Gorgeous weather, beautiful nature, and tons to do – it’s one of the best places to visit.
It’s Florida’s gem – Key West. And who wouldn’t want to visit Key West?
But there’s so much to do, it can be overwhelming.
And when you’re on a limited budget of finances and vacation days, you have to choose the very best things to do.
Not sure how to maximize your fun? We’ve got you covered.
Here are 10 amazing things to see in Key West.
1. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
If you’re an avid reader, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a must-see. Even if you aren’t a fan of Hemingway, it’s still worth seeing the home. Built in 1851, the Spanish Colonial-style mansion houses numerous antiques and animal trophies.
2. Mallory Square
Mallory Square is a free, unique location for nightly sunset watching, complete with live entertainment. The former warehouse area also hosts nearby shops and attractions. If you’re looking for inexpensive Key West activities, a visit to Mallory Square should be it.
3. Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
The Audobon House and Tropical Gardens is a period-style mansion that hosts period-appropriate furniture, a tropical garden, and lithographs from naturalist and ornithologist John James Audubon. Bird-watchers, anthophiles, and history lovers should all check out the Audubon House.
4. Key West Aquarium
Originally opened in 1934, the Key West Aquarium was the first open-air aquarium. It’s still in operation today and features wildlife from local waters, such as sharks, eels, and sea turtles. It also features the Touch Tank, a guided tour where guests can touch and hold animals like crabs and sea stars.
5. Key West Lighthouse
Opened in 1848, the Key West Lighthouse operated until it was decommissioned in 1969. Now it stands as a symbol of Key West’s maritime history, preserving the original furnishings and photographs of its past keepers.
6. Shipwreck Treasure Museum
The Shipwreck Treasure Museum preserves the period and history of wreckers – those who would watch for shipwrecks and salvage what remained. Actors recall the story of the merchant ship Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 and wasn’t recovered until 1985. Artifacts from the ship are now on display in the museum.
7. Key West Garden Club
The Key West Garden Club is a tropical garden contained within the remains of a seaside Civil War fort. Brick pathways lead visitors through a tour of local and exotic tropical plants.
Best of all? Admission to the Key West Garden Club is free.
8. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Before being registered as a historic place and turned into a park, Fort Zachary Taylor protected the Florida coast during the Civil War. The Union-held fort did not see any action but served as a powerful deterrent to the Confederate Navy due to its strategic location and impressive arsenal.
Today the historic fort has been turned into a 54-acre park.
9. Southernmost Point
The Southernmost Point in the continental U.S. is marked by a large painted buoy. It’s now become a tourist attraction, with local vendors and street performers congregating nearby.
10. Private Boat Tour
Finally, one of the best ways of seeing Key West is with the people you love – and no one else. It’s one of the private boat tour benefits – seeing Key West how you want, with who you want, on your chosen route.
There Are Plenty of Things to See in Key West
There are plenty of things to see in Key West. It’s a gorgeous location, offers tons of history, and beautiful weather. You really can’t go wrong with a Key West vacation. If you like this article, check out more in our travel section.
