This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you.
Key West is quirky and fun, and this list of 9 unique things to do in Key West is going to showcase just that! This list includes things that are unique to Key West, as well as a few things that you may not typically see on your standard “things to do in Key West” itineraries.
Unique things to do in Key West
Butterfly Conservatory
Have you ever experienced a butterfly conservatory? If not, then add the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to your list of unique things to do in Key West.
With approximately 60 different species of butterflies and over 20 species of exotic birds, this conservatory is a treasure trove for nature lovers.
As butterflies of all sizes fly all around (and maybe even on) you, you’ll certainly get absorbed by their beauty. Because this activity is in a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat it makes it a great thing to do in Key West when it’s raining too!
Get Kino sandals
KINO Sandals is a well-known name around Key West. It’s a family-owned and run business that has been offering handcrafted sandals since 1966.
The sandals are made with natural leather and you can find a range of styles, all of which are meticulously handcrafted. The best part is these long-lasting, comfy sandals are pretty dang affordable!
They have men’s, women’s, and children’s options. Be sure to check them out, and take home your own unique (functional) Key West souvenir.
Dry Tortuga
If you have the chance during your visit to Key West, experiencing Dry Tortugas is unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced. The place is made up of several small islets famed for their coral, laid-back beaches, and unrivaled snorkeling spots.
Besides being popular for unique beauty and solitude, it’s also a locale with deep history. Garden Key has the largest brick masonry edifice, Fort Jefferson. If a stunning lighthouse and sea turtles are more appealing be sure to check out Loggerhead Key.
To get to Dry Tortugas you’ll need to board a ferry, charter a private boat, or take a seaplane. Because of this, it means accessing the archipelago is an adventure in itself.
If you do plan to visit Dry Tortugas, beware that it will take up a good chunk of time, as well as cost a pretty penny. From what I have heard, the experience is well worth the expense.
The cheapest option is this day tour which includes snorkeling equipment, round-trip ferry service, breakfast, and lunch, as well as the park fee.
Comedy Club
While visiting a Comedy Club isn’t exactly a unique activity in itself, it is kind of something unique to do in Key West as it’s rarely mentioned on compiled lists of things to do in Key West.
The cool thing about America’s southernmost comedy club, Comedy Key West, is you get to witness local talent. Comedy Key West is actually the only comedy club in all of the Florida Keys!
Along with local talent, they also showcase different national headliners weekly, and even have events like Paint ‘N Chug (because who actually sips) and open mic night!
Southernmost Point
How cool is it that you can say you’ve been to the southernmost point in the mainland United States? Be sure to visit and snap a pic of you at the Southernmost Point Buoy which marks the spot.
This spot just so happens to be one of America’s most visited and photographed sights! Be warned though the line gets extremely long starting pretty early.
Chocolate-dipped key lime pie on a stick
Having key lime pie in Key West is definitely a necessity. But take it to the next level by having a chocolate-dipped key lime pie on a stick from Kermit’s.
I’ll admit it, I wasn’t a key lime person until Key West. But boy am I converted! Kermit’s key lime pie was truly an amazing experience, and while you can have it shipped to you anywhere in the US, nothing beats having it right in The Keys.
Visit The Smallest Bar
This quirky little spot is a must-stop on your Key West Duval crawl (which I assume you’ll be partaking in). It’s located right in the heart of Duval Street and is officially the smallest bar in Key West, and one of the smallest bars in the US (and the world!).
Its’ website raves it’s 72 square feet, just about the size of a prison cell! Stop by and grab a key lime pie shot 😉
Latitudes
If you want to do this unique Key West experience be sure to make reservations months in advance. Latitudes is a romantic, private, and remote restaurant located at Sunset Key Cottages.
The only way you can get here is by boat. Once you arrive you get to dine outdoors with coastal views while enjoying dishes from their ever-evolving menu which incorporates locally sourced fresh fish and tropical fruit.
I mean, have you ever had to take a boat to get to the island where your dinner reservations were?
Conch Tour Train
The world-famed Conch Train offers you a great opportunity to explore Key West in a unique way. This tour is at the top of the list for people visiting the island for the first time.
You’ll even get to see what used to be Ernest Hemingway’s and Harry Truman’s hang-out spots back in the day. It’s the contrast between this 1900 train and the present modern views that will make this tour special.
The Conch Train tour lasts 75 minutes, yet manages to pack in a lot of interesting attractions. You’ll get to learn fascinating history, fun facts, and folklore about the island from this narrated tour!
Now that you know some of the unique things that give Key West its charm, which activity are you going to do first?! Be sure to check out some of my other Florida posts before you go:
BEST Restaurants in Clearwater Beach
