Key West Cruise Port Guide: Best Things to Do

Key West has two cruise piers. Mallory Square (sometimes listed as the Old Town pier) drops you right at the famous sunset square, steps from Duval Street and the heart of Old Town. The other is the Pier B near the Margaritaville resort, also walkable into town but a few minutes farther. Either way, you're in great shape, because the whole historic core is flat and close. There's no need for a shuttle to reach the good stuff.

Because everything is so walkable, you don't really need a taxi unless you're heading to a farther beach. The town runs on bikes, scooters, and the little tourist trains and trolleys that loop the island. Keep your essentials in a zipped cross-body bag so your hands are free for ice cream and key lime pie, and you can move easily through the crowds near the square when multiple ships are in.

Duval Street is the main artery of Key West, running roughly from the Gulf side to the Atlantic side, and it's the easiest way to orient yourself. It's lined with bars, shops, galleries, and cafes, and it gets lively early. A few landmarks are worth the short walk: the Southernmost Point buoy (yes, there's usually a line for the photo, but it moves), the Ernest Hemingway Home with its famous six-toed cats, and the Key West Lighthouse right across from it.

If you like a little structure without locking yourself into a full excursion, the hop-on trolley tours are a fun way to hear the island's history and hit the spread-out spots without all the walking in the heat. Otherwise, just stroll. Duck down the side streets off Duval to see the gorgeous old Conch houses with their gingerbread trim and white picket fences. It's a town that rewards slow wandering more than a packed checklist.

Here's an honest heads-up: Key West isn't famous for huge sandy beaches the way some Caribbean ports are. The beaches are smaller and a bit rocky in spots, but they're still lovely for a dip. Fort Zachary Taylor is the local favorite, a state park beach a short walk or quick ride from the piers, with shade trees, clear water, and great snorkeling along the rocks. There's a small entry fee, but it's worth it. Smathers Beach is the longest stretch of sand, though it's farther out on the Atlantic side.

Because the bottom can be rocky, water shoes make a real difference at Fort Zachary, both for getting in comfortably and for the snorkeling. Toss a quick-dry towel and your water shoes into a packable daypack so you can swim and then keep exploring without dragging wet gear everywhere. If you'd rather get out on the water, plenty of operators run reef snorkeling and catamaran trips that fit inside a port day, which is a great call since the living coral reef offshore is the real swimming highlight here.

You can't leave Key West without key lime pie, and honestly you should try a couple of versions to find your favorite. The frozen pie on a stick dipped in chocolate is a fun one to eat while walking. For something heartier, grab fresh seafood, conch fritters, or a fish sandwich at one of the casual spots near the water. Duval and the streets around it have plenty of options, from grab-and-go to sit-down, so eat by feel rather than a strict plan.

Getting back to the ship is easy since you're docked right in town, but the relaxed pace can lull you, so keep an eye on your all-aboard time. Remember the ship runs on its own clock, which may differ from local time, and the all-aboard is usually 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Give yourself a comfortable buffer, especially if you went out to a beach. Carry a little cash for small purchases and entry fees, and keep it secure in a zipped bag while you stroll.