What can you do if you only have a few days? A lot. And if you’re lucky enough to have more? Even better. Who knows… MAYBE one day we can all visit Key West TOGETHER!!!
I have so much to say about Key West. Here are all the articles that will hopefully let you know more about this amazing tiny island:
Here is a huge list of the highlights that make this little island so endlessly fun to explore:
Historic & Museums
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
Six-toed cats & stories: Hemingway lived in Key West in the 1930s, and his Spanish colonial home is now one of the island’s most visited attractions. The house itself is beautiful — complete with the writer’s studio, his furniture, and even a swimming pool (the first in Key West). But the real stars are the cats: dozens of polydactyl cats, many with six toes, wander the grounds like they own the place. They’re descendants of Hemingway’s original pet cat, Snow White, and they’ve become just as famous as the author. Guided tours share juicy stories about Hemingway’s life, marriages, and writing habits, and you can peek out from the upstairs balcony to see the Lighthouse across the street.
Hemingway
Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Museum
88 steps & wrecking lore: Directly across from Hemingway’s house stands the 1848 lighthouse. You can climb 88 spiral steps to the top for a sweeping view over Old Town rooftops and the sea. But here’s the part I love: in the 1800s, locals didn’t just use lighthouses to guide ships — they used them to spot shipwrecks on the reef. Whoever reached a wreck first had salvage rights, sometimes rescuing crews, sometimes just seizing cargo. Wrecking was the island’s most profitable industry, and it all started with eyes on the horizon from towers like this one. Inside, the keeper’s quarters give a glimpse into what life was like for the families who maintained the light.
Lighthouse
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Florida’s only presidential museum: Nestled in the Truman Annex neighborhood, this unassuming house became the “Winter White House” for President Harry Truman. Between 1946 and 1952, he spent 175 days here — conducting presidential business in the morning, then fishing, swimming, or walking the streets of Key West in the afternoon. Today, the house is preserved with 1950s furnishings and artifacts, making it feel like Truman just stepped out for a cigar. The tour offers a wealth of insights into Truman’s down-to-earth style, providing a personal connection to history. It’s also the only presidential museum in Florida.
White House
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Atocha treasure haul: This museum is the definition of perseverance paying off. Treasure hunter Mel Fisher spent 16 years searching for the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sank in 1622 loaded with gold and silver. In 1985, his team finally struck gold — literally. Today, you can stand inches away from gleaming coins, gold bars, and emerald jewelry recovered from the sea. The museum also shares the challenges of treasure hunting and the legal battles that followed. It’s part pirate tale, part courtroom drama, and all true.
Maritime
Pan Am’s First Flight Headquarters
Birthplace of Havana route: Key West isn’t just about ships and sunsets — it also launched one of the world’s most famous airlines. In 1927, Pan American Airways opened its first office, located right here on Whitehead Street. From this little building, Pan Am ran its first international flights to Havana, Cuba, making Key West a surprising aviation hub. Today, the building is home to a brewery and restaurant, with a bar made from an airplane wing and a small museum filled with Pan Am memorabilia. It’s quirky, historic, and a reminder that this tiny island once connected America to the broader world.
Key West Shipwreck Museum & Aquarium Combo
Two-for-one: Key West’s history was built on shipwrecks, and the Shipwreck Museum brings it to life with costumed guides, dramatic tales, and even a climb up a 65-foot lookout tower for stunning harbor views. Right next door, the Aquarium (dating back to 1935) lets you see sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish up close. Together, the two stops give you both history and living marine life in just a couple of hours — a great combo, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a mixed-interest group.
Shipwreck | Aquarium
Key West Cemetery
Quirky epitaphs & island history: It may sound unusual, but the Old Town Cemetery is one of the most interesting places to wander. Established in 1847, it’s home to more than 100,000 people — double the island’s current population. The cemetery reflects Key West’s quirky humor and multicultural history, featuring graves of Cuban independence fighters, sailors lost at sea, and locals remembered with a wink. The most famous epitaph reads “I Told You I Was Sick.” Iguanas laze on the headstones, making it even more surreal. It’s a must for anyone who loves offbeat history.
