Between transportation, lodging, and meals, who can afford to spend money on vacation? Key West is the kind of town that you don’t need a lot of money to have a good time. There are plenty of options for those who want to have a great experience without breaking the bank.
How to do Key West on a Budget
Here are a few things you can do and sites you can visit in Key West that are absolutely free!
Stroll Along the Famous Duval Street
Running north to south from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, Duval Street is just over 1.25 miles long. Each year, thousands flock to this lively street lined with restaurants, cigar shops, souvenir stores, outdoor bars, and more. There is so much to experience that walking from one end to the other could take all day. So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to embrace all that is Key West, from high-end art galleries to the Smallest Bar. Grab a cold Ice-cream or Margarita on your way!
Visit the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.
Originally marked with just a small wooden sign in the 1970s, the Southernmost point is a giant stone buoy, 12 feet tall and 7 feet wide, that sits 18 feet above sea level. It has become the most visited and photographed tourist attraction, not only in Key West, but in the entire United States. Just one block off Duval Street, the Southernmost Point is the perfect spot for a photograph! Be aware, you might have to get in line and wait your turn.
Tour the Key West Cemetery and Other Spooky Sites
One wouldn’t think that visiting a cemetery while on vacation would be on your to-do-list, but this one will change your mind. The Key West Cemetery is in the center of Old Town and has several entrances. Start at the northwest corner at Passover Lane and Angela Street as a small office there has free self-guided walking tour maps. You will recognize names like Mallory, Curry, and Von Pfister, telling the tale of families that have lived here long before.
Find the grave of the real Sloppy Joe, “Sloppy” Joe Russell, who was Ernest Hemingway’s fishing guide and a famous Key West bartender. In addition, the Historic Florida Keys Foundation offers walking tours of the cemetery twice a week for a fee.
Stop By Mile Marker Zero on US Route 1
Walk one block off Duval Street and you will be standing at Mile Marker Zero. This mile marker is the beginning, or the end of US Route 1, depending on where you start. US 1 is a National Scenic Byway and the longest north-south road in the United States. From Key West, Florida to Fort Kent, Maine, US 1 consists of 2,446 original miles.
The Mile Marker Zero sign is one of the most popular places to have your picture taken in Key West, proving that you have indeed made it to the end of the road. Stop into The End of the Road souvenir shop across the street and find that perfect keepsake.
Relax at Higgs Memorial Beach
With 16.5 acres right on the Atlantic Ocean, Higgs Public Beach has something for everyone. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, beach volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and a beachside playground for kids. Tropical Water Sports, located right on the beach, offers a broad array of beach accessories for rent including beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboards. Walk out onto Reynolds Pier and take the stairs right down into the ocean.
If you get hungry, there is a great restaurant right there on the beach called Salute! Come for an hour or spend the entire day. Free parking.
Plan Your Vacation to Key West on a Budget
Key West is a tropical destination with tons of culture, dining, water activities, and more. Even if you're on a tight budget, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the Southernmost Point of the U.S. Book your stay in Key West today with us and start planning a trip of a lifetime.