Location: Key West
Top Things to do in Key West
10 Nature & Parks in Key West That You Shouldn't Miss
Does time ever pass in the Florida Keys? Everyone and everything in Key West seems to go at its own pace, right down to the ice melting slooooowly in your margarita glass. Of course, it’s not all limes and leisure – Key West is known as the “Winter White House” because of its appeal to visiting U.S. presidents, and the island has been home to literary greats like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. The diving here is phenomenal, as is the kid-friendly Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center.
Restaurants in Key West
1. Higgs Beach Children's Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. Vandenberg Wreck
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 398 reviews
Reviewed By brianbO7783GW
Make the effort to see this incredible ship and artificial reef. The ship has many safe areas to explore and many fish and corals to explore
3. Dry Tortugas National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,302 reviews
Reviewed By Vacation736046 - Boynton Beach, United States
We are so grateful we got to do this before the coronavirus shut everything down. Fabulous history and fabulous birds ( magnificent frigate birds, sooty terns, etc)..The boat ride over is pleasant with breakfast and lunch provided and info from a guide...This was a bucket list item and it exceeded all expectations!
4. Mallory Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,573 reviews
Welcome to Mallory Square where the fun starts and the sun sets. Everything Key West is famous for comes together in this one special place set on historic waterfront. Mallory Square is home to shops, restaurants, and many of the islands most popular attractions. Come for the day and stay into the night. There's always something happening in Mallory Square.
Reviewed By EJAALOUK
Key West butterfly and nature conservatory and Mallory Square sunset celebration as well as Duval Street bars and restaurants and all the beautiful beaches in Key West are a must see.
5. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,798 reviews
Historic site of a Civil War-era fort, currently being excavated; also has a beautiful beach for swimming and snorkeling.
Reviewed By dansD4938BT - Key West, United States
Fort Taylor has the best beach in Key West the friendly staff that runs the park is excellent they do have a nice concession stand on the beach and chairs and umbrellas to rent highly recommend if you’re going to Key West to spend the day at this place
6. Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
The home of Capt. John H. Geiger, harbor pilot and master wrecker, was built between 1846 and 1849. Slated for destruction in 1958, it was saved by the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation, a nonprofit educational institution. This large scale restoration was the first of its kind in Key West, thus sparking the restoration movement in Key West.Antique enthusiasts will appreciate the unique quality of the furnishings displayed in the Audubon House Museum. All furnishings reflect the elegance and comfortable living enjoyed for a wealthy family in Key West during the mid-1800’s. 31 of the original hand colored Antique engravings of the 22 birds J.J. Audubon painted in the Florida Keys during his 6 week visit in 1832 can be seen throughout the House. In addition to informative reading panels, an introduction to the property and its history will be given by your guide, and then you will roam the house and gardens at your leisure. Varieties of orchids and bromeliads emerge from the foliage and trees to surprise you with their vibrant blooms. Native plants and exotics provide an environment that is reminiscent of old Key West. Trees and plants are labeled with their common names, Latin names, and country of origin. This is the finest tropical garden in the Florida Keys. You may even catch a glimpse of some of our local birds! The garden tour also includes a self-guided visit to the Cook House. Houses of the period in the Florida Keys did not have inside kitchens as they were sources of heat and of course, fire hazards. A visit to the Audubon Gallery of Fine Arts will take you through the wonderful world of original Audubon Antique hand painted lithographs. The original Antique prints of some of J.J. Audubon’s contemporaries are also available for sale.The Museum Shop offers a wide selection of unique one-of-a-kind gifts, home décor, Antiques and educational materials.Our lush tropical gardens can be the site of your event:, whether you are planning a wedding or a corporate event. Let us make your event happen.
Reviewed By FloridaCasualGal - Orlando, United States
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this historic home in Old Key West. This home has been impeccably maintained, thoroughly researched, and its history has been well-documented. We spent over an hour on a self-guided tour through the house, and we also had fun chatting with the docent about the history of key West. We are big fans of Audubon's work, so it was fascinating to learn about his adventures and his artistic achievements. It was very cool to see all 22 of his Florida Keys birds in one room. The gift shop was awesome, too.
7. Western Dry Rocks
8. West Martello Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 612 reviews
West Martello Tower has tropical gardens set in a historical fort. Home to Key West Garden Club, it is one of the island's last remaining free tourist attractions with free parking. Our mission is to provide educational opportunities for the community relating to tropical gardening and to this National Historic site. The fort is located on the ocean edge. During these times, your safety is our concern. We are asking visitors to wear masks, observe 6 ft. distancing and limiting your groups to 10 or less. Enjoy our beautiful garden!
Reviewed By barbaraw154
The West Martello Tower is a unique free stop on the waterfront on Atlantic Blvd in Key West. This Civil War fort ruin is now home to the Key West Garden Club and beautifully enhanced with an amazing variety of native and decorative plants that thrive in the sub tropical climate. It is a great picture opportunity and a totally different experience that one would expect in KW.
9. Sheriff's Animal Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Open 2nd and 4th sundays from 1 - 3pm. Free. Donations appreciated.
Reviewed By cwat321 - Saranac Lake, United States
I read about the Sheriffs zoo in a local book while staying in Key West. Our vacation happened to match up with the days that the zoo is open ( only 2 days each month. Check the website.). This zoo, right over the bridge at Key West is held at the correctional facility. People have been bringing unwanted animals there for years. The inmates care for the animals. The property under the building and to the side is filled with animals like tortoises, a skunk, cows, goats, pigs, donkeys, and some exotic animals too... the most popular being the sloth, that you can pet! The inmates will tell you about the animals and their care. You can pet many of the animals. This is a free zoo and many families were there with their little ones. We brought our 30 year old adult daughter and we all loved it! What a great addition to the area. Very unique!
10. Long Key State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By Sharon58Waikiki
We were able to ride our bikes to the Park from our accommodations. Some of the Park is still in obvious lasting effect from hurricane 2017- especially- no camping facilities. We had the chance to use our inflatable SUP's and kayak. The water was beautiful- we felt like it was like snorkeling from above. We saw nurse sharks, stingrays, conch, and other fish. The rest room facilities were just find and they have recycling there. Would love to go back sometime.
