What to do in Key West while house and pet sitting

Wondering what to do in Key West when you’re visiting? If you find yourself pet sitting in beautiful Key West you’ll be spoiled for choice. Famous for its warm weather, glorious beaches and many historic attractions, Florida’s Key West is a great spot to explore. 

From touring the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, strolling through the historic Old Town, or exploring beautiful tropical gardens, we take you through the best of what to do in Key West.

Key West attractions

1. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

At Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park you can sunbathe, hike, bike, fish and get a dose of history all in one place. Sitting a pup? You can take them with you in day-use areas at the park, including the trails and picnic areas of the beach, but they must be well-behaved (a standard determined by park staff) and on a leash of six feet or less at all times.

2. Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

Step inside the wonderful Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street. The conservancy has over 60 species of beautiful butterflies and more than 20 exotic species of birds to discover.

3. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is set in a breathtaking Spanish Colonial-style mansion built in 1851 from rock native to the local area. Inside you'll find the Hemingways’ fascinating personal effects and unique European antiques collected during their trips abroad. You can even visit the studio where he wrote so many of his famous books.

4. Dry Tortugas National Park 

If you're a history lover, the Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-visit. The park, which consists mostly of water and seven small islands, is located about 70 miles from Key West and is surrounded by magnificent blue waters with stunning coral reefs and a diverse marine life. 

5. Lazy Dog Adventures

No, we’re not referencing your Key West pet sit. But if you feel the need for some action on the water, Lazy Dog Adventures has many fun options. Located at the Hurricane Hole Marina, Lazy Dog consists of lazy dogs Bonny, Casey, and Tucker and their owners, who offer kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling equipment for visitors to enjoy. 

6. Truman Little White House 

Key West’s Harry S. Truman Little White House holds a special place in the history of America and is a must-visit if you’re politically or historically minded. A place where prestigious leaders, legendary inventors and visionaries visit, the Truman Little White was constructed in 1890 to serve as the naval station’s HQ during the Spanish-American War and both World Wars. Known as the second White House, the historic site can’t be missed.

Free things to do in Key West

On a budget and need to know what to do in Key West? There’s so much to do and see for free in Key West. From taking in the pastel-hued, conch-style houses, to discovering its coral reefs and destinations for diving and snorkeling. Here are our top picks: 

1. Mallory Square

Famous Mallory Square has amazing shops filled with the finest Key West treasures, novelty gifts and souvenirs. It’s also famous for its Sunset Celebration, beginning two hours before sunset. The nightly festival hosts visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists, and food vendors that combine for an incredible cultural experience.

2. Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West at approximately a half mile long. Beach activities range from volleyball and watersport/beach sport rentals. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach itself, but they can still come along to celebrate the famous sunsets. 

3. Southernmost Point

Visitors to Key West can’t leave without making a journey to the Southernmost Point Buoy. It’s one of Key West’s iconic landmarks complete with the famous “90 miles to Ciba” saying. Don’t forget to take a photo with the stunning Atlantic Ocean behind you. 

Fun things to do in Key West

From boat tours and national parks to educational centers, there’s something for every interest in Key West:

1. Key West Boat Tours

There's a variety of boat tours available in Key West. From snorkeling mornings and dolphin watch tours to sunset trail trips with an open bar and cruises by catamarans, enjoy the glistening turquoise water and miles of coral reefs as you cruise around the Keys. 

2. Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

Take a journey into the world of native plants and animals of the Keys, both on land and underwater. The center has over 6,000 square feet of interactive and dynamic exhibits including Aquarius, the world’s only underwater ocean laboratory. Inside there are exhibits about the Keys’ habitat, from the mangrove shoreline and deep-shelf communities.

3. Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

Looking for a fun day trip? Climb aboard the Yankee Freedom to the Dry Tortugas National Park. Made up of seven small islands, the park is one of the world’s most unique eco-attractions. Check out the park’s crown jewel, the historic Fort Jefferson, which was once used as a prison during the Civil War. Onboard it’s fully catered and even comes with complimentary snorkeling equipment for a swim. 

Best restaurants in Key West

While seafood is a staple, the best restaurants in Key West are serving up everything from authentic Cuban fare to sweet slices of key lime pie. Here are a few of our recommendations:  

1. The Lobster Shack 

Looking for the best seafood restaurants in Key West? If you love lobster you’ll love the Lobster Shack Key West, which is just steps away from the southernmost point on the island. The lunch and dinner spot serves fresh lobster salad with a twist using spicy favourites sriracha and jalapeno. For traditionalists there’s classic Key West-style with butter and key lime juice. Naturally, there’s plenty of slices of key lime pie to go around too. 

2. Azur 

Azur’s have a brunch menu filled with sweet and savory options like decadent key lime French toast and mouth-watering crab cake benedict. Seafood lover? Their specialty seafood risotto is filled with mussels, clams, scallops, shrimp, fish and chorizo. It’s a must-visit. 

3. El Siboney Restaurant 

For the best Cuban restaurant in Key West, look no further than the El Siboney restaurant. The Cuban restaurant has been serving customers in Key West since 1984 and specialises in traditional Cuban food, paella, and local seafood with dishes like ropa vieja, lightly breaded grouper, and conch chowder on the menu daily. 

Top tip: If you decide to eat here, make like the locals and order via the menu number.

4. Glazed Donuts 

For specialty donuts, Glazed Donuts is your place. Super creative, all the donuts are handmade with unique flavours like key lime pie, blackberry frosted with artisan sprinkles, and pineapple upside-down brulee. There’s a huge mural of a giant robot too, which always also makes for a great photo opportunity.

So, is a pet sit in Key West worth it? Yes, not only will you get to enjoy the company of your new furry friend, but you will experience and enjoy so many different activities from taking in the sunset at sandy beaches to discovering local wildlife on many a hike. 

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