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10+ Things to Do in Key West & the Florida Keys

By Katie Sagal

Heading to Miami, but hoping to explore the lands and waters further south? You’re not alone – many people begin their journeys in South Beach but travel down the Florida Keys to Key West for some more excitement and adventure.

There are plenty of great attractions and activities in Florida and Key West, from alligator tours to watersports. And while the main emphasis is on outdoor activities, there are some indoor options as well. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Key West and the Florida Keys during your trip to South Florida, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • Key West Trolley Tour
  • Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
  • Paddle Boarding
  • Parasailing
  • Everglades Alligator Farm
  • And more!

Save on Key West & Florida Keys attraction admission

Admission to many of these top Miami attractions and activities and more are included on the Go City® Miami pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. 

Things to do in Key West

Trolley Tour

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Trolley Tour

Explore Key West’s many historic sites and cultural hotspots on this hop-on hop-off trolley tour. Featuring over 50 points of interest from the historic Seaport Harborwalk to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, there’s something to appeal to every interest in Key West. Use this comprehensive tour as your introduction to this diverse city. 

Getting In: Key West Trolley Tour is separately ticketed.

Rise and Reef Morning Snorkel

Head out to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for a snorkeling adventure you’ll never forget. This adult-friendly activity allows you to snorkel this beautiful coral reef and enjoy fresh juice and a delicious breakfast together. Expert staff will get you sorted with all the equipment and instruction you need, making this tour perfect for everyone from first-time snorkelers to experienced sea explorers.

Getting In: Rise and Reef Morning Snorkel tickets are available on the Go City® Miami Explorer pass only.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Key West

Kids and adults alike will love this quirky attraction. Ripley’s Believe or Not! has made an international name for itself, and this Key West location is no exception to its legacy of weird and wonderful fun. Be sure to check out the exhibits that are unique to Key West! 

Getting In: Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Key West is separately ticketed.

Sunset Watersports Paddle Board Rental

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Sunset Watersports Paddle Board Rental

For those of you who can’t get enough of being in the water – and you’ve come to the right place for that – a paddle board rental is a great choice. Paddle along the water while standing up for a surprisingly great workout, and keep one eye out for sea creatures that might be passing by below. 

Getting In: Key West Paddle Board Rentals are available on the Go City® Miami Explorer pass only.

Island Safari Bike Rental

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Island Safari Bike Rental

Who doesn’t want to spend as much time as possible outside on a Key West vacation? Hop aboard a bike and explore this charming island on your own, taking advantage of discoveries like small boutiques and enticing little restaurants. 

Getting In: Key West bike rentals are separately ticketed.

Key West 2-Hour Kayak Rental

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Key West 2-Hour Kayak Rental

What better way to explore Key West, one of the country's most famous islands, than by water? Hop aboard your choice of a single or double kayak and get out there. Depart from Smathers Beach and head out along the gorgeous coastlines. Kids and adults will both enjoy this unforgettable experience.

 Getting In: Key West kayak rentals are available on the Go City® Miami Explorer pass only.

Sunset Watersports Key West Parasailing

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Sunset Watersports Key West Parasailing

Head to Smathers Beach or Key West Bight first thing in the morning for an amazing excursion high above the sand. With unbelievable views of the coast and the beaches below, you’ll never want the experience to end. This is my favorite thing to do in Key West - the views from high above are absolutely amazing. It's certainly one to cross off your bucket list! 

Getting In: Key West parasailing is separately ticketed.

Conch Tour Train

A delightful option for families with kids, the Conch Tour Train provides informative and entertaining narration along a 90-minute tour of the city’s best landmarks. Some of the highlights of your tour include the Key West Lighthouse, the Hemingway Home & Museum, and the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. 

Getting In: Conch Tour Train ride tickets are available as an option on the Miami Explorer Pass only.

Mallory Square

One of the most popular places in all of Key West to watch the sunset, Mallory Square is a delightful little neighborhood area filled with street performers, artists, and music. You can also enjoy fare from street vendors and explore the little local shops – just be aware many things close early. 

