Key West is a beautiful island city located in the southernmost point of continental United States.
This paradise is well-known for its stunning Key West beaches, clear blue waters, marine life and amazing coral reefs which make it a perfect destination for snorkelling and diving.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other outdoor activities such as fishing, parasailing, kayaking, and windsurfing.
But Key West Florida is not only about the outdoors, it also has a rich history and culture.
The city was originally inhabited by the native Calusa people before being discovered by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.
In the 19th century, it was a key strategic point during the Seminole Wars and later served as a military outpost during the Civil War.
Nowadays, Key West is a popular visitor destination and home to many tourist attractions.
It is truly a unique place that has something for everyone visiting Key West.
Things To Do In Key West
1. Key West Lighthouse
The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1825 and is one of the oldest structures on the island.
The fully restored Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum remains a national historic landmark in Key West.
The lighthouse is open to the public and you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of Key West.
Visitors can walk up the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse as well as explore the belongings, photographs, and words of the lighthouse Keepers and their families
The Key West Lighthouse is a great place to learn about the history of the island and get a breath-taking view of Key West.
Address: Key West Lighthouse, 938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
2. Hemingway House
Hemingway House was originally built in 1851 and was the Key West home to author Ernest Hemingway from 1931 to 1939.
Hemingway was a Nobel Prize-winning writer and his time spent in Key West Florida was very productive.
He wrote some of his most famous works while living in the house, including “To Have and Have Not” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls”.
The Hemingway House is now a Key West museum that is open to the public.
Visitors can take a tour of the house and learn about Hemingway’s life and work.
No reservations are required for this back-in-time experience and tickets can be purchased at the gate.
The Hemingway House is a must-see for any fan of the author or anyone interested in literature.
Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, United States
3. Key West Shipwreck Museum
The Key West Shipwreck Museum is a unique museum that tells the story of the many shipwrecks that have occurred near Key West.
The museum is located in an old arsenal building and features a variety of exhibits, including artefacts recovered from shipwrecks.
The Shipwreck Museum takes visitors back to 1856, when the young city’s port had more than 100 vessels passing through daily.
Key West’s Shipwreck Museum is a great place to learn about the history of shipwrecks in the area and see some amazing artefacts.
Address: Key West Shipwreck Museum, 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
4. Smathers Beach
Located on Key West’s southern shore, this long and beautiful beach stretches for almost two miles and is one of the most popular beaches in Key West, Florida.
The sidewalk running between the beach and Roosevelt Boulevard is also nice for bike riding, jogging, or just strolling to enjoy the great open view out to sea.
The Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
It also has a playground, volleyball courts, and a concession stand.
Smathers Beach is a great place to spend a day with family or friends.
Address: Smathers Beach, Key West, Florida 33040, United States
5. Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West
Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park located in Florida Keys.
The park covers an area of about 100 square miles and includes the Dry Tortugas islands, as well as the surrounding waters.
The park is best known for its fortress, Fort Jefferson, which was built in the 19th century to defend the United States’ coastline.
Fort Jefferson is one of the largest brick structures in the world and is a National Historic Landmark.
A tour Fort Jefferson is available and you can download a self-guided tour of the Fort to print out or view on your phone or tablet as you explore.
In addition to its historical significance, Dry Tortugas National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles, birds, and fish.
Dry Tortugas National Park is accessible only by boat or seaplane.
The national park is perfect for a day trip or a longer camping trip.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the fort, swimming in the clear waters, or just relaxing on the beach, Dry Tortugas National Park is sure to please.
Address: west of Key West, Florida
6. Truman Little White House, Key West
The Truman Little White House was originally built in 1890 and served as the winter White House for President Harry S. Truman.
One of the best Key West attractions, it is located in the Trumen Annex neighbourhood of Old Town, and is surrounded by historic sites, restaurants and shops.
Today, the house is a museum that is open to the public.
Visitors can take a tour of the White House and learn about the history of the presidential home.
The Truman’s Winter White House is a must-see for any fan of history or anyone interested in learning about the US presidency.
Address: Truman Little White House, 111 Front St, Key West, Florida, 33040
7. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a stunning conservatory that is home to hundreds of butterflies.
Located at the southernmost point of Duval Street, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions.
The conservatory also features a variety of plants and flowers.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a great place to learn about butterflies and see some amazing animals up close.
Visitors can learn about how the butterflies are bred and many other interesting facts about these amazing creatures.
Address: Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, 1316 Duval St, Key West, Florida 33040
8. Mallory Square
One of Key West’s popular areas, Mallory Square is located in the historic Old Town, adjacent to the cruise ship port.
This outdoor Key West plaza overlooking the Gulf of Mexico attracts tourists and locals for the Key West Sunset Celebration.
Mallory Square is a popular gathering place in Key West. Every evening, locals and visitors gather to watch the sunset and enjoy the street performers.
Mallory Square is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants.
Visitors can find anything from souvenirs to clothing and jewellery.
Mallory Square is the perfect place to watch the sunset, enjoy some street entertainment, and do some shopping.
Address: Mallory Square, 400 Wall St, Key West, Florida 33040
9. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a historic state park that features a variety of activities.
