How does Key West on a budget sound?
Key West, Florida, is a magnificent island paradise known all over the world for its spectacular crystal-clear waters, natural beauty, abundance of wildlife and, watersports adventures, and so many other things.
With credentials like that, you’d probably assume that a trip to this spectacular destination would surely cost an arm and a leg. But I found out that there are tons of ways to save big when visiting this little tropical oasis.
From riding in style on a fun and informative city tour to paddleboarding through majestic mangroves, there are many ways to have a blast on the island without breaking the bank.
Continue reading to discover 9 ways to explore Key West on a budget, and make this journey to the Florida Keys one you’ll never forget!
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Roosted on the southern tip of Key West, this national historic site goes all the way back to the 1800s and has the largest stocks of Civil War armament worldwide. It also has the honor of being the southernmost state park in the continental US.
If you happen to visit Key West during the 3rd weekend of any month, you’re in luck! That’s when local re-enactors perform historic demonstrations in the park. And the best part is that Fort Zachary is home to one of Key West’s most incredible beaches.
When you’ve had your fill of history for the day, you can swim in the clear turquoise Gulf waters and have a quick picnic on the warm sand. And since the admission fee is so low, you’ll enjoy all the natural beauty of this state park while visiting Key West on a budget.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a National Historic Landmark and a “Must See Place” in the area, especially for people who wish to explore Key West on a budget.
The home is in the middle of Old Town Key West, where author Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote for more than a decade. This museum will take you back through time to see the gardens and rooms where Hemingway wrote many of his incredible works.
If you decide to visit, make sure you take a stroll through the dense grounds and gardens. This area is home to over 60 polydactyl cats, some of which are offspring of Hemingway’s beloved pet polydactyl cat, whose name was Snow White.
… And with tickets less than $20 per person, this is an awesome way to explore Key West on a budget!
Mallory Square
Visiting Mallory Square is another outstanding Key West activity that no visitor should miss. There’s a “Sunset Celebration” that’s held nightly at Mallory Square Dock and hosts multiple live entertainment, food carts, arts and crafts exhibitors, psychics, and much more.
Key West locals and tourists fill the square every night to enjoy live music and catch the impressive view of the sun dropping into the Gulf of Mexico. There’s no charge to attend this celebration. But it’s customary to keep the event’s spirit alive by supporting some of the local vendors. How much you spend, though, is up to you.
The Key West Shipwreck Museum
Key West has a very prosperous nautical history that’s just waiting for you to explore it, and you’re in the perfect position to do just that.
At the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, you’ll get the chance to discover artifacts that were recovered from the Isaac Allerton, which was devastated on the Florida Keys reef in 1856.
Even though admission isn’t free, it’s much more affordable than some of the other Key West popular activities, and you can easily spend a whole afternoon here.
Take a day trip to Fort Jefferson
Your trip to Key West wouldn’t be complete without a day visit to the Dry Tortugas National Park. This site is worth a visit for more than just bragging rights, though. It’s also home to the incredible Fort Jefferson.
This Civil War fort was made to protect the harbor from enemies, which could have launched severe attacks along the entire Gulf Coast if they had been allowed entry to this area. The fact that the fort was never bombarded is a testament to its triumph.
Unless you can get access to a boat, you have to take a ferry to the Dry Tortugas from Key West. The trip takes a little over two and offers the chance to view the Florida Keys from a new viewpoint.
Key West Aquarium
With tickets beginning at less than $20 per person, a trip to the Key West Aquarium is an excellent way to explore Key West on a budget. This fantastic aquarium combines fun and learning because visitors will discover majestic marine life up-close, while learning about various ecosystems, animals, and much more.
In fact, the aquarium itself is historic in its own right because this was the first attraction in the city! This famous aquarium has actually doubled in size since opening its doors, which only means double the fun!
While here, you’ll see a wide variety of sea turtles, eels, tropical fish, sharks, stingrays, and many others. Besides that, you can enjoy a touch tank, as well, for a true up-close-and-personal meeting with some of the most gentle creatures of the sea.
Snorkeling
When exploring Key West on a budget, I highly recommend diving into the area’s enchanting sparkling waters on a snorkeling tour! It really doesn’t get much better than snorkeling in this area of our country because this location is home to 2,800 square nautical miles of beautiful barrier reef just begging to be explored.
The local waters overflow with incredible wildlife, bright colors, shipwrecks, and an abundance of underwater adventure! Let me put it this way: Key West is home to an underwater wonderland, and snorkeling is a fantastic way to see what lies beneath the surface.
You’ll be able to gain a deeper understanding of the area and see this unexpected slice of paradise from a whole new perspective. This travel bucket-list experience is a great way to get up close and personal with marvelous marine life, including parrotfish, sea turtles, dolphins, and much more!
Stroll Through West Martello Tower
If you’re a fan of Civil War history, you’ll also want to check out West Martello Tower. It’s a beautiful oceanside garden cradled within the remains of a military fort.
Sustained by volunteers, this tropical garden paradise is on the US National Register of Historic Places and is a valuable place to spend a morning or afternoon. The good news is that admission and parking are free, and the spot is open to the public.
Take A Walking Tour
Just because you’ve chosen a hotel that’s outside the beating heart of Key West’s Old Town, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the area.
Take advantage of the photo opportunities at the Mile Marker 0 sign and the Southernmost Point buoy, and take a leisurely stroll down Sunset Pier.
If you like the vibe and wish to experience Key West on a budget, stay a bit longer, walk over to Bahama Village and try the Key lime pie at the famous Blue Heaven restaurant.
So? How does Key West on a budget sound? Make sure you leave a comment and let me know how you feel about these affordable tips for the Sunshine State.
And if you liked this article, but are looking for some more ideas on where to take your next trip, don’t worry! Must See Places ALWAYS has you covered!
For example, I highly recommend also checking out: 7 Charming Small Towns Our Readers Love to Visit, and One That Shocked Our Editor
