1. Explore the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Address: 907 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida
Phone: 305-294-1136
Recommended For: Literature lovers, history buffs, and cat enthusiasts
What I Love: ♥ “From antique-filled rooms to Hemingway’s six-toed cats, this home has stories around every corner.”
- Step inside the Spanish Colonial mansion where Hemingway lived and wrote some of his most famous works.
- Wander through rooms decorated with European antiques and Hemingway’s personal belongings.
- Peek into the legendary writing studio where “To Have and Have Not” was born.
- Marvel at animal trophies and safari artifacts collected during Hemingway’s world travels.
- Say hello to the famous six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway’s own pet, who still roam the grounds.
Cost: Approx. $18 for adults, $7 for children (ages 6–12), under 6 free
Best time to visit: Morning for cooler temps and fewer crowds; early spring or fall for milder weather
Local tips: Cash only for admission; guided tours run continuously and are included in the ticket price
2. Catch a Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
Address: Wall Street, Key West, Florida
Phone: N/A
Recommended For: Sunset lovers, street performers fans, and anyone seeking iconic Key West vibes
What I Love: ♥ “That golden glow on the water, the energy of the crowd, and fire jugglers lighting up the sky—it’s Key West at its best.”
- Gather at the famous waterfront plaza in Key West’s Old Town for an unforgettable evening.
- Celebrate the day’s end with the nightly Sunset Celebration featuring street performers, musicians, and artists.
- Watch the sky turn brilliant hues over the Gulf of Mexico—it’s a moment you won’t forget.
- Stroll through local vendor booths selling everything from handmade crafts to island-style snacks.
- Enjoy live entertainment from clowns, magicians, jugglers, and more—it’s part show, part community tradition.
Cost: Free to visit; bring cash for food, drinks, or souvenirs
Best time to visit: Arrive 1–2 hours before sunset for the full celebration vibe; weekends offer the most performers
Local tips: Bring a camera, wear comfy shoes, and grab a mojito or conch fritter while you wait for sunset
3. Tour Presidential History at the Harry S. Truman Little White House
Address: 111 Front Street, Key West, Florida
Phone: 305-294-9911
Recommended For: History buffs, political enthusiasts, and curious travelers interested in presidential legacies
What I Love: ♥ “Standing in the room where Truman worked, relaxed, and played poker? It’s like stepping into a time capsule of American history.”
- Tour the only presidential museum in Florida—the Harry S. Truman Little White House was once Truman’s winter getaway.
- Explore exhibits detailing Truman’s 11 working vacations and the many historic moments that happened here.
- Learn about presidential history and Cold War diplomacy through guided tours led by engaging and knowledgeable docents.
- View authentic furnishings and artifacts from the Truman era—it's all been beautifully preserved for modern visitors.
- Discover the home's legacy as a naval command headquarters during major conflicts, including WWI and WWII.
Cost: Admission fees apply; guided tours are included
Best time to visit: Year-round; morning tours tend to be less crowded
Local tips: Book tickets online for convenience, and don’t skip the gift shop—it’s full of fun presidential-themed souvenirs
Recommended Activities for Families
4. Step Into 19th-Century Elegance at the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Address: 205 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida
Phone: 305-294-2116
Recommended For: History lovers, garden enthusiasts, and fans of classic art and architecture
What I Love: ♥ “Strolling through the same rooms once admired by Audubon himself, then stepping into a paradise of orchids and palms—pure Key West magic.”
- Step back in time inside the elegantly restored 1840s mansion of Captain John Huling Geiger.
- Explore rooms filled with period furnishings and original Audubon lithographs.
- Learn the story of how the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation saved the home from demolition in 1958.
- Wander the lush gardens filled with tropical blooms, brick paths, and peaceful seating nooks.
- Enjoy the fusion of art, history, and nature at one of Key West’s most charming attractions.
Cost: Admission fee required; discounts may be available for children and seniors
Best time to visit: Mornings for cooler garden strolls and fewer crowds
Local tips: Don’t skip the gift shop—you’ll find stunning Audubon prints and Key West–inspired gifts
5. Discover Marine Marvels at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Address: 35 East Quay Road, Key West, Florida
Phone: 305-809-4750
Recommended For: Families, science lovers, and anyone curious about Florida Keys wildlife and habitats
What I Love: ♥ “Where else can you stand beside a coral reef, step into a hammock forest, and explore a life-size underwater lab—all in one visit?”
- Learn about the Keys’ environment through 6,000 square feet of immersive marine and land exhibits.
- Marvel at the marine life inside the 2,500-gallon coral reef aquarium.
- Explore a full-scale replica of Aquarius, the world’s only operational underwater research lab.
- Engage with hands-on displays that highlight conservation, marine ecology, and coastal restoration.
- Discover diverse habitats including mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and tropical hardwood hammocks.
Cost: Free admission
Best time to visit: Mornings or early afternoons for quieter exploration and cooler temperatures
Local tips: Allow 45–90 minutes for your visit. Great option for a rainy day or a break from the beach.
