This historic Florida key is famous for its unique vibe with swaying palm trees, turquoise waters, tropical flowers and Queen Anne architecture.   There’s something for everyone to enjoy in the southernmost city in the U.S.   Located in the Florida Straits, the Gulf Stream cultivates these islands with colorful fish and reefs. Nature and culture intertwine as the 10 top Key West attractions.

Key West was once the wealthiest city per capita in the U.S.  However, during the Great Depression it plummeted to one of the poorest communities in the U.S.  Tourism was revitalized to resurrect the island, remaining at the heart of its economy.   Key West is a wonderful place for a walking tour as most everything is within walking or biking distance. 

10 Key West Top Attractions

1. Duval Street

This bustling street is raucous with open air restaurants, bars, music, and shops.   Sloppy Joe’s is a historic landmark, where visitors can tip their drinks to Hemingway in his favorite hangout. 

2. Southernmost Point in U.S. and 0-mile marker for HWY 1

Walking south from Mallory Square to the Atlantic Ocean takes you to the Southernmost Part of the Continental U.S.

There is usually a long wait with tourists, so patience needed for the photo op.  Nearby is the famous Road sign for the 0-mile marker for Highway 1. 

Mallory Square is like the sun,
from which the streets radiate like rays of light.

3. Mallory Square Marketplace and Sunset Festival

Mallory Square is the heartbeat of Key West and location for the Sunset Festival. It’s where people gather every night to watch the sun melt into the Gulf of Mexico.  The Market Place has a Sponge Market, as Key West is the world’s largest sponge supplier. Also, the Aquarium and Key West Shipwreck Museum are there. Even more, there’s a lookout tower to see all of Key West at this museum.

Related: Historic Key West Sponge Market & Health Benefits

4. Audubon House and Tropical Gardens

For starters, John Audubon did not live here.  This mansion takes you back in time, showcasing 19^th century life of a maritime wrecker.  However, it displays antique, hand colored original Audubon engravings and lithographs of birds.  It offers an opportunity to learn and perceive the vast contribution Audubon made from his great works studying and painting the Birds of America.

5. Literary Tours

A highlight of Key West is the literary icon, Ernest Hemingway Home, where he lived from 1931-9 with his 50+ polydactyl cats.  Key West has since then been a thriving place for writers. 

Key West Literary Tours Relive the Bohemian Lifestyle of its Legendary Artists. The Key West Heritage House Museum commemorates the gathering place for Tennessee Williams and Elizabeth Bishop, including the Robert Frost cottage, where he resided for 16 winters.  Also, there is a Tennessee Williams Museum at the playwright’s home for 34 years.

Related: Hemingway’s Key West Home Tour – Literature, Lifestyle & Cats

6. Harry S. Truman Little White House

This served as a functioning white house and presidential retreat for many U.S. Presidents: Truman, Jimmy Carter, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and Dwight D. Eisenhower. This is an amazing opportunity to learn about some amazing political history that happened right here in Key West.

7. Key Lime Pie

A symbol of Key West is the delicious Key Lime Pie, a tart and creamy delight!  The story goes that the wealthy ship salvager, William Curry’s cook made it for him.  There are numerous stores with many Key Lime Pie options.  My favorites are the Key Lime/Coconut Pie and the frozen key lime pie on a stick. 

8. Key West Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse opened in 1848, with a woman as its keeper, which was rare back then. Today, the lighthouse is a museum about the Key West maritime heritage. Visitors can climb the 88 stairs to the top for a view.

9. Dry Tortugas National Park

West of Key West, this park consists of 7 small islands and coral reefs. It’s accessible by the Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry Yankee Freedom III.  On Garden Key is beaches and the 19th-century Fort Jefferson. Loggerhead Key has sea turtles and a lighthouse. Also, the nearby Loggerhead Reef is popular as a diving spot to see the Windjammer Wreck, the remains of an 1875 ship.

10. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy

This rainforest setting showcases more than 50 species of free flying butterflies. You can immerse yourself among hundreds of colorful live butterflies and a variety of tropical birds in a glass enclosed area. Also, there is a learning center for interesting knowledge about butterflies and caterpillars.

Enjoy Key West!

My favorite thing about this unique island is the literary history and influence.  When there, my literary dreams and goals become galvanized every time.  I can’t help but believe that the spirit of Hemingway, Frost, Williams & Bishop live on to inspire all those who visit this creative island. If your travels bring you to Key West, feel free to leave travel tips below.

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