Planning a family vacation that everyone will enjoy can be a challenge, but Key West makes it surprisingly easy. From fascinating marine life and historic landmarks to beautiful beaches, interactive museums, and unforgettable sunsets, there's something here for every age. Whether you're visiting for a single day or an extended stay, you'll find plenty of family-friendly activities that create lasting memories.

Stone Crab Fishing in Southwest Florida and Key West: A Local Treasure

When fall rolls around in Southwest Florida and Key West, locals and visitors alike look forward to one of the region’s most mouth watering traditions: stone crab season. Known for their sweet, tender claw meat and sustainable harvesting practices, stone crabs have become a celebrated delicacy along Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Keys. Whether you’re interested in trying your hand at catching them or simply want to understand the process before indulging at a local restaurant, here’s MOST everything you need to know about stone crab fishing in the Sunshine State.

The Key West National Wildlife Refuge is a 10,670-acre refuge located just off the western coast of Key West, out to the Marquesas Keys. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including sea turtles, shorebirds, wading birds, and mammals. The refuge also protects important habitats, such as mangrove forests and seagrass beds.

Started in 2016, Captains for Clean Water is a grassroots nonprofit organization that fights to restore much needed Florida water resources. Committed to uniting the outdoor industry, environmental groups, business community and concerned citizens for the fight for clean water.

Key West is a tropical island located at the southernmost tip of Florida. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a casual laid-back atmosphere.  When we think tropical AND island.... our minds immediately wander to sunshine, sand between our toes and fresh air. 

There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in Key West.  Most restaurants offer some type of an outdoor spot, whether it be a patio, porch, pool or waterside dining. Outdoor concerts, countless festivals, swimming and sunbathing to fishing and biking. Here are just a few of the best outdoor activities in Key West.

No matter where you live or what you do, time seems to escape us.  How many times have we referred to "time flying".   Despite our best intentions, popular destinations and points of interest in our own backyard that are enjoyed by visitors are always on our "things to do and see list".  One of the most common phrases we hear, at Key West Express is...  " I've lived in Florida for XX number of years, but I've never been to Key West."  Yes, we get it but,  "Why NOT?   What are you waiting for?" A staycation to Key West is just what the "ho-hum" doctor ordered.

Only ONCE A YEAR, an unusually exciting event happens in the warm waters of the Florida Keys. Which is home to the only living coral reef that exists in the Continental United States.  This teeming backbone of marine life, runs the length of the 125 mile Florida Keys island chain and lies but a short boat ride only 5 miles offshore.

Did you know that the barrier reef off the coast of the Florida Keys, is the ONLY barrier reef in North America AND is the third largest one in the World? These reefs perform many necessary and environmentally critical functions. As the name implies, it acts as a barrier to the islands behind it, helping to reduce wave and storm action, coming in from the open ocean. It is also a wildlife habitat that is one of the most diverse, in all the world. The reef is home to those animals that never leave the waters here, both fish, plant life  and the actual corals themselves.  It also acts as a haven to those fish that migrate through these waters as well as a rookery for juvenile fish. Making this biodiverse ecosystem one that must be protected, not only for the enjoyment of all of us, but for our continued ecological life on the this big, blue marble.

Fabulous funky fun ONLY IN THE KEYS.   About 30 miles north of Key West is Looe Key, where they host the annual Underwater Music Festival. Yes, you read that right UNDERWATER...  Ok, granted that no one is really playing an actual instrument but, jamming to your favorite watery favorites with homemade replicas typically fish or shell based by design. 

 When many people think of Key West, they picture lively nightlife, famous bars, and colorful Duval Street. While those attractions are certainly part of the island's personality, there's another side of Key West that families quickly fall in love with.