6. Go for a stroll at the Key West Garden Club
Address: 1100 Atlantic Boulevard, Key West, Florida
Phone: 305-294-3210
Recommended For: Nature lovers, history buffs, garden enthusiasts, and couples planning a tropical wedding
What I Love: ♥ “A peaceful oasis with ocean views, tropical flowers, and Civil War ruins—free to enjoy!”
- Explore historic ruins at the Civil War–era West Martello Tower, now home to this lush botanical garden.
- Wander through tropical blooms like orchids, bromeliads, and hibiscus on shaded brick paths.
- Discover water features including a tranquil lily pond and a gentle waterfall.
- Visit the white gazebos, a dreamy wedding venue with ocean backdrops and romantic vibes.
- Enjoy it for free—admission is free and open to the public, maintained by volunteers.
Cost: Free
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and softer light
Local tips: Look for local art on display inside the tower, and don’t miss the ocean views from the garden walls.
7. Sail or Snorkel with The Sun Private Charters
Address: Key West, FL (mobile-based service)
Phone: 305-510-3523
Recommended For: Small groups, couples, families, and anyone looking for a private boating adventure
What I Love: ♥ “Cruise calm turquoise waters with your crew—no crowds, just island vibes.”
- Choose your water adventure—from sunset cruises to snorkeling, fishing, lobstering, and dolphin watching.
- Hop aboard sleek, fast boats designed for comfort and groups of six or fewer.
- Explore hidden coves and sandbars on customized private tours led by friendly, experienced captains.
- Prefer to captain your own ship? Rent a boat and navigate the clear back-country waters on your own.
- Flexible trips ranging from 2.5 to 6 hours let you pick your perfect day at sea.
Cost: Varies by length and type of trip
Best time to visit: Mornings for wildlife viewing or golden hour for those epic sunsets
Local tips: Ask about seasonal highlights like lobstering in July or bird migrations in spring.
Attractions for Couples
8. Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Address: 1316 Duval Street, Key West, Florida
Phone: 305-296-2988
Recommended For: Families, couples, nature lovers, and photographers
What I Love: ♥ “Wander through a lush paradise where butterflies and exotic birds flutter freely around you.”
- Step into a vibrant tropical habitat filled with 60 butterfly species and 20+ exotic birds.
- Marvel at nature’s metamorphosis as caterpillars munch on host plants and transform into butterflies.
- Stroll winding paths through flowering bushes, waterfalls, and delicate butterfly dances.
- Explore the Learning Center for a deeper dive into butterfly life cycles and habitats.
- Visit the charming gift shop to find butterfly art by local artist Sam Trophia.
Cost: Admission fees apply — check website for current prices and hours
Best time to visit: Mid-morning for active butterflies and fewer crowds
Local tips: Wear bright colors to attract butterflies — they might land on you!
9. Pedal Through Paradise on Lloyd's Tropical Bike Tour
Address: Tours depart from the Moped Hospital, 601 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida
Phone: 305-428-2678
Recommended For: First-time visitors, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a quirky, fun local experience
What I Love: ♥ “Lloyd’s hilarious storytelling and off-the-beaten-path stops make this ride unforgettable.”
- Pedal through paradise on an easy, two-hour guided ride through lush Key West neighborhoods.
- Meet Lloyd, your charismatic local guide, who brings the island’s past and present to life.
- Visit hidden gardens, wildlife centers, and old celebrity homes with fun stories along the way.
- Sample fresh tropical fruits and get insider access to local haunts and secret spots.
- Tour starts daily at 9:45 a.m. from the Moped Hospital — just bring your sense of adventure!
Cost: Check website for current rates and availability
Best time to go: Morning, when it’s cooler and perfect for biking
Local tips: Wear comfortable clothes, bring water, and don’t forget your camera — you’ll want to capture this one!
10. Head to Dry Tortugas National Park
Address: 70 miles west of Key West, accessible only by boat or seaplane
Phone: 305-242-7700 (park information via Everglades & Dry Tortugas NPS)
Recommended For: History buffs, nature lovers, birdwatchers, and snorkeling enthusiasts
What I Love: ♥ “Crystal-clear water, fascinating Civil War history, and snorkeling over coral reefs—all in one magical place.”
- Explore Fort Jefferson, the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas, on a guided 45-minute tour.
- Snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life just steps from the shore.
- Watch for rare birds on Garden Key, a hotspot for migratory species and tropical seabirds.
- Arrive by ferry, private boat, or seaplane—every trip is part of the adventure.
- Stroll the moat wall for unbeatable views of turquoise water and historic architecture.
Cost: $15 per person (entrance fee), ferry/seaplane fares additional
Best time to go: November to April for mild weather and calm seas
Local tips: Pack sunscreen, water, and snacks—there are no services once you arrive. Book ferry or seaplane tickets well in advance.
Plan Your Trip