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If you’re thinking of making a solo trip to Key West but not sure if it’s a good solo travel destination, then rest assured. Key West is a dream for solo travelers who want to get away to a tropical paradise. There are so many different kinds of activities to do in Key West that you will be having so much fun that you won’t even notice that you’re traveling solo. There are opportunities to make friends or get away from the crowds. Whichever kind of solo traveler you are, you will find Key West a travel destination that you will keep coming back to.
Key West As A Solo Traveler
Is Key West Safe?
This question is always at the top of the mind for solo travelers and yes, Key West is as safe as it gets. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still use caution like you would anywhere you go. Anything can happen anywhere even the safest of places and I would especially stay out of the pubs at night.
That said, Key West is a dream destination for solo travelers because any time of the day or night, there’s not a single time where I felt unsafe or worried about something happening. Key West has a very relaxed and friendly vibe which you’ll find everywhere you go in Key West.
Getting There
There are many ways to get to Key West, each offering its own unique experience.
By Car: One of the most popular road trips in Florida is driving from Miami to Key West along the scenic Overseas Highway U.S. 1. It is a breathtaking trip that takes you across 42 bridges and a strong of many island from the mainland to Key West. It’s the perfect solo travelers trip that you can enjoy at your own pace. Stop at any roadside attraction you would like to see and soak in the ocean views. You will have to fly in to Miami airport for this and rent a car to be able to drive down to Key West.
By Air: You also have the option to fly right into the Key West International Airport and take a ride right to your hotel. This option is best when you don’t have as much time for your vacation and just want a quick getaway.
By Ferry: If you are around the Ft. Myers area and want to take a trip to Key West, there is an option of taking a ferry that will only take a couple of hours. The ferry ride leaves from either Ft. Myers or Marco Island during season so you can catch a quick ride to Key West and not worry about renting a car.
By Bus: There are buses that go all the way down to Key West so no matter where you are coming from you can take a bus all the way down there although you might have a few bus changes. If you are coming from Miami there are pretty cheap tickets you can get on Flixbus or Greyhound to take you there but might take a little longer than renting your own car.
By Tour: There are day trip options taking you from Miami to Key West so if you are solo traveling in Miami and want to visit this island too then it could be a great option. You won’t get as much time in Key West with this option but you will still be able to hit all of the most popular spots and be right back in Miami.
Best Things To Do On A Solo Trip To Key West
Once you figure out the logistics of your trip, it’s time to plan on what you will do in Key West itinerary. Here are some of the best experiences for a solo traveler in Key West that I personally enjoyed but if you are looking for even more things to do in Key West, here is our guide on all the best things to do in Key West.
Take A Picture At The Southernmost Point And Zero Mile
First things first, you have to take a picture at the southernmost point and mile zero to commemorate you trip to Key West. This point is the southernmost point of the whole continental U.S. so making it here crosses it off the Florida bucket list. The buyo painted in sunset colors marks the spot drawing tourists from all around the world. You can take a selfie using a selfie stick or ask the person behind you if they could take a picture of you.
Similarly, make sure to take a picture with mile zero as it is the very beginning, or ending, of the U.S. Route 1. This one is easier to take a selfie with and you’ll have the memory that you made it there.
Relax On The Beach At Fort Zachary State Park
Hanging out at Fort Zachary State Park was my absolute favorite thing to do in Key West as a solo traveler. You can find a quiet spot to yourself, hang up a hammock in between the trees, or just a towel on the beach, and enjoy a leisurely day looking at the beautiful water or reading a book while breathing in that salty sea air and enjoying the sunshine.
If your ideal solo vacation is lounging by the beach then this is the best beach in Key West for that. There is a little cafe available at the park so you can spend the day there and enjoy the refreshments available.
The water is stunning with bright turquoise colors which makes it not only a beautiful sight to see but also amazing to swim around in. You can swim and snorkel in the cove around the rocks at this beach to see all kinds of tropical fish.
Once you are done relaxing at the beach, you can go take a narrated tour of the fort and learn about the history that took place. See the Civil War cannons and explore how the fort was constructed.
Do Some Shopping
There are so many cute shops to explore in Key West and not only for souvenirs. You visit boutique where you will find everything from clothing to home decor where you can pick out some new favorite pieces.
One of these cool boutiques that you can spend some time in is The Green Pineapple. It’s not just an average clothing and accessories store, it has an organic cafe inside and a yoga studio in the back. You can grab a drink, or even a snack, and slowly peruse the clothing racks. it’s located right on Duval Street so you can’t miss it.
Another cute shop to stop by is Soul House where you will find clothing, jewelry, home decor, various accessories, and even furniture. There are many more shops you can find by exploring the streets of Key West for a good time shopping.
