I leaving for Key West at the end of the week. This will be my first visit. What sights are recommended as "not to miss".
I'll be going with a group of people that are real party animals and I would like recommendations for other evening activites besides sitting in a bar.

The main thing to do at night that doesn't include sitting in a bar is Mallory Square at sunset. There is a lot of activity and vendors and many people. It is fun!

I'd start with a Conch Train Tour, which will provide an overview and history of the island. And it'll also give you an idea of other tourist activities that might interest you while you're there. You should spend at least one night on Mallory Square for the sunset celebration. It has sort of a carnival atmosphere and is one of those things Key West is famous for. Although I've never done this, there's a "ghost walk" at night that some say is fun. Key West is one of the best people-watching places in the world, so even if your friends want to party on Duval, you'll be entertained by passersby! There are lots of funky things to do during the day, too. The cemetary is a stop for lots of tourists who are entertained by some of the headstone inscriptions...two examples, "I told you I was sick," and "At least I know where you're sleeping tonight." I hope you have a great time! For LOTS more info on Key West do a back search of this board.

If you really want to get away from the bar scene and truly enjoy the splendid sunsets (FYI -- they're not ALL great, so don't get your hopes up) head to Fort Zachary Taylor. Great setting: beach, water, stately Australian pine trees, and a sunset that you have to share with only a handful of other people, none of whom have iguanas or parrots drapped over themselves. But keep the secret of Fort Taylor to yourself. Have fun.

How about sunset crusing! Very romantic & beautiful. A lot of attractions here in Key West, such as Hemingway's House, Aquariumn, Mel Fisher Museum, Flagler Station, Harry Truman house, Arts & Historical Society & so on.

Let me get this correct: Charlie is going to Key West during Fantasy Fest and is looking to stay OUT of the bars? He may be the only one!

This weekend is the kickoff of Fantasy Fest with Gombay. It is a fun event that has lots of food, music, crafts etc. It is in Bahama Village (anyone will be able to tell you were that is once you get here). Take a cruise on Floridays (docks at the Hyatt). It is a fun trip. I agree with Rsmith about the Conch Tour Train. It will really help you get a good overview of the island. Unfortuatly most of the parks and museums close at sunset so it doesn't leave much to do around here but if you want to avoid the crazy bar scenes go to Louie's Afterdeck, Berlins Bar (in A&B Lobster House, or Grand Vin (wine and beer bar only).

Holy cow, I'd forgotten it was Fantasy Fest time! I'm assuming you WILL be there beyond the 21st, which is the official beginning of the festivities. In a nutshell, Charlie, there's no way in the world you'll be able to avoid the party crowd. Key West's Fantasy Fest is like New Orleans' Mardi Gras only raunchier.

Have to agree with the above posters. If you ain't looking to party, this is a bad time to go down. To minimize maximum crowd exposure stay to the northern part of Old Town (away from Duval St.) For a good day trip take a boat or plane ride out to Dry Tortugas. There's a fort and good beach there. It's about a two-hour boat ride out there. The ghost tour is pretty good, but tends to get crowded also. The best beach in the keys is about 30 miles north of KW: Bahia Honda State Park. Great beach and doesn't get too crowded. Just walking around Old Town is great, so don't worry too much about having a great time.

See Key West feature "Blending In Quickly in Margaritaville"
in 25 Nov 2001 New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/25/travel/KEY.html