Location: Key West
Top Things to do in Key West
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What to do and see in Key West, Florida (FL): The Best Gardens
Does time ever pass in the Florida Keys? Everyone and everything in Key West seems to go at its own pace, right down to the ice melting slooooowly in your margarita glass. Of course, it’s not all limes and leisure – Key West is known as the “Winter White House” because of its appeal to visiting U.S. presidents, and the island has been home to literary greats like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. The diving here is phenomenal, as is the kid-friendly Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center.
Restaurants in Key West
1. Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
The home of Capt. John H. Geiger, harbor pilot and master wrecker, was built between 1846 and 1849. Slated for destruction in 1958, it was saved by the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation, a nonprofit educational institution. This large scale restoration was the first of its kind in Key West, thus sparking the restoration movement in Key West.Antique enthusiasts will appreciate the unique quality of the furnishings displayed in the Audubon House Museum. All furnishings reflect the elegance and comfortable living enjoyed for a wealthy family in Key West during the mid-1800’s. 31 of the original hand colored Antique engravings of the 22 birds J.J. Audubon painted in the Florida Keys during his 6 week visit in 1832 can be seen throughout the House. In addition to informative reading panels, an introduction to the property and its history will be given by your guide, and then you will roam the house and gardens at your leisure. Varieties of orchids and bromeliads emerge from the foliage and trees to surprise you with their vibrant blooms. Native plants and exotics provide an environment that is reminiscent of old Key West. Trees and plants are labeled with their common names, Latin names, and country of origin. This is the finest tropical garden in the Florida Keys. You may even catch a glimpse of some of our local birds! The garden tour also includes a self-guided visit to the Cook House. Houses of the period in the Florida Keys did not have inside kitchens as they were sources of heat and of course, fire hazards. A visit to the Audubon Gallery of Fine Arts will take you through the wonderful world of original Audubon Antique hand painted lithographs. The original Antique prints of some of J.J. Audubon’s contemporaries are also available for sale.The Museum Shop offers a wide selection of unique one-of-a-kind gifts, home décor, Antiques and educational materials.Our lush tropical gardens can be the site of your event:, whether you are planning a wedding or a corporate event. Let us make your event happen.
Reviewed By FloridaCasualGal - Orlando, United States
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this historic home in Old Key West. This home has been impeccably maintained, thoroughly researched, and its history has been well-documented. We spent over an hour on a self-guided tour through the house, and we also had fun chatting with the docent about the history of key West. We are big fans of Audubon's work, so it was fascinating to learn about his adventures and his artistic achievements. It was very cool to see all 22 of his Florida Keys birds in one room. The gift shop was awesome, too.
2. West Martello Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 612 reviews
West Martello Tower has tropical gardens set in a historical fort. Home to Key West Garden Club, it is one of the island's last remaining free tourist attractions with free parking. Our mission is to provide educational opportunities for the community relating to tropical gardening and to this National Historic site. The fort is located on the ocean edge. During these times, your safety is our concern. We are asking visitors to wear masks, observe 6 ft. distancing and limiting your groups to 10 or less. Enjoy our beautiful garden!
Reviewed By barbaraw154
The West Martello Tower is a unique free stop on the waterfront on Atlantic Blvd in Key West. This Civil War fort ruin is now home to the Key West Garden Club and beautifully enhanced with an amazing variety of native and decorative plants that thrive in the sub tropical climate. It is a great picture opportunity and a totally different experience that one would expect in KW.
3. Key West Garden Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 929 reviews
Key West Garden Club has tropical gardens set in historical Fort West Martello Tower. It is one of the island's last remaining free tourist attractions with free parking. Our mission is to provide educational opportunities for the community relating to tropical gardening and to the West Martello Tower, a National Historic site where the Club is located on the ocean edge. During these times, your safety is our concern. We are asking visitors to wear masks, observe 6 ft. distancing and limiting your groups to 10 or less. Enjoy the beautiful gardens!
Reviewed By Kittygal - Los Angeles, United States
One of my favorite spots to visit when I'm in Key West. The historic old West Martello Tower is filled with a lush array of tropical plants in every hue of green imaginable. The fragrance garden is especially lovely, where blooms from sweet almond, gardenia, and other flowers scent the air. It's a nice spot to recharge and relax, far from the crowds on Duval. I was joined on the courtyard of the butterfly garden by an inquisitive pair of ibis and some Monarchs. And the crashing surf nearby was the perfect accompaniment. A bonus...it's done up beautifully for Christmas right now. And free, though donations are welcome. Some cute items for sale, too, if you want a unique souvenir.
4. Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 284 reviews
Reviewed By JohntheLast - Barrington, United States
Yes, it's just a small garden with statutes, but take the time to read the descriptions. Key West has a great history of great people and even greater scoundrels. Most of them are represented here and give you a nice glimpse into the people that made the area unique.
5. Heritage House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
This Caribbean Colonial House dating from the 1830s features original furnishings, rare antiques and unusual marine artifacts collected by the Porters, a notable Key West family.
