Less than 90 miles from Cuba, less than 10 miles square in area, Key West is one of the hottest vacation destinations in the country. There's more packed into this small island than one would think possible, and visitors to the Florida Keys are never disappointed. Key West has a busy central tourist district, but it also has plentiful quiet, palm-lined streets with beautiful Spanish style houses. While the numerous beaches and resorts are primary focal points, there are lots of other family activities on this tiny island to keep one busy.

Key West's beaches lead visitors to clear blue waters that are perfect for swimming, jet skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Several luxury resorts offer first-class accommodations and activities for the whole family. Visitors can stay close to shore, or they can take advantage of the many glass-bottom boat tours. Many also hire boats to take them scuba diving in the world-famous reefs. The Key West Aquarium highlights the local marine life in dozens of hands-on activities for children.

 

The island itself boasts some remarkable attractions for the entire family, yet the island is small enough that visitors can see them all. The Ernest Hemmingway House was home to the famous author when he penned some of his best-known novels. The Audubon House is an authentic home from the 19th century, fully restored and remodeled; authentic antiques and paintings by famed naturalist John James Audubon can be found inside. The Key West Historic Tour traverses the island -- be on the lookout for the best places to enjoy conch, the local specialty. The residents of Key West have devised innumerable ways of serving this sea creature, and all are worth at least a try.

 

While it is uncertain whether or not he ever sampled conch, President Truman often vacationed in a small house at the naval base located on Key West, and his reasons for visiting are the same as for today's visitors: sunshine, relaxation, and beach. Truman's hideaway is open for tours, adding one more item to the list of fun things to do in Key West. This small town is perfect for families looking for a great beach holiday in an interesting and manageable location. 

 

Attractions

 

Hemingway House
907 Whitehead Street
305-294-1575
This National Historic Landmark is the place where Hemingway actually penned several of his novels. The house itself is lovely, as are the dozens of cats that make it their home.

Bahama Village Neighborhood
West of the Lighthouse Museum and Whitehead St.
This engaging Bahamian and Afro-Cuban neighborhood remains relatively untouched by modern tourism off the "beaten path." Highlights include authentic eateries and a laid-back attitude.

Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society Museum
200 Greene Street
305-294-2633
Visitors will be dazzled by the rich booty from local treasure hunter Mel Fisher's richest find, the Spanish ship Nuestra Senora de Atocha.

Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
205 Whitehead Street
305-294-2116
This lovingly restored 19th-century home features exotic period gardens, authentic antiques and original engravings by John James Audubon.

Key West Aquarium
Historic Mallory Square
305-296-2051
At the Key West Aquarium, visitors of all ages will enjoy up close and personal encounters with the sealife. Go on daily guided tours, the shark, turtle and stingray feedings and the always exciting shark pettings. At the Touch Tank, guests can meet conchs, horseshoe and hermit crabs, sea urchins and sea cucumbers "face to face".

Conch Tour Train
Mallory Square or Roosevelt Blvd.
305-294-5161
This tour vehicle looks like an old train, and it takes visitors all over the island for a look at the most interesting spots in Key West. This tour is a must for families who want a great introduction to the most popular parts of the island.

Mallory Square
A major center of activity in Key West, Mallory Square features Mallory Market, the Shell Warehouse, the Key West Sponge Market, Bird in Hand, Caribbean Cargo, the Conch Store, and the Key West Aquarium. Other stores and shops offer local products, including dozens of varieties of conch, Key West's favorite dish.

Key West Shipwreck Historeum
Historic Mallory Square
305-292-8990
This museum presents the treasure and artifacts from several ships that have wrecked near Key West during the last 150 years. The Historeum also has recreations of Key West life in the 19th century.

The Wrecker's Museum and Oldest House in Key West
322 Duval St
This museum describes the lives of the wreckers, uninsured heroes who risked all to save cargoes, ships and lives. The museum is located in the oldest house in town which was owned by Captain Watlington, a wrecker who lived here from the 1830s.

Little White House
(305)294-9911
111 Front St. (Truman Annex)
This house was President Harry Truman's favorite vacation spot while he was President. The inside is relatively unchanged from the late 1940's and features interesting Truman memorabilia.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum!
(305) 293-9686
527 Duval Street
Experience "The Most Unusual Museum in the World" with over 10,000 square feet of 1,500 exhibits in 14 galleries on three levels.

Schooner Western Union
305-292-1766
Docked at Schooner Wharf 202 William Street
Sail into history aboard the 130' schooner Western Union, the last tall ship built in Key West in 1939. It's available for day sails, sunset and starlight cruises, private charters and other seafaring adventures.

Schooner Wolf
305-296-9694
201 William Street
The 74' Schooner Wolf is the flagship of the Conch Republic. Patterened after the blockade runners which plied the Florida Straits in the 19th Century, the 74' topsail Wolf is Coast Guard certified for 44 passengers and offers daily day sails, sunset and starlight cruises.

Curry Mansion Museum
(305) 294-5349
511 Caroline St.
Visitors are encouraged to browse through this 25-room Victorian Masterpiece, considered by some to be the most beautiful home in Key West.

Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip aboard the Sunny Days
305-296-5556
Located at the end of Elizabeth and Greene Streets
70 miles west of Key West are the islands and waters of the Dry Tortugas National Park. This park features some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.

Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry
305-294-7009
Key West Seaport, 240 Margaret Street
Civil War history comes alive aboard this 100-foot catamaran that takes visitors to the Park and Fort Jefferson.

Key West Lighthouse Museum
938 Whitehead Street
(305) 294-0012
Visitors to Key West's famous landmark lighthouse learn how the lighthouse lit the way for ships and travelers to the islands for years. The interior is filled with the history of the island.

East Martello Museum
3501 Roosevelt Boulevard
(305) 296-3913
This museum is both an art gallery and a museum of history. The Civil War and its effect on Key West figure prominently in the museum exhibits.

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House
Located On Historic Front Street in Old Town Key West
(305) 295-6616
This museum is located in the original Key West Custom House. It features work by local artists and as well as other works that portray the beautiful Key West landscapes.

Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden
1 Free School Lane
305-294-0015
Key West's "rain forests" is a world-class collection of rare and beautiful tropical plants and antique botanical prints. The Secret Garden is a great place to relax awhile from the hubbub of downtown.