Cemetery
Nature, Gardens & Scenic Strolls
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
AC’d tropical glasshouse: Step into a tropical wonderland where hundreds of butterflies in every color imaginable flutter around you. The glasshouse is filled with lush plants, little waterfalls, and exotic birds. Two flamingos, Rhett and Scarlett, wander through like they own the place, adding personality to the already magical setting. Even if you’ve never been into butterflies, it’s hard not to smile here — it feels like stepping into a living kaleidoscope. The air-conditioning is also a welcome break on a hot Key West afternoon.
Butterflies
Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower
This free botanical garden is tucked inside the ruins of a Civil War fort. Volunteers have transformed the crumbling walls into a lush paradise filled with orchids, palms, and flowering vines. It’s quiet, peaceful, and a photographer’s dream. Best of all, it’s right on the water, so you can stroll the gardens and then step out to take in Atlantic Ocean views. Locals are proud of this hidden gem, and visiting feels like a discovery.
Garden
White Street Pier (Edward B. Knight Pier)
Stretching far out into the Atlantic near Higgs Beach, this concrete pier is a favorite for fishing, biking, or just a long stroll. At sunrise, the light over the ocean is breathtaking, and you’ll often find locals out walking dogs or casting lines. At the base of the pier is the AIDS Memorial, a touching tribute with the names of those lost to the epidemic — a reminder that Key West is not only playful but also deeply connected to its community.
Pier
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Beaches, shady trails, Civil War-era fort, and lots of pine shade + blue water — great for a late-afternoon stroll or bike ride through the trails after cemetery wandering.
Park
Iconic Landmarks & Photo Ops
Southernmost Point Buoy
This oversized buoy is probably the most photographed spot in Key West. Painted red, black, and yellow with bold letters that read “90 Miles to Cuba”, it marks the southernmost point of the continental U.S. You’ll almost always find a line of people waiting for a photo, especially mid-morning and later, but that’s part of the fun. Get there before 8 a.m. and you might have it nearly to yourself. Is it touristy? Absolutely. But standing “at the end of the road” feels special, especially since Highway 1 literally finishes a few blocks away at Mile Marker 0. It’s one of my favorite “tourist” stops, even if there is a line.
Southernmost
aking photos here
Cuban Coffee Queen Mural
The “Welcome to Key West” wall by the Historic Seaport is an instant mood-lifter and the perfect group photo spot.
Mile Marker 0 (quick stop)
A fun snap at the end of the road on Whitehead Street. I just love to take photos here!!!
Tours, Trains & Getting Around
Conch Tour Train & Old Town Trolley
Since 1958: These narrated tours have been rolling through Key West for decades, and while they’re touristy, they’re also a lot of fun. The Conch Tour Train (since 1958) gives a breezy ride through Old Town, mixing history with quirky stories. The Old Town Trolley allows you to hop on and off at various attractions while listening to guides share tales of pirates, cigar factories, and colorful locals. If it’s your first visit, they’re a great way to get oriented without breaking a sweat.
Conch Train | Trolley
Bike Riding
Flat & shaded: Because the island is flat and compact, biking is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get around. Rentals are everywhere — from beach cruisers to ebikes — and you can circle the island in under an hour if you want. The best part is the freedom to stop whenever you see a mural, a rooster strutting across the street, or a shady café. What blows me away every time are the banyan trees. Some of them are so massive they stretch across entire city blocks, with thick roots spilling down like curtains. Riding beneath their shade feels like moving through a cathedral of trees. Biking really does make you feel like you’ve slipped into local life.
Bikes
Walking Tours
Walking is another fantastic way to explore, whether you join a guided tour or simply wander. Food tours introduce you to Cuban coffee, conch fritters, and local seafood, while ghost tours take you past haunted houses and cemeteries. Or you can DIY it: stroll through Bahama Village, the Historic Seaport, or Whitehead Street galleries. On foot, you notice little details you’d otherwise miss — conch shell doorbells, hidden gardens, or even a rooster perched high on a porch railing. And under those sprawling banyans, the shade makes even midday walks comfortable. You can even see famous people! Like Marilyn Monroe!
Walking
Key West First Legal Rum Distillery
Housed in a historic building, this distillery proudly claims to be Florida’s first legal rum producer. Tours are short and free, walking you through the rum-making process, and tastings are included — coconut rum is a crowd favorite. It’s a quick stop, but the mix of history and free samples makes it a memorable experience. Plus, a bottle or two makes a great souvenir.
Rum
Gallery Hopping & Live Music
Part of the joy of Key West is simply wandering. Pop into small galleries on Whitehead or Duval Street to see works from local painters and sculptors. In the evenings, let your ears guide you: nearly every bar and restaurant has live music spilling out the doors, from jazz at La Te Da to rock at Sloppy Joe’s to reggae at Smokin’ Tuna. Sometimes the best Key West night isn’t planned — it’s just walking until a melody pulls you in.
Strolling
Sunset Cruise
Chill island music, golden sky, and a toast on the water. I have always wanted to do this! One day I will 
Beaches & Waterfront
Higgs Beach – Pier, African Cemetery memorial, quieter vibe.
Smathers Beach – The longest sandy stretch in town; sunrise walks are magic.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach – Rocky entry but clear water and shade.
Festivals
If you time your trip right, Key West knows how to throw a party. The biggest is Fantasy Fest in October, a week-long, over-the-top celebration where costumes, parades, and body paint turn the island into a giant street carnival. It’s wild, colorful, and honestly one of my favorite times to be in Key West — there’s nothing else like it. In July, Hemingway Days brings Hemingway look-alikes to Sloppy Joe’s, along with fishing tournaments and readings. And every April, the Conch Republic Independence Celebration commemorates the tongue-in-cheek 1982 “secession” with water balloon battles and Cuban bread fights. Each festival captures Key West’s quirky, playful spirit — a perfect excuse to come back again.
Festival info
If You Have More Days… (Day Trips & Longer Adventures)
If you’re lucky enough to have extra time in Key West, you can go beyond the 1–2 hour attractions and dive into the longer adventures. Some take half a day, some a full day, and some even require a short drive — but each one shows you a different side of the Keys.
Beyond the main sights, extra days let you chase the adventures that take more time:
Dry Tortugas National Park
Seventy miles west of Key West lies one of the most remote national parks in the United States — and one of the most unforgettable day trips you can take. The centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive Civil War–era brick fortress surrounded by turquoise water. Getting there is an adventure in itself: you either take the Yankee Freedom ferry (about 2.5 hours each way) or splurge on a seaplane ride that lands right next to the fort. Once there, you can tour the old military corridors, walk the sea wall, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or simply lie on the beach and marvel at how far away from everything you are. It’s a full-day commitment, but standing on a remote island in the middle of the ocean feels like checking a box on the bucket list. I just finally did this, and it’s worth the trip!
Dry Tortugas
Marvin Key Sandbar
This one feels like you’ve found your own private island. Marvin Key is a shallow sandbar out in the backcountry, about an hour by boat. The only way to get there is with a charter — and that’s part of the magic. The sandbar is surrounded by clear, aquamarine water that looks like something out of a postcard. People bring coolers, snorkel gear, and floats, then just relax in knee-deep water while stingrays and fish drift by. There’s nothing commercial here — no bars, no shops, no signs — just pure sand and sea. If you want the “local’s paradise” experience, this is it…. And this is absolutely one of my favorite experiences. We always take visitors here.
Sandbar Charters
Jet Ski Island Tour
For thrill-seekers, this is the way to see the island. A guide leads you on a 28-mile loop around Key West, zipping past the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, under bridges, and through mangrove channels. There are stops along the way to point out landmarks or let you play around in the open water. It’s equal parts sightseeing and adrenaline, and it’s wild to say you literally circled an island on a jet ski. Tours last about 90 minutes, so you still have plenty of day left afterward — though you’ll probably want a shower and a nap.
Jet Ski Tours
Mangrove Kayak Eco-Tour
On the opposite end of the energy spectrum is a quiet paddle through shaded mangrove creeks. Guides point out sea stars, crabs, baby sharks, and birds as you glide through narrow channels where motorboats can’t reach. It’s peaceful, cool, and a chance to see the fragile backcountry ecosystem up close. I love that you go from the buzz of Duval Street to total silence in just a short paddle. It feels like stepping into another world.
Lazy Dog
Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Cruise
Key West is one of the best places in the U.S. to see wild dolphins, and several catamarans head out daily to watch them in their natural habitat. Unlike a show or park, these dolphins are free — you’ll spot them leaping and playing in the wake of the boat. After watching, most trips anchor at a reef or shallow coral garden where you can snorkel among colorful fish. It’s family-friendly, relaxing, and often the highlight of a trip.
Dolphin Safari
Fishing Charters
Key West has been a fishing capital for centuries, thanks to its unique location where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean. You can head offshore for mahi-mahi or tuna, hit the reef for snapper and grouper, or try flats fishing for tarpon and bonefish. Local captains know the waters inside and out, and even beginners can come home with a big catch. Some restaurants will even cook your fish for you. It doesn’t get fresher than that.
Fish Key West
Bahia Honda State Park
About a 45-minute drive up the Overseas Highway sits one of the prettiest beaches in the Florida Keys. Bahia Honda is known for its natural sandy shoreline (a rarity in the Keys), calm turquoise water, and the dramatic backdrop of the old Flagler Railroad Bridge. You can snorkel from shore, rent a kayak, or just lie on the sand and soak up the sun. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in America, and it’s easy to see why once you’re there.
Bahia Honda
Big Pine Key Deer Refuge
Fifteen minutes beyond Bahia Honda, Big Pine Key is home to the endangered Key deer — tiny relatives of white-tailed deer that grow no bigger than a large dog. Seeing one wander across the road or graze in someone’s yard is surreal. They only live in this part of the world, so spotting them is an actual “only in the Keys” moment. The refuge has walking trails and viewing areas, but honestly, the deer often find you. I ride my bike here, and mostly see the deer in the early morning.
Key Deer Refuge
Turtle Hospital (Marathon)
An hour’s drive from Key West, the Turtle Hospital rescues and rehabilitates injured sea turtles. The guided tours take you through the operating rooms, rehabilitation tanks, and release process, allowing you to see the turtles up close. Some are recovering from boat strikes, others from entanglement, and a few are permanent residents who can’t return to the wild. It’s one of the only full-time turtle hospitals in the world and a powerful conservation experience.
Turtle Hospital
Foodie Walking Tour
This is Key West through your taste buds. Guided food tours lead you through backstreets and family-owned spots to sample Cuban coffee, conch fritters, fresh seafood, and of course Key Lime Pie. Along the way, you’ll also hear about the island’s Cuban and Bahamian roots, learn quirky local stories, and meet some of the personalities behind the food. It’s less about fine dining and more about flavor and culture — and you definitely won’t leave hungry.
Food Tours
Cooking Classes / Pie-Making Workshops
For something hands-on, Key West offers cooking classes that focus on local dishes, such as conch chowder and Key Lime Pie. You roll up your sleeves, learn the recipes, and then eat your creations — with a side of culinary history. The pie-making classes are especially fun: you not only learn the secrets to the perfect tart filling but also get bragging rights for making Key West’s signature dessert yourself.
Key Lime Pie Co. Classes
Community Experiences
One of the best ways to feel connected to the island is to give back a little. You can join a beach cleanup, walk dogs at the Florida Keys SPCA, or help care for rescued seabirds at the Key West Wildlife Center. The Garden Club at West Martello Tower even welcomes volunteers to help tend the grounds. Each activity takes just a couple of hours but leaves you with a sense of belonging and contribution beyond tourism. It’s a way to leave Key West a little better than you found it.
Wildlife Center | SPCA | Garden Club
Top 5 Quirky Things You’ll Only Find in Key West
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The Conch Republic Passport – Yes, you can actually buy one. A tongue-in-cheek reminder that Key West once “seceded” from the U.S. for a day.
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The Southernmost Point Selfie Line – People literally line up for a photo at the big buoy. Half the fun is watching how seriously some folks take it.
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The Original Pan Am Headquarters – A bar built from an airplane wing, plus a tiny aviation museum tucked inside.
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The Mile Marker 0 Sign – The end (or beginning) of U.S. Highway 1. Tourists take goofy photos here day and night.
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The Roaming Roosters and Chickens – They strut through streets, restaurants, and backyards as if they own the island.
Let’s meet there!
Here’s some other WONDERFUL articles about Key West!
So much to know about a tiny little island
