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Less than 90 miles from Cuba, less than 10 miles square in area, Key West is one of the hottest vacation destinations in the country. There's more packed into this small island than one would think possible, and visitors to the Florida Keys are never disappointed. Key West has a busy central tourist district, but it also has plentiful quiet, palm-lined streets with beautiful Spanish style houses. While the numerous beaches and resorts are primary focal points, there are lots of other family activities on this tiny island to keep one busy.
Key West's beaches lead visitors to clear blue waters that are perfect for swimming, jet skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Several luxury resorts offer first-class accommodations and activities for the whole family. Visitors can stay close to shore, or they can take advantage of the many glass-bottom boat tours. Many also hire boats to take them scuba diving in the world-famous reefs. The Key West Aquarium highlights the local marine life in dozens of hands-on activities for children.
The island itself boasts some remarkable attractions for the entire family, yet the island is small enough that visitors can see them all. The Ernest Hemmingway House was home to the famous author when he penned some of his best-known novels. The Audubon House is an authentic home from the 19th century, fully restored and remodeled; authentic antiques and paintings by famed naturalist John James Audubon can be found inside. The Key West Historic Tour traverses the island -- be on the lookout for the best places to enjoy conch, the local specialty. The residents of Key West have devised innumerable ways of serving this sea creature, and all are worth at least a try.
While it is uncertain whether or not he ever sampled conch, President Truman often vacationed in a small house at the naval base located on Key West, and his reasons for visiting are the same as for today's visitors: sunshine, relaxation, and beach. Truman's hideaway is open for tours, adding one more item to the list of fun things to do in Key West. This small town is perfect for families looking for a great beach holiday in an interesting and manageable location.
Conch Tour Train
303 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-5161
Take a ride on the Conch Tour Train and learn about the legends of Key West. Your tour of the area is narrated by the train engineer and staff, who will take you back in time with stories about Key West and some of its most famous figures.
Harry S. Truman Little White House
111 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-9911
The Harry S. Truman Little White House is Florida’s only presidential museum. The wooden duplex was built in 1890 as Naval officers’ quarters. Later it was converted into a single-family house dwelling, and over the years it hosted many distinguished guests including President Truman, Thomas Edison, President Dwight Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy and President Jimmy Carter. Guided and self-guided tours of the home are available daily.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-1136
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a National Historic Landmark and a popular Key West attraction. Guided tours are available of the home and gardens where the Nobel Prize-winning author penned some of his most well known novels. Descendants of Hemmingway’s family of cats still roam the premises.
Wrecker’s Museum at the Oldest House
322 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-9501
The Wrecker’s Museum is located in the oldest house in Key West. The house was built circa 1829 and was the home of merchant seaman and “wrecker” Capt. Francis B. Watlington. The museum features ship models, 19th century documents, maritime artifacts and more. For more shipwreck stories, visit the Shipwreck Historeum, where actors, films and even laser technology illustrate the world of 1856 Key West wreckers.
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
205 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-2116
The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is a special treat for art lovers, antique enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located in a restored early 19th century home, this museum features antique furnishings, art galleries, lush gardens, a gift shop and more. Also featured are original hand water colored lithographs and engravings by John James Audubon that date back to the mid 1800s.
Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage
410 Caroline Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-3573
The Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage feature original furnishings, rare antiques and other artifacts. Stroll through the flower garden and listen to recordings of Robert Frost reading his poetry.
Key West Museum of Art and History
281 Front Street
Key West, Fl 33040
305-295-6616
Visit the Key West Museum of Art and History at the Custom House for a lesson in the island’s history as well as a look inside this historically restored building. Built in 1891, it required 917,000 bricks shipped from New York; iron from Pennsylvania; and the workmanship of dozens of masons, more than 100 carpenters and other laborers from all over the US.
