Halloween Thrills, Speedboat Spills, and Haunted Chills in the Keys! 🎃🚤

Dear Road Trippers,

The next few weeks are packed with excitement, mystery, and adventure in the Florida Keys! From Halloween ghost tours and eerie cemetery strolls to the adrenaline-pumping Key West World Championship Offshore Races and the iconic Powerboat Parade, there’s something unforgettable for everyone. Let’s dive into the details!

Halloween in the Keys: Ghost Tours, the Cemetery, and Spooky Highlights

Ghost Tours of Key West
Halloween season brings out Key West’s famously haunted past! The Ghosts & Gravestones Tour offers a unique trolley experience, whisking you through Old Town under the eerie glow of streetlights. You’ll visit haunted sites like Captain Tony’s Saloon, where legends of ghostly encounters run deep, and The Key West Shipwreck Museum, known for stories of eerie figures spotted by visitors. The guides bring a dramatic edge, sharing tales of shipwrecks, lost souls, and the spooky history that has long haunted the Keys.

For those craving a more immersive encounter, Ghost Key West offers walking tours to some of the island’s spookiest locations. As you wander through the historic streets, you’ll hear eerie legends, like the story of Robert the Doll at Fort East Martello Museum, whose mysterious, mischievous nature has unnerved locals and visitors alike for decades. This tour will let you delve deep into paranormal hotspots and the fascinating, ghostly side of Key West.

Key West Cemetery
If there’s a place that captures Key West’s unique blend of charm and mystery, it’s the Key West Cemetery. Established in 1847, this cemetery is home to over 100,000 “residents,” including some of the island’s most eccentric personalities. As you stroll through its shaded pathways, you’ll find tombstones with humorous epitaphs like “I Told You I Was Sick” and tributes to historical figures like Captain Outrageous. The cemetery’s layout offers insight into Key West’s layered history, with graves for sailors, soldiers, Cuban revolutionaries, and even victims of 19th-century epidemics. Many believe the cemetery is haunted by those whose lives were cut short by tragedy. Visiting the cemetery on Halloween is the ultimate Key West experience—equal parts spooky and thought-provoking.

Zombie Bike Ride Recap
If you missed it, this year’s Zombie Bike Ride was an epic display of creativity and community spirit. Thousands of costumed “zombies” paraded through Key West on October 20, cycling along South Roosevelt Boulevard in an event that has become a Halloween staple. Costumes ranged from classic undead characters to imaginative creations, like alien zombies and towering monster bikes. The ride concluded with the lively ZombieFest After Party at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, where the revelry continued under the stars. Relive the fun and check out some incredible photos from this year’s event here.

Key West World Championship Offshore Races: Nov. 3-10 🚤

Just after Halloween, the action ramps up with the Key West World Championship Offshore Races from November 3-10! Hosted by Race World Offshore, these races attract some of the fastest, most advanced powerboats in the world. Picture state-of-the-art boats ripping through Key West’s waters at over 140 mph, navigating tight turns and high seas with skill and precision. The race is one of the biggest events of the year, drawing crowds from all over to witness the intense competition and celebrate with the racers.

The week kicks off with the Powerboat Parade in downtown Key West, where racing teams show off their boats and meet with fans in a high-energy procession through the streets. After the parade, spectators can enjoy premium viewing zones, exclusive fan areas, and even VIP experiences at Truman Waterfront Park. Between races, the event offers meet-and-greet sessions, after-parties, and a variety of local food vendors to keep the energy up. Check out the full event schedule here to make the most of this exciting week!

Plan Your Ultimate Keys Adventure

From ghostly tales and cemetery strolls to costume parades and high-speed races, the coming weeks in the Keys are packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re here for Halloween’s eerie charm or the thrill of world-class racing, this season promises plenty of excitement. So, pack your costumes, bring your adventurous spirit, and prepare for a memorable few weeks in paradise.

Until next time,
Brian

Florida Keys Road Trip Team