Key West for one day suggestions.
Wife and I are coming to keys this week for a wedding in Key Marathon. Spending a couple of days in key largo first but wife wants to drive to Key West early on Friday AM and spend morning and early afternoon being a tourist. What are must sees and suggested places to park, etc? Best funky place for lunch? Prefer to park and walk while we are there and not drive around. Thanks!! Jck
Key West is perfect for a day trip, especially if you plan to park once and explore on foot. Since you’re arriving from Key Largo, aim to get into Key West early to maximize your morning and early afternoon. Traffic can be busy, so leaving around 7:00–7:30 AM is ideal.
For parking, there are several convenient options in Old Town where most of the sights are within walking distance:
- Truman Avenue Parking Garage – central location, easy access to Duval Street and Mallory Square.
- Key West Historic Seaport – good for exploring the harbor area and walking towards Mallory Square.
- Metered street parking – available along Duval Street and surrounding streets; arrive early to find spots.
Must-see attractions for a short day trip include:
- Southernmost Point – iconic photo spot, best early to avoid crowds.
- Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum – fascinating history and the famous six-toed cats.
- Duvall Street – walking along this street gives a feel for the quirky shops, galleries, and architecture.
- Mallory Square – if timing works, the area is fun to explore during the day; evening sunset celebration is famous but may not fit your schedule.
- Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum – offers a great view of the island from the top.
For lunch, there are several funky, iconic spots where you can enjoy local seafood and quirky Key West vibe:
- Blue Heaven – casual, funky outdoor spot with great seafood and Caribbean flair; famous for Key Lime pie.
- El Meson de Pepe – Cuban-inspired dishes right near Mallory Square.
- Garbo’s Grill – food truck near White Street Pier, highly rated for tacos and fresh fish sandwiches.
After lunch, if time allows, you can stroll along the harbor, peek into small galleries, or enjoy a coffee or gelato before heading back to your car. The Old Town area is very walkable, so you can pack several highlights into a few hours without needing to drive around.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, and keep a bottle of water handy—Key West can be very sunny and warm even in early November.