Fort East Martello Museum & Gardens
3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-3913
The East Martello Fort and Museum is housed within the eight-foot thick brick and granite walls of the East Martello Battery. Visitors can browse the fort and learn Key West’s military history from the Civil War through the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Flagler Station
901 Caroline Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-295-3562
The Flagler Station details Henry Flagler’s adventures in making railway history. Browse photographs and artifacts housed in a Florida East Coast railroad car, listen to railroad storytellers, watch historic railway films and more.
Key West Golf Club
6450 East College Road
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-5232
Golfers will enjoy the Key West Golf Club, where an 18-hole, 6,500-yard course challenges players of all skill levels. Test your skill on Mangrove Hole – a 143-yard, par 3 that is played completely over a field of thickly intertwined tropical mangroves.
Perfect Pedicab
401 Southard Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-292-0077
The Perfect Pedicab provides personal day tours of the island. Ride along as your host pedals you around Old Town Key West and details the area’s culture and history.
Dry Tortugas National Park & Seaplanes of Key West
Key West International Airport
3471 South Roosevelt Boulevard
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-0709 or 800-950-2359
Dry Tortugas National Park is America’s most inaccessible park, but Seaplanes of Key West will take you there in a matter of minutes. The park is located about 70 miles west of Key West and includes seven small islands and surrounding waters. After making a smooth, water landing, you are free to explore the park and its central feature, the historic Fort Jefferson. Take a self-guided tour through this 19th century fort and learn about its place in history. Bird watching and snorkeling can also be enjoyed at the park.
Sunny Days Catamarans
201 Elizabeth Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-292-6100
Ferry rides to the Dry Tortugas National Park are available for those who would rather sail than fly. Sunny Days Catamarans offers rides on its “Fast Cat.” Passengers often spot sea turtles, dolphin, flying fish and other natural wonders along the way.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
end of Southard Street on Truman Annex
Key West, FL 33040
305-292-6713
In the southwest corner of Key West is an 87-acre National Landmark. The Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park offers visitors a beach area, saltwater fishing, shaded picnic areas, concessions and more. Construction on the fort began in 1845 and continued slowly into the 1850’s. Progress was often yielded due to shortages of materials and manpower, bouts with yellow fever and hurricanes. Guided tours are available of the Fort, named after President Zachary Taylor, who died in office in 1850.
Historic Seaport District
100 Grinnell Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-293-8309
The Historic Seaport District is located in the northwest corner of Key West, just a few blocks from busy Duval Street. Stroll along the harbor walk, and visit a variety of restored historical bars and restaurants. Stores selling tropical clothing and souvenirs are plentiful, and the area offers a great view of the sunset.
Subtropic Dive Center
1605 North Roosevelt Boulevard
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-9914 or 800-853-3483
At the Subtropic Dive Center, scuba instruction is provided in the onsite pool. Once you get the hang of it, choose from a variety of half-day scuba trips to wreck and reef locations. The center also sponsors two-hour snorkeling trips.
Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
Duval Street is the place to be, day and night, in Key West. Duval Street is a tourist mecca, as it is home to many shops, restaurants, bars and attractions. The nightlife on Duval Street is nonstop and sometimes a little wild.
Key West Cemetery
701 Passover Lane
Key West, FL 33040
305-292-8177
Guided tours are available of the Key West Cemetery. Tour guides share the history of the cemetery and point out raised coffins, clever tombstone inscriptions and more.
Schooner Western Union
202 William Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-292-9830
The 130-foot Schooner Western Union, an authentic, vintage tall ship, was built in Key West in 1939. Step aboard for a day sail, sunset cruise or private charter.
Jackson Square
500 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
“The End of the Rainbow” – where Highway US One ends.
Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine
700 Truman Avenue
Key West, FL 33040
Located on the grounds of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church. It protects Key West from hurricane devastation.
Skydive Key West
Sugarloaf Airport
MM 17
Sugarloaf Shores, FL 33042
305-745-4FUN
See the Keys from two miles up at speeds of 120 mph or more!
The Southernmost Scavenger Hunt
305-292-9994
One of the top ten best things to do in Key West – follow clues and riddles and enjoy all the sights and sounds of Key West.
