There’s no shortage of free things to do in Key West. Add some of these fantastic attractions and activities to your itinerary.
As the most popular tourist destination in the Florida Keys, Key West will undoubtedly be on your agenda if you decide to visit. It’s wonderful to mix up the expensive with a few free activities while on an expensive vacation.
With these free activities in Key West, you can live your best life without breaking the bank.
1. Go to the Beach
There are many Key West beaches to choose from!
Visit Simonton Beach in the north, Higgs Beach in the south, Smathers Beach in the west, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach in the east.
2. Explore Duval Street
Duval Street is the most well-known street in Key West, so taking a stroll down it is worthwhile.
It stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.
Duval Street is home to many stores, galleries, outdoor cafés, clubs, and restaurants. The greatest way to experience Old Town’s charm is to take a short stroll down its famed main street.
As a party town, one of the most well-known activities is bar hopping on Duval Street as it has some of the best bars in Key West. Many visitors to Key West only come to the party.
Discover hidden-gem beaches, explore the Florida Keys food scene, find the perfect accommodation, experience the Keys’ stunning waters, and much more.
3. Take a Tour of the Key West Legal Rum Distillery
Key West Legal Rum Distillery by VISIT FLORIDA
- Location: 105 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040
- Hours: Tours run every 30 minutes from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Website: keywestlegalrum.com
The award-winning rum produced by Key West Legal Rum Distillery is manufactured on-site at their Simonton Street location.
All distilled spirits use organic Florida ingredients, including key limes and vanilla beans.
It offers tastes particularly specific to the Key West region, such as Key lime, Florida sugar cane, and vanilla creme brûlée. Free tours of the distillery show visitors how to make the ideal rum. The complimentary tastes at the end of the tour are the best part!
Free mojito classes are another popular freebie that First Legal Rum Distillery offers. Visitors enjoy these free seminars because they show them how to prepare the ideal mojito the Cuban way!
4. Bask in the Beautiful Nature at the West Martello Tower
West Martello Tower in Key West, Florida by John Parce
- Location: 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: keywestgardenclub.com/learn/west-martello-tower-history
West Martello Tower is an incomplete Civil War-era fort situated on the Atlantic about a mile from the Southernmost Point. Construction started in 1863 and ended in 1873. In addition to housing radio stations during World Wars I and II, the tower accommodated troops during the Spanish American War.
It was included in the US National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Hiking through the Key West Garden Club grounds allows visitors to appreciate how nature has reclaimed the abandoned fort.
5. Visit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Florida Keys Eco Discovery Center by Small City Expo
- Location: 35 Quay Rd, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: floridakeys.noaa.gov/eco_discovery.html
The 2,500-gallon reef tank and more than 6,000 square feet of engaging display space at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center let you study and understand the ecology of the Key’s habitats, plants, and animals. The public is welcome to visit the natural history museum for free.
This is your chance to see magnificent tropical fish up close and personal if you’ve had trouble snorkeling in the Keys. The center is particularly fantastic for youngsters. Plan a visit here.
6. Take a Picture at the US 1 Mile Marker 0
- Location: 1400 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: southernmostpointwebcam.com
Mile Marker 0 signifies the start (or finish) of US 1 and is situated at Whitehead Street and Fleming Street. Most major cities on the east coast are connected by Highway 1, which runs 2,370 miles from Key West, Florida, to Fort Kent, Maine,
In Key West, this is a must-do famous image to photograph.
The queue at mile 0 can be very long.
7. Interact With the Wildlife at Key West Wildlife Center
Key West Wildlife Center by Keys Kids Adventures
- Location: 1801 White St, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: keywestwildlifecenter.org
Over 1400 wild birds receive care yearly at the Key West Wildlife Center, a rehabilitation center. Visitors can enjoy the site’s different flora and fauna by strolling along the seven acres of land and a nature trail.
The wildlife center’s rehabilitation flying area and aviary are used to nurse back to health injured birds.
There are two aviaries and a freshwater pond where you may see herons, egrets, ibis, turtles, iguanas, and other animals.
Admission is free but donations are accepted.
8. Explore Key West Cemetery
Weird gravestones at Key West Cemetery by grimmlifecollective
- Location: 701 Passover Ln, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: Historic-Key-West-City-Cemetery
In the center of the island, halfway between West Martello Tower and the Historic Key West Seaport, stands the Key West Cemetery.
There are several ways to enter, but you should start at the northwest corner of Passover Lane and Angela Street because a little office there gives fantastic free walking tour guides.
The cemetery uncovers amazing tales about Key West and its inhabitants if you join one of the Key West ghost tours offered there.
9. Experience the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
Key West Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
- Location: 400 Wall Street, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: mallorysquare.com
Mallory Square is well-known in Key West for its spectacular sunset celebration. As you take in a spectacular sunset, street entertainers, buskers, and all the different characters who call Key West home will come to amuse you.
Every night, crowds of onlookers, shoppers, and street performers congregate in Mallory Square for a few hours of fun before a breathtaking Key West sunset.
10. Enjoy a Scenic Stroll on the Key West Historic Seaport
- Location: 201 William St, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: keywesthistoricseaport.com
Many tourists visiting Key West skip by locations that aren’t right on or near Mallory Square or Duval Street.
For instance, the Key West Historic Seaport, which is a harborwalk along Key West Bight, is one of the city’s most picturesque strolls and a top freebie.
The Key West Seaport has a lot to offer tourists, including charming schooners, ravenous tarpon, historical exhibits, and the finest happy hour deals in town.
Start Listing Things To Do in Key West, FL
Key West is a treasure trove of free experiences waiting to be discovered. Imagine strolling through the charming streets, feeling the island’s vibrant energy, and realizing that many of its delights come without a price tag.
It’s the beauty of Key West—how the island invites you to experience its essence freely. Whether it’s sunset celebrations, historic charm, or natural wonders, a plethora of free activities add to the allure of this tropical paradise.
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Free Things To Do In Key West FAQs
With these free activities in Key West, you can live your best life without breaking the bank.
- Sunbathe at the beach
- Explore Duval Street
- Take a tour of the Key West Legal Rum Distillery
- Bask in the beautiful nature at the West Martello Tower
- Visit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
- Take a picture at the US 1 Mile Marker 0
- Interact with the wildlife at Key West Wildlife Center
- Join a walking tour at the Key West Cemetery
- Experience the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
- Enjoy a scenic stroll on the Key West Historic Seaport
In Key West, there is no shortage of fun things, from going on a boat ride to sampling some of the best seafood in the world to staying up late partying at one of the island’s famous bars.
Make sure to include the Florida Keys Seafood Festival in your agenda, which is held annually at Truman Waterfront Park in April.
The world-famous main strip of Key West is flanked by a bus route called the Free Duval Loop that travels from the Gulf to the Atlantic and is filled with unique stores, bars, restaurants, and other establishments.
There are 18 locations along this public transportation route from which you can start your Key West experience. The Duval Loop is the best option for a night of partying or a day spent shopping and touring.
Higgs Beach in Key West, also known as Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach, has a calm and relaxed atmosphere. This free spot features a fort from the Civil War, two off-leash dog parks for small and large dogs, a historical cemetery, and walking trails.
You may rent lounge chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and other beach equipment at the concession stand.
