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Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park has National Historical Monument status and is the country's southernmost state park. This park encompasses a site that predates the Civil War. The collection of armament is the world's largest and helps tell the story of what has occurred at the park in exciting ways.

The fort contains the original red brick construction, and the cannon and gun ports are still present. This fort survived both the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. In addition to interpretive panels and guides, visitors can learn more about the fort through historical reenactments.

Another feature that this park is famous for is its beach, the most popular on Key West. Swimming, paddling, and kayaking are some of the most popular activities, alongside fishing. If you also enjoy watching birds, this park is also an excellent place for you to consider visiting while you are touring Florida's most popular sites.

Tip:
If you're a history lover, make sure to take the daily guided tour starting at 11am at the Fort.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum is found aboard a 327-foot-long vessel that was used by the Coast Guard for over 50 years.

The Ingham was commissioned in 1936 and served in both World War II and the Vietnam War. During its long service, the boat was involved in a number of significant events in US maritime history including allied convoys between 1941 and 1943, during which it engaged and sank the enemy submarine U-626, as well as rescue missions such as the rescue of survivors from the USS McCawley, which had been torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1943.

One of only two preserved Treasury-class U.S. Coast Guard Cutters and the fourth ever to be named for Treasury Secretary Samuel D. Ingham, this was the most decorated vessel in the Coast Guard fleet and the only cutter to ever be awarded two Presidential Unit Citations. The Commandant of the Coast Guard declared USCGC Ingham the National Memorial to the Coast Guardsmen killed in action in WWII and Vietnam, who are identified on a memorial plaque on the quarterdeck.

After her decommissioning in 1988, the Ingham was eventually donated to the Key West Maritime Historical Society and turned into a museum. Today, visitors to the museum can explore the ship's decks, engine room, crew quarters, and other areas, as well as several exhibits on its history and the role of the Coast Guard in protecting America's waterways.

Apart from that, Ingham is probably the best location in Key West to watch the sunset away from the crowds. On Fridays and Saturdays, they set up the bow and west-facing deck with tables, chairs, and a cash bar. Otherwise, the self-guided tour is awesomely informative, covering the cutter's service from the 1930s to the 1980s and is, as such, a must for history and military buffs.

Built in 1890 and originally waterfront, this used to be the First Officer's quarters on the submarine base naval station before turning into President Harry S. Truman's winter White House for 175 days during 11 visits. During such visits, Cabinet members and foreign officials were regular guests for fishing trips and poker games. More notably, Truman came here shortly after his 1948 re-election, on which occasion Division Street was renamed Truman Avenue in his honor.

In 1991, the house opened as a state historic site and museum. Today regular guided tours take visitors through the site, and one can enter the rooms where the Trumans lived, worked and relaxed. Items such as President's briefcase, books, telephone, and famous "The Buck Stops Here" sign are still at his desk. (The reverse of the sign says, "I'm From Missouri.")

Why You Should Visit:
Docents here are friendly and knowledgeable while the facility has all of the original furnishings for enhanced authenticity. It is also worthwhile exploring the Truman Annex area which is a beautifully landscaped part of Key West that many miss.

Tip:
Although the entry fee is rather steep, you have the option to purchase the tickets at the front and bundle them with one of the other attractions in Key West to save a few dollars (they take credit cards, too).

The story of Mel Fisher and his discovery of the Nuestra Se帽ora de Atocha along with its treasures are near what fantasy dreams are made of and what epitomizes the cultural attitudes behind the Conch Republic 鈥� Key West's strange-but-true 1982 "secession" from the United States. In a way, the story really has it all, and when reading it and viewing the artifacts, the looting, the scheming, the treachery, the deaths and tragedies can all come to light.

This museum is exactly what it advertises and is filled with interesting finds from the 17th-century Atocha vessel: stunning jewelry, coins, part of the hull and so much more, as well information on wreckers and pirates on the upper floor. There is also a very interesting section on the slave trade and another on Cubans doing what they can to reach America 鈥� but even more important is the fully operating Conservation & Archaeology lab, where admittance is allowed during a private Lab Tour that allows touching the artifacts while learning about their various stages of conservation. Some, depending on type and density, can take anywhere from weeks to years for full conservation before being placed on display!

Tip:
Take the Conservation Lab Tour (extra fee) conducted by the extremely knowledgeable marine archaeologist who will take you through each step of the process from discovery to de-encrustation and preservation of artifacts. Plus it's really cool to be able to actually handle an encrusted artifact from a shipwreck and see all of the tools being used!

The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum brings to life the island's fascinating maritime history by telling stories of the brave men and women who risked their lives to salvage the treasures of the many ships that wrecked off the Florida Keys.

