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
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

image
Blog

Things to do in Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami Set along the southeastern coastline, Miami is a sprawling tourist hub drawing in millions of visitors each year – and with good reason. At its core, downtown is a modern and culturally-rich area perfect for exploring on foot. Interesting activities to do here run the gamut – known particularly for its wealth of fantastic galleries, theaters, event venues and more, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing great things to do here. Still, daunted by the prospect of figuring out the best things to do in downtown Miami? Don’t worry – we've done all the research for you! So, grab a notepad and get ready to jot some things down. We promise that you won’t regret it. Find Fun Activities Lively and bursting with culture, downtown is one of the best places for getting in touch with the local art scene. There are countless fantastic galleries in this area of the city, but our favorite has got to be Pérez Art Museum for its unique and well-established collection of 20th- and 21st-century art. The institute’s small but carefully considered collection features around 2000 works from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Walking around the institute, you’ll be able to view seminal pieces from many recognizable names, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Christo and Jean-Claude. Make sure to stop by the gift shop, where you’ll find great homewares, stationery and posters to bring home with you. A fantastic stop for all art lovers, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Those who are travelling with family might be looking for great stops to please the kids. Downtown Miami is filled with some fantastic crowd-pleasers, but none are quite greater than Bayside Marketplace. Much more than just a mall, this enormous entertainment complex has pretty much everything you could ask for all in one space. For shopping addicts, there are of course countless stores ranging from popular high-street brands to designer boutiques. In addition, this place veers off from the typical mall experience, but in a totally great way with live music and events each day. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, you’ll be able to kick back and chill at some of its many waterside cafes and restaurants out by the marina. Perfect for those travelling in groups, this place has a lot to give. Learn Something New Though downtown is known as Miami’s financial district, it has much to offer for sightseers. For those looking to incorporate learning into their vacation experience, we recommend heading over to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum, which is well-recognized for its broad range of engaging and educational exhibits. This place has both a planetarium and aquarium, so you know that there’s a whole lot to see and do here. The institute’s exhibitions cover everything from the Ice Age and dinosaurs to the future of scientific discovery. In addition, this place has special family workshops and mini-me science sessions, making it a great place to take the kids. As fun as it is fascinating, the museum works to provide an exciting educational experience for those of all ages. Some of the best trips include a day or more spent in the halls of a museum. There are many great cultural institutions in downtown Miami, but if you’re looking to learn more about the background of the area, the HistoryMiami Museum is the place to be. The institute is the largest history museum in the state of Florida, and one of the most popular visitor attractions in this part of town. Upon entrance, visitors can learn about the city’s fascinating origins, going back over 12,000 years. Within the institute’s expansive collection, you can see photographs, paintings, artefacts and artwork showcasing the development of the city. There’s truly no better place for travellers interested in social and archaeological growth. Soak Up the Sun Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami is well-recognized for its year-round beautiful weather and lush greenery. If you’re looking to take advantage of the city’s wonderful natural attributes, look no further than Virginia Key Outdoor Center. Kayak your way through a secluded tropical lagoon. Get up close with a real-life manatee. Or simply rent a bike and explore downtown on your own. This place offers a wide array of options as well as lessons for beginners, so don’t worry if you’re not quite the sporty type. We recommend that if you’re planning to try your hand at something sporty in Miami, take a lot of water and sunscreen to keep comfortable and hydrated. Great for all nature lovers, this place works to highlight the intrinsic beauty of the area whilst getting our adrenaline pumping! One of the biggest draws of the Miami area is its beach scene. The city boasts countless wonderful seaside attractions to be explored, but if we’re talking about those specifically in the downtown district, then Hobie Island Beach Park is a total winner. Whilst you won’t quite be able to sprawl out on a lounge chair with a podcast here, this spot is perfect for a breath of fresh air and soaking up the sun. The park also grants spectacular views of downtown skyscrapers across the bay – perfect for taking some fun vacation snaps! If you’re looking to get active, you’ll find that surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and boating are all popular activities here. We recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area, since there are plenty of stores, restaurants and bars to be enjoyed. Miami is a city that urbanites and nature lovers can both appreciate. Downtown has an authentic cultural buzz that you won’t find in any other district. With a vibrant mix of the old and the new, this exciting walkable neighborhood is perfect for spending time with friends and family. Whether you’re a history buff, a shopping addict, or an outdoorsy type, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’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
Best Beaches in Miami
Blog

