Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Key West, Florida. #Top Attractions

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Preparing to visit Key West, Florida? You are on the right page! Look at our recommended travel activities and attractions in Key West, Florida, to get the most out of your time there. Check out the list of the best things to do in Key West, Florida, and places to go in Key West, Florida, below. As a Web 3.0 travel startup, Wondrous Drifter aspires to make a huge impact on the world.

Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

Audubon House & Tropical Gardens Key West
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens Key West / Ken Lund / Flickr

Catch this beautifully maintained mansion built more than a century ago. 

Captain John Huling Geiger and his family commissioned the construction of the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens in 1840.

The shipwreck industry, which thrived, made Geiger a millionaire. 

Initially slated for demolition in 1958, the run-down house was saved thanks to the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation’s intervention.

It was the humble home of a wealthy Key West family in the 19th Century.

Today, it acts as a museum showing their lifestyle.

Naturalist John James Audubon’s hand-painted original lithographs are on display at this home.

Audubon memorabilia also has a slew of his own works, including twenty-eight and a fascinating assortment of colonial furniture and oddities.

A beautiful garden surrounds the house, full of brightly colored flowers.

The house was artfully restored for the visitors.

Get lost in a maze of brick pathways winding through a tropical garden full of orchids, bromeliads, and tropical palm trees.

Address: 205 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea

 Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea Key West, Florida
Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea is one of the best places to go in Key West, Florida

Religious or not, the Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea is a must-see in Key West.

On September 20, 1901, a fire destroyed the original wooden Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church, prompting the current structure.

The Church is very similar to famous historical designs.

Designed to resemble an early Renaissance revival building, the Church’s exterior features an eclectic mix of styles from the American Victorian era.

It was South Florida’s first non-wooden Catholic Church. 

The exterior architecture is reminiscent of the San Francesco Church in Rimini, Italy, designed by Leone Battista Alberti.

Located at the heart of Key West, this Catholic cathedral boasts a breathtakingly beautiful interior with a strong maritime influence.

The Key West, Florida, cathedral grounds are open to visitors after exploring the building.

The grounds are lush and well-kept, and you are free to wander around them at your leisure.

If you’re lucky, you can even spot a few animals lounging.

Address: 1010 Windsor Ln, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the top attractions in Florida.

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of Key West’s most historic tourist attractions.

Just 50 miles off the coast, it encompasses seven small islands and large expanses of water, so it’s not going to take long to get there.

Key West is about 70 miles away from the park, mostly water with seven small islands.

Fort Jefferson is its most popular location.

But you’ll find more than just history and old structures in this part of the Key West.

The huge structure has clear blue waters surrounding it, with the coral reefs and fish being healthy and abundant. 

Migratory and tropical birds also populate the area.

You can get to the park by boat, plane, seaplane, or ferry.

Learn about the Fort’s history on a 45-minute guided tour or stroll along the moat for stunning views of nearby reefs and marine life.

Thrill-seeking activities like snorkeling and swimming are available in designated areas.

Address: Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West, Florida

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The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum Key West
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum Key West / Todd Van Hoosear / Flickr

Everybody knows Ernest Hemingway right?

In 1931, Ernest Hemingway and his wife Pauline moved into a house in Key West, Florida.

The Hemingways’ personal possessions and the European antiques they collected on their many trips are still on display in the house.

When Hemingway returned from his African safaris and hunting trips, he brought the trophies and skins that littered the house.

Today, decades after his death, many of the famous author’s personal effects are still on display, including an array of European antiques purchased on various trips and vacations.

Hemingway’s many hunting trips have left behind an interesting collection of various animal skins and trophies that can be seen throughout the mansion today.

Visiting the Hemingway studio, where he wrote so many of his best works! 

He wrote “To Have and Have Not,” his novel about 1930s Key West, in this studio.

You can even see Hemingway’s six-toed cat’s numerous offspring live in the museum.

Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Key West
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Key West / Matthew Dillon / Flickr

Good news for history nerds and nature lovers, this place combines both in one beautiful place!

Fort Zachary Taylor is a recognized Historic State Park famous for its history and beach located on the Truman Annex at the southern tip of Key West.

This Florida State Park, home to a Civil War-era fort known locally as Fort Taylor or also Fort Zachs, is a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

It can be found in the Truman Annex on the southern end of Key West.

The park’s most popular attractions are the beach and the Fort, dating back to the Civil War.

There is a week-long Civil War reenactment for history buffs, amongst the many special events held in the park.

One of Key West’s most popular beaches provides beach chairs, scuba gear, and floats for water sports enthusiasts. 