The museum is housed in a historic building that was originally constructed in 1852 by wrecker tycoon Asa Tift as a warehouse for the island's thriving wrecking industry. The latter played a key role in Key West's economy during the 19th century and involved salvaging goods from the ships that had run aground near the island.

Over the years, the building has survived fires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Towards the end of the 19th century, it was used as a cigar factory and later served as a sponge warehouse. In the 1980s, the building was restored and turned into a museum. The restoration preserved many of its original features, including the distinctive walls clad in wooden siding and arched doorway.

Inside, the museum showcases historical documents and artifacts recovered from the shipwrecks, including treasures such as gold and silver bars, coins, and other valuable items. Many of them come from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the Florida Keys reef and turned out to be one the richest shipwrecks in the city's history, having resulted in the Federal Wrecking Court's largest monetary award for the salvage of a single vessel. Also displayed here are relics from Spanish galleons, including a silver bar salvaged from the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas that visitors are encouraged to try to lift.

From the top floor, guests can also walk up the 65-foot lookout tower for a panoramic view of the harbor and most of Key West. The tower was added during the restoration of the building much later and today serves as a reminder of the vital role that such towers once played in keeping ships safe from the treacherous reefs surrounding the Florida Keys.

In addition to that, the museum offers a variety of interactive experiences, including live performers reenacting salvage operations that took place in Key West centuries ago. Visitors can also try their hand at the salvaging techniques, using some of the tools and equipment utilized by 19th-century wreckers.

Why You Should Visit:
A unique window into the rich maritime history of Florida Keys.
To learn about the many shipwrecks that made Key West one of the richest towns in the U.S.

Tip:
Taking a small flashlight, to read many of the signs and posters or labels, would be quite helpful.
You can get a great discount by buying combo tickets for other Key West museums.

Located in famous Mallory Square, the Key West Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums in Florida 鈥� built between 1932 and 1934. It also claims to be the first tourist site in the Keys, attracting first-time visitors with its uniqueness.

Originally open-air (one of the first and largest at the time), the aquarium is now home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish. It offers interactive experiences, such as touch tanks where visitors can touch and learn about various ocean animals. There are also daily feedings and guided tours that offer educational information about the marine species on display.

One of the most popular exhibits at the aquarium is the shark tank, which contains several species of sharks, including nurse sharks, blacktip sharks, and lemon sharks. Visitors can watch the sharks being fed and learn about their behavior and habitat. The aquarium also has a sea turtle exhibit, where visitors can observe sea turtles up close and learn about their conservation efforts.

The Key West Aquarium is open daily throughout the year; the tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Some people complain about the price, but put this on your list if you prefer aquariums where you can take time looking at each exhibit rather than fighting off crowds for just a peek. The ticket is good for two days and you can go in and out as much as you want.

Why You Should Visit:
The shark feeding is something to see 鈥� giant sharks thrash around during feeding time in the outdoor pens and tiny colorful reef fish flit about in small tanks lining the walls inside.
Note some really interesting murals of the local history in a very quaint space.
Tours aren't crowded; you can easily hear what's being said and there is enough breathing room around if you seek to avoid the heat of the day.

Tip:
Check the feeding schedule to take advantage of the full experience.

Fronting on the world-famous Sunset Pier in the heart of Old Town Key West, Mallory Square is known for its stunning sunsets, street shows, and lively atmosphere.

The square is named after Stephen Russell Mallory, a U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Navy for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. In the early 1800s, it was used as a naval base for the U.S. Navy and, later, as a commercial port, with ships bringing goods from the Caribbean and other parts of the world. During much of the 19th century, Key West was a hub for the salvaging of shipwrecks; many of the recovered items were sold in Mallory Square.

The tradition of celebrating the sunset began here in the 1960s. Local artists and performers would gather in the evening to marvel at the sun going down over the water, and eventually, crowds began to form and join in on the festivities.

Street performers 鈥� such as fire eaters, jugglers, musicians, and other wacky tricksters 鈥� are a standalone attraction at Mallory. To perform in the square they must audition and be licensed by the city. The performers range from a one-man band and fire jugglers to world-famous Kwinci, who swallows a 40-inch balloon and walks barefoot on broken glass (you have to see this to believe it).

Then there's Warren Lee, the Sophisticated Swindler. No trip to Key West is complete without seeing Dominique and his Flying House Cats. Somehow, he has trained his cats to jump through hoops of fire and other, very un-cat-like tricks.

In 2017, Mallory Square was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma. However, it was quickly rebuilt and today remains as vibrant and popular a destination as ever.

Why You Should Visit:
People-watching at this popular location is quite fun, as you have all kinds of walks of life here. The breeze is usually pretty refreshing even on hotter and humid days due to the oceanfront location.

