Iconic Landmarks

A great photo-op at the end of Whitehead Street is the giant buoy. It marks the southernmost point in the continental USA, although technically there is a bit of land southward of it that is inaccessible to the public as it is fenced off and on naval property. There is usually a bit of a line but for a good reason, this iconic marker is recognized worldwide!

389 South Street at the end of Whitehead Street

Immerse yourself in a tropical oasis of lush plants and flowers. Meandering paths will encourage wandering past a myriad of species of flora amidst a fluttering of magnificent butterflies and tropical birds past a Flamingo Pond. A true escape from reality. Home to one of the best gift shops on the island.

$17.50 adults $12.50 kids

1316 Duval Street

(305)296-2988

www.keywestbutterfly.com

About an hour before sunset, you will notice most people on Duval Street heading in the same direction. This is the stroll towards our nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square. Mallory Square is a large open area over by the waterfront where at the end of each day street performers engage the crowd with their talents (bring a few dollars in cash to tip them) artists sell their creations, and everyone enjoys nature's own performance in the sky. Be sure to enjoy our iconic sunset at least once and gaze as the light dances in the sky only broken by the silhouette of passing sailboats. Afterwards follow the music either to the live Cuban band at Maison de Pepe's and have a spectacular mojito or follow the other music around the boardwalk to the right and find yourself at one of my favorite spots, Sunset Pier. They have a band nightly, and it is just a whole vibe. Either way, spend a few moments reflecting on the wonder of life and the happiness of being on vacation in paradise. 

A major attraction is strolling down our main drag, Duval Street. From people watching, interesting architecture, and a huge variety of boutiques, stores, restaurants and bars, there are loads of activities going on. The "Duval Crawl" -bring a spare liver, is when you start at one end of Duval and meander down stopping at each bar along the way (feel free to skip some, there are about a hundred) until you reach the other end. That aside, all of our parades and street fairs typically take place on this famous thoroughfare. 

The neighborhood in Key West originally inhabited by migrant cigar factory workers from the Bahamas. This is an eclectic mix of original Key Westers and artists. The stores and restaurants are uniquely original and there is a Bohemian energy everywhere. Take a stroll down Petronia Street and check out the shops or walk the side streets to see some really cool houses.

The original Key West residence of famed author Ernest Hemingway. They offer tours daily and it is kept in its original splendor to enjoy stepping back in time for a while. Say hello to the six-toed cats! This is a classic stop for any history or literary buff, or for one looking to be steeped in a bit of old Key West. 

General Admission $18 - $7 kids

907 Whitehead Street

(305)294-1136

www.hemingwayhome.com

 Visitors to our city and locals are invited to tour this educational and historic exhibit.  They can enjoy and learn about Williams’ literary accomplishments and life in Key West through an extensive collection of photographs, first edition plays and books, rare newspaper and magazine articles, videos, a typewriter used by the author while writing in Key West, a scale model of his Duncan Street residence, and other remarkable artifacts on display. 

Tickets

-BOOK HERE-

General Admission $7.50 (online booking)

Seniors $4.50 (online booking)

513 Truman Avenue

(305)204-4527

www.hemingwayhome.com

 Originally home to the island’s customs office, postal service, and district courts, this four-story architectural marvel was built to keep pace with the increasing population and wealth accumulating from Key West’s lucrative trade routes and maritime industries.  The imposing structure is a tremendous exemplar of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture which was typical for Federal building projects near the end of the 19th century.  Today, “Old 91” has been faithfully restored and stands on the harbor as a national landmark, an award-winning museum and official headquarters of the Key West Art & Historical Society. Experience two floors of exhibitions that weave together two centuries of history, art, people, and events. 

Tickets

-BOOK HERE-

Adults $15.50 - Kids $7.50 - Senior/Local/Military/Student $11.50 (Online Prices)

281 Front Street

(305)295-6616

www.kwahs.com

 The current lighthouse opened in 1848 with a woman as its Keeper; nearly unheard of during the 19th century. In the years following, the Key West Lighthouse underwent a number of upgrades including the installation of a Third Order Fresnel Lens, an extension to the tower which allowed the light to be seen from a greater distance, the addition of Keeper’s Quarters, and finally the electrification of the light.  Today, visitors can walk up the 88 steps to the top of the light as well as explore the belongings, photographs, and words of the lighthouse Keepers and their families who lived a now obsolete, yet never forgotten, way of life.  (The stairway is quite steep so keep that in mind for those with physical impairments or a fear of heights!)

Tickets

-BOOK HERE-

Private Sunset Lighthouse Experience 

(groups up to 8)

Including an optional Marriage Proposal Experience...

-BOOK HERE-

Adults $15.50 - Kids $7.50 - Senior/Local/Military/Student $11.50 (Online Prices)

938 Whitehead Street

(305)294-0012

www.kwahs.com

 The historic Harry S. Truman Little White House is famously where Truman spent 175 days of his presidency. Before that, the building served as a naval station's command headquarters during the Spanish-American War. The house has been restored to the way it was in 1949, showcasing well-preserved rooms where the Trumans lived, worked, and relaxed during their time in Key West. The house is open 365 days a year; tours, which are included in the admission, offer additional insight into Truman's presidency. 

General Admission 22.95

White Glove Tour for 6 people (VIP) 645.00

Packages with the Shipwreck Museum, Little White House, and a Conch Train or Trolley Ticket available.

938 Whitehead Street

(305)294-0012

www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org

 The name sort of says it all: This 190-year-old home (known as "conch cottage") is the oldest in Key West. Taking a trip through is like going back in time, with many of the original details still perfectly preserved, plus a massive collection of art and antiques. Because of the pristine preservation, tours of the home are held at special times around the year (you'll want to check the schedule to make sure the dates of your visit match up). Kids under 12 are admitted free, making it a popular stop for families when the weather outside is not cooperating. If the weather is cooperating, don't miss the home's pristine garden. 

322 Duval Street

(305)294-9501

www.oirf.org

The grand home that is now known as the Audubon House was built by Captain John Huling Geiger in the 1840s as a residence for his family, who lived there for more than a century. Slated for destruction in 1958, the Geiger mansion was saved by the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization. The home’s large-scale restoration was the first of its kind in Key West and sparked Key West’s restoration movement.

Today, the home and its furnishings reflect the elegance and comfortable living enjoyed by a wealthy family in Key West in an era when frequent shipwrecks on the offshore reef created a flourishing shipwrecking industry.

205 Whitehead Street

(305)294-2116

www.audubonhouse.org

 The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts from 17th century shipwrecks, such as the Henrietta Marie, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita. Also included are the shipwrecks and artifacts of The Santa Clara, a Conquistador-era galleon (1564), The Guerrero & Nimble. A rotating gallery exists on the second floor of the museum and is currently displaying an exhibit or artifacts belonging to Cuban Rafters, Balseros, who arrive to Key West in hand-crafted vessels. Terrestrial archaeological sites include The African Cemetery of Key West, located on Higgs Beach. The museum is named for founder Mel Fisher and was created as a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization, thus Fisher's fortune is not financially linked to the museum. It is a museum, a lab, and a nationally recognized research facility. 

Head on down to the jewelry shop, located at 613 Duval Street and see John. Take home some of the world's most famous treasures to wear or display in your home or office. Let John know I sent you!!

General Admission 17.50 (Upgraded VIP tickets available see website.)

200 Greene Street

(305)294-2633

www.melfisher.org