Best Beaches in Miami

If you're looking for the best beaches in Miami, check out our picks and find the perfect place to get your sun, sand, and sea fix! Including: South Beach Bal Harbour Beach Mid-Beach Sunny Isles Beach Soho Beach House and more! Can you swim in Miami beaches? Yes, you can swim at any of Miami's beaches. Some may be cleaner than others, but you're free to frolic in any of them! What month can you swim in Miami? If you're hitting Miami's beach scene between April and October, you'll experience the warmest seas on offer, making it the perfect time to go for a dip. Even in the off-season, the further south you head, the warmer you'll find the water. What beach do Miami locals go to? Generally, South Beach is Miami's most popular beach for both tourists and locals alike. This is likely due to the sheer volume of hotels you'll find along the waterfront, coupled with the number of bars, clubs, and other hangouts that call it home. Best Beaches in Miami: South Beach We couldn't start anywhere else, really. In the vibrant realm of South Beach, you'll discover an array of immaculately chiseled people, luxurious automobiles, daring swimsuits, and captivating Art Deco architecture. This renowned two-mile expanse of pristine white sand constitutes Florida's most renowned beachfront. Additionally, this area encompasses Lummus Park, home to 18 volleyball courts and two open-air fitness facilities, making it the perfect beach for activity-seekers. Beyond this bustling hub, locals often prefer the tranquility of the beachfront south of Fifth Street, away from the myriad hotels and tourists, where ample space remains for anyone seeking to lay down their beach towel. Best Beaches in Miami: Bal Harbour Beach Bal Harbour is one of Miami's most upmarket neighborhoods, so you probably have some idea of what to expect from its accompanying beach: designer garb, expensive boats, and plenty of money being flashed about. If you feel like your current attire makes you stand out like a sore thumb, fear not. Bal Harbour Mall is a hop, skip, and jump from the beachfront, where you can burn hundreds if not thousands of dollars on swimwear, sunglasses, and other accessories that'll help you fit right in. Is it worth it? Only you can be the judge of that! Best Beaches in Miami: Mid-Beach Mid-Beach is the home of Miami's most chic and upscale hotels, attracting the city's fashionistas and more 'distinguished' travelers who want to avoid the crowds of South Beach. As such, expect hefty displays of wealth, a largely international audience, and plenty of people spending their time at exclusive hotel beach clubs instead of the sand itself, meaning you should get a tanning spot rather easily. Best Beaches in Miami: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park At first, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park might seem a bit unassuming. However, look beneath the surface, and you'll find some of the best hiking trails in Miami. They'll take you along the nearby beach, through the park, and then emerge above the city, giving you some of the best views of Miami around. Regularly receiving plaudits as one of America's best beaches, it's the perfect city respite for active couples or families looking to beat the crowds. Best Beaches in Miami: Sunny Isles Beach Bordered by serene, sapphire waters and offering respite from the bustling crowds, this two-mile stretch of Miami beach is the epitome of chill. Here, you'll find predominantly residential condos of varying shapes and sizes, though the residents don't flood the sand like they do in South Beach. As such, Sunny Isles Beach is far enough away from the busier beaches that it's ideal for families and couples who just want a beautiful beach without the White Claws and EDM. Best Beaches in Miami: 12th Street Beach 12th Street Beach is your one-stop destination for LGBTQ+ fun, as it's the destination for gay beach revelers. If you're looking for a party vibe, you'll get it at 12th Street Beach. Bluetooth speakers, BBQs, and myriad six-packs supplement the fun, and after dark, the nearby Nathan's Beach Club comes to life with cocktails, smooth jams, and plenty of loungers. If you're looking for a laid-back time, it's best to head somewhere else. Best Beaches in Miami: Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Miami's Four Seasons Hotel has hosted some of the most recognizable faces of the 20th Century, having put up the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and Winston Churchill over the years. The hotel is a mainstay of the Miami skyline, but it's the location's Surf Club, which only opened a few years ago, which takes center stage on this list. Found on the hotel's exclusive stretch of beach, it's a little slice of tropical paradise reserved for guests. Though, if you have the cash to splash, staying at the Four Seasons might be a treat in itself. The Surf Club is just the icing on the cake, allowing you that cocktail-sipping beach experience typically found in the Caribbean. Best Beaches in Miami: Haulover Naturist Beach If you're looking to let it all hang out in Miami, Haulover Naturist Beach is the one for you. And, as Florida's oldest official nudist beach, you'll be in good company. It might not be the place to take the kids, unless you're alright with bits and bobs free from the prison of clothing. Best Beaches in Miami: Soho Beach House If you've not heard of Soho House, it's a chain of exclusive 'resorts' found all over the world. Built for media personalities, it foregoes a dress code (and actively bans suits and ties) for a laid-back escape for people in and around show business to grab a drink, relax on a rooftop, and avoid the prying eyes of journos, and the macho bravado of finance bros. Miami has its very own location called Soho Beach House, where you can grab a drink, a bite to eat and beat the crowds in its exclusive surroundings. But don't worry; even if you're not a member, you get access if you stay over at Soho Beach House's hotel. And those are our picks of the best beaches in Miami! If you're looking to see the best experiences that Miami has to offer during your stay, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of Miami's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Blog

