Things to do in Key West

Key Wests unique location makes for some distinctive attractions, among them the famous sunsets, which can be enjoyed from several scenic points. Hemingway and presidents also feature heavily, as does the islands historic past.

Key West Sunsets

Key West sunsets are considered an attraction in themselves, with hordes of locals and visitors alike flocking into Mallory Square every night to catch the spectacle. Its a good idea to come the docks early to secure a spot to see the carnival of portrait artists, acrobats, food vendors, animal acts and other performers capitalising on the islands Bohemian image. Other popular locations for watching the sunset are on the Hilton hotels Sunset Deck on Front Street, next to Mallory Square or Ocean Key Resorts bar on Duval Street, while the nearby Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spas Havana Docks at 1 Duval Street sits right on the water and provides good views and live music.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Not to be missed by visitors to Key West, this historic property, where Hemingway lived and wrote from 1928 until 1940, offers guided tours thorough his home, showing rooms with glass cabinets that store artefacts, books, and pieces of mail addressed to him, as well as his study. Built in 1851, the house was one of the first on the island to feature indoor plumbing and a built-in fireplace. It also sports the first swimming pool built on Key West. Feline descendants of Hemingways countless cats roam freely on the grounds. The home is at times used for private events and parties.
Phone: +1 305 294 1136; website: http://www.hemingwayhome.com

East Martello Tower

Located near the airport, the East Martello Tower served as a fort during the Civil War but never saw any action. Today it houses the museum of East Martello that exhibits historical displays on 19th and 20th century history. Among the highlights in the museum are remnants of the USS Maine, books by some of Key Wests past residents, a Cuban refugee raft as well as works by Stanley Papio and Mario Sanchez. The tower has unsurpassed ocean views.
Phone: +1 305 296 3913

Audubon House and Gardens

Those who have seen engravings by ornithologist John James Audubon will be aware of why his name is synonymous with birds. This three-storey house, which was built for Captain John Geiger in the 1840s, now commemorates Audubons 1832 stay in Key West while he was passing through Florida to study birds. Several rooms of period antiques and a childrens room are noteworthy. An audiotape (in English, French, German or Spanish) is included in the admission for a self-guided tour of the house and tropical gardens. An informational booklet and signs that identify the rare indigenous plants and trees complement the tour. Check out the impressive gift shop, which sells a variety of fine mementos at reasonable prices.
Phone: +1 305 294 2116; website: www.audubonhouse.com

Harry S. Truman Little White House

President Harry Truman used to call the White House the Great White Jail. While on temporary leave from the real White House, Truman discovered the tranquillity of Key West and escaped to what later became known as the Little White House. Today the house is fully restored and open to the public, with the exhibits documenting Trumans stay in the Keys. Tours begin every 15 minutes and go on for around 45 minutes. For admirers of all things Oval Office-related, a presidential gift shop is located on the premises.
Phone: +1 305 294 9911; website: www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com

Key West Aquarium

This educational and entertaining aquarium, opened in 1934, is home to varied exhibits on regional sea life and live demonstrations. Stroll among the many species of marine life or catch a guided tour. Children can touch sea cucumbers and sea anemones in a shallow tank in the entrance. Aquarium demonstrations include daily shark and fish feedings. Tours and shark feedings are held daily at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 16:30. Children under three years of age get in free.
Phone: +1 305 296 2051; website: http://www.keywestaquarium.com/

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Construction on the fort began in 1845, and even though Florida broke away from the Union during the Civil War, Yankee armed forces used the fort in 1961 as a base to stop Confederate shipping (over 1,500 Confederate ships were detained in Key Wests port). Finally completed in 1866, the fort was also used in the Spanish-American War. Thirty-minute guided tours of this National Historic Landmark are held at 12:00 and 14:00. On the first weekend in March, a commemoration called Civil War Days features costumed re-enactments and exhibitions. The parks vacant beach is the best in Key West. A picnic area with barbecue grills and trees giving shade is nearby.
Phone+ 1 305 292 6713; website; www.floridastateparks.org/forttaylor

Southernmost Point in the Nation

Before heading back home, make sure not to miss the corner of Whitehead and South Streets. Its attraction is that its the geographically southernmost point of the United States. The posted sign announcing the sites prominence and the street vendors selling souvenirs and conch shells will tell you that youre in the right place. Believe it or not, standing here you are closer to Cuba than Miami; from here, it is 150 miles north to Miami and only 90 miles south to Cuba. Hanging out until the evening is a great choice for those so inclined as this is also a great place to watch the sun set.

Museums

Key Wests great collection of museums covers the islands history from when the first African-Bahaman immigrants arrived to Cuban exiles to the prominent presidential presence of the 1950s and 60s. The Duval Street Wreckers Museum, built in 1829, depicts the islands early 19th century wrecking industry, which made Key West one of the richest towns in the country. Located in one of the oldest houses in South Florida, it showcases the industry through antiques and a range of other exhibits. The Lighthouse museum is housed in a 98 feet tall lighthouse, built in 1847, and features exhibits including nautical charts, old photographs and other interesting artefacts connected to the sea and lighthouse. The top offers breathtaking panoramic views. The Lofton B. Sands African-Bahamian Museum illustrates the history of Key Wests black population with period photographs and memorabilia. The house was originally located in the then so-called Black Town or Africa Town. The San Carlos Institute Museum, founded by Cuban immigrants in 1871, houses a research library and illustrates the history of Key West and Cuban exiles. The building is also home to an opera house which often hosts concerts, lectures and films.