Local Attractions
Small Island. Big Fun.
There’s so much to do and see here, you’ll wonder how they fit it all on a 2 by 4 mile island. From six-toed cats and pirates’ booty to hallowed grounds and gorgeous sunsets, you’ll find more than enough history, outdoor beauty, and quirky Key West oddities to fill your vacation. And with the Southernmost Beach Resort just steps from the Southernmost Point and Duval Street, it’ll take you no time to tick off that Key West bucket list.
Southernmost Point
Erected in 1983, the Southernmost Point concrete buoy was originally marked with a sign that was often stolen. Today, its colorfully painted exterior is one of the most often photographed landmarks on the Island. Just a quick walk from the Southernmost Beach Resort, make sure to bring your camera and your best smile!
Key West Lighthouse Museum
Opening in 1848, the Key West Lighthouse was one of the first and only to have a woman as its keeper—nearly unheard of during the 19th century. After a series of upgrades and modernizations, the U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned the structure in 1969. Today, both the Key West Lighthouse and the Keeper’s Quarters are operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society as a maritime museum that provides insight into the lifestyle of the Island’s residents at the turn of the century. Walk up the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse, explore the belongings of the lighthouse keepers and their families, and tour the well-preserved Keeper’s Bungalow.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Experience the magical world of butterflies and exotic birds at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Take a self-guided stroll through these stunning gardens filled with 20 species of colorful birds, cascading waterfalls, and over 50 butterfly species from around the world. In the Learning Center, learn more about the anatomy and physiology of Monarch butterflies and get a rare up-close glimpse of caterpillars preparing for transformation.
Ernest Hemingway House
A registered national historic landmark, the Hemingway House offers guided tours of the author’s home and its stunning grounds. Find descendants of Hemingway’s six-toed cats roaming around the property, see the family’s collection of art, Parisian furniture and crystal chandeliers, and explore the property’s gardens.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Completed in 1866, this historic fortress oversaw protection of the Island throughout four wars before being designated a historic landmark and repurposed as Florida’s Southernmost state park in 1973. Since then, it’s been a popular destination for recreation and visitors interested in U.S. Military history. Take a guided tour to learn more about the fort’s strategic significance or simply soak up the sun at one of Key West’s favorite beaches. Situated where the Atlantic meets the Gulf of Mexico, it’s the perfect place to snorkel in warm waters and catch a famous Key West sunset.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Home to an amazing wealth of treasures recovered from sunken Spanish galleons by Mel Fisher and his crew. Hear about the real life Pirates of the Caribbean, learn the science of shipwrecks, discover the history of colonial and maritime activity in the New World, and set your eyes on real pirates’ booty. Opens 7 days a week, it’s a must see during your Key West vacation!
Mallory Square
Mallory Square has a long history of being a center of activity in Key West. Once the chosen anchorage of pirates, it later became the base for anti-pirate campaigns orchestrated by Commodore Porter in the 1800’s. It’s proximity to port has also made it the center of the wrecking industry and the assembling point of American forces on Key West throughout four wars. Today, it’s the top location for viewing Key West sunsets, family fun, and street performers. Shop for souvenirs from local artisans in the stores surrounding the square, have a drink at one of the Island’s famed watering holes, or set out on a glass-bottom boating adventure from the nearby port.
Audubon House
Built in the 1840s as a residence for Captain John Huling Geiger and his family, this historic mansion was slated for demolition in 1958 when it was saved by the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation. One of Key West’s first large scale restoration projects, the residence has been restored to its 19th-century glory to give visitors an insight into the elegant lifestyle enjoyed by wealthy maritime families during that era. Take in sights of well-preserved antique European furnishing, classic Key West architecture, and the property’s gorgeous display of lush, tropical gardens.
Truman Little White House
Built in 1890, this historic property served as Key West’s naval command headquarters during the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. In 1946, it became the winter White House for President Harry S. Truman and a site for Cold War response by later presidents. Today, the Truman Little White House is a living Key West museum that has undergone a 2-million-dollar restoration project. Tour the interior of this classic Key West home, get a glimpse into Cold War politics and the Island’s naval history, and walk the nearly one acre of tropical foliage and trees within the Truman Little White House Botanical Gardens.
Key West Aquarium
Located in Key West’s famous Mallory Square, the Key West Aquarium is one of the Island’s most popular attractions. Home to alligators, jellyfish, sharks and many other marine animals, enjoy a guided aquarium tour, learn about conservation, and participate in animal feedings. The Aquarium’s touch tank features a variety of beautiful native creatures, including conchs, sea stars, sea urchins, giant hermit crabs and horseshoe crabs. Take the unique opportunity to touch a live shark or pet a resident stingray. Either way, you’ll get up close and personal with some of Key West’s most fascinating creatures.
Custom House
Built in 1891, this stunning representation of Key West architecture has had many lives as the Key West Customs office, postal service, district courts, and United States Navy headquarters for their Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico operations. After being abandoned for nearly twenty years, the Custom House was purchased by the State of Florida in 1991 to be restored by the Key West Art & Historical Society for use as a museum. Today you can tour this award-winning museum and official headquarters of the Key West Art & Historical Society to see two floors of exhibitions that focus on the region’s history, art, people, and events.
West Martello Tower Key West Garden Club
Built by the United States Army in 1863 as a look out during the Civil War and Spanish-American Wars, this former military site is today a National Historic Site and home to the Key West Garden Club. Take in ocean views, explore indoor and outdoor displays, and walk the beautifully manicured grounds filled with local flora. Be sure to checkout the property’s star feature: a stunning butterfly garden.
East Martello Art & Historical Society
Originally built by the United States Army in 1862 to protect Key West against a possible attack by the Confederate Army, today visitors can explore the property which is run by the Key West Art & Historical Society. See sculptures by artists such as Stanley Papio and hear stories about the ghosts of East Martello, including Robert the Doll, as you walk these well-preserved grounds.
Key West Cemetery
Sitting at the foot of Solares Hill in Old Town, the Key West Cemetery was established in 1847 after a hurricane washed out the Island’s original cemetery. It’s estimated that as many as 100,000 people are buried in this sprawling 19-acre site—that’s more than the some 30,000 living who currently reside in Key West. With many sections, including memorials for Cuban freedom-fighters, Confederate Navy sailors, and the Battleship Maine, each area tells a story about the history of the Keys, making it a must see on your next visit to Key West.
Coast Guard Cutter Ingham
Key West’s Maritime Museum and National Historic Landmark, the Coast Guard Cutter Ingham is located at the Truman Waterfront. Tour the military vessel that served the United States for over 50 years, throughout World War II, and the Vietnam War. Travel back in time and experience what it was like for a shipmate to live aboard during their time at sea.