It is no secret that Key West is a pricey destination, but these 5 free things to do in Key West will fit in every traveler’s budget. Accommodation and activities are easily the priciest part of a vacation and costs can quickly add up! A decent three star hotel will average more than $300 per night. Even affordable ‘backpacker’ accommodations are pricey and less than desirable. Small sailboats with no bathrooms can be rented for up to $200 per night and campgrounds will charge around $80 for a tent site. Some of the most expensive activities in Key West include sunset sails, dinner cruises, and visiting Dry Tortugas National Park by ferry or seaplane.
Even with the high travel expenses, there is a lot to love about this quirky, tropical destination. Book early or use points to offset steep hotel expenses and take advantage of free activities to do in Key West. Below is a list of 5 fun and free things to do in Key West.
1. Stand at the Southernmost Point of the Continental United States
I am drawn to unique attractions allowing me to share fun facts about the places I’ve visited. Key West has a large buoy marking the southernmost spot in the continental United States. The buoy also serves as a reminder that you are only 90-miles from Cuba. A photo here is obligatory during a trip to Key West. It’s also instilled a challenge to seek out other extreme points while traveling, maybe next will be the southernmost point of the United States (Ka Lae, Hawaii).
2. Visit the Key West Cemetery
I always question those who enjoy touring cemeteries while on vacation, but in true Key West fashion, the local cemetery is known for its unique and almost humorous one liners on gravestones. A guided tour of the cemetery shares all of the unusual gravestones and fascinating stories of the people who requested them. It’s free to walk through the cemetery on your own. Without a guided tour, we stumbled upon the popular gravestones pictured below. Though I am personally bummed we missed the ones that read, “I Always Dreamed of Owning a Small Place in Key West” and “If You’re Reading This, You Desperately Need a New Hobby”.
“I Told You I Was Sick” “I’m Just Resting My Eyes”
3. Walk down Duval Street
Duval street is the heart of the Key West party atmosphere. The streets are lined with popular bars such as Sloppy Joe’s, Smallest Bar in Key West, Fat Tuesday, and Rick’s Bar. Cocktails can be pricey, but people watching is absolutely free. Take advantage of Key West’s lenient open container alcohol policies, order a rum runner to go and enjoy a walk down Duval Street.
4. Pose for a Photo at Mile 0
U.S. Route 1 is more than 2,000 miles long and stretches from Key West, Florida to Kent, Maine (close to the Canadian border). This highway connects all of the Florida Keys, including the unique 7-mile bridge, plus it hits many major US cities such as Washington D.C. and Boston. Not far from the Southernmost point buoy you will find mile marker 0, officially signaling the start of this highway. Another destination has been added to my bucket list – Kent, Maine to see the other end of U.S. Route 1.
Southernmost Point Bouy Mallory Square Sunset U.S. Route 1 – Mile 0
5. Watch the Sunset at Mallory Square
A beautiful thing about sunsets is that they are completely free. Key West throws a sunset celebration in Mallory Square every day. Make your way over to the square early to secure a spot along the water for unobstructed sunset views. The crowds will build as street performers arrive to create a festive atmosphere. The street performances continue into the evening as fire jugglers and fire breathers compete to wow the crowd.
These are just a few ways to have fun without breaking the bank during a trip to Key West. Another unique experience in Key West that can be done on a budget is camping at Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the most remote US National Parks.
