Description:
Throughout the Florida Keys there is an innate cultural heritage, displayed profoundly through the eyes of hundreds of local artisans. Art festivals and galleries (easily walkable in Key West), touring literary homes and events can fill your entire stay. Choose from a bounty of eclectic B&B's, and enjoy this pedestrian city's art.
View Iternary mapDay Note:
Let the conductor do the driving! Conch Tour Train is the easiest and fastest way to see a great deal of Key West's cultural hot spots, in seated comfort.
-
Conch Tour Train
Contact:
- +1 305 294 5161 / +1 800 868 7482
- visit website
Location:
- One Key Lime Square
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Historic Tours of America operates both Key West's Conch Tour Train and Old Town Trolley, though the Conch Tour Train is a historic, 51-year-old legacy of Henry Flagler's engineering miracle. After all, he built the Railroad to the Sea. It's a hugely popular tour with over 15 million passengers delighted they got onboard. If you want to revisit the days of hand-rolled cigars made in Mallory Square, learn about Mel Fisher's lifelong search for sunken treasure or simply want to sit in shaded comfort and let someone else do the driving (a skilled engineer, in this case!), hop on. You won't be disappointed. Operates 9am - 4:30pm daily.
-
Turtle Kraals Museum
Contact:
- +1 305 294 0209
- visit website
Location:
- 200 Margaret Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
Description:
Learn all about the care and feeding of turtles at this museum in the Historic Seaport district. In the museum are photographs and historical documents detailing the island's turtle industry. Other exhibits teach you about sea turtles and the perils they face, and show you how their shells work. In residence here is a young loggerhead named Eddie, but the museum hopes to add to their turtle population with injured turtles who cannot live on their own. Admission is free, and there is a turtle feeding daily at 4p.
-
Museum of Art & History in the Custom House
Contact:
- +1 305 295 6616 x16
- visit website
Location:
- 281 Front Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Key West Museum of Art & History was earlier a post office and government center. This red brick building has existed since 1890 and is a perfect example of Romanesque-style architecture. The museum recently completed its $9 million restoration project and is as good as new now. If you want to learn anything about the history of Key West, then this museum is a must-visit. Admission fee.
Discover how pirates prowled the waters around the Keys in search of the places to hide their loot - and themselves - and how the Navy rid these waters of the "Brethren of the Coast."
-
Alonzo's Oyster Bar
Contact:
- 305 394 5880
- visit website
Location:
- 700 Front Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Alonzo's serves good seafood in a casual setting. It's on the ground floor of the A&B Lobster House, at the end of Front Street in the marina; if you want to dress up, go upstairs for the "fine dining." To start your meal, try the steamed beer shrimp -- tantalizingly fresh jumbo shrimp in a sauce of garlic, Old Bay seasoning, beer, and cayenne pepper. A house specialty is white-clam chili, a delicious mix of tender clams, white beans, and potatoes served with a dollop of sour cream. The staff is cheerful and informative, and the service is very good.
-
Mangoes
Contact:
- 305-292-4606
- visit website
Location:
- 700 Duval St
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
This Duval Street spot is as popular for its sangria and well-placed patio as it is for the "Floribbian" cuisine. The conch fritters are an excellent starter, or try the lobster dumplings with Key lime sauce. Cuban coffee pork is a tenderloin rubbed with flavorful coffee beans and roasted. The house special is gulf shrimp served with mango barbecue sauce and a side of roasted corn salsa. Smart-casual attire. Reservations suggested for groups.
-
La Pensione Inn B&B
Contact:
- +1 305 292 9923
- visit website
Location:
- 809 Truman Avenue
- Between Windsor and Margaret sts
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Nine room inn appointed with casual Key West decor, ceiling fans, private modern baths, and air conditioning. Sparkling pool provides a peaceful, secluded spot to bask in the Key West sun. Delicious continental beakfast.
Day Note:
See one of the world's most unique parks, steeped in history and reminiscent of the maritime culture of the Keys. It's a full day trip, and unwind for sunset back in Key West at Mallory Square - don't miss the "cat man"! Trained cats do loads of crazy tricks!
