The Conch Connection

Key West may be famous for colorful sunsets, historic streets and laid-back island energy, but some of its most unforgettable residents live beneath the water.

Key West Extreme Adventures offers visitors an opportunity to leave the shoreline behind and journey into the backcountry waters surrounding the island. Its shark and wildlife eco-tour combines close encounters, local knowledge and family-friendly excitement aboard the custom-built Tiger Cat.

For travelers hoping to discover a wilder side of Key West, this is one adventure that deserves a place on the itinerary.

What Happens When ParrotHeads Take Over the Beach?

What do you get when you fill a Fort Myers Beach resort with trop rock, loud shirts, raffle baskets, birds with actual feathers and people who can shout “Fins up!” before breakfast?

ParrotPhest, of course.

From October 1 through October 4, 2026, Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach will welcome the flock for four days of music, tropical mischief and very few boring shirts.

And here’s the part ParrotHeads will really appreciate: when ParrotPhest winds down, the original Margaritaville is waiting across the Gulf. Key West Express departs from Fort Myers Beach, making it possible to give this party the Key West encore it deserves.

Just a few steps from the energy of Duval Street, Bahama Village offers visitors a different look at Key West—one shaped by Bahamian heritage, Black history, Caribbean flavors and generations of island life.

This colorful Old Town neighborhood stretches across roughly 16 blocks between Whitehead, Southard, Fort and Louisa streets. Its narrow lanes, historic churches, tropical gardens and pastel wooden homes tell an important part of the Key West story. Although it is easy to explore on foot, Bahama Village deserves more than a quick walk-through. Slow down, look beyond the storefronts and discover the people and traditions that helped make Key West what it is today.

Key West, a vibrant island paradise known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning sunsets, also boasts a thriving art scene that captivates visitors and locals alike. With its unique blend of Caribbean culture and artistic expression, Key West offers a diverse range of art forms, from traditional painting and sculpture to contemporary installations and performance art.

Key West is famous for its sunsets, historic streets, and lively atmosphere, but just beneath the surface lies another world waiting to be explored. Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, fascinating shipwrecks, and an incredible diversity of marine life have made the Florida Keys one of North America's premier diving destinations.

Few experiences reveal the natural beauty of Key West quite like a nighttime kayaking adventure. As the sun sets and the crowds drift away from Duval Street, the island's waters transform into a peaceful world filled with stars, wildlife, glowing marine life, and the gentle sounds of the Florida Keys.

Fort Myers Beach is about to get loud—in the best possible way.

ROAR Offshore returns September 11–13, 2026, bringing a weekend of colorful catamarans, flying spray and close racing to the beach. There is even a welcome party on Thursday evening, September 10, for anyone who wants to start the fun a little early.

If you have never watched offshore powerboat racing, imagine a pack of boats charging across the water at more than 90 miles per hour. You hear the engines first. Then the boats burst into view, bounce across the chop and crowd together through the turns. It is fast, noisy and difficult to ignore.

This year's ROAR is different from the event of years past, so forget the old October dates and long list of racing classes. The 2026 weekend has been reimagined around one especially competitive class: APBA Super Stock. The official ROAR Offshore website is the best place to follow announcements as race day approaches.

Every January, Key West trades a little of its tropical calm for guitars, songwriters and the unmistakable sound of Red Dirt and Americana music. Mile 0 Fest turns the island into a five-day music vacation, with major evening performances at the waterfront amphitheater and smaller shows unfolding at beaches, resorts, theaters, bars and other venues around Old Town.

Things to Do in Key West This Fall

While many travelers wait until winter, locals know that September, October, and November offer warm water, spectacular sunsets, fewer crowds (especially early fall), and some of the island's biggest festivals. Whether you're looking for adventure, fresh seafood, colorful celebrations, or simply relaxing under a palm tree, there's something special happening every month.  Fall truly is one of the best times to visit.

If you're traveling from Southwest Florida, the Key West Express makes getting there easy—letting you skip the long drive and arrive refreshed, ready to explore.

Why Visit Pet-Friendly Key West?

Key West is known for its laid-back island lifestyle—and that relaxed atmosphere extends to pets, too. From outdoor restaurants and waterfront patios to scenic parks and historic streets, there are plenty of places where your four-legged companion is welcome.

Even better, getting there can be part of the adventure.