kids, this aquarium hosts a 30-minute, interactive walking tour, where visitors can feed stingrays, and even touch a shark on the tail!

http://partyinkeywest.com/members/key_west_sea_aquarium__$14.html

9 Shipwreck Museum

“Wreck Ashore!” These are the words called out in the 1800s when a shipwreck touched shore. Back in the “Golden Age of Sailing,” Key West was home to some of the bravest sailors in treacherous waters – which means it was one of the capitols of shipwrecks. Visitors can see artifacts from actual shipwrecks, hear lore, and exciting tales from guides that look like the pioneers of old Key West!

http://partyinkeywest.com/pages/keywestattractions.html

10 Custom House

This is a history buff’s dream. For only 9 bucks, you can tour this 1891, four-story national landmark building, which used to be home to the island’s district courts, post office and custom’s office. Today, it serves as a museum, where you can experience two floors of exhibitions that weave together two centuries of history, art, people, and events.

http://partyinkeywest.com/pages/keywestattractions.html

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The 7 Best Things about Key West’s DRY TORTUGAS

Key West Blogs from PartyInKeyWest.com 

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Related Tags: Key West,  Key West Florida 

Destination: Key West, Florida          

Written by Dianne Spoto Ackerman                                          

The 7 Best Things about Key West’s DRY TORTUGAS

Picture this: you step onto a sea-plane, where everyone gets a window seat. The plane takes off, and you soar at low heights over the brilliant turquoise waters. Sea and sky is everywhere you look. Then, in the distance, you see the island and a structure emerging like a phoenix from the water: the pentagon-shaped Fort Jefferson, the largest brick building in the Western Hemisphere…

When planning a trip to Key West, be sure to include a day trip to the Dry Tortugas. We promise you it will be a trip of a lifetime.

Here are just 7 reasons the Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-see:

1.     THE SEAPLANE
Just getting there is an amazing adventure! If you’ve never been on a seaplane, this is the trip to

take one. Spot sharks, dolphins, and the "Flats". This is a body of very shallow water only 3-5 feet deep, extending almost 20 miles. This area is part of the National Marine Sanctuary and has incredible marine and bird life. There are many other sights along the route to the Dry Tortugas, including private islands, WWII wreckage, and Marquesas Islands, which is a large circular group of coral islands. The plane makes a smooth landing at Fort Jefferson, where you begin your magical trip of a lifetime. http://keywestseaplanecharters.com/

2.     SNORKELING
Enter an alternate universe under the sea, and enjoy a magical view. Swim among a rainbow of spectacular sea life, see coral-encrusted ship wrecks, a myriad of spectacular fish, moray eels, jellyfish, and more. And you don’t have to be experienced to try it for the first time! Expert guides will be there every step of the way with you, as you leave the mundane behind in exchange for a deep sea or shallow water adventure of a lifetime.

3.     HISTORY & LORE
From history to lore, there are tales to tell about this fascinating fort. For starters, the fort is the
largest brick building in the western hemisphere. The Park is actually a 100 square miles but 98% of it is under water. The 7 tiny islan that make up the Dry Tortugas account for only 97 acres in total. During the Civil War, the fort was used as a military prison for captured deserters. It also held the four men convicted of complicity in President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865, the most famous being Dr. Samuel Mudd.

4. SPECTACULAR WILDLIFE 
Fort Jefferson is a bird-watchers paradise. Rare birds frequent the island due to its central location in the migratory process. Key West Seaplane Charters. Some of the common and rare species you will encounter include: Roseate and Bridled Terns, Masked and Brown Boobies, Red-Necked Phalarope, Red-Footed Boobie, the Caribbean Short-Eared Owl, White-Tailed Tropicbird, Shiny Cowbird and the Golden Warbler.

5. WALKING THE MOAT WALL
The Moat Wall offers an easy hike (0.6 miles) around the fort. Walking the moat wall is a great opportunity to view coral, fish, and other marine life. An amazing excursion that you wouldn’t expect on a tropical island vacation.

6. FISHING
Enjoy casting into the crystal blue waters in a secluded paradise where you can catch an abundant array of marine fish. You can also lobster and spear fish here.

7. CAMPING
If camping is your thing, then add the Dry Tortugas to your camping bucket list. It’s an experience of a lifetime. Imagine sleeping under the stars, on an island 70 miles from civilization, with the warm tropical breezes blowing through palm trees and the ocean waves ebbing and flowing in the night. You will never forget this trip. Camping is limited so make your reservations now.

Only a Weekend In Key West? Here Are Your Must-Do's! 

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