Miami in April

Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami has long served as one of America’s most popular tourist destinations. A quintessential Floridian beach city, the area is known for its sugar-sand shores, tropical climate and Latin-America influences. Still, Miami is much more than just a haven for seaside lovers. When visitors aren’t at the beach, you’ll find them enjoying the city’s fantastic cultural amenities, delicious cuisine, and non-stop nightlife. From classical architecture and botanical gardens to zoological parks and hidden gems, there’s so much to see and do here. Trust us when we say that the city has much to offer visitors of all persuasions. If you’re making your way to Miami and don’t quite know where to start, have a read through our comprehensive list of things to do in the area. However you choose to enjoy the Magic City, we’re sure it’ll be just wonderful! See the Sites Who doesn't love a zoo - are we right? The perfect stop for all animal lovers, Zoo Miami works to educate its visitors about conservation and cultivate curiosity in the natural world. First established in 1948, this place is well-recognized as the oldest and largest zoologist garden in Florida. Occupying a whopping 750 acres, the institute is home to over 3, 000 animals across 500 species. Highlights include jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and more. And for those who can’t quite get enough of their favorite furry friends, this place also has live educational shows, guided zoo tours, and feedings. Additionally, there are dining options, picnic areas, kids’ playgrounds and great shopping opportunities to enhance your visit. There are endless amounts of fun to be had here, but keep in mind that a day at the zoo can be quite tiresome. We recommend wearing your comfiest walking shoes, and taking a lot of sunscreen with you. A total crowd-pleaser and classic Miami attraction, this place provides a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages. If you’re looking for fun day trips, look no further than Miami Seaquarium. Whether you’re just curious or looking to unlock that sense of childhood wonder, the institute works to provide the perfect environment for learning and adventure. Brimming with beautiful and intelligent sea creatures of all kinds, this place provides a comprehensive glimpse of what life looks like under the sea. No, really - trust us when we say that there’s plenty to do and see here. In fact, at 10, 000 specimens, the institute’s expansive repository stands as one of the largest collections of marine animals in the world. Enjoy the scenic wonders of some of your favorite aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures, including jellyfish, sharks, penguins, orcas, and much more. Get up-close encounters with dolphins and experience their mysterious intelligence firsthand. As fascinating as it is fun, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Get to Know the Area The weather in April is sunny and warm without being too humid, making it a great time to enjoy the best of Miami’s outdoor attractions. For nature lovers, we highly recommend checking out Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Established in 1936, this historic landscape showcases the rare and exotic plant collection of avid botanist and plant explorer David Fairchild. Throughout the first half of the twentieth century, Fairchild brought more than 200, 000 plants to the United States, many of which thrive on site. Walking through the gardens, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful flower beds, vines, and many magnificent species of trees. In addition, the space is home to the largest palm collection in the United States. Meticulously planted and well-curated, the displays are a total sight to behold. Those looking to take some time away from the city couldn’t find anywhere better. Though you might know Miami for its white sandy beaches and warm weather, the city’s art scene is well worth checking out. The perfect stop for all creative types, Wynwood Walls is one of the best places in the city to view the work of some of the world's top urban artists. Bold murals dot the city’s walls, giving insight into the local community and art community. Spanning over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, this unique exhibit works to showcase original talent from America and around the globe. Featuring better-known artists like Shepard Fairey, as well as the work of new innovators in the graffiti world, the exhibit is widely appreciated for its craft and message. A total Instagrammer’s dream, this quirky and vibrant spot is great for a casual day trip. Take time to explore the surrounding area, since there are great eateries, bars and stores to be explored. Learn about the City Those looking to learn more about the background of the area might appreciate the next item on our list. Combining history, culture and architecture, the Ancient Spanish Monastery works to preserve and educate its visitors about the structure’s unique design. Billed as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’ by Time Magazine, the building has seen a rather interesting past. Whilst construction began in 1133 AD near northern Spain, it wasn’t until the mid-twentieth century that pieces of the building were brought over to America to be made into a tourist attraction. Today, the structure stands as a fine example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to enjoy hand-carved columns, sweeping arches and beautiful shrines. April is a great time to visit, since you’ll be able to stroll around the monastery’s beautiful gardens in comfort and admire their great beauty. With its exquisite presence and astonishing history, the monastery offers a one-of-a-kind visual experience to remember. Full disclosure: we love Miami! The best things to do in the city run the gamut – from seriously fun to highly educational, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. If you’re an artsy type, Wynwood Walls would be your best bet. For animal lovers, Zoo Miami couldn’t be a finer choice. Or if you’re looking to see some stunning architecture, there’s no better place in the city than the Ancient Spanish Monastery. Trust us, with so many incredible things to do here you’ll never be bored. Explore Miami to its fullest 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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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