Last Updated on March 30, 2025
Key West is located at the Southernmost Point of the United States, and there are many fun things to do here with your loved ones.
From a romantic sunset at Mallory Square to drinks on a date night out, here are 9 things that couples shouldn’t miss in Key West!
If you’re up for it, you can walk to all of the stops on this list!
1. Visit The Beach At Southernmost Cafe & Bar
The first thing my girlfriend and I wanted to do when we arrived in Key West was go to the beach and have a couple of drinks.
The Southernmost Beach Cafe & Bar is a perfect choice, since it’s just a short walk from the Southernmost Point Buoy.
The beach is awesome, and you can walk out quite a ways in the clear, shallow water.
Obviously, the beach is nice, but it’s also convenient since it’s right in town, and you don’t have to take a ferry or seaplane like you do for the Dry Tortugas.
I would just recommend getting here early since it’s not a very large beach and the good spots could fill up quickly, depending on the time of year.
Once you’re hungry, you can grab some food in the cafe.
2. Take A Selfie At The Southernmost Point Buoy
Our next stop in Key West was visiting the Southernmost Point Buoy.
This historic landmark is famous for being just 90 miles from Cuba, and it’s a perfect place to take a selfie with your partner.
The buoy is just a block or so from the Southernmost Beach Cafe, so it’s a short walk.
You have to wait in line to take a picture so it’s best to get here early, as well.
The views are awesome from this spot, so the Southernmost Point Buoy is definitely worth a visit.
3. See Butterflies (And Flamingos) At The Key West Nature Conservatory
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory proves that Key West isn’t just all about beaches and nightlife.
This place was really fun to visit, and you get to see tons of butterflies under the large domed exhibit area.
The conservatory claims to have over 50 different types of butterflies here.
This is an awesome place to bring the kids if you have them with you, but it’s also a nice place to visit with your significant other.
My girlfriend loves plants, animals, and butterflies, so this was a great place to take her.
Taking a walk through the garden at the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory in Key West
There’s a gift shop to browse once you complete your walk through the butterfly garden.
Visitor’s Note: You can’t touch the butterflies here, but if they fly on you naturally, that’s fine.
Just don’t plan on taking any home!
4. Climb To The Top Of The Key West Lighthouse
If you want the best views of the area with your loved one, climb the 88 stairs to the top of the lighthouse!
This lighthouse museum is located on Whitehead Street and has been around since the 1800s.
It was restored several times throughout the years, leaving a piece of Key West’s history for you to visit.
The Key West Lighthouse is worth a visit as you make your way north towards the other stops on this list.
5. Stop At The Kapok Tree
Another landmark to make a quick stop at in Key West is the Kapok Tree.
The Kapok Tree is also on Whitehead Street in front of the courthouse, and is a cool-looking tree with a great deal of history.
Kapok Trees can grow to over 200 feet, and the one in Key West is estimated to be around 100 years old.
6. Snap A Photo At The Mile 0 Marker
Ok, so this just looks like a sign, but it’s also one of the most popular photo spots in Key West!
On the corner of Whitehead Street and Fleming, the Mile 0 Marker signifies the end of U.S. 1 on the East Coast, since it’s at the Southernmost point of the U.S.
You made it!
7. Enjoy Food, Drinks & Live Music At Sloppy Joe’s
We’ve been talking about fun things to do in Key West with your partner, but we haven’t touched on food yet, which is one of the best things to enjoy here!
We stopped at Sloppy Joe’s on Duval Street, which is a lively bar and grill.
They have good food and live music. If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate spot, this isn’t it.
But it’s a good place for drinks and a fun atmosphere. You have to try the sloppy joes here.
It’s easy to see how this became the restaurant’s namesake. Their Philly Cheesesteak is also good.
Other popular restaurants in Key West include Harpoon Harry’s, Conch Republic Seafood Company, Blue Heaven, and DJ’s Clam Shack.
My girlfriend and I posing for a photo at Sloppy Joe’s Restaurant
8. Have A Drink At The Smallest Bar!
As you head from Sloppy Joe’s to Mallory Square, you’ll pass by another iconic stop, The Smallest Bar.
Come have a drink with your partner and take a refreshment to go as you head towards the northernmost part of Key West on Duval Street.
The bar is small, but don’t let that fool you; they have lots of alcohol to choose from!
9. Catch The Sunset At Mallory Square
You know the saying, “everything is better when the sun goes down”?
That’s how it feels when the sunsets at Mallory Square in Key West.
The nightly celebration here is a beautiful place to visit with your loved one.
There are plenty of things to do in the area, including the Waterfront Playhouse Theatre and Key West Aquarium, but it seems like everyone in the area gathers to witness the sun going down.
Get here a little before sunset to get a good photo spot closest to the water.
Have More Time In Key West?
Here are a few more recommended stops:
Ernest Hemingway’s house
Truman Little White House
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Green Parrot Bar
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are lots of fun things to do for couples in Key West!
From romantic sunsets to beaches and historical landmarks, and even drinks and nightlife, I hope you’ll have a great time in Key West with your partner like I did.
Heading to the Florida Keys this year?
Check out our must-have 7 day Florida Keys Itinerary!
You may be interested in this related article:
A Foodie’s Guide: 10 Amazing Restaurants to Visit in the Florida Keys
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