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Top Attractions in Key West

Key West Shipwreck Museum

The Key West Shipwreck Museum is located in Key West, Florida, United States. It combines actors, films and actual artifacts to tell the story of 400 years of shipwreck salvage in the Florida Keys. The museum itself is a re-creation of a 19th-century warehouse built by wrecker tycoon Asa Tift. Many of the artifacts on display are 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 Key Wests history, having resulted in the Federal Wrecking Courts largest monetary award for the salvage of a single vessel. Also included are relics from Spanish galleons, including a silver bar salvaged from the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas that guests are encouraged to try to lift. The museum guide portraying Tift tells the story from his point of view as he explains how this unusual industry provided for the livelihood for the entire island of Key West at a time when it had the largest population in the state. Guests can climb the 65 lookout tower.

Caroline Street

Caroline Street is an iconic and historically significant local road on the island of Key West, Florida. It extends approximately 0.5 miles northeastward to Grinnell Street from Whitehead Street at its southwest end. One of the oldest roads on the island, Caroline Street is surrounded by many old houses, inns, and historic landmarks, which are known for their seclusion from the street by dense landscaping. From its mostly residential origins between Whitehead and Elizabeth streets, Caroline becomes more commercial, punctuated by numerous businesses. Situated within the historic "Old Town" district, Caroline Street was part of the original infrastructural layout of the island at the time of its 1829 mapping by William Whitehead. Other than changes to both its termini, the majority of its route has remained unaltered since then. Caroline Street was named for a sibling of Whitehead; his brother, John, became interested in the island after a shipwreck left him stranded in 1819. The street and some of its surrounding area have been subject to long-term improvement and beautification efforts, beginning chiefly in 1996.

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden 11 acres is a frost-free arboretum and botanical garden containing a collection of trees, shrubs, and palms, including several "champion tree" specimens. It is located at 5210 College Road, on Stock Island in Key West, Florida, USA. It is open daily. There is a nominal fee for admission, with free admission for locals on the first Sunday of every month. The Garden includes seven trees that are either champions or challengers, and one with an honorable mention. (Champions are determined by a point system based on height, circumference of the trunk, crown spread, and physical condition. The best tree in a species is designated Champion; the second best is Challenger. Naming of a National Champion Tree is made by American Forests; Florida champions are named by the Florida Division of Forestry). Locust-berry (Byrsonima lucida) - National Champion Wild Dilly (Manilkara bahamensis) - National Champion Barringtonia (Barringtonia asiatica) - Florida Champion Cuban Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum officinale) - Florida Champion Arjan Almond (Terminalia arjuna) - Florida Challenger Black Olive (Bucida buceras) - Florida Challenger Pongam (Pongamia pinnata) - Florida Challenger Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) - Honorable Mention Other native and imported trees and shrubs in the Garden include: Poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum), Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera), Black Ironwood (Krugiodendron ferreum), Spanish Stopper (Eugenia foetida), Pigeon Plum (Coccoloba diversifolia), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), Milk Bark (Drypetes diversifolia), Cinnamon Bark (Canella winterana), Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba), Woman's Tongue (Albizia lebbeck), Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum sanctum), Blolly (Guapira discolor), Purge Nut Thicket (Ximenia americana), Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis), Senegal Date Palm (Phoenix reclinata), Florida Thatch Palm (Thrinax radiata), Shortleaf Fig (Ficus citrifolia), Marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides), Silver Palm (Coccothrinax argentata), Red Stopper (Eugenia rhombea), Key Thatch Palm (Leucothrinax morrisii), Jamaica Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula), False Tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliquum), Bay Cedar (Suriana maritima), Wild Coffee (Colubrina arborescens), Cinnecord (Acacia choriophylla), Pond Apple (Annona glabra), Limber Caper (Capparis flexuosa), Satin Leaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme), Paradise Tree (Simarouba glauca), Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea), Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto), Buccaneer Palm (Pseudophoenix sargentii), Lime Prickly-ash (Zanthoxylum fagara), Joewood (Jacquinia keyensis), Lancewood (Nectandra coriacea), Green Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), Washington Palm (Washingtonia robusta), and Varnish Leaf (Dodonaea viscosa).

