Key West Travel Guide

Today in the United States: Confederate Memorial Day (10 May)

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Located at the southernmost point of the United States, Key West is a vibrant and picturesque island in the Florida region. Known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere, it is a popular destination for travelers seeking a tropical getaway.

One of the main attractions in Key West is its stunning beaches. With their soft white sand and turquoise waters, they provide the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach are just a few of the many options available to visitors.

In addition to its beaches, Key West is also famous for its vibrant nightlife. Duval Street, the main thoroughfare, is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops, offering something for everyone. The street comes alive at night with live music, street performers, and the energetic vibe that Key West is known for.

For history enthusiasts, Key West offers a unique glimpse into the past. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, located in the heart of Old Town, is a must-visit. This Spanish colonial-style house was once the residence of the famous writer and is now a museum showcasing his life and work. Another historical landmark is the Harry S. Truman Little White House, where the former president spent his winters during his time in office.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to explore in Key West. The Dry Tortugas National Park, located just 70 miles west of the island, is a remote paradise. This stunning archipelago is home to pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and the historic Fort Jefferson, making it a perfect destination for snorkeling, diving, and birdwatching.

Alternative names: Population: 25.8 thous. (2019)Area: 7.24 mi²Elevation: 3 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 24°33'33"N, 81°47'2"W

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Key West Top Attractions

Key West Attractions - What to See and Explore

Key West offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ernest Hemingway House, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Southernmost Point, Key West Aquarium. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum • Specialty museum
Ernest Hemingway House
Nestled in the heart of Key West, Florida, the Ernest Hemingway House is a beacon for literary enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This Spanish Colonial style home, where the Nobel Prize-winning author penned some of his most celebrated works, now serves as a museum...
Beach recreation area with historic fort
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Nestled at the southern tip of Key West, Florida, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a sanctuary that combines rich American history with picturesque natural beauty. This state park is not only a haven for history buffs but also a paradise for beachgoers...
24°32'47"N • 81°47'51"W
Southernmost Point
The Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West, Florida, marks the southernmost tip of the continental United States, offering visitors a unique photo opportunity and a tangible connection to geographical extremities. This colorful, anchored concrete buoy is not just a...

Aquarium • Park • Zoo
Key West Aquarium
Nestled in the heart of Key West, Florida, the Key West Aquarium stands as an enchanting window into the mysteries of the ocean. This charming facility, a cornerstone attraction since 1934, offers an intimate look at marine life that thrives in the waters surrounding...
Museum • History museum • Art museum
Old Post Office and Customshouse
The Custom House and Old Post Office is a historic site located at 281 Front Street, Key West, Florida, United States. On September 20, 1973, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Museum • History museum • Military museum
Harry S. Truman Little White House
The Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Florida was the winter White House for President Harry S Truman for 175 days during 11 visits. The house is located in the Truman Annex neighborhood of Old Town, Key West.
Harbor • Piers and boardwalks • Park
Mallory Square
Mallory Square is a plaza located in the city of Key West, Florida, U.S. It is located on the waterfront in Key West's historic Old Town, adjacent to the cruise ship port. It is located just west of the northern end of Duval Street, facing the Gulf of Mexico. It runs the entire length of Wall Street.
Museum • History museum • Art museum
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
The Audubon House & Tropical Gardens is located at 205 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida. Brick-pathed gardens offer a lush 1-acre view of orchids, bromeliads, and other tropical foliage, an herb garden and 1840-style nursery. The house has many antique furnishings purchased from estate sales and auctions in Europe.
Nature and wildlife • Park • Garden
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory located at 1316 Duval Street, Key West, Florida, United States is a butterfly park that houses from 50 to 60 different species of live butterflies from around the world in a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat.
Ship
Western Union
Western Union is a historic schooner located in Key West, Florida, United States. She is berthed at the Key West Bight at 202 William Street. Western Union is the last surviving authentic working tall ship built in Florida. On May 16, 1984, Western Union was added to the US National Register of Historic Places.
Museum • History museum • Lookout
Key West Shipwreck Museum
The Key West Shipwreck Museum is located in Key West, Florida, United States. It combines actors, films and actual artifacts to tell the story of 400 years of shipwreck salvage in the Florida Keys.
History museum • Lighthouse • Tourist information
Key West lighthouse
The Key West Lighthouse is located in Key West, Florida. The first Key West lighthouse was a 65-foot tower completed in 1825. It had 15 lamps in 15-inch reflectors.
Scuba and snorkeling • Outdoor activities • Tours
Captain Tony's Saloon
Captain Tony's Saloon is a bar in Key West, Florida, United States, located at 428 Greene Street. The bar has been patronized through the years by many well-known artists, writers and celebrities.
Museum • Universities and schools
San Carlos Institute
The San Carlos Institute, also known as the San Carlos, is a Cuban heritage center and museum located at 516 Duval Street in Key West, Florida.
Museum • Specialty museum • Maritime museum
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is located at 200 Greene Street, Key West, Florida. The museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts from 17th century shipwrecks, such as the Henrietta Marie, Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita.
Cemetery
Key West Cemetery
The Key West Cemetery is a 19-acre cemetery at the foot of Solares Hill on the island of Key West, Florida, United States. It is estimated that as many as 100,000 people are buried there, many more than the 30,000 residents who currently live on the island.
Museum • History museum • Military museum
Martello Gallery-Key West Art and Historical Museum
The Martello Gallery-Key West Art and Historical Museum, is a historic site located at 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida, United States. On June 19, 1972, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is the best-preserved example of the Martello style of military architecture in the country.
Ship • Military museum • Museum
USCGC Ingham
USCGC Ingham is one of only two preserved Treasury-class United States Coast Guard Cutters. Originally Samuel D. Ingham, she was the fourth cutter to be named for Treasury Secretary Samuel D. Ingham. She was the most decorated vessel in the Coast Guard fleet and was the only cutter to ever be awarded two Presidential Unit Citations.
Museum • History museum
Key West Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage
The Key West Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage, also known as the Jessie Porter's Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage, was a museum located at 410 Caroline Street, Key West, Florida.