Getting In: Admission to Mallory Square is free.

Things to do in the Florida Keys on the way down to Key West

Everglades Alligator Farm (Homestead, FL)

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Everglades Alligator Farm (Homestead, FL)

Nature lovers rejoice – if you’ve come to Florida on your vacation, you’ve come to the right place. Explore one of the country’s most beautiful and wild stretches of land alongside its most famous denizens, the fearsome alligator. But don’t worry; an alligator farm is a safe and family-friendly way to encounter these iconic critters. 

Getting In: Everglades Alligator Farm tickets are available as an option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Everglades National Park

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Everglades National Park

Another one for the outdoorsy folks, Everglades National Park is an attraction not to be missed. Drive along scenic park roads for a chance to soak up all the natural beauty, and pay attention to local wildlife, from alligators and crocodiles to manatees and diverse birds. Be sure you’ve got a camera charged and ready for this trip!

Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise (Key Largo)

Sail out to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for the underwater views of a lifetime. The vessel is conveniently glass-bottomed (hence the name), so you can see straight down to the vibrant life that teems in the waters below. Along the way, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Keys and the waters beyond. Another don’t-forget-your-camera experience. 

Getting In: Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise tickets are available on the Go City® Miami Explorer pass only.

Planning to visit lots of Miami and Key West attractions?

With Go City® you won't miss a thing, plus with a pass, you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning! 

☀️Compare Boston passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Miami in March

Planning on travelling to Miami this spring? Well, you’ve come to the right place! From fantastic tropical gardens and natural resort centers to fascinating museums and historical sites, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in a group or travelling solo, trust us when we say that you’ll find no shortage of interesting things to do here. However you choose to explore The Magic City, we’re sure that you’ll have a blast. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are sharing our favorite things to do here to help you plan the perfect trip. So, without further ado, grab a notepad and let’s dive in! Explore the Area Perhaps one of the things Florida is best known for is its jaw-dropping natural attributes. If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, you won’t have to search far. Standing out for its unparalleled beauty and unique holdings, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is well-recognized as one of the best parks of its kind in all of the United States. Established way back in 1936, this unique attraction is home to the expansive and rare collection of avid plant collector and botanist David Fairchild, which he brought back from his travels. Spring is a fantastic time to visit, since the spectacularly manicured displays will be in full bloom. In addition, this famous green space is home to the largest palm collection in America, with over 500 species to be enjoyed. Quiet and serene, this exquisite display of greenery is not to be missed. If you only visit one garden in Miami, let it be this one. March is a wonderful time to visit Miami, since it should be warm enough to enjoy all of the city’s best outdoor attractions without being too hot and humid. If you’re looking for something a little different, Coral Castle is a great stop carrying a lot of fascinating history. Standing out as one of the city’s most unusual visitor attractions, this interesting sculpture park dates way back to the early twentieth century. Carved out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction methods were available, the structure is just as famous for its creative process as it is for its looks. In fact, the ‘’castle’’ has been bewildering scientists, engineers and scholars ever since its opening. For a truly mind-bending experience steeped in history, head just a little south of the city to check out the park for yourself. Exciting and quirky, this place provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience to remember. Find Fun Activities There’s nothing quite better than a trip to the zoo – and trust us when we say that Miami could not be better for this type of experience. The most obvious place to hit up in the city if you’re looking to see some impressive animals is, of course, Zoo Miami. Spread over an impressive 750 acres of land, the institute is in fact recognized as the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. The zoo’s broad and impressive collection includes over 3, 000 animals across 500 species to be enjoyed. Highlights include jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and much, much more. If you want to get up close with your favorite furry (or slimy) friends, don’t worry – this place has interactive experiences of all kinds! We recommend checking times before setting off, so you’ll be sure to catch any feedings, live educational shows, and special tours that you want. Both fun and educational, we love this place for bringing that sense of childlike wonder back into our lives. Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of March (or any time of year, really) is visit the Miami Seaquarium. The perfect stop for all animal lovers, this place offers a unique and captivating experience that’s well worth the visit. First opened in 1955, the Miami Seaquarium is well-recognized as one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of over 10, 000 exotic sea and freshwater specimens. Indeed, this is one of the largest collections of marine animals in the entire world as it stands - so take good advantage of this! Amongst the oceanarium’s collection, you’ll find everything from colorful tropical fish and jellyfish to sharks and orcas. In addition, the institute houses semi-aquatic animals, including penguins, turtles, and seals. Undoubtedly one of the best aquariums in the world, this attraction is surely not to be skipped! Learn Something New Though Miami is perhaps best known for its scenic sugar-sand beaches and unique tropical beauty, its cultural amenities are not to be ignored. Working to share the power of science in a fun and digestible way, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum has been a long-time favorite for visitors and locals alike. Perfect for those with curious minds, you’ll find that the institute covers a wide range of topics in a clear and easy manner. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Learn about magnetism and electric currents through immersive exhibitions. Catch a comprehensive glimpse of what life looks like under the sea at the aquarium. Or, dive deep into the fascinating details of the universe at the planetarium – the choice is yours! With so much to do, see and experience, it’d be easy to get lost and spend the entire day here. No doubt, Miami is a fantastic place to visit all year round. Still, we especially love the Magic City in springtime for its light breeze, balmy weather, and smaller crowds. The best things to do in the city run the gamut – from seriously fun to fantastically entertaining, this place has it all. Immerse yourself in the culture of the city and make memories to remember. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
South Beach Miami
Blog

