Key West, Florida: A Travel Guide

Welcome to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States and a tropical paradise known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your visit. That's why we've created the ultimate travel guide to help you make the most of your time in Key West.

Boat Tours

One of the best ways to experience Key West is by taking a boat tour. Salty Paws Charters Key West offers a variety of options, from sunset cruises to snorkeling adventures. Sunset Sail Key West is another great choice, providing a unique view of the city from the water.

• Salty Paws Charters Key West: 711 Eisenhower Dr, www.saltypawskeywest.com/
• Sunset Sail Key West: 202 William St, www.sunsetsailkeywest.com/

Landmarks

No trip to Key West is complete without visiting its famous landmarks. Take a photo at the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A., a simple monument located at the southernmost tip of the continental U.S. & 90 miles north of Cuba. The Key West Lighthouse, which is now a museum, features access to the top via 88 steps & keepers quarters.

• Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.: 1400 Whitehead St, cityofkeywest-fl.gov/Facili...
• Key West Lighthouse: 938 Whitehead St, www.kwahs.org/museums/light...

Museums

Key West has a rich history, and there are many museums that showcase its maritime heritage and cultural significance. The Key West Shipwreck Museum is a popular attraction, presenting tours, artifacts & films presented in a recreation of an 1850s wrecker's warehouse. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum displays shipwreck treasures & relics.

• Key West Shipwreck Museum: 1 Whitehead St, www.keywestshipwreck.com/
• Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: 200 Greene St, www.melfisher.org/

Beaches

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach is a popular swimming beach with gear rentals. The beach draws crowds for swimming, snorkeling & fishing. Clarence S.Higgs Memorial Beach is a small beach with a pier, plus monuments documenting the site of an 1800s African slave cemetery.

• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach: 601 Howard England Way, www.fortzacharytaylor.com/
• Clarence S.Higgs Memorial Beach: 1000 Atlantic Blvd, www.monroecounty-fl.gov/235...

Nature

Key West is also known for its natural beauty and unique wildlife. The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a glass-enclosed, plant-filled habitat for interactive walks among species of butterflies & birds. The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center offers marine sanctuary visitors center featuring interactive ecology exhibits & a 2,500-gallon reef tank.

• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: 1316 Duval St, www.keywestbutterfly.com/
• Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center: 35 Quay Rd, floridakeys.noaa.gov/eco_di...

Historic Sites

For history enthusiasts, Key West is a treasure trove of historic sites. The Hemingway Home and Museum is the former residence of famous author Ernest Hemingway. Visitors come to see Hemingway's studio, garden & 6-toed felines that may be descendants of his cat. The Truman Little White House offers guided tours, this museum once served as President Harry S. Truman's winter White House.

• The Hemingway Home and Museum: 907 Whitehead St, www.hemingwayhome.com/
• Truman Little White House: 111 Front St, www.trumanlittlewhitehouse....

Other Attractions

There are plenty of other attractions worth visiting while in Key West. The Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square is a daily event featuring street performers, artisans, and food vendors. The Conch Tour Train offers a unique way to see the city. Or, visit the West Martello Tower and Key West Garden Club, a part of a fort built in the 19th century, this landmark houses a garden club with scenic grounds.

• Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square: Mallory Square Pier, 420 Wall St, www.sunsetcelebration.org/i...
• Conch Tour Train: 201 Front St, www.conchtourtrain.com/cont...
• West Martello Tower and Key West Garden Club: 1100 Atlantic Blvd, keywestgardenclub.com/

Outdoor Activities

Smathers Beach is a public beach & a spring break destination with showers & volleyball, plus jet ski rentals. Edward B. Knight Pier is perfect for fishing. And, for the adventurous types, visit the "90 Miles to Cuba" marker.

• Smathers Beach: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/fa...
• Edward B. Knight Pier: White St, ocean.floridamarine.org/boa...
• 90 Miles to Cuba marker: 400 South St

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, historic sites, or just a relaxing day on the beach, Key West has something to offer everyone. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, it's no wonder this tropical paradise is a popular vacation destination. Book your trip today and experience all that Key West has to offer!