July is a great time to visit Key West. The temperature is heating up, and the island is full of fun events and activities, not to mention an amazing fireworks display on the Fourth of July! Whether you’re here for Independence Day or later in the month, here’s a few things to do in Key West in July.
Fireworks Celebration
The sparklers are set to fire from the White Street Pier once again this year, and there’s nothing like watching fireworks reflecting over the ocean. This would be an ideal time to stay at a resort along the southernmost end of the island, from the Southernmost House to Casa Marina, you can enjoy unparalleled views of the fireworks without fighting the crowds. Another great option is to view the fireworks from a boat. Fury Water Adventures throws an amazing 4th of July bash every year with food and drinks included aboard their 65′ catamarans.
Hemingway Days
Around the 2nd to last week in July, the island is abuzz with festivities honoring one of its most storied residents, Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway. To celebrate his July 21st birthday, you can expect the famous lookalike contest at Sloppy Joe’s, a sunset 5K run, and many more festivities. A visit to the Hemingway House & Museum on Whitehead Street is a must visit anytime of year. A stay at the Lighthouse Court Inn puts you right across the street.
Drambuie Key West Marlin Fishing Tournament
For the sport fishermen out there, the Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament is typically the second to last week in July also in honor of Hemingway. The novelist set many records fishing in the 1930s in Key West. In this tournament, top prize is at $25,000. We expect some serious anglers on the island for this exciting tournament. Stay at a oceanfront resort, like the Margaritaville Resort & Marina, the Hyatt, the Pier House, or the Ocean Key House for a prime view of the boats returning to shore with their catches every day.