-
Dry Tortugas National Park
Contact:
- +1 305 242 7700
- visit website
Location:
- Garden Key
- Key West,FL33041
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Visit the Dry Tortugas by charter boat, catamaran or (my favorite) high-speed ferry. The trip is a well-spent day and the crew of Yankee Freedom II knows how to show you a good time. Once at the fort, you can camp overnight on its small beach, or snorkel for a while among the nearby corals. The Yankee Freedom II is state-of-the-art comfort, lunch is included, you cannot go wrong! Even among residents of the Keys, this is one of the favorite things to do with family and friends that visit, or to just a wile away a day exploring, away from phones and work. Book before 3p.m. the day before you want to go!
-
Mallory Square
Contact:
- +1 305 296 4557
- visit website
Location:
- 300 Duval St
- (at Front St)
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Located by the historic Key West waterfront, this open-air marketplace and entertainment complex is a great place to start or end your visit to Key West. Known for its magnificent sunsets, the area is also home to many shops, including Shell Warehouse, Key West Sponge Market and Caribbean Cargo. The Square also features daily entertainment, which includes guitar music, juggling, and animal performances. Local sightseeing tours also depart from the Square. Call for additional information.
-
La Pensione Inn B&B
Contact:
- +1 305 292 9923
- visit website
Location:
- 809 Truman Avenue
- Between Windsor and Margaret sts
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Nine room inn appointed with casual Key West decor, ceiling fans, private modern baths, and air conditioning. Sparkling pool provides a peaceful, secluded spot to bask in the Key West sun. Delicious continental beakfast.
Day Note:
There are dozens of art galleries throughout Key West, all with an individual interpretation of the natural beauty these islands have to offer. Today is a day all about observing and appreciating art, in all its forms. Supporting local artisans is what the Keys are all about! Blue Heaven is one of the grooviest, eclectic restaurants on the island. Savor the flavors!read more
-
The Conch House Heritage Inn
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- 625 Truman Ave
- Key West,FL33040-3233
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
This elegant restoration of a 19th Century historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Old Town Key West. Charming and romantic accommodations are available in either traditional antique furnishings in the main house or tropical Caribbean style bedrooms in our poolside cottage. All rooms include private bath, A/C, TV, telephone, refrigerator and an extensive continential breakfast.
-
Loeber-Stanton Studio
Contact:
- +1 305 296 8996
Location:
- 1619 Atlantic Boulevard
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
Description:
Loeber-Stanton Studio is an office cum studio which displays contemporary artwork by Loeber, a known artist, teacher and lecturer. You will also get to see the wood assemblage collection by Irene Stanton, painter in oils and acrylics. In short, this place is for all art lovers, especially modern art fans.
-
Art in the Park
Contact:
- +1 305 292 6713
Location:
- 897 Southard Street
- Key West,FL33041
-
Map
Description:
The Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park doubles as an art gallery during this month-long event. Wander through its 87 acres and explore the exhibit produced and largely created by its park ranger, Jim Racchi. Since 1995, this park has been fortunate enough to provide haven to this interesting outdoor exhibit. In addition to the ranger's artwork created from steel, the exhibit includes other local artists' works in ceramic and stone. Admission is free.
-
Pura Vida Gallery
Contact:
- +1 305 295 0973
Location:
- 517-519 Fleming
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
Description:
A feisty feast for the eyes, when you enter Pura Vida. From tropical knick knacks to paintings - all original - you can decorate or redecorate your haven, and buy flowers from the neighboring 'Mama Flowers.' The furniture crafted deftly by hand is another advantage to Key West residents. Surely your purse too would agree to a scintillating shopping experience!
-
Mary O'Shea's Glass Garden
Contact:
- +1 305 293 8822
- visit website
Location:
- 213 Simonton Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
Description:
Electrical lamps, mirrors, art ware dishes, wall decor, jewelry and more... What's new? Well, they are all hand-made and made of glass. The Glass Garden is the largest glass studio gallery in Key West. If you want to add that extra personal touch to your room, then this is the right place. Go ahead, and grab some artwork.
