Key West Vacations – Parasailing, Snorkeling, Shopping, Key Lime Pie

Our family vacation visit to Key West Florida was just day trip stopover while on one of our family cruises, but we have many an adventure to share…. then later, we visited again… driving down from Fort Lauderdale…. what an adventure!  Key West Vacations – From Parasailing to Snorkeling to Shopping to Key Lime Pie, a Kid Friendly Vacation Spot!

Key West is in the state of Florida, but quite a drive from the mainland of the United States (154 miles from Miami – about 3.5 hours).   Key West is a small Island – with an area of 5.9 Square miles, but packed with history and fun family things to do.

There are many historical sites, museums, water sports and tours, and even a National Park in Key West!

Among all of the fun things to do in Key West, these are some things to definitely take in with the family when visiting!

Historical Sites and Museums

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Ernest Hemingway lived in this home for 10 years.  While there he wrote over 70% of all of his published works.  In addition to the tour of the grounds, you will be able to see the world famous polydactyl – six toed cats roaming about. (Read more reviews)

Harry Truman’s Little Whitehouse

If you love Presidential History, this is a stop you will want to make.  Harry Truman (USA’s 33rd President) used this home as his winter White House.  This is Florida’s only Presidential Museum. The tour guides are full of interesting information and the tour is very reasonable priced. (Read more reviews)

Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum

Here you will learn more about th dangerous world of shipwrecks.  You will be able to see some of the treasures from shipwrecks along the Key West coastline. You will be treated to storytellers dressed in 19th century costumes re-living some of the shipwreck treasure hunting stories. (Read more reviews)

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

If you enjoy the simple beauty of nature, this may be an attraction you want to visit. Home to many different species of butterflies, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory will give you a chance to see them up close.  The friendly staff is on hand to help answer any questions you may have as well.   You are actually with the butterflies  – many may land on you and stop for a short visit.  Highly recommended for children! (Read more reviews)

Key West Vacations – Points of Interest and Landmarks

Duvall Street

Duval Street  is bustling with shops, restaurants, and bars…. Of course, being in Key West, one of the things that we were looking for was Key Lime Pie, and we found it at the Blond Giraffe.  The pie is served with either whipped cream or meringue.  We chose the whipped cream…. the pie was great!  As a little token tourism, I also like to visit Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville – while there, we tried one of the local favorites – conch fritters….. pretty good!

Southernmost Point

This is basically a landmark, but it marks the southern most point in the Coastal United Stated of America.  It’s a pretty cool spot to visit and grab a couple of souvenir photos!

Dry Tortuga National Park

This would be considered a day trip from Key West as the boat trip out is about 2 hours (or 45 minutes by sea plane).  There is a breakfast included in the price of the tour.  Our family loves visiting National Parks so this would be a trip we would take.  (Read more reviews)

Water Sports and Tours

Parasailing

We chose Fury Water Adventures for our Parasailing adventure.  Fury Water Adventures offers Glass Bottom Boat tours, Parasailing tours, and snorkeling tours.

No one in our family had ever been parasailing, and one of my daughters really wanted to give it a try…. so willing to try the adventure, I also decided to give it a whirl.   I really thought that it was going to be a “thrill” type ride where I was clinging for dear life and screaming – it was exciting, but a nice smooth ride…. we really enjoyed it!

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

What a cool adventure for families with small children!  If you can’t get out and snorkel North America’s only living coral reef, then see it from a glass bottom boat!  This tour is 2 hours, and will have some of the most beautiful views that you will see anywhere! (Read more reviews)

Top Attractions in Key West

Make your Key West Vacations extra special by checking out Trip Advisor’s list of the top attractions in Key West.

Key West Tours

Check out all of the tours available in Key West through our favorite tour partner Viator.