We had an amazing Key West day trip. We had such a great time, that I am sharing my exact itinerary with you along with some travel tips. This itinerary had something to accommodate everyone in our multigenerational travel party. We departed Miami at 6am and returned to our hotel around 9pm.
Morning
Breakfast at Café Moka
Café Moka, 91731 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070
We drove about an hour and a half to Café Moka. They won Best Cup of Coffee of Upper Keys two years in a row.
We enjoyed caramel macchiatos and some delicious, freshly baked pastries. If you love almonds, you have to try the almond croissants! They had an incredible flavor and were the best I ever had.
We bought some sparkling lemonade for the road. I only wish I had bought more of those almond croissants!
Fueled with some quality coffee and our tummies full, we continued on our journey to the Key West Butterfly Conservatory.
Paid Parking Lot Next to Key West Butterfly Conservatory
There is a paid parking lot adjacent to the butterfly conservatory. You can pay with ParkByApp app, online or at the meter in the parking lot. If you purchased a ticket at the meter, remember to display it on your dashboard. We purchased 4 hours, which was the perfect amount of time for us.
Tips:
- Remember to set an alarm on your phone with enough time to renew parking or exit the lot. If you paid for your parking online or through the app, then you can easily renew on the go.
- Take a photo of your physical ticket or retain digital confirmation of your ticket so that you can easily dispute any potential tickets issued in error.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040.
Suggested Time: ~1 hour
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory was the highlight of our trip! I have been to a handful of butterfly conservatories and this is the best one yet! It was modest in size, but it made up for it in beauty. As we walked in the conservatory, I felt like I had stepped into a whole new, magical world. We were immediately greeted with numerous colorful butterflies.
Beautiful butterflies were swirling around us, and we were surrounded by lush greenery and unique tropical flowers. As we walked through the conservatory, we heard the peaceful sounds of the waterfall and chirping birds. There were seats positioned around the circuit that allowed people ample time to enjoy the scenery. We loved seeing the flamingos, other small birds and koi fish.
Although we are not allowed to touch the butterflies, you might be lucky enough to have one land on you! A couple of us were lucky enough to have some land on us.
Tickets
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory offer discounts for seniors and military. All members of party have to be present and ready to enter the conservatory when you purchase your tickets in the store. The conservatory will be warm and a bit humid. We were comfortable but cold waters are available for purchase prior to entering the conservatory.
Tip: The store offers discounts on regular adult tickets if you purchase them online.
Gift Shop
The gift shop is stocked with an eclectic assortment of unique jewelry, art, clothing, toys and more. They also offer military discount on purchases.
Ethically Sourced Real Butterfly Wing Jewelry by ChrysalisStudios
Ethically Sourced Real Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Earrings by ChrysalisStudios
Bathrooms
Two bathrooms are located in the gift shop. We made sure to use them before we left.
Quick Photo-Op at Southernmost Point of the Continental USA
Southernmost Point of the Continental USA Landmark, 1400 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
Estimated Time: ~5 to 30 minutes
Taking a photo at this iconic landmark is a must-do. There was an incredibly long line to take a photo that got even longer in the afternoon.
Time Saver: If you have some decent selfie skills or have a selfie stick, you can step onto the raised ledge in front of the landmark and take photos of yourself with the landmark in the background. There should be a short window of opportunity to take a clear photo in between people in line taking their own photos. Take several photos and delete the ones you do not like later.
Photography Tip: If you have a large group, stand on either side of the landmark diagonally instead of directly in front of it so you can capture the entire landmark in the photo.
Key West Lighthouse
As you walk towards the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the historic Key West Lighthouse will be on your left. You can get a decent photo of the top of the lighthouse from the top floor of the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Suggested Time: ~1 to 1.5 hours
We explored the former residence of Ernest Hemingway. The historic home was beautifully preserved and allowed us a glimpse into his fascinating life.
Hemingway loved cats. The famous six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway’s own pets, were roaming the grounds.
I loved his writing studio the best. When he was living there, there was a catwalk that connected his house to his studio.
Tips:
- They provide discounts to seniors and active duty military so remember to bring your ID.
- They offer guided tours but if you do not want to wait for the next tour, you can scan a QR code by the front door and take a self-tour.
Lunch
Lunch at Kaya Island Eats
Kaya Island Eats, 628 Rear Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
Estimated Time: ~45 minutes
We had a relaxing lunch at Kaya Island Eats. The staff was friendly and the service was excellent. They had a good assortment of Caribbean food. We tried the Caribbean Shrimp Skewers, Killer Fish Tacos with fried mahi mahi, Blackened Shrimp Tacos, and Carne Asada Steak Tacos. The food was good and the portions were generous. They also offered samples of their house Mai Tai, which were so delicious I had to get one.
Afternoon
Park at Mallory Parking
Mallory Parking Lot, 460 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040
Shopping at Mallory Square
Mallory Square is known for its nightly sunset celebrations. Although we did not stay long enough to view the sunset, we enjoyed shopping there.
Sweets at Mattheessen’s Homemade
Mattheessen’s Homemade, 106 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
Stop by Mattheessen’s Homemade for some sweets. We had homemade ice cream and chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick. The creamy key lime ice cream was divine. However, if I only had to choose one, I would get the key lime pie on a stick dipped in dark chocolate.
Parasailing
Photo Credit: Key West Parasailing Adventure above Emerald Blue Waters
Estimated Time: ~1 hour but actual time in the air is about 10 minutes
Minimum Age: 6 years old
What to Bring: a valid, Gov’t-issued ID, a bathing suit, a towel, water, and Reef-safe sunscreen.
Purchase your tickets online.
Tip: I would recommend purchasing tickets in advance to secure your desired time slot. There were limited spots the day-of.
My daughter’s favorite part of the trip was parasailing. It was her first time and she already wants to go again. She enjoyed being high up in the air with a bird’s eye view of the crystal clear waters of the ocean. She spotted some sting rays and someone else said they saw sea turtles.
Journey Back Home
We left Key West around 5:30pm. On the way home, there was a stretch of the highway that was flanked with mangroves that we call Iguana Road. We saw so many iguanas on that stretch of road. Green and brown iguanas were laying in the grass and perched on rocks.
We also saw signs for Key Deer, which is an endangered subspecies of white-tailed deer that live in the lower Florida keys. We did not see any, but it would have been amazing experience because they are not found anywhere else in the world. If you are interested in seeing Key Deer, you may have some luck at one of the National Key Deer Refuge Trails.
Popular Key West Day Trips and Tours
Private Tour of Florida Keys from Marathon to Key West
Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West
Full-Day Tour of Florida Keys Including Aquarium Encounters from Key West
Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour
Key West Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours