8 Biggest Attractions in Key West
Key West may be best known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant Duval Street bars and Key lime pie shops, and Mallory Square sunsets, but it’s also full of fascinating attractions. From fun, quirky photo-op spots and butterfly gardens to historic sites and hidden gems. There’s so much to see in Key West!
Ready to plan your perfect Key West vacation? Grab the sunscreen, book a fabulous vacation home, and get ready for the ultimate Key West sightseeing adventure. Here’s your guide to Key West’s biggest and best attractions!
1. Southernmost Point
1400 Whitehead Street, Key West
The simplest yet arguably the most popular of all Key West attractions, the Southernmost Point features a large, brightly colored buoy that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and famously reads “90 Miles to Cuba.” Thismarks the Southernmost point in the Continental United States.
No visit to Key West is complete without taking a photo in front of the Southernmost Point, which is often apparent by the droves of tourists you’ll see lined up there, day and night. But don’t worry; the lines move fast, and the memories you’ll make there are totally worth it!
*If you’re visiting Key West in 2026, you might find that the Southernmost Point is undergoing renovations. During this time, a temporary replica of the iconic buoy will be set up just a block over, at the end of Duval Street, with the same gorgeous ocean backdrop, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on any pics during your Key West trip.
2. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead Street, Key West
Once the home of world-renowned literary icon Ernest Hemingway and his famous six-toed cats, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is one of the biggest historic attractions in Key West.
You can tour the home and writing studio, learn about Hemingway’s life and written works, stroll the gorgeous gardens, and of course, meet the famous six-toed cats that roam the grounds — descendants of Hemingway’s beloved six-toed cat, Snow White.
Whether you’re a literary lover, history buff, or just a fan of the famous six-toed cats, the Hemingway house is a must-visit attraction when staying in Key West.
3. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
1236 Duval Street, Key West
Once named “The Best Attraction,” as well as “The Best Place to Take the Kids” in Key West, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a must-see, especially if you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Key West.
Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the gardens to see beautiful butterflies, exotic birds, and colorful flowers, explore the insect exhibits, and visit the learning center to get an up-close view of some caterpillars and learn fun facts about the butterfly lifecycle. On your way out, you can visit the gift shop and gallery, filled with unique, butterfly-themed art, souvenirs, and gifts.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a great place to take the whole family when visiting Key West.
4. Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters
938 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL
Boasting some of the best views on the island, the Key West Lighthouse is a great place to spend the day exploring what was once a working lighthouse, safely guiding ships through the rocky, shallow waters of the Florida Keys for nearly a century.
You can stroll the grounds, enjoying the shaded trees, explore the exhibits in the Keeper’s Quarters Museum, and of course, climb those famous 88 spiral steps up to the tower for an incredible 360° view!
If you love learning about history, admiring the beauty of these relics of maritime’s past, or are just looking for a fun, family-friendly attraction, the Key West Lighthouse is a must-visit.
5. Key West Aquarium
1 Whitehead Street, Key West
Home to colorful fish, sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and other sea life, the Key West Aquarium has been dazzling visitors for nearly a century. In fact, it was the island’s very first attraction to open back in the 1930s, and it remains one of Key West’s most popular attractions to this day!
You can stroll through both the indoor and outdoor exhibits with a variety of marine life, catch an educational presentation, and maybe even get to watch a shark or stingray feeding. And if you’re visiting with family, the touch tanks offer a unique experience that’s always a hit with the little ones.
The Key West Aquarium is a must-see when visiting Key West.
6. Key West Cemetery
701 Passover Lane, Key West
The final resting place of Key West residents past and present, including ship captains, soldiers, Cuban cigar makers, priests, senators, and many others, the Key West Cemetery is a unique place to learn about the island’s varied history, resident stories, and cultures.
Both a historic cemetery, holding graves as far back as the early 1800s, and an active cemetery, taking in around a hundred new burials a year, the Key West Cemetery holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
You can tour the cemetery on your own, by grabbing a free map at the entrance, or for a more in-depth experience, join a guided tour with a local historian through the Historic Florida Keys Foundation.
7. Truman Little White House
111 Front Street, Key West
Originally built as naval housing in the 1890s, used as the winter home of President Harry S. Truman from 1946 to 1952, and later by six other presidents, the aptly named “Little White House” is full of incredible history.
You can tour the home and grounds to learn about the life and legacy of President Truman, as well as the other presidents who have spent time here, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Jimmy Carter.
As Florida’s only presidential museum, the Truman Little White House brings in visitors from all over the state and remains one of the top attractions in the Florida Keys.
8. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
601 Howard England Way, Key West
Full of stunning views and fascinating history, Fort Zachary played an important role in the Civil War and Spanish-American War, along with the famous Fort Jefferson, which sits off the coast of Key West in Dry Tortugas National Park. While Fort Jefferson is arguably more famous, it takes a day trip to get there, and Fort Zachary is more easily accessible and a favorite among Key West locals, making it one of the island’s top attractions.
You can stroll the corridors of the Fort, learning about how the soldiers lived, seeing where the cannons were kept, and how the Fort operated. And if you happen to be visiting on the third weekend of the month, you’re in for a special treat with live reenactments.
While the Fort itself is fascinating, you’ll also enjoy the gorgeous views of the surrounding ocean and park. If you’ve ever wanted to combine a day at the beach with a history lesson, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park deserves a spot on your list.
Stay Near the Best in Key West!
While we’ve only scratched the surface of all the great Key West attractions, rest assured, you’ll never get bored when visiting the Conch Republic. From sightseeing to snorkeling, there’s so much to see and do.
Make the most out of your visit by booking your stay with VHKW. You’ll enjoy fully furnished vacation homes with amenities like private pools and hot tubs, ocean views, and much more.
And the best part is — you’ll be right in the heart of all the best attractions, restaurants, fun activities, and things to do in Key West!
