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 Sights & Landmarks
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. Saint Mary Star of the Sea
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 966 reviews
Reviewed By KeyWestJay - Key West, United States
Astounding church located in old town Key West, corner of US 1, and Windsor lane. Very accepting church, considering it’s location a few streets from the noise, rowdiness of Duval St. plenty of free parking, and as an added bonus, the western side of the church (near the basilica) is a stone prayer grotto, with stone seats, and kneelers, as well as a candle devotion area. History states people would visit the grotto before oncoming hurricanes, as well as light a candle, donate a few dollars to protect our lovely city. I have personally done so, in the face of oncoming hurricanes and storms. Go, visit, and pray.
2. Mallory Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,573 reviews
Welcome to Mallory Square where the fun starts and the sun sets. Everything Key West is famous for comes together in this one special place set on historic waterfront. Mallory Square is home to shops, restaurants, and many of the islands most popular attractions. Come for the day and stay into the night. There's always something happening in Mallory Square.
Reviewed By EJAALOUK
Key West butterfly and nature conservatory and Mallory Square sunset celebration as well as Duval Street bars and restaurants and all the beautiful beaches in Key West are a must see.
3. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,798 reviews
Historic site of a Civil War-era fort, currently being excavated; also has a beautiful beach for swimming and snorkeling.
Reviewed By dansD4938BT - Key West, United States
Fort Taylor has the best beach in Key West the friendly staff that runs the park is excellent they do have a nice concession stand on the beach and chairs and umbrellas to rent highly recommend if you’re going to Key West to spend the day at this place
4. Duval Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,150 reviews
Popular, busy street offers plenty of shops, restaurants and bars.
Reviewed By AllanS75
Duval St. feels like the best of a combination of La Rambla in Barcelona, Spain, Cape May ,NJ, New Hope, PA, and Bourbon St. in New Orleans. A 1.25-mile strip of great shops, bars, restaurants, and people watching. The town felt very safe to walk even at night and has a great vibe. Many of the attractions you want to see are on Duval or a short walk from it. It can get very crowed so if you plan on walking and are in a rush, take one of the parallel streets; either Whitehead or Simonton.
5. 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.
6. The Overseas Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,886 reviews
A charming 110 mile highway running the length of the Keys.
Reviewed By A3444WAmartinp - Malmö, Sweden
It was really like a dream when we drove to key west. Weather was perfect so many stops you can make on the way I would recommend to stop by right after 7 mile bridge bound key west and walk onto the old bridge and also Irie island eats as it’s one of the best food trucks we have ever eaten lunch at and we have tried many world wide!
7. Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,022 reviews
Operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society, the Keys oldest cultural non-profit. The mission of the Key West Art & Historical Society is to preserve the culture of the Florida Keys through exhibiting and displaying regional art, architecture and history for the purpose of educating the community and visiting public.
Reviewed By rachels142 - Knoxville, United States
Almost everyone goes to the Hemingway House. The Key West Lighthouse is basically right across the street, so you might as well tack this tour on to your Hemingway House tour. The small lighthouse museum has recently been redone. It has lots of good information/artifacts plus a short video. You also get to take the steps to the top of the lighthouse. Plan to go on a clear day to see the entire island. My only complain is that it is a little pricy, but most things in Key West are. Go see the Hemingway House and the Key West Lighthouse and top off your day with lunch (or dinner) at Moondog Cafe (located right next to the Hemingway House).
8. Harry S. Truman Little White House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,407 reviews
As Florida’s only presidential museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House was the winter White House for this country's 33rd president. Truman spent 175 days during 13 vacations in the home that is filled with original furnishing and memorabilia from Truman’s days. Presidents Taft, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter and Clinton also used the house. Guided tours offer guests a window into the world President Truman and life of a US president.
Reviewed By gemflanagan - Strokestown, Ireland
We loved the tour of this house in Key West. It was a great history attached to it and if you're interested in Presidential history then dont miss this attraction in Key West!
9. 65′ Lookout Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By RailroadMike - Foley, United States
Between the lighthouse and the tower we would give the tower the best view honors that we tried and the best part of the shipwreck museum .
10. The Oldest House Museum & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 518 reviews
The Oldest House in South Florida is located at 322 Duval Street in Key West. The house and gardens are open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm every day except Tuesday and Wednesday. Staff and volunteering docents are available to provide historical information about the house and family, and to answer questions. The house features family portraits and original furnishings, as well as other period pieces, ship models, and documents telling the story of old Key West. In the rear of the house is a spacious, peaceful garden, where benches invite you to sit and reflect. There, you will see the only surviving Cook House in South Florida.
Reviewed By TheRebelChick - Miami, United States
I love history and I have always been fascinated by the history of Key West in particular - such a strange and sordid past! I really liked that this museum was free and it was so interesting to learn about what life was like back then. We even saw the captains logs from his time on ship!
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