Best Things to Do On a Key West Honeymoon

 
Tourist trolley in Key West, parked in front of a shop called the Shell Warehouse.

The trolley stop at the Shell Warehouse in Key West, Florida.

 

If you’d like to stay in the US, you can plan a romantic Key West honeymoon. The town has loads of things to see and do, from swimming and snorkeling to galleries and museums. For romance, you’ll find sunset sails, spooky tours and bicycle rides for two.

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Things to Do Around Town

Key West is packed with things to do on vacation. Luckily, all the best sights are in one area. Getting around town is easy - and free! Key West offers a shuttle bus that comes every 20 minutes for visitors to hop on and off. The Duval Bus Loop has a stop at, or near all the best things to see and do.

Visit Mallory Square

Mallory Square is an oceanfront plaza that looks over the Gulf of Mexico. Around the square you’ll find countless shops and stalls. For some Florida souvenirs, check out the Key West Sponge Market to buy natural sponges. Or go to the Shell Warehouse for a huge selection of knick knacks, crafts and unique sea shells. 

If you’re looking for brand names, you’ll also see stores like Crocs and Lily Pulitzer. While you’re at the Square, stop in at Kermit’s Cafe for a Key Lime Pie on a Stick.

Take a Walk on Duval Street

Duval Street is the main street in Key West. It’s just over a mile long and it runs across town, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s packed with restaurants, bars and pubs. Plus there’s loads of galleries, museums and historic homes to visit.

See the Southernmost Point of the Continental US

At the end of Duval Street, you’ll find the Southernmost Point of the continental US. There’s a giant buoy where you can take a cute couples photo to remember your trip.

Go to the Shipwreck Treasures Museum

Join a museum tour for a look at 19th century shipwrecks and the men who worked to save them. You’ll also get to climb to the top of a 65 foot lookout tower and scan the reef for wrecks.

Tour the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Take a guided tour of Ernest Hemingway’s Home and Museum. Take some time to stroll around the garden and meet some of his famous six toed cats.

Visit Harry S. Truman Little White House

If you’re interested in history, be sure to visit the only presidential museum in Florida. Also called the Winter White House, Harry S. Truman and other presidents spent time in the Keys and this house has an important spot in history.

See the Audubon House

The Audubon House was originally built by a wealthy sea captain, to serve as his family home. After it fell into disrepair in the fifties, a couple bought the house and restored it. This marked the beginning of the Historic Olde Town, with many homes being restored and preserved. 

Today, the house commemorates John James Audubon’s visit to Key West in 1832 and serves as a showcase for his work. The house is a beautiful example of the American Classic Revival Style and it’s furnished with antiques, including some from the original family.

Visit Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum

Mel Fisher was an American treasure hunter, famous for finding the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, off the coast of the Florida Keys. The museum showcases an extensive collection of items from shipwrecks, including gold, silver, weapons and pieces of the ships themselves. Guests are even invited into the archeological lab, where they can learn more about current artifacts.

Walk Through the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Visit the Butterfly Conservatory and you can go for a walk in the glass domed tropical butterfly habitat. The habitat is filled with free flying tropical butterflies and exotic birds. You might even spot the two flamingos!

 
View of the ocean with a catamaran and a cruise ship in the background.

View of the Atlantic Ocean from a catamaran tour in Key West.

 

Water Sports and Activities

Once you’ve explored the town, spend some time on the water. With both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, there’s lots of choices for fun activities. As well as relaxing beach days, you can join sailing, kayaking or snorkeling tours.

Go Snorkeling at the Reef

Key West is home to the only living reef in the Continental US. If you’ve ever wanted to try snorkeling - this is the place! There’s lots of different options for snorkeling tours. For a fun day together, book a catamaran trip to visit the reef and see tropical fish and coral.

This trip from Viator includes an afternoon catamaran tour, snorkeling gear, plus beer, wine and soft drinks: Key West Reef Snorkeling Excursion.

Visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park

You can easily spend an entire day at the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park. Visit Fort Taylor for a tour of the Civil War era fort that was built to guard the harbor.

When you’re ready to cool off, head over to the most popular beach in Key West. Rent a beach hut, visit the cafe, go snorkeling, or just lounge around enjoying the sun.

Join a Mangrove Kayak Tour

Florida mangroves have a unique eco system that you can explore in a kayak. Paddle with an experienced guide for a chance to see tropical fish, crabs, jellyfish and a variety of seabirds. For a romantic day trip, rent a kayak for two on the Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour from Viator.

Spend a Day at the Beach

One of the best things about honeymooning in Key West is the tropical beaches. With miles of white sand and palm trees, you can find a dreamy beach to spend some time together. Check out a few of the most popular beaches:

  • Smathers Beach

  • South Beach

  • Higg’s Beach

  • Simonton Beach

Romantic Activities For a Honeymoon

Make some time to celebrate your newlywed status with some romantic activities. Dinner for two is a great start. Next, plan some unique and fun activities for your honeymoon:

Rent a Conch Cruiser

In Key West you can rent old fashioned beach bicycles, called Conch Cruisers. Rent a pair of them and spend a day cycling around town together. 

Watch the Sunset Together

Return to Mallory Square for the Sunset Celebration. Each evening at sundown, the Square fills with musicians, dancers and performers. Take in the sights and enjoy a legendary sunset.

Join a Haunted Trolley Tour

Looking for an excuse to snuggle up? Key West is one of the most haunted cities in the US. Join this night time trolley tour for a trip through the narrow streets of Old Town, complete with spooky tales from a costumed guide: Trolley of the Doomed Ghost and Gravestone Tour.

Take a Sunset Cruise

For a romantic honeymoon activity, Key West is the perfect spot to take a sunset cruise. Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the ocean, from the deck of a catamaran. This tour from Viator includes drinks, appetizers and live music to enjoy while the sun sets and the moon rises: Sunset Sail with Full Bar, Live Music & Hors D'oeuvres.

 

Welcome to Mallory Square sign in Key West, Florida.

 

Where to Stay in Key West

You’ll find lots of hotels and resorts with amenities like outdoor swimming pools, private beaches and onsite spas. There’s hotels in every price range, so you can choose the one that suits you best. 

Southernmost Beach Resort

The Southernmost Beach Resort is walking distance to most of the best sights in Key West. It’s close to the Southernmost Point and South Beach. Relax at the hotel with it’s beachfront location. You’ll find sun loungers and beachfront dining, plus 3 outdoor pools. The hotel also has an onsite spa, a gym with daily yoga, a cafe and a restaurant. 

The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton is in Old Town, close to shopping and ideal for walking. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a private beach. There’s also an on site restaurant, cafe and poolside bar. Along with a full service spa, this hotel has everything you could need for a perfect honeymoon.

Margaritaville Beach House Key West

Margaritaville Beach House is a beachfront hotel with tropical vibes. The hotel is close to Duval Street, so it’s easy to go out and explore the town. For days in, you can relax at the lagoon shaped pool or on the hotel beach. There’s also an on site restaurant, bar and lounge.


 

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