Key West Pub Crawl
422 Fleming Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-744-9804
Visit and drink at some of the most famous and entertaining bars and establishments in the Keys. You’ll receive five FREE drinks and a t-shirt. Guides keep the atmosphere festive.
Ghost Tours of Key West
430 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-9255
Evening tours that are lantern led as you take a one mile stroll through the historic streets of Key West! Not to be missed! Learn bizarre facts, stories of ghosts and voodoo, and more!
Curry Mansion Museum
511 Caroline Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-5349
Visit this astounding 25 room Victorian Masterpiece!
Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden
One Free-School Lane
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-0015
Botanical garden located in the middle of Old Town. Art gallery also on premises.
Old Town Trolley Tours
201 Front Street Suite 224
Key West, FL 33040
800-868-7482
Old Town Trolley Tours also offer sightseeing excursions of the island. Old Town Trolley’s 90-minute tour covers more than 100 points of interest, and passengers can enjoy the tour at their own pace. At any point, passengers may choose to get off at any of the routine stops to shop, dine or sightsee, and then re-board another trolley later.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
1316 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-2988
At the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, visitors can stroll among hundreds of butterflies within a climate-controlled glass-enclosed habitat. Nearly 60 butterfly species from around the world are featured, as well as plants, birds, flowers, waterfalls and lush trees.
Key West Aquarium
1 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
800-868-7482
The Key West Aquarium opened in 1934 and was the world’s first open-air museum and Key West’s first tourist attraction. Still popular today, the aquarium features guided show tours, shark petting and feeding and a touch tank.
Key West Baby Conch Farm
631 Greene Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-3551
At the Key West Baby Conch Farm, visitors can learn how scientists grow the conch babies that will help restock declining Keys conch populations. Aquarium displays and exhibits are marine-research related.
Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum
938 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-295-6616
For a little exercise, climb the 88 steps to the balcony of the Key West Lighthouse and enjoy the fabulous view of the island and surrounding waters. Built in 1847, with an additional 20 feet added to its height in 1894, the tower was decommissioned in 1969. The Light Keepers Quarters is now home to a collection of lighthouse artifacts.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Key West Museum
108 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-293-9939
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Key West Museum is filled with oddities, exhibits and interactive displays. All ages will enjoy a trip through this peculiar museum.
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
200 Greene Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-2633
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum features historical artifacts, sunken treasures, hands-on exhibits and much more. Visitors can discover the history of Spanish galleons and more.
Turtle Kraals Museums
200 Margaret Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-0209
The Turtle Kraals Museum is located in the Historic Seaport District, on the boardwalk. It is the site of Key West’s first turtle cannery. Turtle Kraals is the world’s only sea turtle museum, and admission is free. Learn the history of the industry and view a live sea turtle.
Wild About Dolphin
Oceanside Marina
5950 Peninsular Avenue
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-5026 or 800-593-6574
Wild About Dolphins takes snorkelers into the backcountry to observe marine life and bird species on half-day and full-day trips. A light breakfast or lunch is provided.
A1 Snuba of Key West
1107 Key Place
Key West, FL 33040
305-292-4616
Safe fun and it it’s easy! Go beyond snorkeling! Experience the underwater world without a dive certificate! Fun for the whole family!
Southernmost Point in America
At the end of US Highway 1
Key West, FL 33040
The Southernmost Point in the continental US is designated with a colorful monument, popular with camera-toting tourists. The point is 90 miles from Cuba.
Dolphin World – Swim with the Dolphins
954-525-4441 or 800-760-6949
No trip to the Keys is complete without swimming with the dolphins. You can also enjoy Wild Dolphin Encounters, Sea Lion Swim, Sting Ray Swim, Snorkeling, and more.
Parasail With Key West Water Tours
5130 US Highway 1
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-8025
See the island from 600 feet!
Island Water Sports
245 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-1754
Guided jet ski tours with jet skis for one, two, or three people. Lasts 1 ½ to 2 hours.
White Knuckle Thrill Boat Ride
5130 Overseas Highway
Key West, FL 33040
305-797-0459
The most unforgettable attraction in Key West! Fun for the whole family as you take twists, turns, slides, and spins! Wet and wild!
