Never been to Key West? One of the best ways to see it is with a ride on the Conch Train, a tour that's been entertaining visitors to the city since 1958. This is one of Florida's most popular attractions, and for good reason. Their expert 'engineers' and friendly staff have delighted over 15 million guests with legends about famous residents like Ernest Hemingway and lores of this charming tropical paradise. Your tour of Key West will give you a conch's eye view of all the wonderful Key West attractions.
It's a 75-minute tour, during which the train will make one loop through Old Town Key West. There are three stops- one is at Station Depot, allowing for a 10 minute rest break where you will find refreshments and shopping. Bring your ice cream and homemade fudge back on board to continue your tour. The second stop is at Truval Village, located at the corner of Duval Street and Truman Avenue. From Truval Village you are just minutes away from the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Key West Lighthouse, the Southernmost Point, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and the many fine art galleries, shops and restaurants of upper Duval Street. Enjoy complimentary admission to Sails to Rails Museum at the third stop. The second stop is also where those who wish to can disembark to see the sights of the Historic Key West Seaport and choose to catch a later train.
Where: The best place to board the train is at the Front Street Depot, which is on the corner of Front and Duval Streets. You can also hop on the train at Truval Village, 1007 Duval Street.
When: Tours begin at 10:15 a.m. and end at 4:15 p.m., every day.
Cost: Adults, $47.45 ($33.03 online); Children 4-12, $21.13 ($14.18 online).
The Old Town Trolley “Hop on, Hop off” tours has 13 different stops to get on and off the trolley as you please. Use the trolley as the perfect alternative to getting an Uber to explore the Key or make your way to the beaches. Not only will you get transportation, you'll receive a detailed tour of Key West history and unique architecture. You'll love learning about all the little details that make Key West so special.
Before the Duval Loop was available, this was Blake and Hannah's choice of transportation during their visit back in 2014.
Bonus: Get a free tour of the Hemingway Rum Distillery with your ticket
Where: See Old Town Trolley Map. You can hop right on by the Key West Express port if you choose to get to town via the ferry.
When: 9:00-4:30 Daily
Cost: $44.95 (1 Day Pass) or $68 (2 Day Pass) for adults, $15 for children 4-12 years. Free for children under 4. The ticket is good for the entire day.
If you went to the Florida Keys and didn't spend a day on the beach, did you really even go?
There are numerous beaches in the area. The best one? Well, that is for you to decide, each review page ranks them differently. Here are some snippets from local guides:
Smathers Beach, the largest of its kind in Key West with a 2 mile shoreline, is the "best public beach" in the area. Unlike most other beaches in the island city which are made of ground coral or pebbles and are bounded by mangroves, Smathers Beach not only boasts a sandy shoreline but also a more intimate ambiance. Plus, the Beach access is free for all.
Higgs Beach, near Smathers Beach, is a serene alternative. The landscape around the beach is exactly as a tropical landscape should be – palm-fringed shoreline, nice stretches of sand, and magnificent waters. Tropical Watersports Key West, a concierge at the beach, offers great daily deals starting only at USD $30 – two lounge chairs and umbrella for a complete day.
South Beach, the southernmost beach, is perfect for relaxing in the sun with it's shallow but crystal-clear waters .
Rest Beach- known for the best sunrise view on the island. Wake up, grab a coffee, and greet the day with some sun salutations on the beach's yoga deck.
Fort Zachary Taylor- Apparently, locals consider Fort Zachary Taylor Beach as the truest beach among all Key West beaches. One of the only natural beaches in the Florida Keys, the shoreline is mostly made up of ground coral. Most guests visit for snorkeling and diving. Turtles, dolphins, barracuda, goliath grouper, and tarpon are typically spotted here. See the Fort Zachary Taylor page (next) for more information on entrance fees and beach rentals.
Fort Zachary Taylor Park is a National Historic Landmark that played a significant role in Florida's early development. Construction of the fort began in 1845, shortly after Florida became a state. In 1850, the fortress was named after U.S. President Zachary Taylor, who died in office earlier that year. During the Civil War, the 10-inch Rodman and Columbiad cannons at the Fort proved to be a formidable deterrent deterrent to the Confederate navy, preventing them from attempting to take the fortress or the island of Key West.
The 54-acre national park also includes nature trails, beaches, and the Cayo Hueso Cafe. Rafts, snorkeling gear, and beach lounge chairs/umbrellas are available for rent.
Where: 601 Howard England Way
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Every Day
Cost: Per person/per car: $4.50, 1 person; $7.00, 2 people; .50 each additional person. Bicyclists and walkers are $2.50 each. Your entrance fee will be covered the day of the wedding!
