Your Guide to Key West, Florida

A few swimsuits, a bottle of SPF, a new pair of flip-flops, and Opal’s comprehensive travel guide are all you need for your trip to the Florida Keys. Browse our top picks for your next tropical vacation to the Southernmost Point in the country.

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A Key West vacation is an immersive, sensory-heightening experience at the country’s southernmost spot, where pastel, conch-style houses line the streets and fishers bring in all the fresh seafood you could possibly eat. From Ernest “Papa” Hemingway’s home to coral reefs and sunlit restaurants, these Opal-curated spots ensure you get the maximum from your Key West vacation.

 

Top Key West Landmarks

Mel Fisher’s Museum

An American treasure hunter who most famously found the wreck of Nuestra Señora de Atocha, Mel Fisher founded this marvelous museum to showcase thousands of treasures, artifacts, and vessels. Plan to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Conservation Lab.

200 Greene St,
Key West, FL 33040

 

Ernest Hemingway House

Nearly as famous for its collection of rare, six-toed cats as for its former owner, this 1851-built Spanish colonial mansion captivates visitors of all ages with its swimming pool (the first in the city), gorgeous garden grounds and fishing photos inside, among other mementos of the writer.

907 Whitehead St,
Key West, FL 33040

 

Southernmost Point

It might be the most Instagrammed shot in the Florida Keys: a large buoy emblazoned with the words “90 miles to Cuba” and marking, yes, the southernmost point in the continental U.S. Busiest at sunrise and sunset, it’s best visited by taking a historic trolley tour.

Whitehead St &, South St,
Key West, FL 33040

 

Most Popular Things to Do in Key West

Jet Ski Tour with Fury

On this 90-minute tour, adventurous guests cover a whopping 28 miles, spotting sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical birds. Stop at a sandbar for a swim, and plan to go up to 45 miles an hour on the jet ski, which can fit three people. 

631 Greene St,
Key West, FL 33040

 

Sunset Wind & Wine Cruise with Danger Charters

Watching the sun set becomes even more wondrous when you’re sailing the Caribbean waters on a classic 65-foot schooner, tasting 8 premium wines from around the world, sampling 5 different types of beer, and enjoying gourmet hors d’oeuvres as tropical music plays. Watch the Danger Charters crew hoist the sails as you kick back, socialize, and become mesmerized. Book your cruise now – this vessel is only in Key West through June!

255 Front St,
Key West, FL 33040

 

Snorkeling on the Reefs

Danger Charters and Fury Cat also offer snorkeling tours of the crystal clear waters of the Florida Keys, home to living corals, exotic sponges, midnight parrotfish, and a rainbow of other tropical fish.

 

The Best Restaurants in Key West

Obviously, no trip here is complete without eating your way through the signature restaurants of each Key West Opal resort. Whether you’re dining on or off property, we’ve got you covered.

Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon

This dog-friendly bar and live music venue is also home to Garbo’s food truck, where you can order burritos, burgers and poke bowls to go with such craft drinks as the Watermelon Cucumber Crush, Old Chocolate Lab and (naturally) Hair of the Dog.

409 Caroline St,
Key West, FL 33040

 

Latitudes

With handsome, mahogany and leather furniture set against the brilliant blue ocean (and tiki-torch-lighted tables for al fresco dining) Latitudes creates the ideal atmosphere for the treasures of the Florida Keys seafood. Chilled poached shrimp, pan-roasted cobia, and Key lime pie are just a few of the favorites on the dinner menu.

245 Front St,
Key West, FL 33040

 

Bistro 245

Opal Key Resort & Marina’s beachfront dining spot, Bistro 245, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and of course, drinks in a casual outdoor setting.  In true Key West style, they have a dedicated Sunset Celebration Menu featuring appetizers like Garlic Shrimp Flatbread to share with the table and special entrees including Gulf Shrimp & Lobster Fettucine finished with crumbled chevre cheese and sherry butter sauce.

 

A Local’s Favorites in Key West

Dry Tortugas 

Plan to spend a daylong excursion to the dynamic Dry Tortugas National Park, which is 100 square miles of mostly aquamarine open water and seven small islands. It’s 70 miles from Key West, and you can get there by boat or seaplane. Explore the 19th century Fort Jefferson before birdwatching, snorkeling among the coral reefs, and relaxing in this little piece of paradise.

 

Smokin’ Tuna

Experience one of the liveliest spots for live music in the Keys at Smokin’ Tuna, which has a sprawling, charming setting in an historic Florida home and adjacent patio and decks. Entertainment is guaranteed for every day of the week, and the tuna nachos are a house specialty.

4 Charles Street, 
Key West, FL 33040

 

Hemingway Days

Every July, “Papa” comes back to life as dozens of Ernest Hemingway look-alikes compete in an annual contest, part of a multi-day celebration of the incomparable author. In honor of Hemingway’s books and interests, there’s also a “Running of the Bulls” on Duval Street, a three-day marlin tournament, and a short-story competition. 

 

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservancy

Flowers seem to be falling from the sky at this sensational spot, where 50 to 60 species of butterflies take hold in the tropical setting. Be sure to spend time in the shop, where artist Sam Trophia has created a kaleidoscope of colorful replicas.

1316 Duval St,
Key West, FL 33040

 

Whether you’re riding a jetski along a coastal paradise, tucking into tuna nachos while listening to the latest local acts, or sailing into the sunset, Key West unlocks some of the most treasured spots in Florida.

Where to Stay: | The Laureate Key West | Sunset Key Cottages | The Capitana | Opal Key Resort & Marina