Last Updated on February 4, 2025 by Deanne
Wondering how to plan the perfect weekend in Key West? We just returned from another long weekend getaway and managed to fit into our Key West itinerary a mix of relaxation, ocean views, history, lively entertainment, adventure, and phenomenal food.
First-timers to the island may wonder how much they can see and do in just one weekend. Well, we’ve got you covered. We compiled our best tips and planning advice into a compact Key West itinerary so you don’t miss any of the top spots. Follow our guide to maximize your time and fun on the island.
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Maximize your short time in Key West
Spending one solid weekend in Key West means you need to be smart with your time. Consider these time-saving tips as you plan:
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- Fly directly into the Key West Airport. Don’t bother with any other airport in which you’ll need to rent a car and drive in. It will eat up too much of your limited vacation time. Plus, Key West is walkable. If you do find yourself wanting transportation, Uber and Lyft are readily available.
- Stay in or near Old Town for easy access to many attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Duval Street is where much of the action is, but it can sometimes be loud and rowdy into the night. Plan to stay a bit off of Duval and know that the south end of Duval is quieter than the north end. You’ll want to book your accommodations well in advance of your trip. Check out what’s available here:
- Make dinner reservations ahead of time. Not all Key West restaurants accept reservations, but if they do it’s worth it to plan ahead. Key West is known for their amazing food scene and places will fill up. We wrote a comprehensive dining guide to all the best Key West restaurants with input from locals and frequent Key West visitors. Check it out here: Key West Dining Guide
The perfect weekend Key West itinerary
Known for its laid-back luxury, Key West is an ideal location for a long weekend trip. The island vibe attracts all kinds of travelers – from those who want to relax, swim, and dine in fine restaurants to those who want to party and eat food truck fare on the go. Key West’s diverse activities draw history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and water adventurers alike.
Check out our Key West itinerary below and tweak it to fit your personal style. If you have anything to add, leave us a comment at the end of the article. We’d love to hear from you.
(Visiting other parts of Florida? Check out our guide to the best places to visit in Florida for different types of travelers!)
For a long weekend in Key West, plan to spend three nights on the island so you have at least two full days to enjoy. Here’s a great plan:
Day One:
Morning
Start your day with breakfast at Harpoon Harry’s, a fun diner with great food.
Explore the Key West Historic Seaport. Walk along the marina, browse local shops, and soak in the vibrant island vibes.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Conch Republic for fresh seafood. Start with the peel and eat shrimp, conch chowder, or a salad. Their spinach salad tossed in homemade passion fruit vinaigrette was one of the best salads I’ve tasted!
Next, embark on a water adventure. A snorkeling excursion, mangrove kayaking tour, or sailing adventure are great options. Explore a variety of activities here:
Evening
Head to Mallory Square for the famous Sunset Celebration, where street performers entertain the crowds and people gather to view the stunning sunset over the ocean waves.
Dine at Latitudes, located just a short boat ride away on Sunset Key. This upscale, oceanfront restaurant will create an unforgettable experience. This is a popular place – you’ll need to make reservations well in advance.
Wrap up the evening with a drink at The Green Parrot, one of the oldest bars in Key West with great live music. Or head to Virgilio’s for a martini – located in back of the restaurant La Trattoria.
Day Two:
Morning
Wake up early and catch the sunrise at White Street Pier.
Walk to the Southernmost buoy. If you want your picture by it, it’s best to get there early. By late morning there is often a long line.
Next, make your way to Blue Heaven, a quirky and iconic outdoor Key West restaurant.
Tour the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Learn about the author’s life and meet the famous six-toed cats.
Just down the road across the street is the Key West Lighthouse. Climb the 88 stairs to the top and get one of the best views of the island.
Afternoon
Have lunch by the water at Louie’s Backyard, a gorgeous setting for a meal.
Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or hotel pool. Key West is not known for its beaches since the beaches in Key West are smaller, narrower, and not the soft powdery white sand you find at other Florida beaches. But you can still enjoy a relaxing, scenic beach experience. Here are a few options:
Evening
Enjoy dinner at Café Marquesa, known for their seafood and some of the best key lime pie on the island.
Then, take a walk down Duval for some lively nightlife. Stop into Willie T’s or Sloppy Joe’s for live music. Or head down to Abbondanza’s or La Te Da for an after dinner drink.
With more time in Key West…
If you have more time in your weekend, there are many more restaurants to try (see our Key West Dining Guide), lively bars to explore, and attractions to see. We like renting bikes and pedaling around town. I’ve also heard the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a fun stop.
But, truthfully, Key West is a laid-back town that sometimes is best experienced by strolling, exploring, and soaking up the island air. Pop into whatever establishment is calling your name. Follow the hum of live music and see where it leads. Whatever your travel style, Key West is a unique destination that is sure to beckon you back time and again with its vibrant, coastal, and carefree island lifestyle.
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