A Key West Bachelorette Party City Guide to Plan Your Weekend
If your bride is looking for a bachelorette destination with a laidback beach vibe, look now further than a Key West bachelorette party. In this southernmost city in the continental U.S., you'll find plenty to do—from live music, good drinks, fresh seafood, and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the surf and sun.
Key West Bachelorette Party Planning in this Article:
- Key West Bachelorette Party Ideas
- Key West Bachelorette Party Itinerary & Activities
- Places to Stay in Key West for a Bachelorette Party
- Key West Bachelorette Party Nightlife
- Expert Key West Travel Tips
Key West Bachelorette Party Ideas
Key West is a summer-lover's paradise. You'll find everything from sailor-inspired bars (thanks to Jimmy Buffett's large influence here) to the Florida home of Ernest Hemingway. But there's so much more: Opportunities to get out on the water, eat some great bites (this area is known as the Conch Republic for good reason), and explore the quaint but lively town on land. Check. Whatever you do: Don't forget to stock up on bach supplies from The Knot Shop.
For the Water Lovers
Key West might not have a ton of sandy shores for sunbathing, but you'll be right on the water's edge with loads of options for exploring the big blue: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, sunset cruises, kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing, just to name a few.
For Those Who Want to Stay on Shore
If you're a landlubber, there's still plenty of opportunity for you: Take a tour of Hemingway's House and see its resident six-toed cats, rent a bike for the day to explore Key West's greatest spots, or eat and drink your way along Key West's famous Duval Street, known for beach-y bars with live music.
For Those Looking to Relax
There are a number of spas in Key West where you and the girls can take a break from all the wedding planning and unwind. Consider the waterfront spa at Ocean Key or the luxe Pier House Resort & Spa.
Key West Bachelorette Party Itinerary & Activities
For the perfect bachelorette party in Key West, consider our three-day itinerary that gets you a little bit of everything: Time on the water, fun in the sun, great drinks, a bachelorette dinner and most importantly a fun time with your friends.
Day 1
Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Two Friends Patio Restaurant. This locals-favorite open-air restaurant is one of the last establishments of Old Key West. Enjoy its friendly and historic atmosphere while you dine on omelettes, biscuits and gravy, the shrimp and crab quiche, and of course, key lime French Toast.
Afternoon: Today is meant for exploring all that is Key West, especially if you're waiting for the rest of your group to arrive. Rent a bike from Bikeman Bike Rentals—it's just $10 a day!—to explore the entire Key (it's only 7 square miles). If you're anixous to test out your sea legs, pedal on water instead: Hydrobikes let you get out on the water for a bit of fun, or you can book their Castaway Island tour, which takes you from Lagerheads Beach Bar to Christmas Island, where you can snorkel over a 100-year-old wreck and enjoy lunch on the island's sandy beach.
Evening: Tonight you'll dance the night away on Duval Street. But before pub hopping, head to Fogarty's for dinner (and drinks, of course). This casual spot offers Key West classics, including conch fritters, mahi mahi bites, peel and eat shrimp, blackened fish tacos, and Cuban pork bowls. From Fogarty's, make your way to one of the most classic Duval Street stops: Willie T's, where you'll find live music, drink specials, and more.
Day 2
Morning: The Breakfast Club, Too sounds like a no-brainer for your morning meal and cup of joe, and it is. Along with fresh-juice cocktails and coffee, find delicious fare like smoothie bowls, six types of eggs benedict, breakfast burritos, and shrimp and grits.
Afternoon: It's time to get back out on the water, this time on a boat. Book a day on a Key West Party Boat where your private vessel comes with a captain and DJ, party favors, and ice and coolers so you can BYOB. The company can also help you arrange for decorations and food on board.
Evening: Key West is known for its Caribbean inspired food scene, and you don't want to miss out. To get a good taste of it all, head to Louie's Backyard, where you'll find Caribbean-American bites like sesame-crusted tuna, chilled sweet corn soup, and sauteed Gulf shrimp. Enjoy dinner from the multi-level deck to get an al-fresco experience.
From dinner, make your way to another Key West institution for your night on the town: The Green Parrot Bar, a saloon-style spot with live music and dancing, and the bar takes center stage. Check their calendar for performance listings. If you'd rather hit up a few different spots, consider a pub crawl along Duval Street. You won't be able to hit every spot on the street, but the 2.5 hour Key West Pub Crawl will give you a flavor of the iconic spot (home to upwards of 40 bars), including 5 cocktails along the way.
Day 3
Morning: Get a fresh start to your last day at Keys Coffee, a great spot for cold-brewed coffee, smoothies, and quick and easy breakfast sandwiches, breakfast tacos, bagels, and pastries.
Afternoon: Take your pick today: A lively pool party or a chill spa experience. If you're looking to party, head to Dante's Key West, a self-described "aquaholic's paradise." The pool party here gets crowded on weekends, but it's worth find your spot in the water for the tropical vibe celebration, including Tiki bars, tropical drinks, and a live DJ.
If your girls are more ready for some R&R, head to the Pier House Resort & Spa for a day of treatments. You can book everything from a facial and massages to manis and pedis, or consider the perfect day package, which includes a massage, facial, and manicure and pedicure all in one visit. You'll also have access to the resort's hot tub, as well as book make up and hair services if you want some glam before your last night on the town.
