Key West Historic Seaport
A vibrant maritime hub with colorful boats, lively restaurants, and stunning waterfront views. The heart of Key West's island charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tarpon & shark feeding time!
Key West Historic Seaport
Best Time
Tarpon & shark feeding time!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant maritime hub with colorful boats, lively restaurants, and stunning waterfront views. The heart of Key West's island charm.
"Skip Duval Street and walk the Historic Harbor Walk for a true Key West experience."
🚗 Skip the Car Rental
Walk, bike, or use Ubers. Parking is tough and expensive.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Harbor Walk
Escape Duval Street crowds for a more relaxed vibe with great views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Harbor Walk
Key West Historic Seaport
A charming promenade with colorful boats, shops, and eateries. Perfect for sunset views and people-watching.
Sunset Cruises
Departing from the Seaport
Experience breathtaking Key West sunsets from the water. Many tours offer drinks and entertainment.
Tarpon and Shark Feeding
Historic Seaport Harbor
Witness impressive marine life up close during daily feeding sessions. A thrilling spectacle for all ages.
Holiday Lights Display
Key West Historic Seaport
During the holiday season, the seaport transforms into a magical wonderland with festive lights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate Key West Like a Local
Embrace the Seaport Stroll
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Skip the Car Rental
Walk, bike, or use Ubers. Parking is tough and expensive. +1
🚶♀️ Stroll the Harbor Walk
Escape Duval Street crowds for a more relaxed vibe with great views.
🍽️ Restaurant Hop
Enjoy apps, mains, and dessert at different spots along the walk.
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Visit Fort Zachary Taylor State Park for $6/car.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Skip the Car Rental
Walk, bike, or use Ubers. Parking is tough and expensive. +1
🚶♀️ Stroll the Harbor Walk
Escape Duval Street crowds for a more relaxed vibe with great views.
🍽️ Restaurant Hop
Enjoy apps, mains, and dessert at different spots along the walk.
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Visit Fort Zachary Taylor State Park for $6/car.
🦈 Daily Marine Feeding
Catch the tarpon and shark feeding for an exciting spectacle.
🎄 Holiday Magic
Experience the stunning holiday lights and boat parades. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful waterfront views of the Key West Historic Seaport. The opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood, catch a sunset cruise, and experience the festive holiday lights are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some find it can be expensive, many appreciate the charm and the variety of activities available.
"We went here 1st as soon as we got to keywest it was a good place to start. This is where a lot of watersports activities took place. We took our sunset cruise from here"
JoJo W
"The beautiful waterfront views with colourful boats. We visited during the holidays and were treated to stunning lights and decorations all around. The area also has plenty of great restaurants to enjoy."
T N
"Skip Duvall Street and walk the Historic Harbor Walk.
Or do both and see why I said that 👆🏽.
I really don't care what you do.
It's quaint casual walk, boats on one side, restaurants and bars on the other.
My recommendation: restaurant hop. Have apps and drinks at one. Walk to another for main. Walk to another for dessert.
Ask for seating along the walk way.
We had apps at Waterfront brewery
Main at Conch Republic
Dessert at Kermits key like pie"
Lee Stevenson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best way to get around Key West is by walking or renting a bike. Ubers and Lyfts are also readily available and affordable, making it easy to get to and from the seaport. Avoid renting a car if possible, as parking can be difficult and expensive. +1
Parking near the Key West Historic Seaport can be challenging and costly. Many visitors recommend avoiding it altogether and opting for walking, biking, or using ride-sharing services like Uber.
While Key West doesn't have extensive public bus routes like a major city, the island is very walkable and bikeable. For longer distances, Ubers and Lyfts are the most convenient options.
Most visitors drive down the scenic Overseas Highway or fly into Key West International Airport (EYW). Once in Key West, getting around is best done without a car. +1
Some hotels located a few miles outside of the main Key West area may offer shuttle services, but it's best to confirm directly with your accommodation. Ride-sharing services are generally a reliable alternative.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Key West Historic Seaport itself is a public area and does not have an entrance fee. However, individual attractions, boat tours, and some state parks within the vicinity may have their own admission costs.
It's highly recommended to book sunset cruises in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better pricing. Many companies offer online booking.
The Key West Historic Seaport is generally accessible throughout the day and into the evening. Restaurants and shops have their own operating hours, typically extending into the night.
