Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and it feels like you are in the Caribbean. It is an island, 4 miles long and 2 miles wide, connected to the mainline by a series of bridges. We recommend spending at least two days in the city to explore and learn about this interesting place. Below are our top 5 things to see in Key West.
Please note that this city is very popular and can be crowded. We recommend starting early in the day when there will be fewer people around, but don’t forget to enjoy the spectacular sunsets!
1. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
A trip to Key West is not complete unless you have visited Ernest Hemingway’s tropical hideaway. As you explore the beautiful Spanish Colonial-style mansion, you will learn about Hemingway’s life, see the unique European antiques he collected, and visit the studio where he wrote some of his books. Don’t forget to check out the paws on the numerous cats wandering around the property as they have six toes!
2. Truman Little White House
Another historic building is The Little White House. It is an interesting place to visit if you are a history buff. It served as the winter White House for President Truman between 1946 and 1952. The museum shows logs from Truman’s 11 visits, providing an insight to the importance decisions that were made here. Since then, it served as a retreat for other US Presidents such as Kennedy and Clinton.
3. Key West Lighthouse
The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1825 to help the many ships entering the port to avoid hazardous coral reefs and shallow water. Today you can climb the 88 iron steps to the top of the tower for amazing views of the city. Additionally, explore the grounds to see the restored Keeper’s Quarters and view displays of nautical artifacts, antique furnishings, and vintage photos.
4. Southernmost point of the continental United States
One of the iconic places to take a photo is at the colorful concrete buoy that marks the southernmost point in the continental USA. It is closer to Cuba (90 miles) than it is to Miami. There is always a line of people waiting up to take photos, so if you would like a photo with the buoy we recommend going early. However, the true southernmost point is about 900 feet farther south, on US Navy property, and cannot be accessed by the public.
5. Museums
There are many museums to visit such as the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and Key West Aquarium.
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum features exhibitions on shipwrecks, piracy, and the slave trade. Mel Fisher was a famous treasure hunter who discovered $450 million worth of sunken treasure from two Spanish galleon ships that sank just offshore from Key West.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is home to more than 60 species of live butterflies and 20 exotic birds. Wander through a small greenhouse to watch butterflies flutter from one fragrant tropical flower to another. Then visit the learning center to learn how caterpillars feed and transform.
Key West Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums in Florida. Some of the exhibits include American Alligator, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, and beautiful fish.
Bonus: eat Key Lime pie
Key Lime Pie is a sweet and tart dessert made from local limes and is the official pie of Florida. You can find it on nearly every menu in town. I was so busy eating the pie, I forgot to take a photo, so here is one of the many places you can get Key Lime Pie.
Contact us today to start planning your adventure to Key West. Consider staying at the luxurious and exclusive Sunset Key Cottages for your visit!