Duval Street, a 1.25-mile stretch of bars in Key West, floods with University of Miami students in costumes every Halloween.
But not everyone wants to bar hop all weekend, and knowing places beyond Duval Street can turn a weekend of one stretch into an island-wide exploration.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Gray Gerber, a Rosenstiel graduate student, explained that one of the best things to do in Key West is going to the Butterfly Conservatory.
“It’s a beautiful butterfly museum and garden, allowing you to [admire] the hundreds of butterflies as they fly around.” Gerber said.
The conservatory is home to over 50 butterfly species, as well as various species of birds.
Open from 9 am – 5pm daily, the conservatory transports guests to an immersive rainforest habitat. Ticket prices average to $20, but may fluctuate depending on the events hosted by the conservatory.
Smathers Beach
Spanning roughly half a mile, Smathers Beach is Key West’s largest public beach.
The beach is open until midnight on weekdays and offers on-site options like Sunset Watersports’ full-day beach passes.
With this pass, visitors get access to kayaks, floats, paddleboards and Hobie Cats — lightweight sailboats.
Smathers Beach also offers a variety of on-site dining options, making it a full-day destination.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor is a state park on the beach and a great alternative to Smathers Beach.
With clear waters and the world’s largest collection of Civil War armaments, this park offers both a natural and historical experience.
Additionally, Cayo Hueso Cafe is a local Key West restaurant located on Fort Zachary Taylor’s beach.
The restaurant offers coffee, Key Lime ice cream, and a variety of sandwiches.
Fort Zachary Taylor earned Tripadvisor’s 2026 “Traveler’s Choice” award.
This staple location is perfect for tanning, snorkeling and connecting with Florida history.
Captain Morgan’s Masquerade March
If you’re in Key West during Fantasy Fest, Captain Morgan’s Masquerade March — also known as the Local’s Parade — is a must-see.
This costumed walking parade showcases Key West’s community spirit and is accompanied by live music.
After-party celebrations take place on Duval, but the parade ends at the Fantasy Fest Street Fair.
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Mallory Square hosts a nightly “Sunset Celebration,” with live music, street vendors and local performers, from comedians to sword swallowers, spearheading the celebration.
While often considered a tourist attraction, the event also draws locals.
The Sunset Celebration begins two hours before sunset, giving you a chance to experience local culture against a colorful backdrop of orange, purple, and pink skies.
Haunted attractions
“Ghosts and Gravestones” is a popular trolley tour that combines Key West history with eerie supernatural stories.
Other options include Ghost Walking Tours and the iWitness True Crime Tour.
Key West also offers visits to “Robert the Doll,” a handmade doll rumored to be haunted.
The bottom line
Although many UM students are drawn to Key West for its expansive nightlife (especially during Fantasy Fest), there are plenty of other ways to enjoy your visit.
The city’s rich history and culture and beautiful natural landscape offer endless opportunities to have fun day and night.