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What to do in am afternoon at Key west?


pjandrade
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Exactly how short? How much time do you actually have?

I'll bet they are on one of the NCL cruises that is in port from 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM. They dock at the Outer Mole, so by the time the ship is cleared for debarkation, and they catch the shuttle to Mallory Square, they are getting close to closing time for sites like the Hemingway House. The only things open will be primarily bars and restaurants. We're on a similar cruise next month and intend to walk down Whitehead, back up Duval, and then return to the ship.

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It would depend on your interests. If you are a history buff, see the Hemingway House and maybe the Truman White House.

If you like water sports, maybe a jet ski tour or parasailing.

 

If you like live music, maybe do a bar crawl on Duval. If you like food, walk Duval, Front Street, or the picturesque Schooner Wharf area. If you like shopping, walk Duval.

 

If it's nature you like, definitely check out the Butterfly Conservancy. You could try the Aquarium too.

 

If it is beach time you want, try Fort Zachary Taylor State Park...a great place to view the Sunset. Or check out the Sunset festivities at Mallory . Pay attention to time. Don't miss your ship.

 

For a quick overview of Key West do a HoHo, or the famous Conch Train.

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The cruise stops from 1-8. Would the hop in and hop out train be a good idea? Rent a golf cart? Besides the buoy what should I do ? Thanks !!

 

 

There is no need to rent a golf cart. Most everything of interest to a visitor is within a square mile area that is easily walkable. If you get tired of walking, there is a free circulator bus: https://www.carfreekeywest.com/duval-loop-bus

 

The trolley is a good idea if you want a narrated tour.

 

As mentioned above, what to do depends on your interests. There are museums, parks, walking tours of Old Town, shops, restaurants and bars. Many cruise ship visitors go to Truman’s Little White House or The Hemingway House. The Mel Fisher Museum is very interesting if you’re interested in the salvage operations and the story behind the discovery of the Atocha. You can climb to the top of the Lighthouse, visit a spa or spend a couple hours kayaking.

 

One thing I would skip is our beaches. We don’t have great beaches here and since Hurricane Irma, Fort Zachary has very little sand. Bring water shoes if you plan to visit since you will be walking on rocks and coral pieces.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Been to Key West 3 times now and have seen most of the sights. Last visit we went to the Mel Fisher Museum, only a few blocks from the pier. He is the guy who discovered the Spanish ship that sunk in 1622 and his museum displays a number of artifacts he retrieved. (Also has a gift shop where some of them are sold). All four of us (including two kids) found it very interesting.

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We first came to Key West on a cruise stop. We were intrigued enough to come for a few short stays in B&B's. We now come for 3 weeks every year.

 

During our very first stay, we took the Conch Train tour. To this day, we still look back on how good that was at giving us a feel for the area and the KW "vibe" that brings us back.

 

Unless you have some special interest (e.g., if you're a Hemmingway fan, go to the house), I would suggest walking along some of the quieter streets off Duval to get a feel for the area. Stop in one of the bars w/ live music for a drink. Go to the bight (marina area) for a walk. Get an iced cafe con leche from Cuban Coffee Queen.

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  • 1 month later...

This is a bit of an odd thing to suggest on a cruise forum, but....sometime go to Key West when there isn't a cruise ship in port. We spent several days there following a driving trip across the Keys. It is a completely different place without all the crowds. As to the suggestions of what to do, I second a visit to Hemingway House and Mallory Square in time for sunset.

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