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

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.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
key-west-famous-duval-street

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

tourists-travel-on-historic-orange-trolley

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

lake-sunset-woman-on-paddle-board

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

girl-on-bicycle-beach

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

kayak-keys-florida

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

parasailing-key-west-florida

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)

alligators-alligator-farm-florida

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

overhead-view-everglades-swamp-green-vegetation

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

Continue reading

Blog

Miami in September

Known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and perennially sunny disposition, Miami is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of the American south. September is a fantastic time to visit since it will be hot enough to enjoy all of the city’s wonderful outdoor attractions to their fullest. Still, Miami is much more than just a place for beach bunnies to wash their feet in the sand. From fantastic cultural amenities and hidden gems to great shopping opportunities and dining, the city has so much to offer for all types of travellers. If you’re planning to make a trip to Miami, and aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – that's where we come in. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are sharing some of our favorite things to do in the area. Let’s dive in! See the Sites Since Florida is well-recognized for its unusual subtropical climate and beautiful greenery, it only makes sense to visit one of the area’s wonderful botanical gardens. Standing out for its expansive collection of rare and exotic plants, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is recognized as one of the best parks of its kind. Established and opened to the public in 1938, this space works to showcase the unique collection of keen botanist David Fairchild, which was brought back from his travels. Throughout his lifetime, Fairchild brought over 200, 000 specimens back to the United States – many of which grow in the garden. Walking through the space, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful mixture of local and native flora. In addition, the site is home to the largest palm collection in America. Beautifully landscaped and meticulously cared for, each display is a total sight to behold. No doubt one of the most breathtaking places in all of Miami, this wonderful treasure trove of natural beauty is a total must-see. If you’re looking for something a little different, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Ranking way up high on our travel bucket list, Coral Castle is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and culture of the city at the same time. Sat just off the South Dixie Highway, this unique historic attraction draws in visitors for its beautiful handiwork as well as the mystery surrounding it. Built out of 1,100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, nobody is quite sure how the artist created this piece. As a result, this sculpture garden is not only a beautiful art piece but a weird and wonderful accomplishment that continues to stump its visitors. Though it has been decades since the artist’s passing, scientists, engineers and scholars still debate Leedskalnin’s creative process. Undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, this popular attraction is no doubt one of the most interesting stops in the city. Find Interesting Activities September has always been one of Miami’s hottest months. For those who have trouble dealing with all the heat and humidity, the city has plenty of great indoor activities to offer to keep you cool. If you’re looking for art and culture in the Magic City, Miami's museums are the perfect place to take refuge from the heat and soak up some knowledge at the same time. Just downtown, you’ll find the Pérez Art Museum, specializing in 20th- and 21st-century art from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Walking through the establishment, you’ll be able to enjoy a comprehensive collection of over 2,000 works covering a wide variety of styles. Highlights include seminal pieces by Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Both fun and interesting, the institute works to provide a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages. Though Miami is known for all of its glitz and glamor, the city has a grungier side that’s well worth checking out. Situated in the city’s coolest neighborhood, is a fantastic outdoor street museum showcasing bold and colorful works from some of the world’s finest graffiti artists. Spanning over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, the space works to spotlight alternative artists. At Wynwood Walls, you’ll see realist, surrealist, and pop art all in one space. To gain further insight into the artists and styles which are shown here, look for guided tours of the area. Since this spot is always transforming itself, you can visit over and over again and still be blown away each time. Don’t forget to bring a camera to catch some snaps of the incredible pieces! Relax! With daily high temperatures rarely falling below the mid-80s, September would be a great month for hitting the beach. Whilst Miami is home to a great number of legendary beaches, our favorite is always South Beach for its soft turquoise surf and sugar-sand shores. With a long history of glitz and glam, this beach is well known for drawing in visitors with its picturesque views. You might see modelling shoots whilst walking along the sand, or even recognize it from one of your favorite TV shows. Amongst the various things to do here, surfing, paddle boarding, longboarding, and sailing are all popular choices. A total crowd-pleaser, this place has long served as one of the city’s most beloved visitor attractions not only for its crystal-clear waters but also because of the area in which it is situated. Venture a little off from its pristine shores to enjoy fantastic Art Deco architecture and tempting eateries close by. We also recommend staying in the area come nightfall, since South Beach is a total hub for exciting nightlife hotspots. We think it’s safe to say that you’ll never be bored at South Beach. Forever fun and bursting with life, there’s no place quite like Miami. Once the heat cranks up, you’ll find tourists soaking up the sun and exploring the boardwalk at South Beach. Still, there are so many things to do in September, that it’s difficult to count. From interesting museums and historic sites to wonderful tropical gardens and outdoor exhibits, the city has a little something to offer everybody. Explore the city to its full potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
miami-beach-scene-drone-florida-usa
Blog