Yes, simply walking along the Harbor Walk, enjoying the waterfront views, and watching the boats is a free and enjoyable activity. You can also often see the tarpon and shark feeding without a ticket.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, located near the Seaport, typically costs around $6 per car for entry, making it a budget-friendly option for beach access and historical exploration.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss a stroll along the Harbor Walk, a sunset cruise, and witnessing the daily tarpon and shark feeding. During the holidays, the light displays are spectacular. +1
You'll see a variety of vessels, including fishing charters, sailboats, yachts, and tour boats. It's a vibrant working harbor with plenty of maritime activity.
Absolutely! The colorful boats, waterfront views, and historic architecture make it a photographer's paradise, especially during the golden hour and sunset.
While the Seaport itself is historic, nearby attractions like the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum offer deeper dives into Key West's rich past.
The atmosphere is lively and casual, with a strong maritime feel. It's a great place to relax, enjoy the ocean breeze, and soak in the island vibe.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Seaport offers a range of dining options, from casual waterfront eateries to more upscale restaurants. Popular choices include Conch Republic, Waterfront Brewery, and Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe for dessert.
Yes, many restaurants and bars in the Seaport offer great happy hour deals. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy drinks and appetizers.
Absolutely! Being a working harbor, you can expect to find incredibly fresh seafood at many of the restaurants around the Key West Historic Seaport.
Key Lime Pie is a must-try in Key West! Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe is famous for its delicious pies, often served frozen on a stick.
While some restaurants can be pricey, you can find more affordable options by looking for happy hour specials or casual eateries. Restaurant hopping can also help manage costs.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour before sunset and during sunset offers beautiful lighting. Mornings can also be lovely with fewer crowds. The holiday lights are a unique photographic opportunity.
Focus on the colorful boats docked, the waterfront views, the historic architecture along the Harbor Walk, and the festive holiday decorations if visiting during that season.
Yes, the tarpon and shark feeding is a dynamic and photogenic event. Be ready to capture the action as the fish leap for their food.
Drone usage is typically restricted in busy public areas and harbors for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide harbor scenes and details. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the Harbor Walk is an easy and enjoyable activity for all ages, with plenty of space to wander. For a budget-friendly option, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park nearby offers beach access and historical exploration that kids often enjoy.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visiting Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a great value at around $6 per car for beach access and historical exploration.
couples
Consider a restaurant hopping adventure for a progressive dinner, enjoying cocktails at one spot, a delicious seafood dinner at another, and finishing with dessert at a charming cafe. Many of the waterfront restaurants offer intimate seating and a relaxed ambiance perfect for a romantic evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Key West Historic Seaport
Beyond the visual appeal, the Seaport is a gateway to numerous water-based activities. Sunset cruises depart regularly, offering unforgettable views of the sun dipping below the horizon. You can also witness the exciting daily tarpon and shark feeding, a spectacle that draws crowds eager to see these marine predators in action. During the holiday season, the Seaport transforms into a magical display of holiday lights, creating a festive and enchanting ambiance.
+2For those looking to experience the essence of Key West, the Historic Seaport provides an authentic and engaging environment. Whether you're enjoying a meal with a waterfront view, embarking on an adventure at sea, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, the Seaport offers a memorable experience that captures the spirit of this unique island destination.
Getting Around Key West: The Car-Free Advantage
For longer distances or when you prefer not to pedal, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are exceptionally prevalent and affordable in Key West. Travelers consistently report quick arrival times and reasonable fares, making them a go-to option for getting to and from the Historic Seaport or other attractions. This car-free approach not only saves you the hassle and expense of parking but also allows you to immerse yourself in the island's unique, pedestrian-friendly culture.
If you're staying a bit further out from the main attractions, confirm if your hotel offers any shuttle services. However, the abundance of Ubers and the ease of biking mean you'll likely have no trouble reaching the Key West Historic Seaport and enjoying all it has to offer without the stress of driving and parking.
Culinary Delights at the Seaport
A popular strategy among visitors is to 'restaurant hop'. This involves enjoying appetizers and drinks at one establishment, moving to another for your main course, and perhaps a third for dessert. This allows you to sample a wider variety of flavors and atmospheres. Look for seating along the walkway to fully enjoy the Seaport's ambiance.
Don't leave without trying the iconic Key Lime Pie. Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe is a legendary spot, famous for its delicious pies, often served frozen on a stick. For a more casual experience, check out the happy hour specials at places like the Waterfront Brewery or Conch Republic, which offer great deals on drinks and appetizers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit