15 Key West Landmarks You Must Visit
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Nestled in the Southernmost point of Florida, Key West is a famed vacationer's paradise. Called Cayo Hueso in Spanish, this is one destination you can't afford to miss!
Key West is part of a larger series of islands in the Florida Keys and is brimming with historical sites, outdoor attractions, and multicultural neighborhoods. So whether you're a history buff or an outgoing party animal, Key West has a little something to satisfy all tastes.
With so many landmarks and historical sites at your disposal, it's understandable to be overwhelmed. If you're planning a trip to the area, this list of 15 Key West landmarks will be helpful when deciding what to do first.
Planning a last-minute trip to Key West?
When visiting Key West, book your entrance tickets and tours before you go. Below are some top recommendations to get you started.
Top tours and experiences in Key West
- Key West Sunset Sail With Full Bar, Live Music & Hors D'oeuvres (likely to sell out)
- Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise With Tropical Buffet Dinner (very popular)
- Key West Florida Reef Half-Day Snorkeling Excursion (very popular)
- Half-Day Cruise From Key West With Kayaking & Snorkeling (very popular)
- Key West Full-Day Power Adventure - Sailing & Watersports Package
- 15 Key West landmarks
15 Landmarks in Key West
- Mallory Square
- Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
- San Carlos Institute
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Fort Jefferson
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
- The Hemingway Home and Museum
- Key West Historic Seaport
- Key West Lighthouse
- Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
- Key West Shipwreck Museum
- Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.
- Oldest House Museum & Gardens Key West
- Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House
Key West Landmarks Map
A map of Key West landmarks. Use the map to explore all of the points of interest.

Mallory Square
When you're craving a taste of local food and culture, a trip to Mallory Square has to be on your Key West itinerary. This plaza not only has a slew of vintage shops and restaurants, but it also hosts the Sunset Celebration. This festival revolves around the setting sun and includes performances and excellent food from local vendors.
Visit Mallory Square with an excursion
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
If you want to learn more about Key West's wildlife, you'll fall in love with the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens. This house was previously occupied by John James Audubon, a famed zoologist who specialized in birds. You can browse 19th-century bird paintings as well as tour the herb garden during a visit.
Experience Audubon House & Tropical Gardens with a tour

San Carlos Institute
If you want a blend of history with Cuban culture, the San Carlos Institute is one of the best historical places in Key West, Florida, to check out. This cultural center is a mixture of a museum, a theater, and an art gallery. Here you'll learn about Cuban history and can attend memorable events.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Located nearly 70 miles from Key West, this carefully preserved national park teems with vibrant coral reefs. Visitors flock to Dry Tortugas National Park to glimpse tropical bird species or experience the reefs firsthand with snorkeling and scuba diving tours.
You can also see undisturbed shipwrecks from the 17th century, and diving around these wrecks is a popular activity. The ideal time to visit Key West to go snorkeling or diving is in spring due to the warm yet calm and clear waters.
Visit Dry Tortugas National Park on a tour

Fort Jefferson
Located in Dry Tortugas National Park, Fort Jefferson made history in 1847 as one of America's largest brick masonry structures. This fortress is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and gives visitors a glimpse of the country's wartime history. You can tour the attraction yourself or opt for an informative self-guided tour.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
History buffs will be fascinated by the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. This establishment doubles as a lab and a museum, which boasts artifacts found on shipwrecks dating back to the 17th century.
Visitors can participate in a daily private tour to learn about the area's history. You can even touch certain artifacts and recovered treasure.

The Hemingway Home and Museum
Bookworms and novelists alike will adore the Hemingway Home and Museum. Once the home of esteemed author Ernest Hemingway, it's now a museum for tourists and often hosts special events.
You can tour the gardens and learn about the author with a guide's assistance. Once you're done, swing by the gift shop to pick up some unique souvenirs.
Explore The Hemingway Home and Museum with a tour
- Secret Food Tours' Key West Food Tasting Tour (highly rated)
Key West Historic Seaport
When you work up an appetite for fresh seafood, plan a visit to the scenic Key West Historic Seaport. This beautiful attraction is located right on the harbor and offers a slew of delicious seafood restaurants. Once you're full, check out the art galleries found here, which also sell souvenirs, or go to a surf shop for some nice clothes.

Key West Lighthouse
Fans of oceanic culture and iconography can't afford to miss out on the lovely Key West Lighthouse. This iconic lighthouse has been steering ships to safety since 1849. It's now a maritime museum where visitors can view and appreciate the belongings of the workers who once lived there.
Visit Key West Lighthouse on a tour
- Small Group Walking Tour of the History & Culture of Southernmost Key West (highly rated)
- Trolley Tour of Key West With Hop-On Hop-Off (a sort after tour)
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Key West not only has coral reefs and fish galore but also plenty of insect and bird life. You can see some of these creatures at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, which is home to up to 60 different butterfly species as well as different exotic birds. This is a memorable place to visit for nature buffs as well as artists looking for a little inspiration.
Join a tour to see The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- Key West Walking Tour - A Personalized Welcome Experience (rated highly)

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
If you want to learn more about the Civil War, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park will brush up your knowledge. This state park contains one of the country's largest collections of Civil War armaments. Along with exploring the grounds, you can watch war reenactments and enjoy the surrounding coastline, which looks gorgeous in photos.
Key West Shipwreck Museum
When you want to learn about history and enjoy art at the same time, the Key West Shipwreck Museum delivers. This museum puts on fascinating plays that tell the 400-year history of shipwrecks throughout Key West. Buy tickets in advance and take the whole family to see these one-of-a-kind performances.
Visit the Key West Shipwreck Museum on a tour

Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.
When you need a National Historic Landmark for your photo album, the Southernmost Point of the Continental United States is at the top of peoples' Key West sights list. The notable Key West fun fact relating to it is that it's located at the country's lowest latitude.
Due to this location at the Southernmost point in the contiguous United States, it's also known as the Southernmost Point buoy.
Oldest House Museum & Gardens Key West
When you want a more quiet and relaxed tourist experience, consider the Oldest House Museum & Gardens Key West. This iconic Florida landmark has stood tall since 1829 and offers a glimpse into the different lives people used to lead in the area. Here you can browse portraits, view the garden, or even host a wedding.
Join a tour to see Oldest House Museum & Gardens Key West

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House
Once a customs office, the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House is one of the most memorable Key West attractions. This restored museum provides visitors access to artifacts and art. You have two floors of fascinating exhibitions to browse as well as access to events.
In Summary
Key West is one of the best destinations for people who love the ocean, history, and culture. Whether you want to hop on the Conch Tour Train or deepen cultural knowledge on Duval Street, there's something for everyone.
This location overflows with opportunities for classic photo ops and artistic enrichment. The numerous Key West historic districts such as Old Town Key West or the Historic Seaport have to be seen to be believed.
All vacations start with picking a destination. With a little planning and research, a good vacation can transform into a great one.
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Learn more about Key West:
- Best Time to Visit Key West for Weather, Prices, and Crowds
- 20 Best Free Things to Do in Key West, FL
- 22 Fun Facts About Key West, Florida, That May Surprise You
- The Perfect Long Weekend in Key West Itinerary
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