Duval Street

Duval Street is a famous downtown commercial zoned street in Key West, Florida, running north and south from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. From shore to shore, the street is just over 1.25 miles in length. It is named for William Pope Duval, the first territorial governor of Florida. Duval Street was designated a “Great Street” in 2012 by the American Planning Association. The beautiful Bahamian and Spanish influenced Victorian Mansions of Duval Street have been well preserved through local preservation efforts starting in the 1960s. On the Atlantic Ocean end of Duval Street there is a mix of early Key West Victorian mansions and bungalows’ dotting the neighborhood. Art galleries, boutiques, inns and Bodega’s line the wide sidewalks. Although this end of Duval is more residential and less filled with tourists, the sidewalks still bustle with activity. Near the southern terminus of Duval Street is the buoy marker for the southernmost spot in the United States not far from the southernmost House, a striking Victorian architecture mansion built in 1896. A favorite of both Harry S. Truman and author Ernest Hemingway, the building was restored to its formal beauty and opulence with a $3 million renovation in 1996. Duval Street well represents the cultural influence of Key West’s proximity and cultural ties to Cuba. Many Cubans immigrated to the area beginning in the late 1860s. At one time, the many cigar stores on Duval gave the city the moniker “Cigar City USA.” There are many pleasant outdoor cafes to enjoy another Cubano influenced product, “Cuban Coffee”, which is espresso made from roasted Cuban Coffee beans with a heavy dose of sugar. At the north end, tourists from the cruise ships that dock at the Westin harbor complex, Mole pier or Mallory Square are often seen traversing Duval Street's many shops [1] in the afternoon looking for souvenir trinkets and T-shirts. The streets are congested with Pedi cabs, trollies, bikes, mopeds, cars, and the Conch Train all adding to the touristy feel of this heavily visited end of Duval. Near the northern end of the street is Mallory Square. Historic Mallory Square is the center of Key West’s waterfront. The City of Key West and Duval Street share their beginning along this deep harbor waterfront. On certain nights, the gulf shores of Duval Street often vibrate with a carnival like atmosphere that lasts until dawn and beyond. In fact, the ritual has a name known to tourists and residents as the “Duval Pub Crawl.” Duval is the location of many famous restaurants and bars, including Sloppy Joe's, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, which is the original, Fogarty's Restaurant, Bar and Bakery, "The Flying Monkeys Bar", The Bull and Whistle, Rick's Cafe and Irish Kevin's bar. Tour outlets book the “Duval Pub Crawl” activity and provide knowledgeable guidance for the tourist wishing to visit and imbibe at the famous drinking establishments, for a fee. A 1967 National Park Service survey of Historic American Buildings designated 18 buildings as historic. A full six blocks were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Further protection for this historically significant street has been created through the City’s, “Historic Architecture Guidelines,” approved in 2000, which sets standards for construction on Duval Street.

Harry S. Truman Little White House

The Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Florida was the winter White House for President Harry S Truman for 175 days during 11 visits. The house is located in the Truman Annex neighborhood of Old Town, Key West. The house was originally waterfront when it was built in 1890 as the first officers quarters on the submarine base naval station. The wooden duplex contained Quarters A for the base commandant and Quarters B for the paymaster. In 1911 the home was converted into a single-family dwelling to house the base commandant and additional land was filled in front of the house. The waterfront view was eventually blocked by a new building at the station. The first President to visit the site was William Howard Taft in December 1912. He arrived by Flaglers Overseas Railroad and sailed to Panama to inspect the canal then under construction. During World War I, Thomas Edison resided in the house while donating his service to the war effort. He perfected 41 weapons during his six month stay. The house remained command headquarters through World War II. In November 1946, President Harry S. Truman had finished 19 months in office, but was physically exhausted. His doctor, Wallace Graham, ordered a warm vacation. Truman arrived in November, 1946. As he was leaving he promised to return whenever he felt the need for rest. His second vacation came in March 1947. This set the pattern for additional visits every November–December and every February–March. Changing technology allowed the President to communicate with multiple political or world leaders at one time and he could summon staff to Key West for a meeting in three hours flight from Washington. Most importantly, Truman realized that where the President was, the White House was. Documents issued from the Little White House read, The White House, US Naval Station, Key West, Florida. Truman spent 175 days of his presidency at the Little White House in Key West, FL. In 1948, James Forrestal met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff to hammer out the creation of the Department of Defense. This was called the Key West Agreement, named after the place where the basic outline for the document was agreed to at a meeting that took place from March 11 to March 14 on the base at Key West. During the Truman visits, Cabinet members and foreign officials were regular visitors for fishing trips and poker games. Truman visited Key West shortly after his 1948 re-election and Division Street was renamed Truman Avenue in his honor. After Truman left office he returned to Key West several times and stayed at various other places. In 1948-49 General Dwight D. Eisenhower held a series of meetings that resulted in the creation of the Department of Defense. He returned in December 1955 and January 1956 as President to recuperate from a heart attack. John Kennedy and British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan held a one day summit here in March 1961. President Kennedy made a second visit in 1962 immediately following the Cuban Missile Crisis. The house served as the Naval Station commandants house until March 1974, when the submarine base was closed due to the Navys conversion from diesel to nuclear submarines. On February 12 of that year, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. On January 1, 1987, it was deeded to the State of Florida and is held in trust as a public museum. In 1990 almost a million dollars was spent restoring the house to its 1949 appearance. A 501 3 foundation is attempting to further the restoration and hold education conferences each Spring on Trumans impact upon todays society. In 1991, the house opened as a state historic site 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 Trumans briefcase, books, telephone, and his famous "The Buck Stops Here" sign are still at his desk. Former President Jimmy Carter and family had a reunion here in 1996. In April, 2001, Secretary of State Colin Powell opened a week of OSCE peace talks, led by Minsk Group Co-Chairman Carey Cavanaugh between President Robert Kocharyan of Armenia and Heydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan. In January 2005, former President Bill Clinton and his wife, then Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, spent a weekend relaxing at the house.

