Hemingway fans and lovers of literature will love to visit the Hemingway House. The house was the home and writing studio of "Papa" Hemingway and his wife Pauline and where their sons were raised. It was within this house's writing studio that Mr. Hemingway wrote classics like, Farewell to Arms and To Have and Have Not. The house boasts the first private swimming pool and to this day is still the largest private pool. Decorated with unique objets d'art and Hemingway memorabilia, it is a rare treat to explore.
2. Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park
Tortugas Park
Discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon, in 1513, this archipelago, situated to the southwest of Key West, was named Las Tortugas, after the turtles found in the area. Mariner's charts marked these reefs as the Dry Tortugas, to indicate that there was no fresh water. In the 1800s, a lighthouse was built on Garden Key and the formidable Fort Jefferson was constructed there. The fort was the prison for incarcerated deserters during the Civil War and was home to the alleged accomplices of President Lincoln's assassin, including Dr. Mudd.
These monuments were re-designated as the Dry Tortugas National Park in 1992, in order to safeguard the natural and historical treasures on the archipelago. The site has myriad opportunities for visitors to relax and enjoy camping birding, swimming, snorkeling, boating, fishing, hiking, photography, and wildlife watching, among other activities. Fort Jefferson is only open during the day and offers a self-guided tour trail. This is a wonderful location to rent a boat and enjoy the area's natural beauty.
3. Fort Taylor State Historic Site
Fort Taylor
This site, on the southern tip of Key West, is the best picnic spot on the island. It arguably has the best beach around and the water off this point is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and splashing. There is also a short biking and nature trail, picnic tables, and other picnicking accoutrements. It is a great place to spend the day in the sun and enjoy all the beach has to offer. The site is home to the famous and historical Fort Taylor. Constructed between 1845 and 1866, and named after U.S. President Zachary Taylor, this formidable fort was extremely important to the Civil War as a Union stronghold and later played an important role in the Spanish-American War. The fort houses the largest collection of civil war munitions and cannons in the United States. There are guided tours available year-round.
4. Mallory Square
Mallory Square
Once the sun goes down, this part of Old Town comes to life. Street performers enthrall passers-by and the atmosphere of bonhomie is infectious. Mallory Square is the epicenter of Old Town's famous attitude and its cobblestones and harbor view are a part of that unique character of the area. Explore the streets and discover Hemingway hangouts and souvenir shops. This is a great place to savor quintessential Key West entertainment and cuisine.
5. The Key West Butterfly Conservatory
Butterfly Conservatory
Together with your companion, stroll along the winding paths in this blissfully tranquil conservatory, and feast your eyes on the wonderfully exquisite creatures fluttering around on rainbow-hued gossamer wings. Immerse yourself in the sounds of nature and explore the recreated haven of butterflies that abounds with cascading waterfalls, gurgling streams, and lush trees. In a tropical setting, one can observe these winged "flowers of the sky" and marvel at their diverse colors, shapes, and sizes. The conservatory houses over fifty species of butterflies, birds, and frogs in a realistic natural setting. Overall, it is a delightful way to spend a morning.
6. The Key West Aquarium
Key West Aquarium
This old lighthouse, perched on a small plateau, is called Hudishibana. It offers a spectacular view of Aruba's sandy beaches and the white sand dunes surrounding the lighthouse. This is a perfect place to indulge your inner child and go dune surfing!
7. Bahama Village
Bahama Village
Bahama Village is primarily a shopping area that provides a peek into the Caribbean heritage of Key West through its revived Bahamian marketplace. Hemingway was said to be a regular visitor. This area in Old Town was originally the place where black Caribbean immigrants settled.
8. The Conch Tour Train and Old Town Trolley Tours
Trolley Tour
For thoroughly enjoyable expeditions that will fill you in on all that you need to know about Key West, spend a few hours on the tours offered by either company. Their tours will whet your interest in places you would like to explore more deeply, while giving you an overview of the island. The tours are a thoroughly engaging and pleasant way to spend a few hours.
9. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum
The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society Museum was the recipient of twenty million dollars worth of treasures and antiquities from Mel Fisher. The Museum displays this awesome collection, including artifacts such as, gold and silver bars, a golden chalice, guns, pottery, and other valuable treasures. Considered the richest collection of 17th-century salvaged naval antiquities in the Western Hemisphere, it includes the treasure of the Santa Margarita and the Nuestra Senora de Atocha. The museum is a window to what was once a world of pirates, sunken treasure, and brave naval captains. This is an informative and enjoyable place to visit.
10. The Wrecker's Museum/Oldest House
Wreckers Museum
Built in 1829, and once the erstwhile home of Capt. Watlington and his daughters, this structure is considered the oldest in Key West. Appointed with the finest antiques and artifacts, the Museum's decorative style is evocative of the time of the wreckers of Key West. As licensed workers, wreckers salvaged cargo from sunken and sinking vessels and amassed great wealth from the treasures that they rescued from the depths of the sea. Filled with wrecker's memorabilia and curious items, salvaged and restored, the museum delves into another aspect of Key West's heritage.
