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Key West is a tropical city with a rich nightlife, beaches, and historic landmarks. January is one of the best months to visit as the weather is cool, the skies are clear, and the crowds are minimal. Whether you want to enjoy yourself or have fun, things to do in Key West in January is the perfect time to get out on the island. You can enjoy water sports, animal sightings, cultural visits, and festivals in Key West during January.
10 Best Things to Do In Key West In January
Let’s explore what to do in Key West in January. These include some lesser-known as well as popular destinations in and around Key West, Florida.
1. Explore Duval Street
Photo: qwesy qwesy / Wikimedia Commons
Duval Street is the history, culture, and nightlife hub of Key West. This pulsing avenue runs more than a mile between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Duval Street in January is perfect to stroll on because of the cool, windy conditions. There are numerous shops, galleries and quaint boutiques selling local goods and souvenirs. In addition to that, the street has some of the most popular bars, such as Sloppy Joe’s and Margaritaville, so you can enjoy this bustling area for eating and drinking. Don’t miss the opportunity to try regional treats such as conch fritters and Key Lime pie..
Best Time To Visit: Afternoon until late evening when the street comes alive
Location: Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040
2. Snorkelling In The Coral Reefs
Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are visiting Key West, you can’t miss out on a snorkelling adventure, especially during the calm waters of January. The island’s coral reef system is the only living coral barrier reef in the US, making it an ideal destination for snorkelling. You can opt for a private snorkelling tour that takes you to the best spots to watch coral reefs, tropical fish, and maybe even sea turtles or rays. The water is around 75°F, which is warm enough to swim comfortably. No matter whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or just starting out, there’s nothing quite like swimming in the vibrant marine life.
3. Sunset At Mallory Square
Photo: Pietro Valocchi / Wikimedia Commons
Mallory Square also hosts the Sunset Celebration each night of the week, which is one of the best things to see in Key West in January. The square overlooks the ocean with an open view as the sun sets over the horizon and gives a wonderful display of colours. January’s blue sky offers perfect sunsets, and the weather stays cool enough to partake in the outdoor festivities. The square also has food stalls and crafts shops to let you experience local culture and foods.
Best Time To Visit: Arrive by 5 PM to grab a good spot for the Sunset Celebration
Location: Mallory Square, 400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040
4. Stroll Around Ernest Hemingway Home And Museum
Photo: Andreas Lamecker / Wikimedia Commons
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West is a historical icon that lets you into the life of one of the most celebrated writers in the United States. In this Spanish Colonial-style house, Hemingway lived in the 1930s and produced much of his best-known work. His personal collections, photographs and manuscripts adorn the museum. A standout at the museum is the garden, which contains the descendants of Hemingway’s six-toed cats.
Best Time To Visit: Mornings for cooler temperatures
Location: Key West, FL 33040
5. Relax At Smathers Beach
Photo: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration / Wikimedia Commons
The biggest public beach in Key West is Smathers Beach, which is a sandy refuge that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is smaller in January, and it is warm enough to sunbathe, swim and play beach sports. The palm-fringed beach is almost two miles long, leaving plenty of space to chill out. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski to get on the water. Food trucks run up and down the beach, offering local foods such as fresh coconuts and seafood bites. It is perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers who want to spend a peaceful beach day.
Best Time To Visit: Mid-morning to early afternoon
Location: Key West, FL 33040
6. Explore The Key West Butterfly
Photo: Martin E. Walder / Wikimedia Commons
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a tranquil sanctuary of hundreds of free-flying butterflies and exotic birds. A visit in January is ideal as the conservatory inside is warm and tropical and provides a welcome break from the weather out there. The glass cloister is awash in blooms, waterfalls and palm trees. When you go through it, you will be surrounded by beautiful butterflies and birds, and it is going to be quite mystical.
Best Time To Visit: Early afternoon
Location: 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
7. Trip To Tortugas National Park
Photo: Brian W. Schaller / Wikimedia Commons
Dry Tortugas National Park is a wilderness paradise about 70 miles from Key West. Only accessible by ferry or seaplane, the national park boasts white sandy beaches, clear waters, and the former Fort Jefferson. This is a great time of year to visit the park; it gets cooler in January, and the fort can be explored and hiked. The ferry ride has stunning ocean views and the possibility of spotting dolphins swimming nearby.
Best Time To Visit: Early morning
Location: Ferry departs from Key West Harbor, 100 Grinnell St, Key West, FL 33040
8. Explore West Lighthouse
Photo: Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons
The 1848 Key West Lighthouse is a historical landmark and provides an outstanding panorama of the island. Walk up the 88 steps to the 65-foot tower and get a bird’s-eye view of the beach and Old Town Key West. The museum in the keeper’s quarters offers an interesting window into the lives of the lighthouse keepers who kept the beacon safe during hurricanes and storms. In January, it is cool enough to climb up, and the sky is clear enough to see down from the summit. The site is perfect for history fans and anyone who wants a rare picture.
Best Time To Visit: Mornings
Location: 938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
9. Explore Key West’s Historic Seaport
Photo: Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons
The Key West Historic Seaport, or Key West Bight, is a bustling hub of marinas, shops, restaurants and historical landmarks. It’s a perfect way to take in the island’s maritime past in an easygoing atmosphere. Scuba diving is possible in a short, gentle walk down the harbourwalk, which is crowded with fishing vessels, yachts and schooners, to get an insight into the marine life here. The mild weather makes January a perfect month to enjoy the seaport without the summer crowds.
Best Time To Visit: Late afternoon to evening
Location: 231 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040
10. Experience Key West Ghost Tour
Photo: Georgfotoart / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The city of Key West is full of ghosts and historical legends, and a ghost tour is a great way to see the island at night. January’s cool, windy nights make for the perfect backdrop for these ghost tours. With an expert narrator, you will tour haunted houses such as the legendary Fort East Martello Museum’s Robert the Doll and the sinister Captain Tony’s Saloon. It is an immersive exploration of the island’s murkier past, where we learn about pirates, wrecks and disappearances. It’s an exhilarating event for the horror enthusiast and anyone who’s curious about the paranormal aspects of Key West.
Best Time To Visit: Evening tours, starting after sunset, for the best spooky ambience
Location: Tours typically start at 301 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
Key West is a fantastic winter vacation spot with the warmth, fewer tourists, and an assortment of cool things to do. When you aren’t walking down bustling Duval Street, enjoying Smathers Beach, or exploring the Dry Tortugas, there is something to entertain you. It is a pleasure to be able to spend a few days exploring many things to do in Key West in January and experience this island without the heat of summer or hurricane concerns. Make your plans with TripXL now, and pack your bags this January for a memorable winter trip to this coastal paradise.
Cover Photo: Vincent Gerbouin / Pexels
