However you end up in Key West – by plane, scenic car journey or perhaps, private yacht – it can certainly run the price gamut. Regardless of the expenses incurred during your trip to this island paradise, there are plenty of totally free options that await you.
Between the bumping nightlife, international fare, and seemingly endless array of outdoor adventures, here are 10 free options to sprinkle into your Key West itinerary.
1. Smathers or Higgs Beach
Completely surrounded by turquoise waters, you might assume Key West has free beaches galore. However, this is not the case. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is Key West’s most popular historical beach destination, but it does have an entry fee. For a free dose of white sand goodness, Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach are excellent choices.
2. Mile 0 Marker
US Route 1 runs through 14 states and the District of Columbia, stretching nearly 2400 miles, making it the longest north-to-south road in the United States. Its starting point? Mile 0 is located in Key West. Since Mile 0 markers are quite rare, this makes for a unique photo opportunity. You can find it at the corner of Whitehead and Fleming Streets.
3. Fort West Martello Tower
During the American Civil War, Florida seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy. Interestingly, Key West remained loyal to the Union due to its naval base. One of the three remaining Civil War structures is the Fort West Martello Tower. Situated on Higgs Beach and built in 1862, it’s worth a visit to admire its brick magnificence and explore the Key West Garden Club, which now occupies the grounds.
4. Overseas Highway
If you missed out on the drive from South Florida through the Keys, a ride along the Overseas Highway is a must. Starting in Key West and running 113 miles northeast, this highway comprises 42 bridges. Oftentimes, it presents drivers with scenic views of water, making it a beautiful yet eerie ride. If you don’t have a car, Key West Transit offers affordable trips as far as Marathon for just $4 each way.
5. Southernmost Point Buoy
The most Instagrammed spot on the island is undoubtedly the Southernmost Point Buoy. Technically, it’s not the southernmost point, but it remains a top photo destination. Located at the corner of Whitehead and South Streets, expect to wait a few minutes in line, but snapping a picture here is definitely worth it.
6. Key West Cemetery
Surprisingly, a cemetery can be one of the top free attractions in Key West. Visitors can spot quirky inscriptions on the gravestones, including B.P. “Pearl” Roberts’ tombstone that reads, “I told you I was sick,” and Edwina Lariz’s that notes, “Devoted Fan of Singer Julio Iglesias.” Additionally, history buffs might appreciate the large monument honoring the 260 US soldiers killed aboard the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898.
7. Key West First Legal Rum Distillery
While Key West may not offer free drinks everywhere, Key West First Legal Rum does provide complimentary samples daily. Tours are available from noon to 5 PM, allowing visitors to learn about the distillery’s history and the rum-making process that showcases Florida sugar cane infused with various flavors, such as coconut and key lime.
8. Mallory Square
A sunset in Key West is a visual spectacle in itself. At Mallory Square – the epicenter of the island loaded with shops, restaurants, and museums – there’s a lively “Sunset Celebration” that begins two hours prior to sunset. Each evening’s event is unique, featuring clowns, psychics, jugglers, musicians, and various performers, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
9. Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden
From Ernest Hemingway to US President Harry Truman to Florida railroad builder Henry Flagler, numerous influential figures have left a mark on Key West. These individuals are among the 36 honored in the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden, a small, shaded area nestled between Mallory Square and local shops, providing a tranquil retreat from the nearby hustle and bustle.
10. Wyland Gallery of the Florida Keys
Key West is recognized as an artsy haven. Fortunately, much of the art is openly displayed. Among the free art galleries, the Wyland Gallery of the Florida Keys offers an impressive glimpse into the local art scene, regularly hosting shows that feature local and handcrafted pieces, often inspired by the stunning sunsets and marine life of the area. A visit could spark your interest in purchasing a piece of Key West to take home.
