Key West Activities
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Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
People of all ages flock to Mallory Square, the historic pier overlooking Key West Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico, to enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere as the sun sinks beneath the waves in orange-red splendor.
The Mallory Square performers offer a spectacle as vivid as the sunset itself. Visitors might encounter a sword swallower sliding blades down his gullet, a fire-eater with seemingly asbestos insides, a strongman balancing a motor scooter on his chin or a mime costumed as a living statue. Jugglers, musicians and masters of comic patter all share their talents with the crowds.
Most evenings, an Uncle Sam look-alike named Love 22 strolls along the pier giving away $22 bills. A kilted bagpiper paces solemnly, his pipes providing an oddly mournful accompaniment to the Sunset pageantry. And no one can overlook the tightrope walker who can be seen balanced high above his audience, silhouetted against the fiery glow of the setting sun.
Unique as they are, the street performers make up only one aspect of the Sunset Celebration. The festive, water's-edge market is equally appealing. Visitors might have their fortune told, buy jewelry or crafts handmade by local artisans, or sample some "Pretty Good Popcorn."
To enjoy the celebration to its fullest, it's best to arrive at Mallory Square at least 30 minutes before the sun actually sets and stay until it slips below the horizon. All the entertainment on the pier is free to watch, although entertainers pass the hat following their performances.
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Southernmost Point
You can stand at the southernmost point of the continental United States in only one place: Key West. So go for it! And remember, you're only 90 miles from Cuba!
Key West Lighthouse Museum
Completed in 1847, the lighthouse guided mariners through the treacherous Key West waters until it was decommissioned in 1969. Today both the light and the Keeper's Quarters have been completely restored by the Key West Art & Historical Society to show visitors what life was like for a lighthouse keeper in the days before electricity and automation.
Visitors can climb an 88-step spiral staircase to the historic light's watchroom for a panoramic view of Key West, step inside a 12-foot "first order" lens circa 1858, learn the stories of two courageous female lighthouse keepers and observe historic artifacts, photos and journals.
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The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
Visit the home of one of America's most honored and respected authors. Step back in time and visit the rooms and gardens where the Nobel Prize winner lived and wrote for over ten years.
Located at 907 Whitehead Street in the heart of Old Town Key West.
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Key West Aquarium
Landlubbers can discover the Florida Keys' coral reefs without getting their feet wet at the Key West Aquarium, the first tourist attraction in the Keys. Open since 1934, the historic facility adjacent to Mallory Square was one of the first open-air aquariums in the United States.
Today, the popular attraction offers visitors a window to the undersea world surrounding the Florida Keys. Among its residents are moray eels, sharks, sea turtles, barracuda, tropical fish, tarpon, parrotfish and grouper.
The aquarium's "Atlantic Shores" exhibit features a 50,000-gallon tank displaying a cross-section of a near-shore mangrove habitat. The tank's inhabitants include tropical and game fish, sea turtles and birds. The aquarium also has a touch tank for hands-on interaction between sea creatures and visitors.
During daily tours of the facility, visitors can observe feedings of resident sharks, rays and turtles while guides explain their habits and habitats. Participants in the guided tours have an opportunity to pet a live shark.
Address:
1 Whitehead St
Key West, FL 33040-6634
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Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Take a stroll through a tropical paradise... walk through an exotic and inviting environment filled with hundreds of the most beautiful winged creatures in nature -- butterflies.
During your breathtaking journey you will experience an impressive collection of flowering plants, cascading waterfalls and trees that set the stage for the “flowers of the sky.” Witness some 50 to 60 different species from around the world, as well as varieties of colorful birds, all under a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat.
Located on Duval Street, one block north of the Southernmost Point.
Address:
1316 Duval Street
Key West, Florida 33040
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Conch Tour Train
See the Best on the train tour that's been entertaining visitors to the Island City of Key West, Florida since 1958. The Conch Train is one of Florida's most popular attractions, and for a good reason. The expert 'engineers' and friendly staff have delighted over 15 million guests with legends such as Ernest Hemingway and lores of this charming tropical paradise. Your tour of Key West will give you a conch's eye view of all the wonderful attractions Key West offers. No Key West vacation is complete without The World Famous Conch Tour Train.
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Harry S. Truman Little White House
Once a second home to Harry S. Truman, the Little White House is a part of America’s political and historical past. It was built in the late 1800’s as an officer’s quarters for the Navy, but soon became the winter home of Truman and his family. Truman had such a deep affection for the island that he spent many days here—and as a result the Little White House became an arena for political meetings and many important events. John F. Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and other prestigious leaders visited over the years and were said to be equally allured by the home and its tropical setting. Guests who visit today can take a tour, see personal items that belonged to Harry, Bess and Margaret, and learn more about Truman’s life on the island and the history of the Little White House.
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Old Town Trolley Tour
For over 25 years, Old Town Trolley Tours has been providing sightseeing tours highlighting the best of Key West. Hop aboard one of the trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment, a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment. With Old Town Trolley, you can avoid costly parking and city driving while exploring at your own pace as you hop on and off the trolley. Old Town Trolley is the best way to see Key West!
On and off FREE reboarding at 12 stops.
More than 100 attractions & points of interest on your sightseeing tour of Key West.
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