When you’re ready to plan your next family vacation, check out these great destinations that will give everyone in your group something fun and exciting to do. Travel is the ideal way to engage with all age groups and ensure that there’s never a moment of boredom. These are the top picks.
Sandbar charter
These unique tours give visitors a chance to relax and party like locals. Key West is dotted with plenty of sandbars, and those that are big enough to host a party of four or more visitors at one time are the ones that will tempt you with an afternoon of fun and once-in-a-lifetime views. Your charter boat crew will set up your lounge chairs and water toys for effortless enjoyment.
Dry Tortugas National Park
While not technically part of Key West, this constellation of islands that make up Dry Tortugas are wildly popular among visitors to the area. What makes this national park so special? It’s the remarkably calm and clear water you’ll find here. Snorkeling is the big draw, and because of the peacefulness of the current and shallow depths, it’s relatively accessible for even new snorkelers. There are also multiple coral reefs and old shipwrecks to explore, giving you a deep-water adventure at a more comfortable depth.
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Key lime pie is undeniably the most well-known dessert to come out of this area, and you can get a slice at pretty much any restaurant or cafe in Key West. But you can’t get Kermit’s just anywhere. This from-scratch pie is made from high-quality ingredients that will have you coming back for more. And in addition to traditional key lime pie, Kermit’s sells exciting variations, like strawberry key lime, so there’s something for everyone here.
Southernmost Point
If you’ve ever wondered where exactly those vacation photos of your friends standing in front of a big buoy come from, it’s Southernmost Point. This huge marker is a fun way to mark your visit to Key West, which is considered the southernmost point in the continental U.S. Some people think it’s pretty touristy, but hey, you’re a tourist, so go for it!
Chartered fishing trip
Perhaps the only sport more popular in Key West than snorkeling is fishing. And it’s easy to understand why when you think about how this area of Florida is at the virtual crossroads of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Customize your experience by choosing a deep water, reef, wreck or back country fishing trip with All In Fishing Charters. Your hosts cover all your equipment and the necessary fishing permits so all you need to do is show up, bring lunch and don’t forget the sunscreen. And if you make the catch of the day, take it with you to one of the many area restaurants that feature a cook-your-catch menu option to enjoy it family-style.
Eaton Street Seafood Market & Restaurant
If you want the most authentic seafood experience in Old Town Key West, you’ll find it at Eaton Street Seafood Market. Every day, the team here accepts delivery of only the freshest lobster, crab, conch and plenty of fish. The top menu items include fish tacos, grilled lobster, and conch fritters, and for the seafood-adverse–there are always chicken strips. Get your order to-go or dine al fresco at one of the many outdoor picnic tables for customers. Enjoy it with a sip of your favorite drink on some unique, custom beer mats.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Tantalizing tales of undersea shipwrecks and lost treasures come to life here, where there’s a healthy balance of stories and science. Exhibits include actual recovered coins and other artifacts from the waters surrounding Key West. You can also buy tickets for a behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll witness recovered items being stabilized and prepared for display. Learn about the life and work of Mel Fisher and how his commitment to fortune hunting and safe recovery made a lasting difference in this field of exploration.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
That ferry to Dry Tortugas books fast, so if you miss it and still want to try snorkeling, check out Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Located on the island of Key West, it offers multiple things to do for a full-day’s adventures. Swim or snorkel at the beach, fish off the jetty, walk or bike the trails, and tour the historic fort. There’s also a big picnic area and an on-site cafe for light meals, snacks, and cold drinks.
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
This family-friendly nightly event is legendary among visitors and locals. Party every night at Mallory Square, where a full slate of street performers, arts and crafts vendors, food and drink vendors, and musicians show you how to have a good time in the Conch Republic as the sun goes down. It’s a great starter for your night out, and a good way to let younger kids feel like they’ve had an exciting night so you can get them into bed early.
Instead of spending hours browsing online travel sites and blogs, use this list to build your itinerary of things to do during your next family vacation to Key West. This list includes the most reliably enjoyable activities and things to do, including what makes Key West stand out for its cuisine, natural beauty, and persuasive landmarks and historical sites.