Enjoy A Food Tour
Going on a food tour is one of the best experiences you can do any place you visit and it’s the same way in Key West. This delicious food tour takes you to all the best places to try all the best dishes Key West has to offer.
The guide will introduce you to the mom and pop eateries in the Old Town historic district that you might have missed otherwise. You will be with a small group, guided away from the touristy streets to have a taste of seafood, Cuban food, and of course, key lime pie. Along the way, you will hear about some history, architecture, and local food insights so you get to know the city like a local.
Rent A Kayak
There is nothing more peaceful than renting a kayak and getting out on your own on to the water. You can always take a kayaking tour if you’re not comfortable getting out by yourself into the water but I highly recommend it.
You can choose any direction you want to go in and get the chance to explore the island from the water point of view. See the mangroves and little habitat around the island and maybe you will even get the chance to spot some dolphins, turtles, and other wildlife around you.
Go On A Snorkeling Adventure
There’s no better place to go snorkeling than in Key West, of course other than Key Largo, so be sure to book a snorkeling tour. It is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Key West to be out in the open ocean and see all of the underwater world underneath you. Just a short ride from shore on a catamaran, you will find vibrant marine life with corals, tropical fish and other sea life.
If you take the tour then all snorkeling gear and drinks are provided on the boat. Everything is taken care of by the knowledgeable guides and all you need to do is relax and enjoy the ride. Snorkeling tours usually depart in the mornings and afternoons giving visitors the flexibility to choose a time that best fits the schedule.
Explore Duval Street
Duval Street is one of the most well-known places in Key West. It has everything from restaurants and cafes to shops and art galleries, making it the heart of the island’s entertainment scene. You can spend hours browsing quirky shops, viewing the artwork, people watching, and enjoying the lively vibe. Duval Street is always buzzing with people no matter the time of day or night so it’s the perfect place to soak up the scene and maybe even meet some new people.
It’s close to many of Key West’s most popular attractions so it is easy to explore this area on foot, hop between sights, and make the most of your time here.
Go On A Key Lime Pie Scavenger Hunt
The one dessert that Key West is known for is key lime pie and every place makes it slightly different. If you love desserts, embark on a mission to find the best key lime pie in Key West as a fun way of exploring the island.
Start with the famous pie at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe that is known for its tart and creamy filling and chocolate-dipped slices. Then, make sure to stop by Blue Heaven that have a towering meringue-topped version that is just as famous. Another notable stops are the Key Lime Pie Bakery and Old Town Bakery that offer their takes on this Florida Keys classic.
By trying different places, you might even find your favorite is not even at any of these popular places and you’ll find the hidden gem of key lime pie desserts. If you have a sweet tooth, then this is a challenge you can take on while traveling solo. There are other local favorites you can try also like coconut cake or rum-soaked desserts.
If you want to take it to another level you can even take a class on making a key lime pie. At the Key Lime Pie Co., you can go behind the scenes and create your very own pie with their award winning recipe.
Make Your Stay An Experience
While staying in Key West solo, why not make your stay an experience too by choosing a unique and fun room to stay in. Splurge on a memorable retreat in a boutique inn or Victorian-style bed & breakfast where you will be able to enjoy a pool or jacuzzi, concierge service, luxurious rooms, lush gardens, and being a walkable distance to all of the main attraction points.
Having stay like this can elevate your stay from ordinary to memorable and luxurious where you can truly relax in comfort and style. Some places to consider are unique stays like The Mermaid & The Alligator, Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, and if you really want a more private place to stay away from everything and indulge in a luxurious experience the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa.
Watch The Sunset At Mallory Square
Each evening the locals and visitors gather at Mallory Square to watch the beautiful sunset together. There are street performers, musicians, and local artists each night showcasing their talents and skills turning the event into a nightly celebration. You’ll find jugglers and magicians, handmade souvenirs and musicians, as well as food carts selling snacks. It’s the perfect way to end a day in Key West so join the crowd to see the setting sun with this celebration.
Go To Dry Tortugas
Want to make your solo trip even more epic? Take a trip out to the Dry Tortugas, one of the most remote and breathtaking national parks in Florida. It is located about 70 miles west of Key West and is only accessible by boat or plane. You can plan to make a day trip to this remote island or even stay the night to sleep under the stars but you would need to bring your own gear and supplies.
As a solo traveler, you’ll love the peacefulness and raw beauty of the island where you can snorkel, enjoy the white sands, and explore the gem of the island, the old fort. Fort Jefferson, a 19th century fortress, is the centerpiece of the islands. It was built to protect the land while also offering ships a chance to resupply or seek refuge from storms.