The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a landmark located in Old Town Key West. This beautiful Spanish Colonial-style mansion was once owned by one of America's greatest writers, Ernest Hemingway. Today, visitors can tour the home and see artifacts, personal belongings, and Hemingway's writing studio. The lush gardens surrounding the house are also home to dozens of cats, some of which are descendants of Hemingway's own cats.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a tropical paradise located on Duval Street. This beautiful indoor garden is home to hundreds of colorful butterflies, as well as exotic birds and plants. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and even have the opportunity to hand-feed the butterflies. The conservatory also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and educational materials.
Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers. This beautiful park is home to historic Fort Jefferson, as well as some of the most stunning beaches and coral reefs in the world. Visitors can take a ferry or seaplane to the park, where they can swim, snorkel, and explore the fort.
Mallory Square is a hub of activity in Key West, and is the perfect place to experience the town's vibrant culture. This iconic square is home to street performers, food vendors, and local artisans. Visitors can watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico while browsing the stalls, and even catch the famous "Sunset Celebration" which features live music and street performers.
Located just a short walk from Duval Street, the Southernmost Point Buoy is an iconic landmark in Key West. Visitors can take pictures next to the buoy, which marks the southernmost point in the continental United States. The surrounding area is also home to some of the town's most beautiful architecture and historic homes.
Most of the attractions in Key West are within walking distance of each other, but visitors may want to rent a bike to explore the area more easily. There are also taxis and ride-sharing services available, as well as a free shuttle service called the Duval Loop. Visitors who want to visit Dry Tortugas National Park will need to take a ferry or seaplane, which can be booked through various tour companies in the area.
Estimated Travel Costs: Biking ($10-20 per day), taxi/ride-sharing ($5-10 per ride), ferry ($175 per person), seaplane ($275 per person).
If visitors have more time, they may want to consider taking a day trip to the nearby islands of Marathon or Islamorada, or exploring the town's many museums and galleries. Visitors who have less time may want to skip Dry Tortugas National Park and spend more time exploring the town's historic sites and landmarks.
The nearest airport to Key West is the Key West International Airport (EYW), which is located just 3 miles from the town center. The airport is served by several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines. Visitors can also fly into the Miami International Airport (MIA), which is about a 3-hour drive from Key West.