Audubon House and Tropical Gardens

The Audubon House Tropical Gardens is located at 205 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida. Brick-pathed gardens offer a lush 1-acre view of orchids, bromeliads, and other tropical foliage, an herb garden and 1840-style nursery. The house has many antique furnishings purchased from estate sales and auctions in Europe. The house contains 28 first edition works of the famous ornithologist John James Audubon. Audubon visited the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas in 1832 and left Key West having sighted and drawn 18 new birds for his "Birds of America" folio. It is believed that many of those drawings were conceived in the Audubon House garden. Also, Audubons painting of the white-crowned pigeon features the Geiger tree found in the front yard of the house. The Audubon House Gallery, separate from the main house features a unique collection of 19th century original Audubon art and a comprehensive selection of John James Audubons images.

Thompson Fish House

The Thompson Fish House, Turtle Cannery and Kraals is a historic site located at 200 Margaret Street, Key West, Florida, United States. On June 23, 1994, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The kraals were fenced-in holding pens adjacent to the cannery in a sheltered bay at the north end of town, where turtles were kept awaiting slaughter. The once-fashionable turtle meat was canned and sold to cooks who used it largely to make turtle soup. The valuable Tortoiseshell was used to make many kinds of products made today from plastic. The building is owned by the City of Key West, and currently houses exhibits from the nearby Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum. The Turtle Kraals Museum, which educated the public about dangers to sea turtles, was formerly located at this site.

Geiger Key

Geiger Key is an island in the lower Florida Keys about 5 miles (8 km) east of Key West. It is located to the south of, and bridged to, Big Coppitt Key via Boca Chica Road (County Road 941) at approximately mile marker 11 on U.S. 1 (or the Overseas Highway). It is home to the small trailer park community of Tamarac, Geiger Key Pub & Grill and Geiger Key Marina. It is part of the census-designated place of Big Coppitt Key, Florida. It was named after Henry Huling Geiger, an early Keys settler, who had obtained land on the Key in 1843 under the "Armed Occupation Act of 1842". (Permit Number 127, dated July 19, 1843). He also owned property in the city of Key West (Key West land records, 1847-1864). Henry Geiger was the son of John Geiger of Pennsylvania and Catherine Huling of Maryland, who had emigrated to St. Augustine in Spanish Florida in 1805. (St. Augustine Cathedral records). From John Viele's "The Florida Keys: A History of the Pioneers": "A. D. Bache, in the notes for his Coast Survey conducted in 1861 says of the Key: 'Geiger's Key is 2 miles long and 1 mile wide. It was in good cultivation in 1855 [the time of his visit] , and was then inhabited by an industrious German, from whom it derived its name'"... referring to Henry Huling Geiger. Henry expanded his holdings in the area (Boca Chica) through purchase of an adjacent plantation owned by Adolf Santini in 1867. The same reference, and Federal Census Records, also indicate that Henry was a planter/farmer, wood-cutter, and tanner, and that he was assisted by a "free Black" gentleman, Robert Allen, at least two other single men, and at least one slave. Henry had one child, a son, John Robert Geiger, born out of wedlock, for whom he sought (and was granted) legitimacy through an act of the Florida State Assembly in 1850. (Source data: "Acts and Resulutions of the 5th Session of the General Assembly of the State of Florida", Tallahassee, November 25, 1850 to January 24, 1851. Chapter 469 - [No. 158] Pg. 179-180). No record of a wife or other children has been found. After his death in September 1872, his son and heir, John Robert Geiger, sold his father's land holdings to his uncle, Captain John Geiger of Key West in April 1873. No physical architectural remains of the original Geiger Key plantation have survived. Henry's younger brother, Captain John Henry Geiger, had previously settled, and was a well-known citizen of Key West, having settled there before Henry's arrival in the Keys. Captain Geiger was a successful Key West wrecker with whom John James Audubon lived during his 1832 stay in the keys. Audubon painted and named a local species of flowering tree which was growing in Captain Geiger's gardens the "Geiger Tree" (Cordia sebestena). Captain Geiger's home and gardens in Key West have been preserved and restored as a museum, store and event venue as (erroneously) "Audubon House and Tropical Gardens".
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