Key West Nature Preserve
Atlantic Boulevard
Key West, FL 33040
Ocean front property with wooden walkways and trails that will take visitors through mangrove forests and directly to a private and quiet strip of beach.
Mallory Square
Duval and Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-4557
Waterfront park offering open-air performers, food vendors, and more!
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
35 east Quay Road
Key West, FL 33040
305-292-0311
Free admission at the Truman Annex Waterfront to this educational center offering touch screens, amazing photos, theater, and more.
White Street Pier
1899 White Street
Key West. FL 33040
Pedestrian pier offering the perfect location to take the kids fishing or allow them to feed the shore birds.
Captain Seaweed Charters
5950 Peninsular Avenue
Key West, FL 33040
305-872-7588
Enjoy a dolphin encounter or a snorkel adventure! You will be able to swim and snorkel in the same waters where the dolphins live and play!
January
Annual Key West Craft Show
305-294-1241
Handmade and original crafts by more than 100 artists from throughout the U.S. including furniture, art glass objects, toys, jewelry, and more.
Florida Keys Seafood Festival
305-619-0039
Enjoy fresh seafood, live music, activities, and family fun!
February
Civil War Heritage Festival
305-292-6850
Re-enactors make this festival a hit with everyone! Includes a “land skirmish” and a mock sea battle.
Key West Antiques Show & Sale
305-295-6616
Browse through antiques and collectibles brought in by dealers from around the U.S.
Old Island Days Art Festival
305-294-1241
Enjoy this juried fine art show in historic Old Town.
March
Marathon Seafood Festival
305-743-5417
The Marathon Seafood Festival features art and craft booths, live music, gourmet seafood and more. Chefs from local restaurants prepare grouper, lobster, snapper and other locally caught fish in Caribbean and Cajun styles.
Conch Shell Blowing Contest
305-743-5417
A tradition of the islands – several age categories attempting to make music on a fluted conch shell!
April
Conch Republic Independence Celebration
305-296-1213
Enjoy parades, bed races, parties and a wacky drag race.
Robert Frost Poetry Festival
305-296-3573
The Robert Frost Poetry Festival includes a poetry writing contest and workshop.
Taste of Key West
305-296-6196
An array of area restaurants offer delicious samples of their food.
May
Key West Songwriters’ Festival
305-296-4222
Enjoy concerts performed by some of the best songwriters in America in an intimate island setting!
June
Cuban American Heritage Festival
305-295-9665
The Cuban American Heritage Festival celebrates the island’s Cuban heritage. The festival features Cuban history and photo exhibits, wine, cigars, a conch brunch, Latin concerts, fishing tournaments, dancing, children’s activities and more.
July
Key West 4th of July Celebration
305-451-4747
The Key West 4th of July Celebration features an arts and crafts fair, food vendors, catamaran cruises, picnics hosted by local restaurants and much more.
Hemingway Days Festival
305-296-2388
The Hemingway Days Festival celebrates the literary works and life of Ernest Hemingway. A Hemingway look-alike contest is a favored part of the event.
August
Lobsterfest
305-849-2706
Duval Street will be filled with everything that deals with lobsters! Art, food, clothing, and more will be offered. Also enjoy live music!
October
Pasta in the Park Columbus Day Festival
305-923-4617
Vendors, exhibitors, and entertainment. Something for everyone! Pet parade, door prizes, food, and drink!
Goombay Festival
305-896-5514
The Goombay Festival is a celebration of the Bahamian heritage that is alive and well in Key West. The festival features Bahamian music and dance, food vendors, a street parade and more.
November
Pirates in Paradise Festival
305-296-9694
The Pirates in Paradise Festival features costumed characters who invade Key West in a throwback to yesteryear. Stuntmen, historic re-enactors and improvisational actors participate.
December
Key West Lighted Boat Holiday Parade
305-292-9520
Decorated and lighted boats – from kayaks to schooners – cruising Key West Harbor to celebrate the holiday season.