10+ Things to Do in Miami for Teens

Looking for things to do in Miami for teens?
Katie Sagal
Couple in Miami
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Romantic Things to Do in Miami for Valentine's Day

Miami is an incredibly romantic city. Warm weather, breezy beaches, great nightclubs, delicious food – you name it, Miami’s got the perfect date night in store. If you’re going to be spending Valentine’s Day in sunny South Beach, or on another romantic occasion, then you’re probably searching for a few ideas. Fortunately for you, we've got a few suggestions in mind: Enjoy a day trip to Key West Tour the city's Art Deco district Peruse the Pérez Art Museum Tour Florida's Everglades Dine on world-class cuisine And more! Soak Up Artistic Inspiration Prefer paintings and sculptures? The Pérez Art Museum is a must-see for you. It’s filled with amazing, internationally and internationally-inspired artwork from predominantly modern and contemporary styles. They often have rotating special exhibits, too, like this year's "On the Horizon," featuring contemporary Cuban art. Or, if you love architecture and artwork, then you will not want to miss out on a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, one of the most magnificent buildings in the entire state and truly the most beautiful estate as a whole. Depending on when you take your romantic vacation to Miami, there are also likely to be a number of film or art festivals floating around – like the Coconut Grove Arts Festival that happens annually in February. Roam the Beaches It may seem like a no-brainer, but spend some time outside while you’re in Miami this February! The weather is going to be lovely (and possibly much warmer than where you’re used to), so take advantage of its temperate climate and enjoy a little beach time. South Pointe Beach and Key Biscayne are typically recommended as having the best views, but there are a ton of other options, too. If you want to be out but the beaches sound too touristy for you, try a walk along the very romantic pedestrian walkway on Lincoln Road. Or, opt for something more active with a bike ride around South Beach. Take a Nighttime Tour of the City If you're new to Miami and want to see a bit of the city, but hope to do so in a more romantic way, then a night tour seems like a good fit. This option from Big Bus will highlight the sexy and sultry aspects of Miami at night - including the evening illuminations that distinguish Miami's skyline. Of course, it's also a smart sightseeing opportunity, too, because the tour will showcase Miami's best landmarks and hotspots. It will give you some ideas for what to do the next day, too! Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there you have it. Our list of some romantic things to do in Miami, just in time for Valentine's Day. Remember, some of these great options are included on the pass for Miami by Go City®, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with your pass.
Katie Sagal

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