Key West Lighthouse & Museum, Key West (must see)
The Key West Lighthouse Museum occupies the first lighthouse built in the Florida Keys. Historically, a lighthouse on this site has been since 1825. The current Key West Light tower was constructed in 1848 after its predecessor was destroyed by a hurricane. Following several modifications, it stands 73 feet tall.
During the mid-1800s, Key West was the busiest port in Florida and one of the busiest in the entire United States. The lighthouse played an important role in the history of the city, as it helped guide ships through the treacherous waters surrounding the island.
After the Coast Guard decommissioned the Key West Light in 1969, it was handed over to Monroe County, which in turn leased it to the Key West Arts and Historical Society. The latter operates the lighthouse and its associated buildings as the Key West Light House and Keeper's Quarters Museum.
If you can fend off the claustrophobia and don't mind heights, you can climb 88 tiny and constricting steps to the top of this historic building to see the old lantern and enjoy panoramic views of the entire island/key and the surrounding ocean. Along the way up, there are three small landings you can stop on and rest if you need to.
The museum features exhibits that showcase the history of the structure, the people who operated it, and the maritime history of Key West. Visitors can explore the collection of navigational tools, historical photographs, and displays about the area's shipwrecks and salvaging industry.
Also, near the tower, you can see an interesting banyan tree that seems to have been planted when the lighthouse was built.
Tip:
Climbing the stairs up might get a bit challenging if you're not in sneakers, so it might be a good idea to swap the flip-flops if you do the climb.
During the mid-1800s, Key West was the busiest port in Florida and one of the busiest in the entire United States. The lighthouse played an important role in the history of the city, as it helped guide ships through the treacherous waters surrounding the island.
After the Coast Guard decommissioned the Key West Light in 1969, it was handed over to Monroe County, which in turn leased it to the Key West Arts and Historical Society. The latter operates the lighthouse and its associated buildings as the Key West Light House and Keeper's Quarters Museum.
If you can fend off the claustrophobia and don't mind heights, you can climb 88 tiny and constricting steps to the top of this historic building to see the old lantern and enjoy panoramic views of the entire island/key and the surrounding ocean. Along the way up, there are three small landings you can stop on and rest if you need to.
The museum features exhibits that showcase the history of the structure, the people who operated it, and the maritime history of Key West. Visitors can explore the collection of navigational tools, historical photographs, and displays about the area's shipwrecks and salvaging industry.
Also, near the tower, you can see an interesting banyan tree that seems to have been planted when the lighthouse was built.
Tip:
Climbing the stairs up might get a bit challenging if you're not in sneakers, so it might be a good idea to swap the flip-flops if you do the climb.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Key West. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Key West Lighthouse & Museum on Map
Sight Name: Key West Lighthouse & Museum
Sight Location: Key West, USA (See walking tours in Key West)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Key West, USA (See walking tours in Key West)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Key West, Florida
Create Your Own Walk in Key West
Creating your own self-guided walk in Key West is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Key West Introduction Walking Tour
For the historically curious as well as for party-goers or laid-back drifters, Key West is a small paradise at the end of U.S. Route 1, on the southernmost tip of the continental United States, in the Florida Keys archipelago. The installed here Southernmost Point landmark reminds of this fact and is a popular spot for photos and selfies.
Key West is blessed with beautiful nature, indeed. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Key West is blessed with beautiful nature, indeed. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Key West Bar Hopping
Key West, Florida is often referred to as "an amusement park for adults fueled with alcohol" and is widely renowned for its diverse and vibrant bar scene. Blessed with a tropical climate and stunning ocean views, the city enjoys a relaxed, anything-goes attitude which after dusk transforms into lively nightlife centered around the many watering holes and clubs lining the streets of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 12 Bars in Key West, Florida
Drinking is a way of life in Key West. Whether you want a perfectly poured Guinness or would rather sip frozen rum runners while watching the sun set, the Southern Most City has everything to offer. This guide will help you find the most popular bars and hidden local favorites on Duval Street and...