Free Family Activities in Key West

Lodging for big families in Key West can be expensive. To help your vacation budget go further, try these free activities in Key West.

 

Key West Nature Preserve
Located on Key West’s south side on the eastern end of Atlantic Avenue with two entrances, wooden walkways and trails lead visitors to a quiet strip of beach.

Key West Marine Park
There are four entrance: South Beach at the southern end of Duval St., Dog Beach at the end of Vernon Street, the Mary and John Spottswood Waterfront Park at the foot of Seminole Street, and Higgs Beach from Reynolds Street to White Street. Designated swim zones are provided for a safe swimming and snorkeling experience without danger from motorized vessels.These are excellent areas to learn how to snorkel and become familiar with snorkeling equipment before heading to the offshore reefs.

Mallory Square
This is the place to be for the daily Sunset Celebration. Festivities start two hours before sunset while people gather to watch the glowing pink and red sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico horizon. Many open-air performers offer plenty of entertainment to woo the crowd.

White Street Pier
This pedestrian pier extends hundreds yards over the Atlantic Ocean. Your family can enjoy trying to spot schools of fish in the water and watching the shore birds. Bring along some fishing rods to try your hand at hooking a small snapper, grunts, tarpon, or redfish.

Historic Seaport District
This former commercial-fishing harbor known locally as “the Bight” now hosts a multitude of restaurants, attractions and activities and take in some breathtaking views at the same time.

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center 
Enter the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center and take a journey into the world of the native plants and animals of the Keys, both on land and underwater. Leave with an increased awareness and appreciation of the need to protect and conserve the ecosystem of South Florida. Video Tour of Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

Historical Sculpture Garden
Learn about the men and women that have contributed to the history of Key West by walking the brick pathway through the garden and viewing the 36 bronze busts.

Smathers Beach
This half mile beach has restrooms, ample parking, concession stands, chair rentals, bike paths, picnic tables, volleyball nets, watersports rentals – jet skiiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.

Rest Beach
With soft sand and natural vegetation, this beach is wheelchair accessible. Restrooms are within walking distance. Picnic tables are available. Home of the White Street Pier.

Wildlife Rescue Center
The center rescues and rehabilitate sicks or injured native animals including wild birds, sea turtles, land turtles, marine mammals and land mammals. Entry is free but a donation is welcome.

Mile Marker 0
US 1 begins in Key West on Whitehead St and stretches almost 2400 miles north through 14 states up to Fort Kent, Maine.

Southernmost Point Monument
Located on the corner of South and Whitehead Street, this monument is a great photo op moment for the family.  At this point you are only 90 miles from Cuba.

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway
Take a road trip along this scenic highway. From north of Key Largo to Key West, this highway is an All-American Road. A total of 113 miles of roadway and 42 overseas bridges, leapfrogging form key to key in a series of giant arches of concrete and steel lead up to the mainland of Florida. The Overseas Highway has been named one of America’s most scenic drives and among the top 10 greatest drives in the United States.

Key West Historical Tour
Key West visitors can access the free phone tour by dialing 305-507-0300, and use its guidance and narration to discover the commemorated locations at their own pace. More than 50 sites have been commemorated with markers, they memorialize aspects of Key West’s colorful past including the cigar industry, literary community, Cuban heritage, Oversea Railway, early wrecking and shipwreck salvage industries, and military history.

Higg’s Beach
Located at the end of Reynold’s street, Higg’s Beach is a wide sandy beach with a long wooden pier. The beach’s amenities include restroom facilities, covered picnic tables, full service restaurant, playground, chair rentals, rafts and watersports rentals.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach
Although not free, at only $6.00 a vehicle for up to 8 people plus $.50 per person Monroe County surcharge, this is a fantastic place to be. You’ll spend hours exploring the historic fortress, guided tours are available. Completed in 1866, Fort Zachary Taylor played important roles in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. The beach provides opportunities for picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy a short nature trail and bicycling within the park. Restrooms are available.