Unique Things to do in Key West
If you are looking for some truly unique experiences to do during your visit to Key West, you have come to the right place! Key West is one of my favorite destinations! There is never a dull moment in Key West, unless you want there to be! There are so many cool things to see and do, delicious restaurants, and happening bars. One of my favorite things about Key West is how inclusive it is to all walks of life- and that gives Key West such a joyful vibe. These 7 activities will help make your trip to Key West one that you won’t forget!
Unique Things to do in Key West:
Take a Sunset Cruise
Obviously, many tropical destinations offer sunset cruises, but you will soon see what makes Danger Charter’s sunset cruise a unique thing to do in Key West. Danger Charter’s Wind and Wine Sunset sail is perfection. Board a schooner and watch as the crew hoists the sails as you prepare to literally sail off into the sunset. Once the ship is underway, sit back and relax as the crew serves fancy appetizers and beverages as they share stories of their sailing adventures with you. While on board you can taste up to 8 different wines from all over the world. If wine isn’t your thing, then there are also 5 different beers. This cruise is great for groups and couples alike. Enjoy meeting new people, or just spending some incredibly romantic time with your loved one as the sun melts into the ocean!
Learn to make a perfect Mojito
Key West is the nearest point in the United States to Cuba. Many Cubans came to Key West looking for a safe place during the Cuban Revolution, so there is a lot of Cuban influence in Key West. Therefore, the next unique thing you should do is visit the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery and learn how to make a genuine Cuban Mojito. No using Sprite in these mojitos- no sirree! In fact, our instructor said that if the bartender is using Sprite to make your mojito you should run out of that bar! In the class you learn to make a perfect Mojito using Demerara sugar crystals, Kermit’s key lime juice, fresh mint, and sparkling water, and of course, rum! Included in the class is a mojito tumbler, muddler, and bar spoon. You will need to visit Key West and take the class to get the exact recipe!
The Key West First Legal Rum Distillery was the original location of Jack’s Saloon in 1900. The location became a Coca-Cola bottling facility in 1903. Finally, in 2012 the distillery became….you guessed it! The first legal rum distillery in Key West. One thing that makes the rum made here unique is that they use Demerara sugar crystals from Florida in their rum instead of molasses. Apparently molasses has a lot of impurities, so by using these special sugar crystals, they claim that their rums don’t cause a hang over! Be sure to visit the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery to learn how to make the perfect Cuban Mojito, and to taste their unique rums!
Visit the Fort East Martello Museum
Visiting the Fort East Martello museum in Key West may just be the MOST unique thing to do in Key West on this list, because who wants to go to a museum when your in a tropical location? Am I right? Well…Key West has a lot of tales hauntings and ghost stories associated with it. One of these stories is about a haunted doll named Robert. Robert is a cloth doll, about 3 feet tall, and dressed in a sailor suit. He was given to a child, Gene Otto, in Key West by a family servant in the late 1800’s. The story goes that any time something bad happened in the house, Gene would say that Robert did it. Gene’s parents would say that they heard Gene talking to Robert, and then would hear someone answer back in a completely different voice.
The strange thing was, Gene would not be parted from Robert. After he got married, Robert still lived with Gene and his wife. Robert made Gene’s wife uneasy, so she made him lock Robert in the attic. Soon footsteps and devilish giggling was heard in the attic. More strange events followed and you can read the whole story here. After hearing this story on a podcast that I listen to, I just knew I had to go to the Fort East Martello museum and visit Robert the doll and see him for myself. If you visit, be sure to ask Robert before taking his picture. If you make him angry you could be cursed…
Fish, then Eat your Catch
I have to admit, the fishing part of this heading was not something I did. I went shopping. But, I did whole heartedly participate in the eating your catch part. I definitely would have went fishing, but the guys seemed to need to do their thing for a bit, and us girls needed to do our thing…you get it. When we met back up to eat what our men had caught it was one of the most delicious meals of the trip! The best part is that DNA Backcountry Outfitters prepares all the food for you. If you aren’t an expert in how to clean fish- this is definitely the way to go! You can contact Captain Dave Irwin at 305-393-6020. They are based out of Hurricane Hole Marina, and offer snorkeling, beach hopping, and dolphin watching trips as well.
Learn to Make Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie is the quintessential dessert in Key West. It is made from a tiny lime known as the Key Lime that grows in the region. You can go behind the scenes at the Key West Key Lime Pie Co. and learn to make a mini version of their award winning Key Lime Pie! For $20, you can go back in the Key West Key Lime Pie Co. kitchen and be taught to make key lime pie from an expert. The best part is you get to eat your creation! This would be a really fun thing to do with your kids!
Key West is one of a kind in so many ways. You can definitely go there and just be yourself- it is one of the most inclusive places I’ve ever been. It is also so much fun with restaurants and bars galore! Hopefully, trying some of the unique activities on this list will make your trip a memorable one!
*Note: This Post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Also on the blog…
Jess
I'm a pharmacist who has a passion for traveling. I enjoy reading, cooking, sports, learning new things, and history. I love traveling with my husband, Travis, and 3 sons: Austin, Drew, and Spencer.
3 Comments
Amanda
I wasn’t aware of many of these things to do in Key West. Some fun ideas for if and when we visit! I’m not sure I’ll be visiting the doll though. That is a little too creepy for me!
Jess
Key West is one of my favorite places to visit! So many fun things to do!
Pingback: