Our Day Trip to Key West Florida With Kids
If you are planning a day trip to Key West Florida with kids and looking for things to do you are in luck. We had a ton of fun exploring and spending the day in Key West Florida and are sharing our day with you.
Our Day Trip to Key West With Kids
While spending time in Marathon Florida and the Florida Keys we took a day trip to Key West. We had a few things on our bucket list to see and the best way to do it was making a Key West Day trip down from Marathon to spend the day.
We had just a few bucket list items and we were able to hit them all. For us we wanted lunch at Margaritaville, to see specific landmarks and just enjoy the day walking around.
Our Day Trip to Key West was a great way to have a slower-paced day. We enjoyed sites and tasty food while checking off some of our bucket list items. The weather was great for the first part of the day. We ended up with rain in the afternoon as we were heading back to the car. The kids thought it was perfect to run in the rain with the warm weather on our way back to the car.
What Is Key West?
Key West is an island city and a popular tourist destination located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, tropical Island climate, beautiful beaches, historic sites, and lively cultural scene.
Key West is an island measuring about 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, situated at the western end of the Florida Keys archipelago. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Key West has a unique cultural identity, often referred to as the Conch Republic. The term “Conch” refers to the local residents, and the term “Conch Republic” represents the independent spirit and laid-back lifestyle of Key West. The Conch Republic has its own flag, traditions, and annual events celebrating its distinct heritage.
Where is Key West Located?
Key West is located in the southernmost part of the continental United States. It is an island city situated at the western end of the Florida Keys archipelago, which stretches southwest from the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. Key West is approximately 129 miles southwest of Miami and about 90 miles north of Havana, Cuba.
When is the Best time to Visit the Florida Keys?
The optimal period to plan a trip to Key West and the Florida Keys is from March to the middle of June. As March arrives, the high influx of tourists from the winter season begins to diminish, resulting in decreased crowd levels. This period offers the advantage of lower accommodation prices and improved availability, making it an ideal time for a visit.
How do you get from Marathon Florida to Key West?
The drive is easy and straightforward forward however it will take between 1.5 hours and 2 hours to get to Key West from Marathon. Depending on the time of year that you are visiting the traffic can get heavy on the route you have to drive.
You will take the Overseas Highway, also known as U.S. Highway 1, going SouthWest until you really can not go any further. You will take a drive down seven mile bridge on this route so be sure to let the kids know to take a look out the window so they can see the beautiful views while driving.
Tips for Spending One Day in Key West Florida with Kids
- Wear Comfortable clothing. You will probably do a lot of walking so you will want to make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Wear sunscreen. The sun is bright and beams down getting sunburn if you don’t put on sunscreens is for sure to happen.
- Get an Early Start. If you want to hit everything on your bucket list doing a Day Trip to Key West then you will want to start the day early.
- Bring Water. Walking around it will be hot even in the cooler months so you want to make sure you have water.
Day Trip With Kids to Key West Itinerary
There are other activities and attractions that you can do while you are in Key West Florida including going on a Glass bottom boat ride, the Key West Lighthouse, Ernest Hemingway Home, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park to name a few while you are there. We have plans to go back to the Florida Keys to see the things we didn’t have time to do on this trip.
Visit the Southernmost Point in the Continental United States
This was our first stop upon arriving in Key West. We parked in a parking lot and then walked to the line that had formed. It did not take long for the line to move and soon enough we were taking our photo with the Iconic Bouy.
Visiting the southernmost point of the USA has been on our bucket list for a long time and we checked that one off while we were taking our day trip. The Southernmost Point represents the southernmost tip of the continental United States, just 90 miles from Cuba. It has become an iconic symbol and a must-visit spot for visitors to Key West.
This is a fun spot where you will get to take a photo with the iconic concrete buoy that designates the southernmost point in the continental United States.
Due to its popularity, there can be a line of people waiting to take pictures with the buoy. It’s a good idea to plan your visit accordingly and be prepared for potential crowds. Early mornings or weekdays may have shorter waiting times.
The area is also close to the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum.
Lunch at Margaritaville
Eating lunch at Margaritaville was on our bucket list.
Margaritaville is known for its laid-back and tropical atmosphere, inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s famous song “Margaritaville.” The restaurant features vibrant colors, tropical decor, and a relaxed vibe. You can expect a lively ambiance with music playing, friendly staff, and a fun-loving crowd.
Margaritaville offers a menu filled with classic American and Caribbean-inspired dishes. You’ll find a variety of options, including seafood, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more. They are known for their signature margaritas, so be sure to try one if you’re a fan of this tropical cocktail.
Walking around Key West
Walking around Key West is a great way to spend time while you are visiting. There are a few different areas that are perfect for families to walk around and explore. Key West is a pedestrian-friendly city, so walking around with kids can be enjoyable and convenient. We enjoyed our time walking around the city and seeing the sites.
Duval Street. Duval Street is the main street in Key West and offers a lively atmosphere with various shops, restaurants, and attractions. Take a leisurely stroll along Duval Street, exploring the unique stores, art galleries, and candy shops. Keep in mind that certain sections of Duval Street can be crowded and more suitable for older children, so it’s best to stay in the family-friendly areas.
Mallory Square. Mallory Square is a popular gathering place known for its sunset celebrations. During the day, you can explore the area with your kids, enjoy street performers, and browse through local vendors selling crafts and souvenirs. There are also some ice cream shops nearby that are perfect for a sweet treat.
On our walk, we did stop to take photos at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory outside photo opp. We did not have time to go inside and check it out but plan to next time.
There are also many historical signs that take just a few minutes to read and they are a great way to get some history learning in while you are walking around.
Stop at Route 1 mile 0
The next bucket list item for our trip in Key West was stopping at the Route 1 Mile 0 sign.
Route 1 Mile 0 refers to the southernmost point of U.S. Highway 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, in Key West. It’s located near the intersection of Fleming Street and Whitehead Street, just a short distance from the Southernmost Point.
Route 1 Mile 0 is conveniently located near several other attractions in Key West. It’s close to the Key West Historic Seaport, where you can find restaurants, shops, and boat tours. The Key West Aquarium, Mallory Square, and Duval Street are also within walking distance.
Shopping at Ron Jon Surf Shop In Key West
We love the Ron Jon Surf Shop in New Jersey so we had it on our bucket list to visit the one in Key West.
Shopping at Ron Jon Surf Shop in Key West is a popular activity for both locals and visitors who are interested in surf and beachwear. Ron Jon Surf Shop in Key West is located at 503 Front Street, right in the heart of the city’s historic seaport district. It’s conveniently situated near other attractions and within walking distance of Duval Street.
