Free Activities Worth Checking Out While Visiting Florida's Iconic Key West

Florida's Key West can be a pricey destination with luxury yacht rides, five-star hotels, and other costly expenses. Thankfully, the island destination offers no shortage of free activities for budget-conscious travelers. And, given Key West's mild tropical climate, it's fitting that some of the best free-of-charge sites and events can be found outdoors under the warm Florida sun.

Key West is one of Florida's most walkable cities, making it easy to sightsee for free on foot. Many of the top tourist spots are situated in Old Town and the surrounding districts, so all you'll need to do to explore is get outside and start wandering. A great place to begin your walk is at the Key West Wildlife Center, a rehabilitation facility for wild animals. Visitors can stroll the grounds and walk the nature trail every day except Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Head further west and you'll stumble upon the Bahama Village, a completely free area to explore at your leisure. During your visit, you'll likely hear Bahamian music, find colorful buildings and street decor, and spot authentic Caribbean foods at the local Bahama Village Market. Then, make your way to Duval Street, a strip with shops and galleries that are fun to browse even if you don't plan to spend a penny. Finally, linger at Mallory Square Plaza, a waterfront plaza where performers and musicians are known to put on a show for tourists. Be sure to take advantage of the beautiful Key West sunset in the distance before heading back to your hotel — the view is priceless (literally)!

A beach day is (almost) always free, and what better way to spend a trip to Key West than heading to one of the island's best sand-covered spots? Smathers Beach, located between New Town and the Key West International Airport, is the most popular beach in the area, with its clean white sand and picturesque blue water. Just west is Higgs Beach, another stunning destination with a wooden pier, picnic tables, volleyball nets, and other amenities.

Several other beaches dot the island, and you'll find that most are more than equipped for a peaceful day of soaking up some sun and cooling off in the Atlantic. Some of the most fun and adventurous things to do in Key West for free also take place at the beach. For instance, you can pack your own snorkeling gear and spend hours studying the fish and coral reef under the water. Or you can try your hand at fishing, assuming you have your own fishing pole. Other outdoor activities, such as stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking, may require renting equipment. However, some hotels offer boards and other beach items, so be sure to check with your accommodation before spending money from your travel budget.