You won’t even have to worry about being hungry because the park offers various dining options.

Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, USA

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Ghosts & Gravestones Tour

Ghosts & Gravestones Tour Key West
Ghosts & Gravestones Tour Key West / Gwydion M. Williams / Flickr

Key West’s Ghosts & Gravestones Tour is considered the city’s more unique tourist attraction.

Because it is the only tour that shows you more than the beautiful scenery and historical landmarks!

If you’re a fan of horror, ghosts, and the supernatural, this is the tour for you!

Key West is also included on the list of the most haunted places in the country! 

With a history dating back to the Spanish settlers, there is no doubt that there are hundreds if not thousands of stories floating around.

These mini-adventures and tours are more exciting because of that.

To get a sense of what life was like in the 19th century, you can join a tour that takes you through the city’s historic neighborhoods.

To the East Martello Civil War Fort, where dozens of soldiers died of yellow fever within its walls, they will even let you in.

Just be sure not to let the stories spook you too much.

Address: 501 Front St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Harry S. Truman Little White House

Harry S. Truman Little White House Key West
Harry S. Truman Little White House Key West / R Boed / Flickr

If you want to learn about the Cold War, this place is for you.

A naval station command headquarters, the Harry S. Truman Little White House was constructed in 1890 during the Spanish-American War as the official residence of President Harry S. Truman.

Then, in 1946, President Harry S. Truman used it as his winter getaway home which later got the building its name.

After that, it became a popular spot for presidents to take a break from the pressure of running a country during challenging times. 

Detailed information about President Harry S. Truman’s 11 trips to Key West can be found in the museum’s official trip logs.

It also included details of his visits, the people he met, and other exciting tidbits of his stay.

Harry S. Truman’s Little White House is a must-see for people interested in history. 

You can learn more about Harry S. Truman’s presidency and the Cold War era by taking a guided tour.

Address: 8311, 111 Front St, Key West, FL 33040, United States

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Key West Aquarium

Key West Aquarium Key West
Key West Aquarium Key West / Roger W / Flickr

The Key West Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Florida.

Conveniently located just a few blocks away from Mallory Square, Key West Aquarium is part of the best places in the city to visit for tourists.

The Key West Aquarium was constructed between 1932 to 1934.

This public aquarium in the city was originally built as an open-air aquarium and is now one of the oldest aquariums in the state of Florida.

The American Alligator Exhibit, the Sea Turtle Conservation Tour, and the Jellyfish Exhibit are some of the aquarium’s highlights.

There’s the popular Touch Tank and Aquarium, which can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

This includes interacting with Sea cucumbers, Giant hermit crabs, and Horseshoe crabs.

Visitors can also participate in feedings with stingrays and sharks or take part in various tours and activities.

You don’t even need to go to the deep oceans to see these animals in action.

Not to mention that the trip to this aquarium isn’t even far from commercial spaces.

Address: 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Key West
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Key West / Elizabeth Nicodemus / Flickr

The well-loved Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy is a peaceful, almost magical oasis amid the bustle of Duval Street in Key West, Florida.

The 5000-square-foot butterfly sanctuary is shaped like a giant dome to house these beautiful creatures.

It is home to a quaint collection of the world’s most beautiful butterflies and more than a dozen species of exotic birds.

Moreover, the Conservatory’s humid tropical habitat is perfect for caring for these fluttering creatures.

Watch the colorful butterflies flitting from one plant to the next as you breathe in the sweet scents of the flowering bushes.

If you’re lucky, you can get a glimpse of caterpillars as they feed on their host plants and progress through the various stages of their lifecycles.

Here, you’ll find more than just butterflies.

There are also more than 3,000 plants and more than 20 bird species in this Conservatory.

It also has a gift shop stocked with Sam Trophia’s beautiful butterfly compositions.

Address: 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

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Key West Cemetery

Key West Cemetery Key West
Key West Cemetery Key West / MittenStatePhototog / Flickr

While not everyone would consider a cemetery an excellent place to spend a vacation, the Key West Cemetery is a must-see for those seeking a bit of fright mixed with a somber past.

This cemetery was first used in 1847 and spanned a total area of 19 acres.

Key West Cemetery, located in Old Town, is notable because its odd tombstones.

Though it may beat the purpose of coming to the cemetery to feel spooked, the tombstones don’t all bear solemn and inspiring messages.

On the contrary, a number of them are ironic and humorous in nature, such as “I told you I was sick” and “I’m just resting my eyes.”

A fun activity for visitors is to spot a ship’s mast tombstone. If you’re patient enough, you might find it.

