Key West Florida Map Of Hotels

Map Of Hotels In Key West Florida Printable Maps

If you’re planning a trip to Key West, Florida, you’ve made a great choice! This southernmost city in the continental United States offers an abundance of attractions, natural wonders, and cultural experiences. In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Top Attractions

Key West is known for its unique mix of history, art, and natural beauty. Some of the top attractions include:

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Duval Street

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

This historic home was once owned by the famous author Ernest Hemingway. Today it’s a museum that offers guided tours of the house and gardens. You can even see the descendants of Hemingway’s beloved six-toed cats.

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

Every evening, locals and tourists gather at Mallory Square to watch the sunset and enjoy street performers, food vendors, and live music. It’s a great way to experience the vibrant energy of Key West.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

This indoor paradise is home to hundreds of butterflies and exotic birds. Walking through the lush gardens and seeing the colorful creatures up close is a magical experience.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

This state park offers a beautiful beach, hiking trails, and a historic fort that dates back to the mid-1800s. It’s a great spot for a picnic or a day of exploring.

Duval Street

Duval Street is the heart of Key West’s nightlife. It’s lined with bars, restaurants, and shops, and is a great place to people-watch and soak up the island’s atmosphere.

Hidden Gems

In addition to the top attractions, Key West has many hidden gems that are worth exploring. Here are a few:

The Key West Cemetery
The Key West Lighthouse
The Oldest House Museum and Garden
The Key West Shipwreck Museum

The Key West Cemetery

This cemetery is unlike any other you’ve seen. It’s full of colorful grave markers and quirky epitaphs that reflect Key West’s unique culture.

The Key West Lighthouse

Climbing to the top of the lighthouse offers stunning views of the island and the surrounding waters. It’s a great way to get a different perspective on Key West.

The Oldest House Museum and Garden

This museum offers a glimpse into Key West’s past, with exhibits on the island’s architecture, industry, and daily life. The garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

The Key West Shipwreck Museum

Learn about the island’s rich maritime history at this museum, which features artifacts and interactive exhibits related to shipwrecks and the salvaging industry.

Food Scene

Key West is a foodie’s paradise, with an abundance of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Latin-inspired cuisine. Some top restaurants to try include:

Blue Heaven
El Siboney
Santiago’s Bodega
Sarabeth’s
The Stoned Crab

Blue Heaven

This outdoor restaurant is a Key West institution, with a menu that includes everything from shrimp and grits to key lime pie. Don’t miss the Sunday brunch, which features live music and bottomless mimosas.

El Siboney

This family-owned Cuban restaurant serves up authentic dishes like ropa vieja and plantains. It’s a local favorite and a must-visit for anyone who loves Cuban food.

Santiago’s Bodega

This tapas bar offers a wide variety of small plates, including vegan and gluten-free options. The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a warm evening with friends.

Sarabeth’s

This upscale restaurant serves up American cuisine with a tropical twist, using local ingredients whenever possible. The outdoor seating area offers great views of the ocean.

The Stoned Crab

This seafood restaurant is known for its fresh catches and creative cocktails. The outdoor seating area is a great place to enjoy a sunset dinner.

Budget-Friendly Tips

While Key West is known for its luxury resorts and high-end restaurants, there are also plenty of ways to enjoy the island on a budget. Here are a few tips:

Visit the beaches – most are free!
Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic district
Check out the local farmer’s market for fresh produce and snacks
Take advantage of happy hour specials at bars and restaurants
Explore the island by bike instead of renting a car

Outdoor Adventures

With its warm climate and beautiful natural surroundings, Key West is the perfect place for outdoor activities. Some top options include:

Kayaking through the mangroves
Snorkeling or diving at the coral reef
Fishing charters
Jet ski tours
Parasailing

Kayaking through the mangroves

Exploring the mangroves by kayak is a peaceful and educational experience. You’ll see a variety of marine life and learn about the important role that mangroves play in the ecosystem.

Snorkeling or diving at the coral reef

The coral reef off the coast of Key West is one of the largest in the world. Snorkeling or diving here offers a chance to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures up close.

Fishing charters

Key West is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, with opportunities to catch everything from tarpon to sailfish. Many charter companies offer half-day or full-day trips.

Jet ski tours

Exploring the island by jet ski is a fun and exhilarating way to see the sights. Many tours include stops at remote beaches or snorkeling spots.

Parasailing

Seeing Key West from the air is a unique and unforgettable experience. Parasailing offers a bird’s-eye view of the island and the surrounding waters.

Historical Landmarks

Key West has a rich history that is reflected in its many landmarks and monuments. Some top options include:

The Custom House Museum
The Key West Firehouse Museum
The Harry S. Truman Little White House
The Key West Cemetery
The Key West Lighthouse

The Custom House Museum

This museum tells the story of Key West’s history and culture through exhibits on art, industry, and politics. The building itself is a beautiful example of colonial architecture.

The Key West Firehouse Museum

This museum is housed in the city’s first fire station, which was built in 1907. It features antique fire trucks and equipment, as well as exhibits on the history of firefighting in Key West.

The Harry S. Truman Little White House

This historic home was once used as a vacation residence by President Harry S. Truman. Today it’s a museum that offers guided tours and exhibits on Truman’s life and presidency.

The Key West Cemetery

As mentioned earlier, the Key West Cemetery is a unique and colorful reflection of the island’s culture and history.

The Key West Lighthouse

Also mentioned earlier, climbing to the top of the lighthouse offers stunning views and a different perspective on Key West.

Family-Friendly Activities

Key West is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that kids (and adults) will enjoy. Some options include:

The Key West Aquarium
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
The Eco-Discovery Center
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

The Key West Aquarium

This small but informative aquarium features a variety of marine life, including sharks, turtles, and tropical fish. Kids will love getting up close and personal with the animals.

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

This museum tells the story of Mel Fisher’s search for the sunken treasure of the Spanish galleon Atocha. The exhibits include artifacts from the shipwreck and interactive displays that will appeal to kids.

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

As mentioned earlier, this indoor paradise is home to hundreds of butterflies and exotic birds. Kids will love seeing the colorful creatures up close.