-
Louie's Backyard
Contact:
- +1 305 294 1061
- visit website
Location:
- 700 Waddell Avenue
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Nestled amid blooming bougainvillea on a lush slice of the Gulf, Louie's remains one of the most romantic restaurants on earth. It's off the beaten path, which makes it even more romantic. Famed chef Norman Van Aiken of Norman's in Miami brought his talents farther south and started what has become one of the finest dining spots in the Keys. As a result, this is one of the hardest places to score a reservation: Either call way in advance or hope that your hotel concierge has some pull. Try the sweet and sour sweetbreads with sticky rice, or the grilled chile-rubbed Berkshire pork chop that is to die for. After dinner, sit at the dockside bar and watch the waves crash, almost touching your feet, while enjoying a cocktail at sunset. You can't go wrong with the fresh catch of the day, or any seafood dish, for that matter. The weekend brunches are also great. And a ritual for many in Key West are sunset cocktails at the oceanfront Tiki bar. If you can't stay for dinner, go for lunch; this is one dining experience you won't want to miss.
-
Blue Heaven Restaurant
Contact:
- +1 305 296 8666
- visit website
Location:
- 729 Thomas Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
This much-loved restaurant, located at the corner of Thomas and Petronia streets in Bahama Village, reportedly was once the site of boxing matches refereed by none other than Ernest Hemingway.
Now you will find avant-garde artwork in the gallery upstairs and great chow at modest prices in the restaurant. Caribbean-casual flavors predominate and baking is done on the premises where desserts, rolls and breads pour from the ovens. All three meals are served here, alongside live music all day and night, and Sunday brunch draws a seriously hungry crowd. No reservations are taken, so be prepared to wait in line. That may, in fact, be half the fun.
Day Note:
Not only are the visual arts a must-see here, but Key West is heralded as a famous literary city. Not only is Hemingway famous here, but Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams, and more. Travel writers, fiction authors and poets all flock here to share in the inspiration.
-
Restaurant at La Te Da
Contact:
- 305-296-6706
- visit website
Location:
- 1125 Duval St
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Executive Chef Georgia Chase and Dining Room Manager Todd Lackey are at the helm of the beautifully appointed restaurant. Chase has been in the food service industry in Lexington, Kentucky for many years and is well know in Key West for her catering. Lackey, most recently from The Westin, has an extensive background in the food and beverage service industry.
-
East Martello Museum & Gallery
Contact:
- +1 305 296 3913
- visit website
Location:
- 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
This well-run local museum displays artifacts that represent the history of the Keys. Model ships, diver's equipment and other nautical themed items are exhibited. Displays include the daily life of the Keys' previous inhabitants. Located in an old fort, the museum features a lookout tower from which visitors can view the island below and the surrounding ocean. Admission fee.
-
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Contact:
- +1 305 294 9911
- visit website
Location:
- 111 Front Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, loved Key West so much so that he established a residence known as the Little White House. Built in 1890 as officer's quarters at the naval station, the wooden waterfront duplex became a single family home that also welcomed inventor Thomas Edison and Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy. Take the guided home tour, then take a self-guided stroll of the grounds. The gift shop on-site offers great little trinkets to take home.
-
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Contact:
- +1 305 294 2116 / +1 877 294 2470
- visit website
Location:
- 205 Whitehead St
- Between Greene and Caroline sts
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Artist John James Audubon, famed for his detailed drawings of birds and animals, once visited this handsome and historic two-story house that now bears his name. Audubon House, whose construction is typical of historic Key West, offers a self-guided audiotape-tour guiding guests through the home and its lush, tropical garden. In the house are antique furnishings, old photographs and Audubon prints. A gift shop sells unusual items associated with the artist and the house, as well as souvenir items. Admission fee.
-
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Contact:
- +1 305 294 1136
- visit website
Location:
- 907 Whitehead Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Key West was to have been just a stopping-off point for Hemingway when he arrived on the ferry from Havana in 1928. But the Ford automobile that should have been waiting at the docks was delayed, so the embarrassed car merchant offered the author accommodations at the Trevor and Morris Apartments located above the dealership. During his stay there, Hemingway worked on "A Farewell to Arms" and became captivated by the island's easygoing ambiance.What he discovered fed his exuberance for living, heralded the beginning of the most prolific period of his career and inspired him to use Depression-era Key West as the locale for "To Have and Have Not" - his only novel set in the United States.In a short time, Hemingway moved into a Spanish colonial villa at 907 Whitehead St., which was his home through December 1939. Now a registered National Historic Landmark, the home is open to the public as a museum honoring the island's most famous literary resident.Ernest Hemingway wrote many of his best-known works in the second-story writing studio that adjoins the house. Among them were "Death in the Afternoon," "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "The Green Hills of Africa," "The Fifth Column," "The Snows... read more
-
Caribe Soul
Contact:
- +1 305 296 0094
Location:
- 1202 Simonton
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Tucked in next to the Eden House Resort, this small restaurant offers a tropical patio with a tinkling waterfall and handsome decor that focuses on white furniture and colorful fabrics. Both Caribbean specialties and soul food are featured, each with special twists that elevate these culinary styles to a new high. The typical Caribbean peas and rice dish may be treated to a mango salsa and served with Jerk Duck, redolent with the spices of jerk barbecue cooking. Sauces, salsas, relishes and cookbooks are for sale at the front desk.
-
Duval Street Wreckers Museum
Contact:
- +1 305 294 9501
- visit website
Location:
- 322 Duval Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
Description:
The aptly named Oldest House Museum was reportedly built in 1829 by Francis Watlington, a seafarer. Watlington, his wife and his nine daughters lived in the house for decades. The architecture of the house was heavily influenced by the Colonial frame buildings of New England, it was moved to its present location on Duval Street in 1829. Inside, you'll see gold salvaged from shipwrecks, paintings, model ships and a separate cookhouse with a beehive oven. Admission fee. Cash only, credit cards not accepted.
-
Custom House Museum
Contact:
- +1 305 295 6616
- visit website
Location:
- 281 Front Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
Description:
The Customs House chronicles the history of Key West. In the 1820s, the city became an official port of entry to the United States, permitting cargo salvaged from wrecked ships to be legally brought here for sale. Eventually, that booty made Key West the richest spot in Florida. The red brick and terracotta Customs House features a main gallery of rotating art exhibits and smaller galleries with exhibits related to Key West history. Admission fee.
-
Old Town Trolley Tours
Contact:
- +1 305 296 6688
- visit website
Location:
- 6631 Maloney Avenue
- Suite 224
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
These comfortable, enclosed trams depart from Mallory Square and other points including many local hotels, taking passengers on informative, 90-minute guided tours of Old Town. Guides share stories about the area's history and its legends. Passengers can exit the trolley for a closer look at any stop and resume the tour by re-boanding a later trolley, free of charge. Admission fee. Group packages are also available.
-
The Wicker Guest House
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- 913 Duval Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Come visit us at the Wicker Guesthouse, "The Quiet Oasis in the Heart of Old Town Key West." Our peaceful hideaway lets you enjoy our tranquil island setting, but right out your front door you'll enter the excitement of Key West's main street, Duval Street. If it's browsing art galleries, shopping, participating in water sports, enjoying the nightlife and entertainment or a beautiful sunset, it's all within walking distance. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning on our poolside deck and all rooms have a private bath. Special promotions and discounts are offered throughout the year.
Day Note:
If you haven't found nearly enough pieces to adorn your walls yet, scope out more galleries and photo studios - the work is stunning. Kelly McGillis helped make Top Gun famous, you must try her menu and pick a favorite! PanAm airline's old office is historically interesting to browse through after dessert.
-
Gingerbread Square Gallery
Contact:
- +1 305 296 8900
- visit website
Location:
- 1207 Duval Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
Description:
Don't let its name fool you - this gallery has nothing to do with food. This place is for art lovers. Gingerbread Square Gallery, established in 1974, is considered to be one of the oldest galleries of Key West. It is home to a wide range of paintings, sculpture, graphics, art glass and much more. It features works of well-known artists, such as Salem, Salinero, Palmer, Steve Walker, Thivo, Sadowski and others.
-
Alan S. Maltz Gallery
Contact:
- +1 305 294 0005
- visit website
Location:
- 1210 Duval Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
Description:
If you are looking for a different kind of gallery, this is where you should be. Having established this gallery in January 1999, Alan S. Maltz has also created award-winning books like 'Key West Color' and 'Miami City of Dreams' in recent times. Beautiful sunsets, colorful flowers, gorgeous landscape, amazing wildlife... there is nothing that his camera has not caught. So, go ahead and have a look. Click!
-
Stone Soup Gallery & Framing
Contact:
- +1 305 296 2080
Location:
- 802 White Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
This place specializes in making frames. It also hosts exhibitions of local artists. For custom frames, try and get acquainted with Melissa Doucette, who designs and makes them right here.
-
Kelly's Caribbean Bar, Grill & Brewery
Contact:
- 305 293 8484
- visit website
Location:
- 301 Whitehead Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Situated in the old office building of Pan American Airways, everything about this place is Caribbean. A variety of dishes are available on the menu, but the Crisp Coconut Shrimp and Camarones Curacao are highly recommended. Beer lovers will love this place, as the well-stocked bar serves a variety of local brews. And if all this is not enough, visit the library where the works of local authors await you. This restaurant boasts of a romantic ambience like no other and you have the choice to dine indoors or under the stars. It does not get more tropical than this.
-
Salt Studio
Contact:
- +1 305 296 4763 / +1 866 380 7258 (Toll Free)
Location:
- 1120b White Street
- (next to Lucky Street Gallery)
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
Description:
Salt is a tiny studio owned by Kimberly Narenkivicius, a known photographer. Bahama village and Cuba are some of the subjects covered by this studio. You can take advantage of the workshops held here if fine art and photography is your kind.
-
Pisces
Contact:
- +1 305 294 7100
- visit website
Location:
- 1007 Simonton Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
There's nothing like a melding of two distinct culinary styles to create exciting new flavors. You'll find French and Caribbean here blended into delicious delicacies. Each day brings something new to the menu, whether it's venison with a fruit sauce or fish cooked with a light dusting of curry and wine with ginger, and a few other spices tossed in for good measure. Dining takes place inside or on a rooftop deck beneath the spreading sapodilla tree. Stars shine, the food is good and all is right with the world.
-
The Wicker Guest House
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- 913 Duval Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Come visit us at the Wicker Guesthouse, "The Quiet Oasis in the Heart of Old Town Key West." Our peaceful hideaway lets you enjoy our tranquil island setting, but right out your front door you'll enter the excitement of Key West's main street, Duval Street. If it's browsing art galleries, shopping, participating in water sports, enjoying the nightlife and entertainment or a beautiful sunset, it's all within walking distance. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning on our poolside deck and all rooms have a private bath. Special promotions and discounts are offered throughout the year.
Day Note:
Though you may not squeeze it in the car or on the plane with you, a sculpture from Reworx is worth a look-sy. Notable, local artisans participate in shows around the world.
-
Reworx
Contact:
Location:
- 825 Duval Street
- Key West,FL33040
-
Map
Description:
Modern art meets recycling at this unusual museum, which displays art created from industrial scrap materials. Whimsical and odd, these curious exhibits vary from huge displays of salvaged metal pieces to smaller works made from recycled waste. All are a tribute to the imagination. The museum also features a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs. Admission fee.
- Destination(s): Key West
- 6 DAYS
-
User Rating sign in to rate it - Download This Guide
- Explore
- There are 21 Guides in Key West.
- Find More Key West Guides
- Top Categories
- Explore Key West travel or check out Tours, Romantic Dining, Bed and Breakfast Inns, Bars, and more on NileGuide. You can also check out top itineraries in Key West
