The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Key West, Florida (FL)

May 30, 2021 Janette Largent

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. Saint Mary Star of the Sea

1010 Windsor Ln, Key West, FL 33040-3270 +1 305-294-1018 [email protected] http://www.keywestcatholicparish.org/
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 966 reviews

Saint Mary Star of the Sea

Reviewed By KeyWestJay - Key West, United States

Astounding church located in old town Key West, corner of US 1, and Windsor lane. Very accepting church, considering it’s location a few streets from the noise, rowdiness of Duval St. plenty of free parking, and as an added bonus, the western side of the church (near the basilica) is a stone prayer grotto, with stone seats, and kneelers, as well as a candle devotion area. History states people would visit the grotto before oncoming hurricanes, as well as light a candle, donate a few dollars to protect our lovely city. I have personally done so, in the face of oncoming hurricanes and storms. Go, visit, and pray.

213 Simonton St STOP #3 on the DUVAL LOOP, Key West, FL 33040-6653 +1 305-294-8444 [email protected] http://www.7ArtistsKW.com
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 244 reviews

7 Artists & Friends Gallery

ALWAYS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT 7 DAYS A WEEK ! 7 Artists & Friends located at 213 Simonton Street, Key West, FL. represents many of Key West's most sought after collectible, favorite artists. Martha de Poo, Pam Hobbs, David Scott Meier, Tony Scullin, Elizabeth Chamberlain, Michelle Mardis, Maggie Ruley, Noelle Rose, Karen Beauprie, The Sinking World of Andreas Franke and local jewelry designer Jennifer Badry of Mango Season Jewelry Designs. Come in and check out the fresh caught local art. Photo realism, jewelry, abstract, watercolor, photography, & whimsy; this gallery has it all. Available during business hours or by private appointment. STOP #3 on the air conditioned DUVAL LOOP.

Reviewed By 391evangelinam - Hallandale Beach, United States

We go to Key West once a year and always make it a point to stop in on Jennifer at 7 Artists. She's the best - knowledgeable, friendly and just down right nice! Every year we take home a print of a local Key West artist...Come to think of it, our home is now an extension of our favorite 7 Artists Gallery.

3. Mallory Square

400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040-6633 http://www.sunsetcelebration.org/
Excellent
54%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14,573 reviews

Mallory Square

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.

4. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040-8395 +1 305-292-6713 https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-zachary-taylor-historic-state-park
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,798 reviews

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

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

5. Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

205 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040-6522 +1 305-294-2116 [email protected] http://audubonhouse.org/
Excellent
49%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 665 reviews

Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

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.

6. Duval Street

Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040 +1 305-395-8807 http://duvalstreet.net/
Excellent
54%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14,150 reviews

Duval Street

Popular, busy street offers plenty of shops, restaurants and bars.

Reviewed By AllanS75

Duval St. feels like the best of a combination of La Rambla in Barcelona, Spain, Cape May ,NJ, New Hope, PA, and Bourbon St. in New Orleans. A 1.25-mile strip of great shops, bars, restaurants, and people watching. The town felt very safe to walk even at night and has a great vibe. Many of the attractions you want to see are on Duval or a short walk from it. It can get very crowed so if you plan on walking and are in a rush, take one of the parallel streets; either Whitehead or Simonton.

7. The Overseas Highway

Key West, FL http://www.fla-keys.com/the-highway-that-goes-to-sea/
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,886 reviews

The Overseas Highway

A charming 110 mile highway running the length of the Keys.

Reviewed By A3444WAmartinp - Malmö, Sweden

It was really like a dream when we drove to key west. Weather was perfect so many stops you can make on the way I would recommend to stop by right after 7 mile bridge bound key west and walk onto the old bridge and also Irie island eats as it’s one of the best food trucks we have ever eaten lunch at and we have tried many world wide!

8. Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum

938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040-7423 +1 305-294-0012 [email protected] http://www.kwahs.org/museums/lighthouse-keepers-quarters/visit
Excellent
45%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,022 reviews

Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum

Operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society, the Keys oldest cultural non-profit. The mission of the Key West Art & Historical Society is to preserve the culture of the Florida Keys through exhibiting and displaying regional art, architecture and history for the purpose of educating the community and visiting public.

Reviewed By rachels142 - Knoxville, United States

Almost everyone goes to the Hemingway House. The Key West Lighthouse is basically right across the street, so you might as well tack this tour on to your Hemingway House tour. The small lighthouse museum has recently been redone. It has lots of good information/artifacts plus a short video. You also get to take the steps to the top of the lighthouse. Plan to go on a clear day to see the entire island. My only complain is that it is a little pricy, but most things in Key West are. Go see the Hemingway House and the Key West Lighthouse and top off your day with lunch (or dinner) at Moondog Cafe (located right next to the Hemingway House).

9. Harry S. Truman Little White House

111 Front St, Key West, FL 33040-8311 +1 305-294-9911 [email protected] http://www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,407 reviews

Harry S. Truman Little White House

As Florida’s only presidential museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House was the winter White House for this country's 33rd president. Truman spent 175 days during 13 vacations in the home that is filled with original furnishing and memorabilia from Truman’s days. Presidents Taft, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter and Clinton also used the house. Guided tours offer guests a window into the world President Truman and life of a US president.

Reviewed By gemflanagan - Strokestown, Ireland

We loved the tour of this house in Key West. It was a great history attached to it and if you're interested in Presidential history then dont miss this attraction in Key West!

10. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

907 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040-7473 +1 305-294-1136 http://hemingwayhome.com
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20,095 reviews

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote in this for ten years. During that time he wrote seventy percent of his life-time works. Today we operate as a museum providing guided tours every fifteen minutes from nine to five. The Museum is available for weddings and corporate events. Visit this National Historic Landmark, Literary Landmark and recognized by the Library of Congress for its importance in U.S. History. Grand Architecture, Lush Gardens, Educational Tours, Book Store/Gift Shop and the world famous Poly dactyl (six-toed cats).

Reviewed By candiemerlot

Wonderful to see, the home and grounds are beautiful, six toed cats all around the house, loved the history and events of the Hemingway life.

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