The park has a beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a fort.
The fort was built in 1845 and served as an important military outpost.
Visitors can learn about the fort’s role in the Civil War and Spanish American War through tours and self-guided exploration.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a great place to spend a day outdoors.
You can snorkel off of Fort Zachary Taylor Beach and experience rich tropical marine life such as parrot fish, schools of yellowtail snapper, lobster, and various hard and soft corals.
Visitors can swim at the beach, hike through the forests, or explore the fort.
Address: Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, 601 Howard England Way, Key West, Florida 33040
10. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum
One of the best Key West Museums, this maritime museum is located on a ship.
The Ingham was launched in 1936 and served as a coast guard cutter for more than 50 years during World War ii and Vietnam.
Today, the ship is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can take a tour of the ship and learn about its history.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about maritime history.
Address: 333 Flemming St, Key West, Florida 33040
11. Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is a maritime museum that features the artefacts of sunken ships.
The museum is housed in the history Key West Naval Storehouse, which was built in 1910.
The museum also has a variety of exhibits on pirates, shipwrecks, and treasure hunting.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour or participate in a guided tour.
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about maritime history and see some amazing artifacts.
Address: Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, 200 Greene St, Key West, Florida 33040, United States
12. Southernmost Point
The Southernmost Point is a popular tourist destination in Key West.
The point is marked by a large buoy that says “Southernmost Point” on it.
Visitors can take photos with the buoy and enjoy the view of the ocean.
The Southernmost Point is a great place to take a photo and enjoy the view of Key West.
Address: Key West, Florida 33040
13. The Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway is a 127-mile highway that connects the Florida Keys to the mainland.
The highway is a popular tourist destination for its stunning views of the ocean.
Visitors can drive the highway or take a bus tour.
The Overseas Highway is a great place to see some amazing views of the Florida Keys.
Many visitors admire the Key West sunset from the highway.
Address: Overseas Highway, Key West, Florida 33040
14. Duval Street
Duval Street is located in downtown Key West and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Duval Street is a popular destination for nightlife and is known as the party epicentre of Key West.
Visitors can find live music and entertainment at many of the bars on Duval Street.
Key West’s Duval Street is the perfect place to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy some nightlife.
Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, historic Duval Street is truly the heart and soul of Old Town Key West.
Address: Duval St, Key West, Florida 33040
15. Key West Garden Club
The Key West Garden Club is a garden club that is located in a historic house.
The club features a variety of gardens, including an orchid garden, a butterfly garden, and a hummingbird garden.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour or participate in a guided tour.
The Key West Garden Club is a great place to see some beautiful gardens, tropical plants and learn about gardening.
Address: Key West Garden Club, 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, Florida 33040
16. Key West Historic Seaport
The Key West Historic Seaport is a popular tourist destination that features a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
The seaport is also home to a marina and a museum. Visitors can take a tour of the seaport or rent a boat.
The Seaport is the perfect place to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy the view of the ocean.
Address: 201 William St, Key West, Florida 33040
17. Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is an environmental education center that is located in a coral reef.
The center features exhibits on the ecology of the Florida Keys.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour or participate in a guided tour.
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is a great place to learn about the ecology of the Florida Keys and see a coral reef up close.
Address: 35 East Quay Rd, Key West, Florida 33040, United States
18. Key West Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium, located in the center of Mallory Square, is one of the most popular activities to do in Key West for visitors of all ages.
The Key West Aquarium hosts millions of visitors and showcases marine life indigenous to the Florida Keys.
A touch tank with a wide range of fascinating animal species, including conchs, sea stars, sea urchins, huge hermit crabs, and horseshoe crabs, is located in the aquarium.
The Aquarium also hosts several tours and presentations throughout the day and there are daily shark and turtle feedings.
The aquarium is open year-round, rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address: Key West Aquarium, 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
FAQ
What should I not miss in Key West, Florida?
Some of the main places to see in Key West for visitors include the Southernmost Point, Duval Street, Mallory Square and the Key West Historic Seaport.
For families some of the best Key West attractions are the Key West Aquarium and Smathers beach.
What is Key West known for?
Key West is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning views, and its lively nightlife.
There is the famous key lime pie which many people say originated in Key West some time toward the end of the 1800s.
Do I need a car in Key West?
No, you do not need a car in Key West. The city is very walkable and there are also a variety of public transportation options.
What is the best time of year to visit Key West?
The best time of year to visit Key West is from December to April.
The weather is warm and sunny during this time of year.
What food is Key West famous for?
Some of the Key West’s famous foods include conch fritters, key lime pie, and Cuban sandwiches.
It’s generally accepted that the Key lime pie was invented in Key West, Florida.
Key Lime Pie is one of America’s best-loved regional dishes.
What is the best airport to fly into to go to Key West, Florida?
The closest airport to Key West is Key West International airport. It is located directly on the island.
Key West International Airport serves major airline carriers.
Can you swim in Key West in January?
Yes, you can swim in Key West in January.
The water temperature is usually around 70 degrees Fahrenheit during this time of year.
What is the prettiest beach in Key West, Florida?
Some of the prettiest beaches in Key West include Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.