Things to See and Do in Key West by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Key West.

Culture

ROCK LIVES ON by Millionaire Gallery
Key West
MuseumArt gallery
Guild Hall Gallery
Key West
MuseumArt galleryShopping
Wyland Galleries of Key West
Key West
MuseumArt galleryShopping
Millionaire Gallery Fine Art
Key West
MuseumShoppingArt gallery

Shopping

Guild Hall Gallery
Key West
MuseumArt galleryShopping
Wyland Galleries of Key West
Key West
MuseumArt galleryShopping
Millionaire Gallery Fine Art
Key West
MuseumShoppingArt gallery
The Key West Winery
Key West
WineryShopping

Museum

Ernest Hemingway House
Key West
MuseumHistory museumSpecialty museum
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Key WestBeach recreation area with historic fort
MuseumMilitary museum
Old Post Office and Customshouse
Key West
MuseumHistory museumArt museum
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Key West
MuseumHistory museumMilitary museum
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
Key West
MuseumHistory museumArt museum

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History museum

Ernest Hemingway House
Key West
MuseumHistory museumSpecialty museum
Old Post Office and Customshouse
Key West
MuseumHistory museumArt museum
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Key West
MuseumHistory museumMilitary museum
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
Key West
MuseumHistory museumArt museum
Key West Shipwreck Museum
Key West
MuseumHistory museumLookout

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Park

Key West Aquarium
Key West
AquariumParkZoo
Mallory Square
Key West
HarborPiers and boardwalksPark
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
Key West
MuseumHistory museumArt museum
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Key West
Nature and wildlifeParkGarden
South Beach
Key West
BeachOutdoor activitiesPark

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Historical place

Ernest Hemingway House
Key West
MuseumHistory museumSpecialty museum
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Key West
MuseumHistory museumMilitary museum
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
Key West
MuseumHistory museumArt museum
Key West Shipwreck Museum
Key West
MuseumHistory museumLookout
West Martello Tower
Key West
TowerHistorical placeGarden

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Specialty museum

Ernest Hemingway House
Key West
MuseumHistory museumSpecialty museum
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
Key West
MuseumSpecialty museumMaritime museum
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Key West
MuseumScience museumAquarium
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Key West
MuseumSpecialty museum
Oldest House & Gardens Key West
Key West
MuseumSpecialty museum

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Military museum

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Key WestBeach recreation area with historic fort
MuseumMilitary museum
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Key West
MuseumHistory museumMilitary museum
Martello Gallery-Key West Art and Historical Museum
Key West
MuseumHistory museumMilitary museum
USCGC Ingham
Key West
ShipMilitary museumMuseum

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Zoo

Key West Aquarium
Key West
AquariumParkZoo
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Key West
Nature and wildlifeParkGarden
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Key West
MuseumScience museumAquarium
Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden
Key West
ZooPark
Muncipal Aquarium
Key West
ZooAquarium

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Nature and wildlife

Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
Key West
MuseumHistory museumArt museum
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Key West
Nature and wildlifeParkGarden
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Key West
MuseumScience museumAquarium
Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
Key West
Nature and wildlifePark

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Beach

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Key WestBeach recreation area with historic fort
MuseumMilitary museum
Truman Beach
Key West
Beach
South Beach
Key West
BeachOutdoor activitiesPark
Smathers Beach
Key West
Beach
Simonton Street Beach
Key West
BeachPark

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Art museum

Old Post Office and Customshouse
Key West
MuseumHistory museumArt museum
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
Key West
MuseumHistory museumArt museum
Martello Gallery-Key West Art and Historical Museum
Key West
MuseumHistory museumMilitary museum
The Studios of Key West
Key West
MuseumArt galleryTheater

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Outdoor activities

Captain Tony's Saloon
Key West
Scuba and snorkelingOutdoor activitiesTours
South Beach
Key West
BeachOutdoor activitiesPark
Key West Seaplane Adventures
Key West
ToursOutdoor activitiesPark
Dolphin Watch
Key West
KayakingDolphin and whale watchingScuba and snorkeling

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Other categories

Garden Art gallery

Day trips

Key West – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Key West, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Capt. Hook's Marina & Dive Center (Marathon), Spirit Snorkeling (Marathon), Seven Mile Bridge (Marathon).

49 milesE
24°43'47"N • 81°1'49"W
Capt. Hook's Marina & Dive Center, Marathon
Sailing, Marina, Scuba and snorkeling
44 milesE
24°42'31"N • 81°6'37"W
Spirit Snorkeling, Marathon
Sailing, Marina
39 milesE
Long, winding span connecting the Keys
Seven Mile Bridge, Marathon
The Seven Mile Bridge is a bridge in the Florida Keys, in Monroe County, Florida, United States. It connects Knight's Key in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys.
45 milesE
24°41'30"N • 81°5'7"W
Sombrero Beach, Marathon
Beach, Park, Outdoor activities
12 milesW
Island
Woman Key, Key West National Wildlife Refuge
Woman Key is an island in the Florida Keys in Monroe County, Florida, United States. It is within the boundaries of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge.