Key West has a well-earned reputation for being a party town, with bar crawls and drinking taking center stage. But what if you don’t drink? Is it worth coming to Key West?
The truth is, there’s plenty to do in the Florida Keys and Key West without touching the sauce. Like anywhere else, it’s all about what scene you pick. My favorite scene is sharing a quiet moment on the water with some pelicans and dolphins — and I’ve yet to meet a single one of them who offered to buy me a drink.
Here are some things to consider when planning your sober Key West vacation and some ideas on how to make it the best vacation ever.
The Ultimate Sober Island Getaway — Top 5 Things to Do in Key West While Avoiding Bars
Vacations should be about doing things you can’t do at home. You absolutely could drink at home, so there’s not much point in doing that here. Instead, focus on what Key West really excels at — sunsets, dolphins, and warm, enjoyable days outside or on a boat.
Here are five ideas to jump-start your sober Key West vacation.
Hit the Beach
If there’s one difference between living on a tropical island and living anywhere else, it’s the time we spend outdoors. We watch the sunset every night, cook our dinners on the grill out back, and spend weekends at the Key West sandbar. There’s no law that says you have to drink when you go outside, although it’s a very good idea to stay hydrated with plenty of water when spending time under the tropical sun.
Everyone wants to hit the beach when they come to the Keys, and there are quite a few options where you drive up and walk out onto some pretty sand patches. Check out Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Smathers, or Higgs Beach for options right in town.
However, the best beaches in Key West are offshore sandbars. There are a ton of these shifting, winding masses of sand just a few miles away from the island. The only way to get there is by boat, however. Consider booking a Key West charter to go sandbar hopping.
Go Out on a Boat
Snorkeling and diving are also first-rate in Key West. These also require a special boat trip to take you out a few miles. This brings you to the only living coral reef ecosystem in the contiguous United States. You’ll see tons of tropical fish, colorful corals, and perhaps even some big critters like rays, sharks, or dolphins. Snorkeling is easy even for first-timers; if you can swim, you can go snorkeling in Key West.
If you don’t feel like taking a busy boat tour or paying for a private charter, renting a kayak or paddleboard for a few hours is a great way to get away from town. The best places to rent are a little ways out of town. That way, you won’t have to paddle far to see lots of wildlife and marvel at the quiet surroundings of the Lower Keys.
Try a New Hobby — Fishing? Birding?
If you’ve got a favorite hobby or are looking for a new one, you might find that there are lots of ways to explore Key West. The area is very popular with birders; at certain times of the year, the area is one of the hottest birding destinations in the country.
And, of course, Key West is a great place for fishing, with easy access to backcountry flats fishing, light or medium tackle shore and reef fishing, or serious offshore angling for the big ones.
Museum Hop and Cultural Events
Walking around town, you’ll also find plenty to do that doesn’t involve going to the bar. Key West has a bustling cultural scene, with plenty of art, music, and history to entertain anybody. Rent a bike and start tooling around the island — you’ll surely find plenty to see and do.
Start your day at one of the many museums in town. I’m partial to the Key West Art and Historical Society museum located at the old Custom House. Truman’s Little White House and the Hemingway House also provide fascinating looks at Key West’s golden years.
Duval and the rest of the island are also home to many art galleries. Live music events are held throughout the year; check the local calendar for a peek at what’s happening during your visit.
Stuff Your Face with Delicious Food
Finally, Key West has a huge foodie scene. There are so many ways to stuff your face in this town; it’s hard to believe that we don’t all weigh 300 pounds. It must be all that swimming and diving because it isn’t our diet!
There are plenty of small hole-in-the-wall restaurants where you can try Key West pink shrimp or the best conch fritters and just as many fancy places where you use the right fork at the right time on white linens.
Finding Support in Key West
Temptation is never far from one’s mind while roaming around Key West. It’s important to make a plan and know where to go. For some, that means keeping busy with fun outdoor activities. Others might want to look for support on the island. There are plenty of options.
If you’re concerned about maintaining your sobriety while on vacation, consider attending a local support group meeting. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other recovery groups often hold meetings in Key West, providing a sense of community and understanding. The Anchors Aweigh Club on Virginia Street has multiple meetings every day. Visitors are always welcome; check the website for meeting specifics and topics.
Snipes Point Sandbar
There is one bar that you should visit while in Key West: the sandbar. You’re not going to drink; instead, you get to hang with dolphins, birds, and fish. Call Captain Zak and book a private boat charter today.