Fort Zachary Taylor
Though there are three Cuban Coffee Queen locations in Key West, the closest to our host hotel is the one on Margaret Street. But wherever you see one, be sure to stop, because they have the best Con Leches and Cordaditos you have ever had. They also have a few variations on the Cuban sandwich that are not to be missed.
Where: 284 Margaret Street, on the Waterfront
When: 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Daily
For a quintessential Key West experience, take in the scenery at the Key West Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.
“See you at Sunset!” This often used phrase has embodied the spirit and history of Key West since the event took off in the late 1960s. Beginning two hours before sunset, this is a celebration and view that has captured the love and astonishment of legendary figures from Mark Twain in the 1800s to Tennessee Williams in the late 20th century. Each evening, everyone is invited to partake in watching the glowing pink and red sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico horizon from Mallory Square.
It's a nightly festival that hosts visitors from all over the world, who come see the magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists and food vendors that combine for an incredible cultural experience and unparalleled photography opportunities.
Where: 400 Wall Street.
When: At sunset every night.
Cost: No charge.
The Southernmost Point Buoy is an anchored concrete buoy in Key West, and it marks the southernmost point in the continental United States. Only 18 feet above sea level, the large painted buoy was established as a tourist attraction in 1983 by the city. Make sure you get a selfie here, since it is one of the most visited and photographed attractions in the United States!
Where: At the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street.
When: Anytime
Cost: Not a thing.
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is a must-see while you're in Key West! Built in 1851 in the Spanish-Colonial style, the home was moved into and renovated by Hemingway and his wife Pauline in 1931. The home includes the same furnishings that the Hemingways used, many of which were brought over from Pauline's beloved Paris, as well as descendants of "Papa's" six-toed cats, which laze around the house and grounds. On the grounds you'll also see what was at the time Key West's very first in-ground swimming pool, the only one within 100 miles of the city.
Hemingway wrote many of his major works here: the books Green Hills of Africa, Death in the Afternoon, and To Have and Have Not (the novel in which he used several of his Key West friends as the basis for some of the characters), as well as the short stories ‘The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber’ and ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’.
Today, the estate still remains the single largest residential property on the island of Key West.
Where: 907 Whitehead Street
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Cost: 30-minute guided tours are $15 general admission and $6 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under are free.
No trip to Key West is complete without a visit to Sloppy Joe's for a drink.
The official beginning of Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the famous and infamous Key West saloon, was December 5, 1933–the day Prohibition was repealed. The bar was destined to go through two name changes and a sudden change of location before it would become Sloppy Joe’s, seen by millions of visitors to Florida’s southernmost outpost.
Even back then, Key West was a favorite spot for free thinkers, one of the most famous of which was Ernest Hemingway, who spent quite a lot of time at this bar. It's not a fancy place, but will give you a true taste of the eclectic feel of this island city, since you never know who will show up to sing or play on the iconic stage in the middle of the main room.Where: 201 Duval Street.
When: Open daily, from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Cost: Priceless.
The Audubon House Gallery of Natural History features a unique collection of John James Audubon's art, as well as his prints of his timeless images.
Both the house and the tropical gardens were established in 1960 by Key West native, Colonel Mitchell Wolfson, and his wife Frances. They restored the elegant three level Captain’s home, which was built in the American Classic Revival architectural style of the mid 1800s by Captain John Huling Geiger, who was Key West’s first harbor pilot. Captain Geiger raised many children in the house, and planted beautiful tropical vegetation on the property.
It was the beautiful plants which drew Audubon to it during his visit in 1832. The center of the lot was a garden of native and imported tropical plants which Audubon used in his images of local birds. He also took cuttings from the plants growing on the property, and used them as backgrounds in many works, including the White crowned Pigeon, which has the “Geiger tree” in the background.
Watch for William Bradford Smith, the last decedent of the Geiger to live in the home, as it has been said that he still remains on the property.
Where: 205 Whitehead Street
When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., every day.
Cost: Adults-$14; Students-$10; Children, 6-12-$5; Under 6, free. Audubon House Gallery of Natural History
In 1988, Alabama native Jerry Dorminy opened up the iconic Hog's Breath Saloon in Old Town. Since then, it’s become one of the most popular locals bars on Duval Street. It is also a big hit with tourists looking for an authentic taste of Key West. The Hog’s Breath offers live music, great food and drinks, a raw bar and their world famous T-shirts and clothing.
Where: 400 Front Street, near Mallory Square
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Daily
Cost: No cover.
Sarabeth’s is a James Beard award winner, and serves fluffy omelets, pancakes from scratch, salads, sandwiches, meatloaf and grilled meats and fish, as well as beer and wine. The beautiful building it's in is historic, and once served as the first synagogue in the state of Florida. They also have a small patio if you prefer outdoor seating. It's perfect for Brunch!
Where: 530 Simonton Street
When: Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Info: They don't have a website, but you can check out their menu here:
www.yelp.com/menu/sarabeths-keywest-key-west/breakfast-menu
Born in Indiana and a dive shop pioneer in California, Mel Fisher was an American treasure hunter best known for finding the 1622 wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha.
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is the only fully accredited museum in the Florida Keys. That means it is more than just an exciting adventure story, it's also a nationally recognized research institution. It contains amazing treasure in its 1622 Fleet exhibit of the Spanish galleons discovered by Mel Fisher and his crew, and so much more. It also has a thought- provoking Slave Ship and Key West African Cemetery exhibits, which provide a stark look into the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Key West’s unique role in it. Learn about Spanish Coins in the New World, the Real Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Science of Shipwrecks. You can even take a lab tour and see how history is revealed.
Where: 200 Greene Street.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Lab tours are at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., weekdays.
Cost: Adults, $16; Students, $14; Children, $7; Lab Tour, $20; Combination Admission and Lab Tour, $31.
The United States Coast Guard Cutter Ingham is the only Coast Guard Cutter afloat today to have received two Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. With over 50 years of service around the world, the USCGC INGHAM is a quintessential portrait of Coast Guard history from 1936 to 1988.
Built in the Philadelphia Navy Yard in beginning in 1935, it was officially launched on June 3, 1936. Stretching out 327 feet and weighing in at 2,656 tons, the USCGC INGHAM provides civilians a rare look inside a military vessel that served her country well.
Where: Along the Key West waterfront inside Truman Annex, adjacent to the entrance next to Fort Zachary Taylor.
When: Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Ages 13 and up, $10; Children 7-12, $5; Children under 6, free; Active Military Members, $5.
The Key West Shipwreck Museum combines actors, films and the actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef.
Join master wrecker Asa Tift and his wrecking crew as he tells you the story of how this unusual industry provided for the livelihoods of the early pioneers of Key West. You will be invited to climb the 65′ lookout tower and if need be, alarm Mr. Tift of any wrecks on the reef! Learn more about the wrecking industry and what Key West once at this fun, interactive museum.Where: 1 Whitehead Street.
When: 9:40 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last show at 4:40 p.m., every day.
Cost: Adults, $16.11 ($14.50 online); Children 4-12, $9.66 ($8.69 online); Seniors 62+, $13.96 ($12.56 online.)
The Key West Aquarium is one of the island’s most popular attractions for people of all ages. Home to alligators, jellyfish, sharks and many other marine animals, guests can enjoy interactive conservation talks as well as animal feedings.
The Aquarium was the dream of Dr. Van Deusen, a director of the Fairmount Park Aquarium in Philadelphia. It began construction during the Great Depression in 1933 as part of the Works Progress Administration Program, which helped to build many of the historic Key West Attractions that inhabit the island today. This provided many jobs to local Key Westers or “Conchs” as they are called today during this hard financial time where jobs were limited and people were in need of income to support their families. The concrete that was used to form the aquarium structure and holding tanks was mixed with sea water from the ocean since fresh water was hard to come by in those days. The Key West Aquarium took two years to complete and opened to the public on February 18, 1935.Where: 1 Whitehead Street (in Mallory Square).
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., every day.
Cost: Adults, $17.19 ($15.47 online); Children 4-12, $10.74 ($9.67 online); Seniors, $15.04 ($13.54 online.)
Walk through a magical and inviting environment filled with hundreds of the most beautiful winged creatures in nature at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. During your visit you will experience an impressive collection of flowering plants, colorful birds, cascading waterfalls and trees that set the stage for the "flowers of the sky." You'll also see a variety of some 50 to 60 butterfly species from around the world, along with over 20 exotic bird species, all under a climate- controlled, glass enclosed habitat.
Where: 1316 Duval Street.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day.
Cost: General Admission. $15; Seniors & Military, 65 and up, $12; Children 4-12, $11.
A visit to the Key West Gardens also includes access to the ruins of a Civil War fort, West Martello Tower. Plan on giving yourself time to look at the history of the Fort and the Gardens (inside the Old Fort, next to Reception) to better understand the garden and its historic spaces.
Then plan on visiting each of the individual gardens by following the map they provide, spending time with the butterflies in the Butterfly Garden, walking amongst the native wildflowers on top of the hill overlooking the beach or taking in the aromas of the inner courtyard Perfume Garden. Make sure not to miss the beautiful orchids in two arbors in the Courtyard!Where: 1100 Atlantic Blvd.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day.
