6 Best Things to Do in Key West for Couples

With its gorgeous beaches, vibrant nightlife, historic landmarks, and all-around quirky, fun culture, Key West is truly a destination for all! But it also makes a perfect romantic getaway for couples.

Whether you and your significant other are into romantic dinners and sunset cruises or rum tastings and adventurous watersports — the southernmost point of the US has something fun for every couple, not to mention the beautiful vacation homes where you can enjoy your own private pool, hot tub, and other premium amenities.

Ready to plan the perfect couple's getaway in Key West? Add these unique things to do in Key West to your list!

1. Hit the Beaches

We all associate the Florida Keys with a little fun in the sun so start your trip off with some beach time. Luckily, the weather stays warm year-round so there’s hardly a bad time to dig your toes in the sand at our beautiful beaches.

Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun and sip pina coladas, take a romantic Key West sunset stroll, or snorkel with your sweetheart — there’s no better way to spend some time with your significant other than with your toes in the sand!

 

Most Romantic Key West Beaches

• Smathers Beach: The largest public beach in Key West, there’s plenty of room to spread out and find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the views of swaying palm trees and calming waves.


• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach: With shallow waters filled with colorful tropical fish, the beach at Fort Zachary is the perfect snorkeling spot for beginners and couples looking for a less crowded snorkeling experience.


• Rest Beach: Another hidden gem among Key West beaches, Rest Beach sits just a few yards east of the popular (and typically crowded) Higgs Beach but offers a much more tranquil experience.

2. Take a Couples Key Lime Pie Making Class

Key West is famous for its Key Lime Pie; after all, this signature sweet and tangy treat originated here over a hundred years ago and has been everyone’s favorite ever since. You’ll find slices of Key Lime Pie served up on nearly every corner, with every restaurant and Key Lime Pie bakery claiming theirs is the best Key Lime Pie in Key West.

While trying all the different types of Key Lime Pie is certainly a visitor’s rite of passage, for a truly special treat and romantic way to spend the day with your partner — learn how to make one!

Take a couple’s Key Lime pie-making class at Key West Key Lime Pie Company. You and your significant other will learn how to whip up the island’s most famous sweet treat in the heart of Old Town Key West and walk away with sweet memories, as well as some pie-making skills to last a lifetime!

3. Watch the Sunset By Land or Water

If there’s anything Key West is most famous for besides beautiful beaches and tasty Key Lime Pie, it's the island’s breathtakingly beautiful sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

And there’s nothing more romantic than watching these dazzling colors paint the sky at the end of the day with your special someone.

While you can catch the sunset from pretty much everywhere on the island for the best views and most romantic vibes, a few spots take the cake, or should we say pie!

 

Most Romantic Places to Watch the Sunset in Key West

• Sunset Cruises: Hands down, there is nothing more romantic than a sunset sail in Key West. You’ll hop aboard a catamaran or sail charter, where the champagne flows and the calypso music plays as you sail into the sunset with your sweetheart.


• Mallory Square: If you’re looking for a more lively event, the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square features street performers, food vendors, and live music as the sun slowly sets over the Gulf. A perfect stop on your way to a romantic dinner.


• Sunset Key: If you’re looking to splurge on a one-of-a-kind experience, those staying on the private island of Sunset Key will enjoy incredible sunset views every night, among many other premium amenities and romantic things. Even if you decide not to stay the night, you can still make reservations at the restaurant Latitudes to enjoy the romantic atmosphere.

4. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner

Key West may be best known for its laid-back brunch spots, quirky cafes with roosters running around, and casual seafood joints, but there are also plenty of upscale, romantic restaurants that are perfect for a couples night out.

Whether you’re in the mood for crab cakes by candlelight, cozy tapas, and wine, or prime steaks and seafood, we’ve got you covered!

 

Most Romantic Restaurants in Key West

• Louie’s Backyard: Gorgeous beachside restaurant with a menu of fresh seafood, fine wines, and epic sunset views.


• Prime Steakhouse: Upscale spot for surf and turf, serving up some of the finest lobster, oysters, and prime cuts of steak, plus premium craft cocktails and fine wines.


• Azur: Intimate, Mediterranean eatery with breezy patio seating, cozy candlelight, and a menu of fresh seafood, Mediterranean classics, and housemade pasta.


• Santiago’s Bodega: Cozy wine and tapas bar with a menu of small bites and fine wines — perfect for sharing.


• Better Than Sex: Voted the best date night restaurant in the nation by Tripadvisor, this adults-only dessert spot features signature sweet treats and cocktails with naughty names and boudoir decor to set the mood.

5. Go Rum Tasting

While wine tasting might be your typical go-to as part of a romantic evening out (and don’t worry, you’ll find that on the island, too), Key West is quite literally rooted in rum — so why not try something a little different for date night?

From rum distillery tours and tastings to cocktail classes and rum “roundtables,” you can learn about the history of rum in Key West, go behind the scenes on spirit-making, and, of course, sample some of the best rums the island has to offer.

 

Best Rum Tasting Spots in Key West

• Papa’s Pilar: Tour the distillery, learn about the rum-making process and some local history, and sample some of the best rums from Hemingway Rum Company, or sign up for one of their more in-depth events, like cocktail classes and rum “roundtables.”


• Key West Legal Rum & Distillery: Tour the distillery, taste some unique, small-batch rums, or learn how to make a top-notch mojito at one of their mojito-making classes for a truly unique date-night experience.

6. Get Out on The Water

While there’s plenty to do on the island, for couples looking for a little adventure, there’s even more to explore offshore. No visit to this tropical paradise is complete without partaking in some watersports.

Whether you’d prefer to paddle the calm, shallow waters of the mangroves or snorkel among the colorful coral reefs, there’s so much to see and do out on the water in Key West.

 

Top Watersports in Key West for Couples

• Snorkeling: The waters surrounding Key West are filled with stunning coral reefs, home to tropical fish, sea turtles, sting rays, and so much more.

• Kayaking: Whether you prefer a guided tour or just want to rent a kayak and head out on your own, there’s plenty to explore with a paddle in the clear waters surrounding Key West, and yes — you can get a tandem that’s perfect for couples.


• Jet Skiing: For couples who want a few more thrills, hop on a jet ski and glide along the waterways at heart-pounding speeds. While two-seaters are popular, don’t worry; you can each get your own if you prefer! You can find jet ski rentals at nearly every marina in Key West and on some beaches.


• Parasailing: You’ll catch a birds-eye view of the gorgeous turquoise waters and, if you’re lucky, spot some stingrays, dolphins, and other marine life along the way.

Book Your Couple’s Key West Getaway

While we’ve only covered a few of our favorites, rest assured there’s plenty more for couples to do in Key West, from exploring historic landmarks like the Key West Lighthouse and Ernest Hemingway House to dining, drinking, and dancing on Duval Street.

If you have more time, you can even take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park or simply hit the Overseas Highway and explore the rest of The Florida Keys — the options are endless.

Ready to plan the ultimate couples getaway in Key West? Book your stay with VHKW. You’ll enjoy fully furnished vacation homes with premium amenities like private pools and hot tubs, gorgeous ocean views, and close proximity to all the best attractions in Key West!