New Year’s Eve Key West Celebrations
305-292-9520
Wench drop at Schooner Wharf, conch shell drop at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, and a red high heel drop with drag queen Sushi at Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House.
Population:
26,000+
Time Zone:
Eastern
Climate:
Key West has never seen frost or snow; in fact, its record low temperature is only 41 degrees. The average annual temperature is a comfortable 77 degrees, and that temperature rarely varies more than 10 degrees up or down. Sunny skies are a given; the average annual rainfall is only 39 inches per year, and showers are usually brief. Cool sea breezes can make winter months seem a little cool for some; a light jacket is sometimes a good idea for evening strolls on the beach.
Airports:
Florida Keys Marathon Airport (MTH)
9400 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
305-289-6060
Miami International Airport (MIA)
4200 NW 21 Street
Miami, FL 33142
305-876-7000
Rail:
Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL
*Amtrak only goes as far as Fort Lauderdale, but shuttle service is available into Key West.
Bus:
Greyhound
800-231-2222
Getting Around Key West:
Keys West Shuttle
305-289-9997 or 888-765-9997
Taxis:
Five Sixes Cab
305-296-6666
Friendly Cab
305-292-1111
Dining:
Conch Republic Seafood Company
631 Greene Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-4403
The Conch Republic Seafood Company is not only a restaurant and bar (an 80-foot long bar to be exact, stocked with 80 different rums from all over the globe), but it is also a fish market, where you can purchase wholesale seafood. Menu favorites include baked oysters, Key West pink shrimp and grilled dolphin, as well as New York strip, for non-seafood eaters.
El Meson de Pepe
410 Wall Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-295-2620
The El Meson de Pepe Cayo Hueso serves Cuban Conch cuisine paired with tropical drinks. Dine indoors or out, and enjoy salsa dancing in the evenings.
Hard Rock Café
313 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-293-0230
If you’re a fan of Hard Rock Café, you’ll be happy to know there is a location in Key West. The menu features the usual tasty American fare, including salads, burgers, sandwiches, barbecue, steaks, chicken and more. The desserts are simply sinful – or heavenly – depending on your point of view, and include chocolate chip cookie pie, cheesecake, apple cobbler, fudge brownies and much more. If you promised someone back home a t-shirt, the gift shop opens at 10 a.m. daily.
Michaels Restaurant
532 Margaret Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-295-1300
For a romantic dinner, visit Michaels Restaurant, where you can dine fountain-side in the tropical garden or indoors in the elegant dining room. Menu selections include steaks (USDA beef flown in from Chicago), fresh local seafood, pastas, poultry, veal and more. An evening at Michaels isn’t complete without a Chocolate Volcano for dessert.
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
500 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-292-1435
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville offers American fare and Caribbean cuisine, with enough variety to please a number of palates. Have a Cheeseburger in Paradise, served as the song suggests, or perhaps you’d prefer shrimp scampi, a half chicken or a blackened hot dog. Of course you’ll find Key Lime pie for dessert, as well as chocolate suicide cake and locally made ice cream. Visit the gift shop for that “lost shaker of salt.”
La Trattoria
524 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-1075
One of Key West’s favorite Italian restaurants! Try their Spaghetti Norma or Penne Arrabbiata!
Nightlife:
The Bull & Whistle
47 Caroline Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-4565
A favorite among the locals and tourists! Sit back and relax and enjoy the margarita specials, dance at the Garden of Eden upstairs (where clothing is optional), live music, and more!
Sloppy Joe’s
201 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-5717
The most famous bar in Key West! Features live music, drink specials, cigar room and a martini bar!
Green Parrot Bar
601 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-6133
Good drink prices, live music (blues and more), local favorite – you can meet and mingle with the locals and get the inside scoop about Key West!
Bourbon Street Complex
724-801 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-293-9600
Disco, drag, comedians and more at these establishments. Everyone welcome to any of the live shows and dance parties. It offers the longest cocktail hour of any bar on Duval – drink really cheap from noon till 8 at night!