In this travel blog, experience a travel guide adventure through Key West as we show you the visit best places to visit in Key West, Florida.
#12 Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
This haven has over fifty species of butterflies around the natural garden. Aside from the majestic species of butterflies that live in the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, there are exotic species of birds, including a pair of flamingos! If you want to learn more about the life cycle of the wondrous creatures here, you can head over to the Learning Center where you can watch an educational film regarding the impressive and fascinating life cycle of butterflies. You can also have more visual reference with the detailed exhibits that rest around the center.
#11 Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
This historical place is called Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and was named after the diver Mel Fisher who is said to be the one who found various artifacts that hold incredible value and is one of the best places to visit in Key West, Florida. In 1972, Fisher found an English ship named Henrietta Marie that is believed to have been a slave ship that had mysteriously vanished in 1700 after selling 190 African Captives in Jamaica. Though the ship itself did not carry fancy jewels or gold, it still had valuable artifacts. Another discovery was the Santa Margarita that carried a glamorous collection of jewelry coins, gold and silver bars, and stunning objects.
#10 Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
A fragile national historic landmark that protected against colonies from other regions during the Civil War, this sanctuary shielded Florida’s coast. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is now famously recognized as an official State Park and National Historic Landmark for its remarkable collection from the Civil War period which remains and is still undergoing excavation. This iconic park organizes annual events and conducts a variety of activities. The site offers its guests access to pristine beaches where they can snorkel around the colorful marine life. You can also try hiking the trails nearby and choose whether to go by foot or by bicycle!
#9 Martello Towers
Composed of brick fortifications, this legendary and historical site to visit will take you back hundreds of years ago. When you step foot in the area, you can feel the authentic vibe of 1858. Martello Towers were never completed. They were purposely crafted for the sake of protecting Fort Zachary Taylor against the east, and ended up unfinished. The tower consists of two areas which are West Martello and the Garden Center that features classy and nature friendly decor. The East Martello Tower highlights an extensive collection of masterpieces relevant to the development of Key West, and is the home of the legendary Robert the doll, an “evil” doll. It is said that he casts curses on those who take his photo without first asking permission.
#8 Key West Aquarium
A public attraction that opened in 1934, this place is known to be the first ever open-air aquarium in the United States. The Key West Aquarium has leveled up their facilities over time. The sanctuary features its “Atlantic Shore” display and its outdoor holding pens. There are countless tanks that serve as a home for local marine creatures including puffer fish, snappers, and angelfish. There are also sections where you can see barracudas and sharks and a “touch tank” where you can get up close and watch how the sea animals are fed!
#7 Shipwreck Treasure Museum
The Shipwreck Treasure Museum will take your breath away with its undeniably amazing historical story of the salvage industry. The museum features an area where visitors can watch films and videos related to the impressive history of Key West’s economy and industry. There is an exclusive observation tower where you can view the phenomenal scenery and take photos.
#6 Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters
This is a place with an epic lighthouse that stands over 86 feet high. Explorers can climb up its 88 steps to reach a spot with breathtaking views. The Key West Lighthouse itself was founded around 1847. It opened for public viewing in the year 1848 where a female keeper resided. The lighthouse was developed and the keeper’s quarters and lenses were upgraded, but it was decommissioned in 1969. Afterwards, the Key West Art and Historical Society claimed and preserved the whole property, making it into a military museum. They ended up restoring the entire lighthouse and quarters.
#5 Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
If you are a fan of literature and art, then you know Ernest Hemingway. Known for his straightforward approach and the usage of understatement, his contribution has been a significant treasure of Florida’s culture. Because of his notable works, his former home is now a museum which captivates visitors. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is not limited to the author’s pieces. It also exhibits his marvelous collection of Spanish furniture. Aside from that, the gardens are majestic. There are more than 40 cats that live there, some of which have six toes! They are said to be descended from Hemingway’s original six-toed cats.
#4 Smathers Beach
Florida is among the best destinations for beaches in the US. Smathers Beach is about a ½ mile long, and is the largest public beach in Key West. It features a sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean on the South side of the island, and it begins at Mile Marker Zero, the start of Highway A1A. Watersport rentals are available and you can savor some tasty and delicious foods from local food trucks parked along the promenade.
#3 Mallory Square
This is the ideal spot to witness the nightly sunset celebration and definitely one of the best places to visit in Key West, Florida! Since this is an amazing area for a joyous exploration, you might just find yourself clapping along with others who are having fun watching some impressive performances. Most of the acts being done in this area are stunts from the circus like tightrope-walking cats and dogs on unicycles, sword swallowing, and fire juggling. You might be surprised at how talented the locals are. Mallory Square has a lot of attractions for everyone. One can go on a shopping spree, visit a museum and capture some picturesque scenery, and do some treasure-hunting at a store to discover some valuable traces of the past.
#2 Southernmost Point
This is a famous spot with an iconic coloration of black, red, and yellow anchored concrete buoy. The popular landmark rests on South and Whitehead and is the Southernmost Point in the continental U.S., the lowest latitude land of contiguous North American States. This famous hub has also been a location for various street vendors that sell souvenirs and performers that showcase their skills and talents.
#1 Duval Street
Event goers should look no further for great performances, a fascinating vibe for socializing, countless hubs, hype, and an impressive atmosphere. Event fanatics, shopaholics, artists, and coffee lovers will all fit in on Duval Street. This haven also has museums, souvenir shops, galleries, and cafes. No one will be alone or isolated when touring this site. The famous Duval Street also has several cultural events that are a treasure, including Fantasy Fest, a well-known themed street party, similar to Mardi Gras, which runs for the entire last week of October annually.
Thanks for reading, Revellers for best places to visit in Key West, Florida! Finding undiscovered pearls is a goal some have. Key West is a little island over five square miles where you can look for untouched creations. Which one of these top sights in Key West would YOU plan to visit? Comment below, we’d love to hear where your next vacation will be.
