Are you looking for a weekend getaway spot that’s relaxing? We Key West is perfect for that and more. Key West Island is one of the famous tourist destinations in Florida. The sandy beaches, sunny weather conditions, spectacular views, romantic wedding venues, world-class restaurants, and breakfast spots are some of the key attributes that endear it to hundreds of local and international tourists.
Apart from the outdoor pursuits, Key West has a handful of interesting attraction sites that will blow your mind away. Duval Street is one of the liveliest areas on the island, and is best known for its thrilling nightlife, souvenir shopping, budget dining, and the annual Hemingway Days Festival that is held in summer.
Here are the top tourist attraction sites in Key West, FL, that you can’t afford to miss.
1. The Mallory Square
Located on the western side of Duval Street, Mallory Square is a waterfront plaza that is perfect for catching a sunset. The square faces west towards the Gulf of Mexico. Thousands of tourists come to this waterfront plaza in the evening for a memorable “sunset celebration” and fun parties.
While there, enjoy the many local, and foreign delicacies served in the restaurants. There are also jugglers, clowns, local musicians, and even magicians all ready to make your visit to Key West unforgettable. There is always a party going down on this square every day of the week.
2. Harry S. Truman Little White House
Harry S. Truman is one of the historical treasures in Key West. This building was constructed in 1890 and served as the main headquarters of the naval station’s command during the Spanish-American War.
In 1946, it was converted into President Harry S. Truman’s getaway “white house” during the winter season. Other presidents also used the premises as a resting home during the Cold War. It’s still used by the country leaders both as a business venue and retreat home.
Today, it’s a museum that is accessible to everyone. While there, check out the official trip logs to know the specific dates when President Truman visited and who accompanied him. In total, the president visited and stayed on the Island 11 times.
The tour guides are friendly and always willing to answer all questions you may have regarding the house, president Harry S. Truman, the Cold War era, the Naval history of Key West, and more.
The museum is open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., and you cannot enter after 4 p.m. Before leaving, visit the gift shop to purchase some souvenirs. The shop is open from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
3. Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
If you are anything like me, you love spending time outdoors enjoying the cool breeze and watching wild animals in their natural habitat. A visit to Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory will leave you with life-long memories.
The conservatory is home to 50-60 different beautiful winged butterflies and other creatures. They are housed in a 5,000 square foot glass-domed aviary. The butterflies are kind enough to share their home with 20+ exotic bird species and 3,500+ plants.
The serene environment makes this natural conservatory perfect for relaxing and escaping the crowds that flock in Key West during the holidays and weekends. If you are traveling with kids, they will surely enjoy watching the short film that shows the different stages of butterfly metamorphosis.
The conservatory is open from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. every day, and the last ticket is sold at 4.30 p.m.
4. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is located on the western section of the island, and it’s loved by many for its clean beaches and blue-sky waters. It’s perfect for sunbathing, fishing, biking, snorkeling, and hiking.
Even though the beach sand is not as powdery soft as other beaches in Florida, it offers unmatched snorkeling opportunities. Be sure to carry beach shoes to walk comfortably on the relatively rocky terrain in some sections of the beach.
If possible, visit the historic fort inside the park in the morning, then head to the beach in the afternoon. The fort was constructed in the mid-1800s during the Spanish-American and Civil War.
Along with your beach shoes and snorkel gear, remember to pack enough charcoal and grilling food. No need to carry a grill as there are plenty of rental barbecue grills. Order fresh seafood online such as fish, lobster, stone crab, and shrimp for a healthy meal on the beach.
The park is only 2 miles away from downtown Key West, and it’s open daily from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. Guided tours are offered twice a day.
5. Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Located just a block away from the famous Duval Street, Audubon House & Tropical Gardens is a must-visit destination in Key West. It has a plethora of colonial furniture, magnificent architecture, tropical greenery, and invaluable period-specific antiques.
The house was constructed in the 1840s by Captain John Huling Geiger, but surprisingly it is named after a renowned ornithologist, John James Audubon, who visited the island in 1832. To date, 28 of his works are still displayed in the house.
Immerse yourself in the exceptional house décor, then head outdoors for a romantic walk in the lush and expertly manicured garden. The garden has a plethora of tropical plants, orchids, and herbs. It’s the most attractive part of the house to most tourists, especially photography lovers owing to its diverse variety of vibrantly colored flowers.
This attraction site is open from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. It’s family-friendly and pets on leash are allowed.
The Take-Away
Despite being smaller than many other islands here in the United States, Key West is a magical island with plenty of historical treasures and modern amenities for all age groups. If you enjoy going on sea fishing expeditions, book one of the Key West fishing charters for an unforgettable tarpon, shrimp, shark, and reef fishing experience.
Finally, we recommend booking your restaurant ahead of time to avoid a last-minute rush, especially during the festive season.
image Copyright: Unsplash | License: COO Public Domain
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