Within Walking Distance

Most attractions in Key West, Florida, are in good proximity to the cruise docks. Take The World Famous Conch Tour Train Hop On, Hop Off from Mallory Square for a 60-minute tour of the island. Hop-on, hop-off flexibility is also available on Discover Key West Hop On, Hop Off excursion. The Harry S. Truman Little White House served as Truman’s vacation home during his presidency and remains just as he left it—decorated in late-1940s style. From 1931 to 1939, “Papa” Hemingway lived at the Hemingway Home and completed For Whom the Bell Tolls and A Farewell to Arms in the sun-filled studio annex. The Hemingway Home & Sloppy Joe’s excursion is a great way to see some 60 polydactyl (many-toed) cats, whose descendants still live on the grounds and stop at one of Hemingway’s favorite haunts.

The Audubon House and Tropical Garden is dedicated to the 1832 Key West sojourn of naturalist John James Audubon. Although the famous bird watcher never lived in this building, it’s filled with his engravings. Visit to see how wealthy sailors lived in Key West in the 19th century, and to admire the lush tropical gardens. Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden is the most lavish and verdant garden in Key West, dense with orchids, climbing vines, and palms.

Beaches in Key West

The best and closest beach to the Key West cruise docks is Fort Zachary Taylor State Beach, a short walk away. To get here, go through the gates leading into the Truman Annex, site of the Little White House. The waters off the Florida Keys offer some of the best adventure. For an exhilarating boat ride try White Knuckle Thrill Ride or live out your own fish tale aboard the Glass Bottom Boat Ride excursion.

Join marine life in their underwater world on a snorkel, kayak and boat excursion with The Big 3, leaving from the dock of your Carnival cruise to Key West. The waters off the Florida Keys are some of the world’s finest fishing grounds.

Dining in Key West

When your Carnival cruise to Key West is in port, pull up a seat at one of the lively open-air raw bars near the dock area. Conch is king here—grilled, made into chowder, fried in batter as fritters, or served raw in a salad. Another local specialty is key lime pie. Key West is reputedly home to more bars per capita than anywhere else in the USA and the Key West Pub Crawl and The Taste of Key West excursions are two fun ways to enjoy the food and festivities of the Keys.

Head to Mallory Square at sunset, when jugglers, street performers, and bands create a festive scene for celebrating the end of the day.

Shopping in Key West

Shops in the buzzing 12-block radius of Mallory Square specialize in Key West kitsch like flamingo snow globes, lobster-shaped wine-bottle holders, and seashells from the seashore. As you move farther along Duval Street from Mallory, you’ll notice the shops get more and more stylish.

Travel Tips

• English is the official language.
• U.S. dollars are the national currency.
• Key West, Florida enjoys a warm, tropical climate, with plenty of sunshine and humidity.
• Key West cruises dock at Mallory Square, at the nearby Hilton Resort’s Pier B, and at the U.S. Navy base’s “Outer Mole” pier. Passengers arriving at the Navy pier must take an official shuttle bus to and from Mallory Square, as individuals are not permitted in the naval base.
• Key West is only 4 miles long and 2 miles wide. Most attractions are within an easy stroll of Mallory Square.