Tip:
Bring cash and if you stop to watch, tip the performers 鈥� they deserve it. Surrounding are many delightful shops and craftsmen selling their wares, and you can get some nice food and drinks, all coupled with the spectacular view of the sun sinking into the Gulf of Mexico 鈥� a photographer's delight.

Key West Cemetery covers 19 acres and dates back to 1847 when bodies displaced by a hurricane were re-interred. With a location in the Old Town part of Key West, the cemetery is known for having over 100,000 buried within its confines. This cemetery has been on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Before the Civil War, slaves were buried in a separate area of the cemetery, with a marker denoting their presence. This cemetery has Catholic and Jewish sections. There are also plots for USS Maine sailors and those who fought in the Cuban Revolution.

The cemetery's present location is Solares Hill, which represents the city's highest point. There are both in-ground and crypt-style graves. Some of the crypts are elaborate, representing the diversity of economic status represented. Several of the more elaborate grave or tomb sites represent family plots belonging to the city's wealthier families.

Overall it is an beautiful and peaceful place to learn more about the history of Key West.

Saint Mary Star of the Sea is a very beautiful Catholic basilica; one of the oldest Catholic parishes in the state of Florida and the oldest parish in the Archdiocese of Miami. With local coral rock used as construction material, the exterior of the church reflects the eclectic period of American Victorian Architecture. It also shows elements of a modified, early Renaissance Revival style. This may be found in the rusticated walls, rounded arches and lunettes that are composed of transitional gothic arches, louvered shutters and colored glass. Many interior elements have both Romanesque and early Renaissance characteristics. Behind the altar is a stained glass window that depicts the church's patroness.

Once you exit the church building, you find yourself on the grounds. A cemetery, grotto, and a marker can be found there. As you walk toward each, you will notice that the stones underneath your feet come together to form the shape of a rosary. This Rosary Path is meant to make you pray the rosary as you walk from stone to stone. You will notice the lovely grotto at the end of the path, which contains statues of Lourdes and Bernadette. It is said that one of the members, named Sister Gabriel, remarked on its dedication day "Key West would never experience the full brunt of a hurricane". And as all residents can attest, there has not been a severe storm on the island since the erection of the Grotto in 1922.

Why You Should Visit:
Lovely, peaceful grounds! The basilica itself is inviting, with a sanctuary containing many Caribbean design features, and has opening doors all along the sides for cool airflow.

Tip:
Be sure to explore the Stations of the Cross garden adjacent to the grotto before heading inside to admire the beauty and tranquility of the basilica. If you go inside, please donate (a complex like this has ongoing needs) or stop by the well-stocked gift shop behind the building.

Duval Street is the most famous and most traveled street in all of Key West. Designated a "Great Street" in 2012 by the American Planning Association, it runs north-south through the entire length of the island, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, and is the main thoroughfare of the city, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, historic buildings, and an array of unique shops and restaurants.

The street is named after William Pope Duval, the first territorial governor of Florida. It was originally a sandy path that linked Fort Zachary Taylor (in the south) to Mallory Square (in the north). As the city grew, more businesses were established on the street, and thus it became a bustling commercial hub.

In the 1800s, Duval Street was home to many of Key West's wealthiest residents. The street was lined with elegant mansions, many of which have been preserved and turned into museums or bed-and-breakfasts. During the early 20th century, it grew popular with sailors and fishermen, who frequented the numerous local eateries and watering holes.

The north (lower) end of Duval (or 鈥渨ild鈥� side) accommodates the majority of bars and tourist attractions and is where most of the carousing takes place until all hours of the night (and early morning!). The south (upper) end of Duval (the "quiet" side) houses the Southernmost Point, with a mix of early Key West Victorian mansions and bungalows dotting the neighborhood. Although it is more residential and less filled with tourists, the sidewalks still bustle with activity due to the art galleries, boutiques, inns, and bodegas lining them.

On Duval Street, you will find the famous Sloppy Joe's Bar, which used to be a favorite haunt of writer Ernest Hemingway. The street is also known for its colorful characters and street performers, such as the "Cat Man" (performing with his trained cats), and the annual Fantasy Fest celebration, a 10-day event featuring costume contests, street parties, and other festivities.

Overall, Duval Street offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Key West.

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West is the former residence of Ernest Hemingway, in which he lived from 1931 to 1939.

Presently a National Historic Landmark, this property was built in 1851 by a marine architect and salvage wrecker, Asa Tift. The beautiful French Colonial-style building features 18-inch-thick limestone walls, a metal roof, and large wrap-around verandas. The house was originally used as a family residence and later as a boarding house, a saloon, and a storage facility before it was purchased by Ernest Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline, in 1931.