10+ Free Things to Do in Miami

Miami is more than just perfect weather, pristine beaches, and great nightlife, it's also a busy, multi-cultural metropolis with more to offer visitors than its beaches. Miami is the closest city in the US to the Caribbean – a metropolitan tropical paradise, right in the US. Despite what you may have heard about it being one of the most expensive cities in the US, there's no shortage of affordable and free things to do in Miami for a fun vacation. Our local experts put together a list of some of the best free things to do in Miami, all great suggestions that can help round out your vacation itinerary, including... Little Havana South Beach Lummus Park Beach South Pointe Park Gables Art Walk and more... Miami Art Museum Experience Miami's Museum Scene: Head to the Miami Art Museum between 1PM and 4PM on the second Saturday of the month, when it's free for families with children. It's a great opportunity to create art, enjoy exhibitions and learn something new with your kids. An organized family tour takes place at 2PM If you are in Miami during spring, try to get to the Miami Art Museum Family Festival, when the Miami-Dade Cultural Plaza is filled with art activities, entertainment, and games. South Beach Miami is known for its beaches and South Beach has something for everyone. If you have kids to entertain, South Pointe Park has a playground and splash fountain, and is the ideal setting for a picnic. If you want to escape the crowds for an hour or two, Miami Beach Botanical Garden has 4.5 acres filled with subtropical plants, right in the center of South Beach. Wander around the beautiful Art Deco hotels and houses, such as Casa Casuarina, the former home and murder site of fashion designer the late Gianni Versace. Follow the Art Deco District Walking Tour to make sure you do not miss any of these carefully preserved buildings. Many of the South Beach Museums offer free admission on certain days, including the Holocaust Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU Art Museum, and the Jewish Museum of Florida. Gables Art Walk Art lovers won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore some of Miami’s most inspiring art galleries along Ponce de Leon Boulevard. On the first Friday of every month, visitors can stroll through open galleries between 7-10PM to peruse a diverse selection of artistic projects. As a bonus, some galleries offer complimentary wine! There’s even a free trolley to take you between galleries. Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design Another popular destination for art lovers. Located in the historic Freedom Tower (itself a really cool site to see), this free museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art by both local and international artists. While exhibits change over quite often, they consistently represent artists with an international and multicultural aesthetic (evocative of Miami’s own diverse cultural landscape). Spanning a multitude of genres and forms, these exhibits are sure to delight and inspire. Holocaust Memorial This thought-provoking museum is always free to the public, so you can visit whenever it fits into your itinerary. The Holocaust Memorial serves as a testament to the millions who died as a result of the Holocaust. The memorial features a wall with the names of concentration camp victims, a reflecting pool that serves to provide solace to survivors and all those affected, a moving photographic mural, and many additional informative exhibits. They also offer a number of educational programs and special events, so it’s a great place to go to expose your kids to this important part of history. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts The Arsht Center is the largest performing arts center in the city with events running year-round. The venue hosts a variety of events, including musical concerts, plays, ballets, and lots of family-friendly events as well. This towering building itself stands out as it was designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli (known for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur). History Miami Delve into the history of the city of Miami itself at History Miami. This museum features a wide range of exhibits on Southern history, including always-rotating exhibits that provide fresh, new perspectives on Miami's unique history and culture, from past to present. Casa Bacardi Enjoy a bit of rum every now and then? Traveling with friends? Then why not tour the famous Casa Bacardi, home to the world-famous brand of rum? Daily tours are free and available to guests 21 and older. Explore the history and heritage of this long-running company, founded in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba. Take a tour behind the scenes to see how rum is produced, sample a few select products, and browse a charming history of their advertising campaigns. Biscayne National Park Family Fun Fest If you’re visiting Miami with the whole family, stop by this educational and fun Family Fun Fest. Held on the second Sunday of every month from December through April, this interactive outdoor program is free to all. Hands-on activities and nature interactions are only some of the many options open to your kids at this fun event. If you happen to miss the Fest, then Biscayne National Park is well worth exploring on its own merits! The Bayside Marketplace Located in Downtown Miami, the Bayside Marketplace is one of the best places to get views of Biscayne Bay. This enormous shopping complex hosts more than 150 upscale boutique shops worth visiting (even if just to look). Robert is Here No trip to Miami is complete without sampling some local produce! Head to the Robert is Here fruit stand, set up in 1959 by Robert Moehling to sell produce for his father, now a Miami icon. You'll get to see the farmer's market in action, buy fresh Miami produce from local vendors, and maybe even try a few free samples. The Biltmore Hotel Spa & Golf Club Of course, you can't stay at the hotel, get a massage, or play golf for free - but - the grounds of the hotel offer a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk with stunning Miami views located right in Coral Gables. The famous golf club opened in 1926 and features a 71-par golf course known for its doglegs. Fun fact – this is where the University of Miami golf teams practice. The historic hotel offers free tours on Sunday afternoons. Learn about the heritage of the establishment, a luxury locale that at one time hosted famous figures like Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, and even Al Capone. As one of the most visually striking hotels and renowned golf courses in the world, it's definitely worth a quick visit! Little Haiti Cultural Center Despite the large size of Miami, this is one of the only locations where you can experience the fusion of African, Caribbean, and Miami cultures in one place. Learn all about the cultural history of Miami through the center's art gallery, theater, and dance studios. This cultural center is very integrated with its communities, so you'll get to experience Miami's unique culture first-hand. A Way to Save on Ticketed Miami Attractions We know that this blog post is about listing the free things to do in Miami, but, are you looking to visit a few of the ticketed attractions during your vacation? Consider using a pass with Go City® - which includes free admission to dozens of the area's most popular attractions - all for one low price. See all available Miami attractions, passes & prices. With Go City® you can make savings on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Casey Makovich
Blog

