Are you headed down to the Florida Keys? You’re not alone! Over five million people visit the Florida Keys each year because of all the exciting activities and attractions to do and see.

But it can be overwhelming deciding where to start. Luckily, with the proper research, you’ll know exactly what spots to hit during your vacation to Key West Florida.

We’ve got your guide to the best things to do in the Florida Keys, so read on!

See the Sights in the Keys

It might not be the first thing on your radar, but the Florida Keys have beautiful natural sights that you definitely won’t want to miss during your visit.

You won’t be able to get enough of the state parks, such as the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Bahia Honda State Park, Curry Hammock State Park, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Long Key State Park.

Of course, there are other options available to you for exploring the outdoors. You’ll definitely want to hit up the Seven Mile Bridge & Lighthouse Tour while you’re in the Florida area.

If there’s nothing, in particular, you want to see, don’t fret. Just head out and explore the great outdoors on your own!

There are also plenty of occasions for you to appreciate the wildlife in the area. Head over to the National Key Deer Refuge, the Dolphin Research Center, the Turtle Hospital, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, or one of the other great animal organizations in the area.

You can also do various activities while you’re exploring nature. Go kayaking or canoeing, try out a helicopter tour, take up scuba diving — if there’s an outdoor activity you want to do, you can probably try it during your next visit to the Florida Keys.

Go to the Museums

If you’re looking for what to do in Key West Florida, you definitely won’t want to miss any of the great museums. There are many cultural attractions in the Florida Keys, so you can learn about the area’s history and so much more.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, for example, is a great place to learn about the internationally renowned author. If you want to know more about watersports, be sure to check out the History of Diving Museum.

Head to the Truman Little White House to admire great architecture while you learn about one of our more unusual presidents. Or, take a look at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum to learn about what has been lost.

Maritime-themed museums that you can find in the Florida Keys include the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, the Key West Shipwreck Museum, and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum–among others.

If you don’t feel like a museum, there are other cultural sites you can take in. These include:

• The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
• Mallory Square
• Key West Lighthouse
• Donkey Milk House
• Theater of the Sea
• The Keys History and Discovery Center

Really, there’s no limit when it comes to attractions in the Florida Keys, no matter what your area of interest is.

Sample the Cuisine (and Drinks)

It may surprise you to hear that there are dozens of excellent restaurants, cafes, and other places for refreshments that you can enjoy when you visit the Florida Keys.

Seafood, of course, is always going to be a great choice when you’re out by the water. Lobster, in particular, is a particularly great choice. Other options for great food in the Florida Keys include American cuisines like hamburgers, Japanese food, Chinese food, and so many others.

You’ll also want to take a sip of some of the fabulous cocktails you can find in the area. The proliferation of citrus fruits in the area means there are some fantastic specialty cocktails all around the keys.

Hit the Florida Keys Nightlife

The Florida Keys is renowned for the great nightlife available in the area. Whether you want to hit the clubs or just chill out at a swim-up bar, there’s something to suit everyone’s preference in the Florida Keys.

If you’re interested in one of the more chill options, check out Florida Keys Brewing Company or one of the other great breweries located in this area. Hang out at the No Name Bar to enjoy one of the best bars in the state anonymously. Go to the Hemingway Rum Company so you can pretend you’re cultured while you get your drink on.

If you’re not sure what to do in the Florida Keys or where to go when it comes to nightlife, ask the locals and see where they like to hang out. That way, you’ll get the most up-to-date information on the coolest places to hang out at night in the Florida Keys.

Shop Until You Drop

You don’t want to miss out on buying souvenirs while you’re in Florida. Hang out at the Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery for plenty of artistic gifts. If you’d like to take in some other sights and sounds while you shop, be sure to stroll up and down Duval Street for lots of different great options.

Head over to Kermit’s Key West Lime Shoppe or Key Largo Chocolates for fabulous sweet treats if you’re looking to bring home some snacks.

Hit some of the unique thrift and vintage shops in the area to dig up some one-of-a-kind finds that you’ll have for many years to come. Don’t miss out on the shopping when you’re looking into what to do in Key West.

Best Things to Do in the Florida Keys: Get Started!

Now that you know the best things to do in the Florida keys, you’re all ready to start planning your Key West Florida vacation. See some wildlife at a national park, turn into a salty seaman at the Key West Shipwreck Museum, or treat yourself to decadent Key Largo Chocolates. There’s no limit to what you can squeeze into a Florida Keys trip!

Are you interested in more travel and lifestyle tips? Keep reading this site for more advice on vacation planning and more.