It’s an accurate depiction of this area’s wacky and unique residents.

Have fun looking through the witty messages on the tombstones!

Address: 701 Pauline St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Key West Historic Seaport and Harbor Walk

Key West Historic Seaport and Harbor Walk Key West, Florida
Key West Historic Seaport and Harbor Walk is one of the best places to go in Key West, Florida

The Key West Historic Seaport and Harbor Walk are one of the best places to visit in Florida.

This spot is a popular destination for tourists who loves the seaside.

The Key West Historic Seaport and Harbor Walk is a popular tourist attraction located in Key West Bight Marina.

There are numerous things to do, sights to see, food to eat, and things to buy here. 

The Inner Harbor and Key West Bight are two other names for this historic port.

For the past two centuries, it has been a significant economic and cultural center of the region.

At the beginning of the 1990s, the seaport served as a hub for coastal shipping and fishing vessels. 

Visitors can now stroll along Harbor Walk, where a variety of waterfront eateries serve up locally sourced seafood in season.

While on a catamaran or sailboat, you can go snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving with dolphins. 

Other popular water sports include jet-skiing, kayaking, and parasailing.

Fresh seafood dishes are a standard menu item among many waterfront restaurants.

Address: 201 William St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

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Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Key West
Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Key West / Jim Bowen / Flickr

Catch the sprawling view of Key West on top of their lighthouse.

As a result of the island’s proximity to coral reefs and the relatively shallow waters surrounding it, the US Navy believed a lighthouse should be built.

In 1848, the Key West Lighthouse was first opened. 

Improvements to the lighthouse have been made over the years, including the addition of the Keeper’s Quarters and the eventual electrification of the light.

In 1969, the lighthouse was decommissioned because new technologies made it unnecessary to employ a keeper.

The lighthouse is a symbol in the museum honoring the men and women who worked there.

To reach the top, you will have to climb the 88 steps while looking at the memorabilia of the former keepers.

The lighthouse also has a gift shop where you can buy locally made art that is beautiful and intricate.

Plus, the lighthouse and its museum are both free to enter!

Address: 938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Key West Seaplane Adventures

Key West Seaplane Adventures Key West
Key West Seaplane Adventures Key West / David Aughinbaugh II / Flickr

Planning to go to the Dry Tortugas National Park? Take the scenic way to get here!

Key West Seaplane Adventures is one of the most popular ways to get to the awesome park.

At the Key West International Airport, Key West Seaplane Adventures is the sole air service provider to Dry Tortugas National Park.

Sightseeing tours depart from Key West and fly 70 miles west to Dry Tortugas, the final group of islands in the Florida Keys chain, with the help of professional pilots.

You’ll get to enjoy the scenery before and after you land at the National Park.

Once you are on board, you are given a headset and a window seat on the narrated flight. 

You may see dolphins, porpoises, sharks, and turtles traveling and swimming around from that height.

You’ll spot Key West shipwrecks like the “Arbutus” and “Patricia” details and stories about the wreckage will be discussed by the pilots.

Address: 3471 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA

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Lloyd’s Tropical Bike Tour

Lloyd’s Tropical Bike Tour Key West, Florida
Lloyd’s Tropical Bike Tour is one of the best places to go in Key West, Florida

Take a trip to a fascinating new location with your best pal by your side! Or side by side!

That is the role that Lloyd plays for tourists who book his engaging, unpredictable, informative, and amusing bike tours. 

The tour starts at 9:45 am every day at Moped Hospital on Truman Avenue and lasts about an hour.

Two hours of easy biking through Key West’s flat streets will allow you to see nearly everything the city has to offer and a little more.

Key West Wildlife Center, the botanical garden, his friends’ private secret gardens, and charming old houses of various celebrities will all be on your list of places to see while in town.

Lloyd will tell the tales of the region’s colorful characters and treat you to a taste of the fresh produce currently in season. 

Even though you’ll constantly be on the go, you’ll enjoy every minute.

Address: 601 Truman Ave, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Mallory Square

Mallory Square
Mallory Square, Key West / SridharSaraf / Flickr

Enjoy the local urban scene, where you’ll also see a fantastic view of the setting sun.

Mallory Square in Duval Street is a waterfront plaza in Key West’s historic Old Town.

The square’s “Sunset Celebration” is one of, if not the most popular attractions in town because of its convenient location facing the Gulf of Mexico.

Every day, two hours before the sun sets, people gather to participate in this ritual.

This unique tradition dates back to the 1960s, and it’s still going on today!

Visiting Key West, Florida, today? This is an excellent place to start.