Miami in February

Exciting and buzzing with life, Miami is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the United States – and with good reason. With daily high temperatures ranging around the mid-70s, February is a fantastic time to visit. This is perfect weather for strolls on the beach, a visit to the zoo, or exploring the city’s coolest neighborhoods. With so much to see, do and experience, you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – we’ve done all the research for you. Have a read through our comprehensive list of the best things to do in Miami in spring. No matter how you choose to spend your time in the Magic City, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! See the Sites One to definitely add to the top of the travel bucket list is witnessing the majesty of nature close up. With its fantastic tropical climate and undeniably beautiful greenery, Miami presents some of the best zoological gardens in America. Blending the beautiful backdrop of Miami with incredible exotic creatures, Jungle Island delivers the best of both worlds and more. This place has been delighting animal lovers from near and far since 1936, making it our top recommendation for those looking to see some of the natural world’s most impressive specimens. The site has over 3, 000 animals to show, and over 100 exhibits to be enjoyed. Formerly known as ‘’Parrot Jungle’’, you can expect to see a lot of interesting birds in more varieties than you ever thought existed. This place is also home to Miami’s only private beach, which functions as a kids’ waterpark. The park features obstacle courses, riptide rapids, slides, and a climbing wall to keep the little ones occupied – as if the colorful animals weren’t enough! A thoroughly captivating and magical experience for those of all ages, this one should rank way up high on the itinerary. Whilst travelling, one of the best ways to appreciate the area is by visiting a public garden. Our top pick of Miami’s best green spaces has got to be Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for its unique collection of exotic flora. This historic garden is home to some beautiful plants and rare specimens which have been carefully cultivated since the mid-1900s. Spanning over 83 acres of land, this must-see attraction offers a fully immersive rainforest experience for you and your loved ones. Walking through the site, you’ll be able to enjoy thousands of types of plants you wouldn’t normally get to see. In addition, the site is home to the largest palm collection in America, as well as the biggest collection of tropical bamboo in the world. Walking through the site, you’ll also be able to view a lot of interesting wildlife which thrives there, including fish, birds, lizards and crocodiles. Perhaps most captivating, though, is the garden’s small butterfly emporium, with countless species to be enjoyed. No doubt one of the most serene spaces in the city, this place works to showcase the true beauty and wonder of the natural world in all its glory. We recommend setting aside a whole day for this if you’re looking to cover the whole space. Learn Something New The best vacation memories aren’t accordingly made when you’re just kicking back. For those who are looking to incorporate education into their travel experience, we recommend checking out the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum. Both inspiring and fun, this place works well to explain a wide range of topics for a broad audience. The institute houses both a planetarium and an aquarium – so there’s a little something for everybody here. Go back in time to explore the wonders of the natural world. Learn about the amazing story of evolution from start to finish. Or hear about the development and future of scientific discovery. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Some of the best trips include a day at the museum. If you’re looking for art and culture in Miami, look no further than the Pérez Art Museum. Situated just downtown, the institute has long served as the perfect spot for creative and intellectual thought. The gallery’s ongoing core collection draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural diversity, while you’ll find many rotating exhibits focusing on important social topics. In total, the museum has over 2, 000 pieces, covering a wide range of styles. In its unique and impressive repository, you'll find everything from avant-garde and surrealist paintings to modern and contemporary sculptures. Famous artists featured here include Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. For anybody wanting to squeeze in a little bit of education on their travels, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day. Try Something Different Whether or not you consider yourself a spiritual person, there’s something quite special about visiting sacred sites on your trip. Standing out as the oldest visitor attraction in the city by a long shot, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is not only a mesmerizingly beautiful place to spend the day but well-recognized for its fascinating and storied past. Construction for this unique site began in 1133 AD, near northern Spain. For nearly 700 years following the initial construction, the monastery was run by Cistercian monks. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the monastery first landed on American soil, after being deconstructed brick by brick. By the mid-twentieth century, two entrepreneurs had decided to buy the stones to put back together, one by one, with the intention of building a tourist attraction – the Ancient Spanish Monastery as it is now known. The attraction has been branded as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’ by Time Magazine, and we can certainly see why! Though the site’s past is pretty far-fetched, the monastery retains much of its architectural excellence. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to appreciate its hand-carved columns, sweeping arches, and beautiful shrines. No doubt one of the most unbelievable attractions in the city, this place is definitely worth a visit. We love Miami. Forever fun and bursting with cool things to do, the city lures those from near and far and its beautiful weather and beachy vibes. 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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.