Traveling to Key West: Seven Things You Must Do and See

Key West is a diverse and exciting city; here are six things you absolutely must see on your visit to the island.

Contributed by: Kandace Heller

Is your family planning a trip to Key West, but needs some inspiration deciding what attractions to visit? Key West is a diverse and exciting city; there are plenty of attractions that will entertain, inform and delight your family during your stay. Here is a list of six things you absolutely must see on your visit to the island.

Ernest Hemingway Home
Ernest Hemingway is one of America’s most beloved writers. He spent more than 10 years of his career in Key West, Florida, living and writing. His former home has been converted to a museum. Come see the exceptionally-preserved house, beautiful gardens, and quirky cats that live there.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum
Take a tour of his highly decorated Coast Guard cutter that has seen more than 50 years of action. The USCGC Ingham is one of only two preserved Coast Guard cutters. Visit the museum and learn about the ship’s service during World War II and the Vietnam War.

Red Barn Theatre
If you enjoy live performances, check out the Red Barn Theatre. This historic, quaint little theatre features plays, cabaret shows, spoken work performances, and poetry slams. Originally a carriage house built in 1892, the Red Barn Theatre’s diverse lineup of entertainment offers something for everyone.

Tropic Cinema
If you need to duck in from the Key West heat while on your vacation, catch a movie at the one-of-a-kind Key West theatre. This is one of the highest rated attractions in Key West. It features the hottest new releases as well as classic movie matinees on Saturdays. The Tropic was recently named the best cinema in Florida.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
To see some of nature’s most beautiful works of art, pay a visit to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. It features beautiful gardens with hundreds of live butterflies and birds to observe. The conservatory also has a learning center where you can explore the fascinating world of butterflies.

Dry Tortugas National Park
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, check out Dry Tortugas National Park. The park is accessible only by boat or by seaplane. Its seven islands are Florida’s westernmost and most isolated keys. You can observe abundant sea life and Florida’s best-preserved coral reefs.

Tour the City
One of the best things you can do to see the best Key West has to offer is to get a tour like one from the Key West Duck Tours. These tours offer a special land and sea tour. You start on land in a truck type vehicle, visiting some of the best attractions. Then, you drive to the beach and the truck converts to a boat, allowing you to get a great view of the beaches and sea life. If the land and sea combo isn’t your thing, you can find other companies that offer tours of what you are interested in.