A Key West Travel Guide
Explore a Variety of Key West Attractions
The Florida Keys are famous worldwide for their natural beauty, superb weather, unmatched fishing and diving, and exciting nightlife. Use our Key West travel guide to explore the renowned region, with its fascinating historic district and bustling waterfront.
Adventure Activities in Key West and the Florida Keys
Guests at Parrot Key Hotel & VIllas will find an endless array of Key West attractions, many of them related to the gorgeous waters that surround the historic city. Our staff can help make arrangements for an extensive variety of fun-filled activities, from fishing and scuba diving to eco tours and boat rentals.
Watersports
The Florida Keys are synonymous with the excitement of watersports. Our on-site rental services can provide you with jet skis and kayaks to investigate the inviting waters of Key West. If you would prefer to rent your own boat, enjoy a sunset dinner cruise, or relish a bird's eye view of Key West while parasailing, our staff can make the appropriate arrangements.
Gulf Coast Fishing
Key West offers some of the finest fishing in the world. Ernest Hemingway fished these waters for giant blue marlin and tarpon as do locals and visitors every day. Bring your own boat or let an experienced captain help you hone your skills flats fishing or deep sea fishing.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Whether you are an experienced diver or a snorkeling novice, the beautiful reefs of the Florida Keys await. Thousands of tropical fish, plants and marine life can be found in the waters near Key West, one of the most popular diving spots in the world and home to the third largest barrier reef on the planet.
Coral Reefs
Inner Reefs are suitable for both divers and snorkelers, abundant in both coral and marine life. Depths vary from 3-30ft. The 35-40ft depths of the Outer Reefs offer opportunities for larger pelagic fish sighting and large gorgonians, sea fans, soft corals and sponges.
Wreck Dives
Joe's Tug lies at a depth of 60 to 65ft. Home to moray eels and fish, this is an easy dive for both beginners and experienced divers. The vessel is surrounded by soft and hard coral formations and large sponges.
Cayman Salvage-Master is a 180-foot steel-hulled buoy tender sunk in 1985 and offers diving opportunities at 70 to 80 feet. This is a great place to see large jewfish and moray eels.
Eco Tours
Key West and the Florida Keys are a unique ecological region. Back country eco tours can introduce you to the area's one-of-a-kind flora and fauna. Contact Parrot Key staff to book an eco tour with the best tour providers in the Keys.
Beaches
Every year, Key West attracts sun-worshippers and adventure-seekers to its beautiful beaches, including Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach, Higg's Beach and Smather's Beach, all offering a variety of activities and amenities. Check with the Parrot Key staff to find out which beach best meets your needs.
Key West Tourism Activities (more information available through our front desk)
- Mallory Square for sunset entertainment
- Dry Tortugas Civil War Fort visited by seaplane or boat (link to sites)
- Kayaking the mangrove Islands of the keys
- Bike rentals and tours
- Glass Bottom boat tours, and sunset cruises or sunset sails can be arranged through our front desk
- Key West Cemetery offers a colorful glimpse of the past
- Southernmost Point is a traditional photo op spot
- Golf at Key West Golf Club
- Moped/Scooter Rentals can be arranged
Museums
Key West offers a variety of museums where natural history, culture, art and local history can be explored, including:
- Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
- East Martello Museum
- Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
- Harry S. Truman Little White House Museum
- Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum
- Key West Art & Historical Society in the Custom House
- Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society & Museum
- Pirate Soul Museum
- Wrecker's Museum
- The Custom’s House museum
Family Fun
These signature Key West attractions provide entertainment for children and adults alike:
- Key West Aquarium
- Nature and Butterfly Conservatory
- Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society & Museum
- Pirate Soul Museum
- Conch Train Tour
- Fort Zachary State Park, Beach and Picnic Area
Group Retreats & Room Blocks
For small group functions including bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday getaways, anniversary celebrations, and more, we have you covered with cozy one, two, and three-bedroom accommodations to house parties of all sizes.