Your first free stop should be the Key West web site.
Here, you can find links and information for most attractions.
There are many things to enjoy in Key West that are absolutely free. Here are a few of my favorites:
Mallory Square
Key West’s Mallory Square is famous for the many street performers that gather on the docks and sidewalks every evening to entertain and to help celebrate the evening’s famous sunset. There are people performing various acts or playing music for your entertainment. We saw jugglers, and outrageous tricks performed on unicycles. There were escape artists, and people walking on glass and lying down on nails. Many of the performances encourage onlooker involvement. We even saw a show put on by trained kitties. There are just too many performances to list them all, and change all the time. My favorite was the girl that had painted herself all white and was dressed like a Grecian statue. We must have passed by her two times before we realized she was alive! Amazing control is all I can say . . . and beautiful! These are local people that entertain for tips. You are not required to tip, so the shows are free, but keep in mind; the people here work for tips only.
Historical Sculpture Garden
Visit the Historical Sculpture Garden and see the 36 bronze busts along the brick pathways. These are busts of men and women that have contributed to the history of Key West. There is one sculpture that does not have a bust on it for photo taking. Of course, we did that, too!
Key West has it’s own South Beach and it is the favorite beach of the locals. It is a very nice beach, with clean sand. The water did not get deep too quick so it would be great for kiddies. However, when we were there, there was a problem with Portuguese Man-O-War jellyfish and you could not swim for the first week we were there. It is at the end of Duval Street. No restrooms here.
Dog Beach
This is just what it sounds like. This is the pooches’ favorite beach, with lots of climbing rocks. Right at the corner of Vernon and Waddell by Louie’s Backyard.
Smathers Beach
This is a small half-mile beach. There are restrooms on this beach as well as concession stands and picnic tables. When we were there, there was a volleyball net set up on the beach.
Rest Beach
This beach was suggested to us for fishing, but we never made it here. The sands are said to feel nice and soft and restrooms are nearby. I heard the fishing is great here. Located at the end of White Street.
Wildlife Rescue Center
This is an awesome place to visit. There is no admission, but they do apporeciate donations. All of the wildlife they rescue is harbored here until they are well enough to release. Kids and animal lovers will really enjoy this. Located on White and Atlantic Street in the McCoy Park.
Duval Street
Where it all happens! For a good time, just walk up and down Duval Street! You will see something different every time! The most famous street in Key West, the heart of every thing that goes on. This is a link to the Duval Street web cam.
Mile Marker 0
Do not leave Key West without a picture of you beside the US 1 Zero Mile Marker. This is a must have for you photo album. You can find this on Whitehead Street.
Southernmost Point Monument
Located on the corner of South and Whitehead Street, this is another photo op you must complete for your photo album. The monument declares you are standing at the southernmost point and are only 90 miles from Cuba.
Key West Cemetery
Gruesome to some, and interesting to others, there is a ton of history to be found by touring the cemetery.
Bingo
Play bingo on Sundays at 4:30. There is no cover here and all proceeds go to local charities. This is great fun. Bingo is called by local Drag Queens. 801 Bar located, you guessed it- 801 Duval Street.
Key West Botanical Garden
We found this on Stock Island just off of College Road. It is a beautiful garden and is open to the public.
Tennis
There are some pretty good tennis courts at Astro Park. We found the courts across from Higgs Beach. There are six courts that are well lit. I am pretty sure they are open 24/7.
Writers Guild
Meet every other Sunday at Kelly’s Caribbean Bar at 303 Whitehead Street. I would suggest checking ahead of time in case meeting times or place has changed.
Bike Riding
Bring your bike and enjoy the many miles of free biking on low traffic bike paths. Our favorite was the trail at the Sugarloaf Lodge, Mile Marker 17 on Sugarloaf Key. It is a 15 mile round trip path.
There are so many things to do in Key West both free and for a fairly modest entry fee. Two weeks is not too long or too short a visit. You just don’t get bored with the laid-back lifestyle, and find yourself willing to “chuck it all” and never leave!
I also have a great review of the best eating places in Key West. If I have missed something, leave me a comment for others to see.