At the end of the day, hundreds of tourists gather here to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset and peruse art and craft exhibits and food vendors.

Moreover, you can watch amazing street performers such as clowns, jugglers, and talented local musicians.

There are still parties going on every day in the area where this tradition began in the ’60s!

Address: 400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

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Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden

Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden Key West, Florida
Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden is one of the best places to go in Key West, Florida

Secret Garden of Nancy Forrester is a quieter location in Key West and less well-known than most other activities you can participate in during your vacation.

But who is Nancy Forrester, exactly?

She is an educator, environmentalist, and animal lover. 

Nancy Forrester has a soft spot for birds and has been helping and rehoming these lonely parrots for over 35 years.

A secret garden is fantastical and magical as it sounds. This hidden garden is everything you’d expect it to be.

She hosts macaws and parrots, all rescued, who love to talk and chirp and chat with people they meet in their special backyard!

This yard houses some of Key West’s most intelligent and beautiful animals. Visiting them is a must-do for visitors.

Listen to Nancy’s special Parrot 101 talk at 10 am every day if you’re there at the right time.

It’s a spectacular spot for families with young kids!

Address: 518 Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach Key West
Smathers Beach Key West / Ulla Moilanen / Flickr

Most people who visit Key West for the weekend have other things on their minds than beachcombing.

Because of Key West’s rich history and iconic tourist spots, its beaches are often overlooked. 

Still, Smathers Beach is one of Key West’s most picturesque spots and the most popular, especially during spring break.

It is possible to avoid the crowds by going during off-peak hours and taking advantage of the quiet lapping of the waves on the sand.

Additionally, numerous food trucks, shady spots to relax, and high-quality amenities make the whole experience worthwhile.

Smathers Beach is a short drive from Florida’s main artery, the A1A. So it is easily accessible. 

Jet skis, catamarans, paddleboards can be rented, and umbrellas and chairs for a set period.

The water is calm, making it a great place to swim.

Make Smathers Beach part of your Key West itinerary if you’re looking for more things to do.

Address: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA

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Shipwreck Treasures Museum

Shipwreck Treasures Museum Key West
Shipwreck Treasures Museum Key West / arctic_whirlwind / Flickr

The Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum is an excellent choice for families visiting Key West with children.

Plus, adults can enjoy it as well – who doesn’t like a mix of history and fun activities?

It’s possible to go back in time and learn about Key West’s rich maritime history at the Shipwreck Museum in Key West, Florida.

There is a lot of educational history to be found throughout the building.

In addition to having a good time on a scavenger hunt, kids can try their best to hold up a massive, heavy silver bar.

If you prefer, you can take a guided tour of the museum to get a better sense of what it offers.

You can also watch a movie in the museum’s submerged basement, and the museum’s tower is its most impressive feature.

And for those who climb up the tower, an incredible panoramic view of this Florida region awaits.

Address: 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Southernmost Point

Southernmost Point Key West
Southernmost Point Key West / R Boed / Flickr

Visit the place that gets the most pictures taken in Key West!

If you are only in town for the weekend, the Southernmost Point should definitely be on your list of places to visit.

Its name comes from the fact that it was formerly the lowest point in all of America due to Florida’s location. 

This place is only about 90 miles away from Cuba. 

The two claims are even painted on the concrete buoy.

The enormous buoy serves as a marker indicating the precise location.

It was constructed in 1983 as a tribute to this Key West landmark. 

Today, it is widely considered one of the most photogenic locations in the entire region.

If you’re visiting this fantastic location, make sure your phone or camera is charged and ready to go before you arrive.

Take dozens of pictures of the charming novelty and take a selfie in such a unique setting.

Address: Whitehead St & South Street, Key West, FL 33040, United States

The Vandenberg Wreck

The Vandenberg Wreck Key West, Florida
The Vandenberg Wreck is one of the best places to go in Key West, Florida

This shipwreck does not have the usual sad story that you might think. 

The USS Vandenberg is a decommissioned vessel that served in the United States Navy and was scuttled on purpose in 2009 in order to establish an artificial reef.

At one point in its history, the USS Vandenberg was both a ship that tracked missiles and transported military personnel.

It is situated approximately seven miles south of Key West, in water approximately 150 feet deep, within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

By diverting scuba divers’ attention and providing them with a new experience, the creation of artificial reefs contributes to the conservation of natural coral reefs.

Other benefits include preserving the ship’s history and increasing the number of marine animals in the area.

It also provides a new location for research and education and boosts the local economy.

Take a dive and take a look around the wreck that helped Key West.

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Address: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

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