The Hemingways lived here with their two sons. After their divorce in 1940, the writer moved to Cuba and later to Idaho, while Pauline continued living in the house until her death in 1951. Following that, the property remained vacant, although its ownership, in Hemingway's name, went on until the author's suicide in July 1961. Today, it represents an important part of his legacy.

During his time in this house, Hemingway wrote some of his best-received works, such as "The Green Hills of Africa," "To Have and Have Not," "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," and "For Whom the Bell Tolls."

Visitors to the museum can take a guided tour of the grounds, which include a lush garden and a swimming pool. The house is furnished with many of Hemingway's personal belongings, including his writing desk, typewriter, and hunting trophies.

One of the most famous features of the museum is its population of some 50 six-toed cats, which are believed to be the descendants of a cat named Snowball that was given to Hemingway by a ship's captain in the 1930s. Snowball was a polydactyl cat, meaning he had six toes on each paw instead of the usual five. Hemingway was so fascinated by the cat that he soon began acquiring more polydactyl cats. He believed they brought good luck and kept them as pets.

Today, the cats are considered an important part of the venue and a popular attraction 鈥� many a visitor come here specifically to see them. The cats are well-cared for by the museum staff and have their own veterinarian come twice a week to check on them.

Why You Should Visit:
The house is terrific, the Hemingway memorabilia is great, and the guided tour comes at no extra cost; you can afford yourself the time to explore the grounds (with a small pond) on your own, too.

Tip:
They only take cash at the door, so make sure you have some.
Don't miss the sad but adorable six-toed kitty graveyard in the back.

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.

Just a few blocks from Duval Street, at the intersection of South Street and Whitehead Street, is a painted concrete buoy 鈥� 12 feet tall and 7 feet wide. This landmark indicates the southernmost point in the continental United States, as well as the southernmost point of the island chain that makes up the Florida Keys.

Originally, the place was marked with a simple sign, which often got stolen. In response to this, by 1983, the city authorities erected the now famous concrete structure. Its location is only about 90 miles from Cuba, and the proximity of the island nation is part of what makes the Southernmost Point Buoy such an iconic symbol of Key West.

The buoy is effectively an old sewer junction that was dug up in the area and found too heavy and large to move, so they decided to paint it up to look like a buoy.

The current text on it, reading "The Conch Republic. 90 Miles to Cuba, Southernmost Point Continental U.S.A., Key West, F.L., Home of the Sunset", dates back to 2011. The phrases "90 miles to Cuba" and "Home of the Sunset" were added in 1986. Previously, the line "90 miles to Cuba" was written on a smaller sign on the fence nearby. Also next to the buoy, there was a script "America Begins" painted on a curb below the 鈥�90 miles to Cuba鈥� sign.

The buoy paint job was done by local painter-artist Danny Acosta; the city hired him again to paint the buoy after it was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Just a little east of the marker is a small cement structure. This is a former telegraph hut that used to house an underwater telephone cable that connected Key West to Havana in 1921.

Tip:
Considering this is a favorite spot for taking photographs, it is always crowded during the day, so be prepared to queue up for about 30-40 minutes for the photo op. If you don't like crowds, you can come early in the morning and admire the unforgettable view of the sun rising from the Atlantic.

If you seek a unique and enchanting experience with a chance to escape into a world of natural beauty and wonder, right in the middle of a bustling city, make sure to visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory on Duval Street. This climate-controlled, glass-enclosed space houses hundreds of live butterflies from around the world, as well as exotic birds, flowering plants, trees, and cascading waterfalls.

The conservatory was established in 2003 and covers an area of approximately 5,000 square feet. It is designed to replicate a natural rainforest environment and offers visitors an up-close (almost hands-on) experience where they can walk through and observe the butterflies as they flutter around freely, feed on nectar, and interact with each other.

The conservatory is home to over 50 species of butterflies, including the striking blue morpho, vibrant monarch, and the delicate swallowtail. You can also get a close-up view of a variety of live caterpillars feeding and developing on their host plants.

In addition to the butterflies, there is a variety of "butterfly-friendly" tropical birds, such as red-factor canaries, zebra finches, cordon-blue finches, and "button" or Chinese painted quails. The birds fly freely and sing in their natural habitat.

The on-site gift shop offers souvenirs and educational materials related to butterflies and nature conservation. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about butterflies and their natural environment.

Tip:
Best to go in the morning while everything is out and moving. You will love it!
Spend as much time as you like, but be sure to follow the tour guide to get the low-down on everything in the enclosure. Alternatively, the self-guided tour has signs and descriptions explaining all of the different types of butterflies.