Cost: Free admission, donations accepted.
The Harry S. Truman Little White House is the State of Florida’s only presidential site and museum. Take a tour of the home and grounds with knowledgeable guides.
Originally, the building was constructed in 1890 as naval officers housing. Important visitors have included extended stays by inventor Thomas Edison and scientist Edward Hayden and it has been used by six American presidents. Its most important usage was as the winter White House of Harry Truman who spent 175 days of his presidency here from 1946 through 1952. As President, Truman faced the rebuilding of Europe, the Palestine question, issues of Civil Rights and labor unrest changes in foreign policy and our response to the Cold War.Where: 111 Front Street.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours run every 20 minutes.
Cost: Adults, $22.52 ($20.27 online); Children 4-12, $10.75 ($9.68 online)
If your tastes run to the supernatural, try a ghost tour in a city with an extremely colorful past and former residents.
The Key West Key West Ghost and Mysteries Tour has been a favorite activity among Key West visitors for more than 20 years. Many of the experiences that they’ve documented have come directly from the guest reviews on the Ghost Tour, so if you go, don't forget to take your camera. The 90-minute walking tour includes visits to locations with some of the most active spirits. Included on the tour:
* Exclusive access to the Oldest House Garden * Stop by Key West’s Oldest Graveyard * The Artist House, the original home of the haunted Robert the Doll, who now resides at the East Martello Museum. * Casa Antigua, Hemingway’s first home, where The Watcher waits for you * The former Club Chameleon * Walk inside the former home, which is now the Hard Rock Cafe, and hear the story of a prominent Key West family. * Count Von Cosel and Eleyna * The Oldest House (exclusive) * "The Watcher"
Where: The tour meets on the corner of Duval and Caroline Street, in front of the Porter Mansion.
When: Tours take place beginning at 9 p.m.
Cost: Adults, $23; Children, $15; Military, $20.
Take a walk on the wild side with a Key West Shark & Wildlife Eco Tour in the back country waters of Key West. This is an almost guaranteed 2 hours of shark and wildlife viewing, because a scent is deployed to attract these apex predators right next to the boat. In these calm waters you will see a variety of wildlife, turtles, stingrays, birds and dolphins.
Local wildlife experts, Captain Ken Harris and Captain Dave Harris, are your hosts conducting the tour. They each have more than 30 years experience on the Florida Keys waters.
Enjoy the comfort and shade aboard “Tiger Cat”, a 34-foot catamaran. Operating as a “Green”: business, the Captains maintain the area's ecological resource in the back country by utilizing a power-pole system in lieu of anchors to keep the boat secure. This eliminates potential damage to the sea grass and coral bottom. The conservation and preservation of our fascinating marine environment is of paramount concern in keeping our natural resources of the back country waters safe and intact.
Cold drinks, snacks and polarized sunglasses are provided.Where: 245 Front Street, on Pier B, behind the Westin Resort.
When: Tour times vary, call 305-508-1951 to get an updated schedule.
Cost: Adults - $79.00; Children (6 years – 16 years old) - $39.00; Children (under 6 years) - free.
During the height of the "Roaring '20's" the promise of aviation ignited the imaginations of people around the world. Pan American Airways was born in the Fall of 1927 in a whirlwind of corporate horse trading and a scramble to meet a Post Office deadline: Fly the mail from Key West to Havana by October 19th, or forfeit the Foreign AirMail contract. Thanks to a last minute and very fortuitous charter, the deed was accomplished, the 250 pounds of mail delivered, and an unparalleled adventure in commercial aviation began - one that would last over six decades.
Located at 301 Whitehead St., on the corner of Whitehead and Caroline, stands one of Key West’s most impressive and historic buildings – First Flight. The birthplace of Pan American World Airways, Pan-Am’s first tickets were sold out of this very building in 1927.
Enjoy First Flight during our Wedding Reception on Saturday night!
Where: 301 Whitehead Street
Key lime pie is the most iconic dessert in the Florida Keys, and one of the best places to get a slice is the Key West Key Lime Pie Company.
Named after the small key lime fruit that naturally grows throughout the season, the first key lime pies were made in the early 20th century. The Pie Company has been hand-making a 100-year old recipe fresh daily, for more more than 20 years, using all-natural ingredients, real key lime juice and a handmade graham cracker crust. Get a slice of traditional or extra tart key lime pie, or if pie is not your thing, perhaps a delicious frozen chocolate-dipped bar. It's all delicious!
Where: 511 Greene Street.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Phone: (305) 517-6720
Challenge: If anyone can find our dollar at Willie T's, we will find you a prize!
...yes, that is a Spider-Man drawing and the word "Thwip"...