Evening: Start tonight with happy hour on the patio at Mangoes, where you can take in all the action of Duval Street, drink in hand. Then it's time for dinner at the Stoned Crab, which offers outside seating overlooking the water from its expansive dock. Rated a top Key West restaurant by Zagat, the menu is all about fresh seafood, delivered daily, including Key West shrimp, local fish, stone crab, and lobster. The restaurant's Eco Bar also offers organic and sustainable wines, spirits, craft bres, and cocktails.
After dinner, celebrate your last night at Rick's Bar, which has serious night club vibes, with different staged areas including a live music indoor-spot, dance club, and a karaoke bar. Its Crow's Nest, located at Durty Harry's, offers you an outdoor spot to look down on the Durty Harry stage and dance to live music.
Key West Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt
Looking to make your activities even more fun? Turn your itinerary into a game with a Key West scavenger hunt. Distribute a list of activities with points awarded for each completed task and ask participants to provide proof with pictures. Download an editable template to customize the list and include local attractions and sights. Don't forget to give the winner a prize such as a souvenir or t-shirt.
Places to Stay in Key West for a Bachelorette Party
Key West is a small area, so wherever you'll stay you'll be in easy walking distance (or bike riding distance) to your final destination. Prices for hotels and rentals are higher in Key West, so be prepared to spend a decent amount on your stay. That being said, the rest of Key West is relatively low-cost, with affordable options for drinks and food throughout the town.
Best Hotels in Key West for a BacheloretteParty
- The Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel is great for those with a resort-vibe in mind. The hotel has a waterfront pool, tanning beach, and private water taxi to take you to downtown Key West three times a day.
- Parrot Key is a nature inspired spot for those with a slightly higher budget. It offers suites and villas for groups that want hotel accommodations without sprawling across rooms.
- If you don't care about oceanfront views, The Saint Hotel Key West, a bit closer in town (but just a short walk to the water), offers a luxe experience in Old Town Key West, with a smaller vibe (the hotel only has 36 rooms). Don't miss cabana time but the hotel's pool.
Pro tip: The Knot has partnerd with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.
Best Key West Bachelorette House Rentals
There are plenty of housing options for a Key West bachelorette party, so check out TripAdvisor, Vrbo , Airbnb and Hopper Homes. Here are a couple of home rentals worth checking out.
- Small groups on a budget will love a charming and cozy cottage just steps away from the action on Duval Street. The quaint home is small on space (sleeps up to 6) but includes a private hot tub and a prime location that encourages you to spend your time out of the house.
- If being by the beach is the most important thing, book your stay at the Riviera Americana condo, which can sleep up to 8. Located in a private community, you'll have oceanfront views from the balcony, a community pool steps away, and you'll be steps away from Smathers Beach, Key West's largest public beach.
Pro tip: If you're looking to supplement your vacation rental stay with some hotel amenities such as a swimming pool or a fitness facility, you can secure KeyWest hotel day passes on ResortPass.
Key West Bachelorette Party Nightlife
Key West is known for incredible food and nightlife. Whether you're looking for a place to indulge in lobster or a fun tiki bar to do karaoke, Key West has you covered.
Best Key West Bachelorette Restaurants
The Lobster Shack Key West: The Lobster Shack is a perfect place to stop for fast, fresh seafood. They have plenty of classics like their Lobster Roll or Lobster Bisque, in addition to some specialty items like their Lobster BLT with applewood smoked bacon or their Diablo Lobster Roll with spicy mayo and fresh jalapeño. Read Reviews
Bagatelle: Bagatelle has flavorful seafood options, celebrating fresh fish on the menu, with outdoor seating on their wraparound patio. The restaurant has a unique setting, being inside a home from the late 1880s. Share some blackened grouper or crab cakes while taking in the views. Read Reviews
El Meson De Pepe's Restaurant & Bar: If you're looking for Cuban food, El Meson has a great deal of tasty dishes and live music to set the tone of the night. They're known in the area for their traditional Cuban food that they've been bringing to Key West for nearly 30 years. Read Reviews
Best Key West Bachelorette Party Bars
Schooner Wharf Bar: If you're looking for a casual, but fun place to grab some seafood and take in the view, Schooner Wharf Bar is a great place to stop. They not only have a variety of seafood dishes, but it's a good place to have a tropical drink like a Rum Runner, Piña Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, and flavorful Mojitos like coconut, mango, or cucumber. Read Reviews
Sloppy Joe's: Sloppy Joe's is a great spot to pop into for a craft cocktail and live music. It's on the casual side, opened in the early 1930s, but the bar is a staple in the area. Read Reviews
801 Bourbon Bar: If you're looking for an exciting evening of bingo, karaoke, or even drag shows, 801 Bourbon Bar needs to be on your list. The night club has a variety of events going on at any time that keeps the night entertaining. Read Reviews
Expert Key West Travel Tips
When flying to Key West from LA or NYC, Delta, JetBlue, and American are great options. In the spring, from March until May, is a good time to visit Key West. There's plenty to do and generally great weather. When looking at how to get around Key West, it's car friendly if you want to rent your own vehicle. You can also get around by boat, trolley, biking, or just simply walking.