| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Key West Aquarium

David Dlugitch — Tue, 05 May 2020 18:37:48 +0000

Learn about Key West’s ocean eco-system and see local fish and invertebrates up close.

Key West Aquarium guide showing a live nurse shark to visitors.

When the Key West Aquarium opened for business during the Great Depression in 1934 it was the islands first tourist attraction. At the time, Key West was the only city completely on federal relief after turning over it’s charter to state and federal governments.

The Aquarium, constructed 1932-1934, was a major part of Key West’s attempt at economic recovery by advertising their city as “America’s Caribbean Island”.

Today, the Aquarium educates, fascinates, and amuses the millions of visitors to Key West with unique and wonderful marine creatures. Shark feeding, Touch Tank, and sting ray exhibits are not to be missed.

Hours: Open Daily 10 am – 5 pm, presentations every 30 minutes. Tours with feeding times are: 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 4:30 pm.

Cost: $18.26 per adult, $15.75 per senior/student/military, $15.75 per child

Phone: 305-296-2051

Location: 1 Whitehead Street (at Mallory Square)

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

David Dlugitch — Tue, 05 May 2020 18:36:04 +0000

Glass atrium alive with colorful butterflies and tropical birds. A walk through here is magic.

You will have a unique opportunity to observe butterflies and birds in an indoors, controlled tropical setting.

The Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is one of Key West’s newer attractions and really in a category of its own.

A large, glass atrium has been filled with lush tropical vegetation, colorful and exotic butterflies, and tropical birds. Flowering plants line the winding pathways as some 50 different types of butterflies enjoy the habitat.

Don’t be surprised if one lands on your colorful shirt. They will even sip nectar from your hand! All the while enjoy the serenity and beauty of the climate controlled (for the creatures, not you) environment. Great gift shop with many unique items.

Hours: Open 9 am -5 pm daily. Last tour admitted at 4:30 pm. Gift shop open until 5:30 pm.

Cost: $12 per adult, $9.00 per senior, $8.50 per child 12 & under, $FREE per child under 4.

Phone: 305-296-2988

Location: 1316 Duval Street

Conch Tour Train

David Dlugitch — Tue, 05 May 2020 18:31:48 +0000

City tour that lazily winds its way throughout the historic quarter while pointing out Key West sites.

Conch Tour Train – a good way to get the lay of the land.

The Conch Tour Train has taken millions of visitors all over the island in their bright yellow “trains” since 1958.

The well-narrated 90 minute tour, covering more than 100 unusual and historic sites, acquaints you with the layout of the town.

Location: Depots are located on Front Street by Mallory Square and on Roosevelt Boulevard.

Hours: Trains leave every thirty minutes from 10:15 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. 4 different stops and boarding locations – (A) Front St Depot, (B) Truman Ave & Duval St, (C) Conch Tour Train Station – Front and Duval St, (D) Historic Key West Seaport

Cost:

$36.70 + tax for adults and children over 12.
$15.75 + tax for children

Old Town Trolley

David Dlugitch — Tue, 05 May 2020 18:26:50 +0000

City tour which permits passengers to disembark at ten locations throughout the historic quarter.

The Trolley, as it is locally known, makes 10 stops on it’s route throughout the historic area of Key West.

The Old Town Trolley differs from the Conch Tour Train only in it giving you the opportunity to disembark at 11 different locations, visit the attractions in that neighborhood – and then to re-board and continue the tour.

This is the way to go if you have the time to explore the parts of Key West you are interested in. Plus, your paid fare is good for the full day – allowing you to ride as many times as you like during the normal business hours for that day.

Along the way, expect a very good narration of local history, tropical life, and the quirks of Key West.

Cost:

$47.20 + tax for adults and children over 12.
$15.75 + tax for children

Trolley Boarding Locations/Stops: (1) Mallory Square, (1A) Presidential Gates, (2) Historic Key West Seaport, (3) Simonton Row – Simonton and Greene St, (4) La Concha Crown Plaza, (5) Bahama Village Market, (6) Fairfield Inn, (7) Key West Welcome Center, (8) Hampton Inn Key West, (9) East Martello Fort and Museum, (10) Casa Marina Resort, (11) Southernmost Trolley Stop, (12) Truman Ave & Duval St, (13) Angela and Duval Street

Hours: Open every day, 10 am – 4:30 pm.

Curry Mansion

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:49:02 +0000

The ornate Curry Mansion was built by Florida’s first millionaire, William Curry.

Curry Mansion Inn & Museum- former home of Key West’s first millionaire.

The ornate Curry Mansion, a lovely all-white Victorian structure, is built on the site of the 1855 homestead of Florida’s first millionaire, William Curry.

The striking facade, complemented with pillars and balconies, was added at the turn of the century by Curry’s son Milton.

Inside are beautifully proportioned high-ceiling rooms, antique furnishings. The mansion offers an excellent historic example of “elegant Key West.”

Tours are self guided and explore 15 antique-filled rooms.

Location: 511 Caroline Street

Southernmost House

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:43:43 +0000

One of the most striking examples of Queen Anne Victorian architectural style on in Key West.

At the end of upper Duval Street is Key West’s Southernmost House.

One of the most striking buildings in all of Key West is the Southernmost House & Museum. The structure is an impressive example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture and sits proudly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The house a collection of important and interesting documents, many of which are signed by presidents of the United States, including John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address.

Visitors are welcome (for a few dollars more) to spend the day poolside, enjoying the cocktails and impressive property.

Location: 1400 Duval Street

Ernest Hemingway House

David Dlugitch — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:59:45 +0000

Home of the author of For Whom the Bell Tolls, To Have and Have Not, and other famous works.

The Ernest Hemingway Home, where the famous writer lived and worked for over 10 years.

Located at the corner of Whitehead and Olivia St. is the former residence of revered American novelist Ernest Hemingway.

Hidden behind a fortress-like old brick wall is this grand home where he wrote many of his most famous works.

Well versed docents lead regularly scheduled tours through the house filled with priceless mementos and out to the expansive lawn with the writing shack and inhabited by the 6-toed cats reputed to be the direct descendants of the legendary author’s kitties.

Hours: Open from 9-5 daily. Open 365 days of the year.

Location: 907 Whitehead Street

Cost: $15 per adult. $6 per child. FREE for children 5 & under.

Phone: 305-294-1575

Shipwreck Historeum Museum

David Dlugitch — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 19:20:10 +0000

Learn about the wrecking industry during the 19th century, where captains raced to salvage ships run aground on the reef.

The Shipwreck Historeum is home to the last Key West’s Lookout Towers.

At one point in it’s history, Key West was the richest city in the United States of America. Wrecking, or the salvaging of ships run aground on the reef, was big business in the 19th century.

Meet the men who risked their lives and fortunes as you enter the unique world of an 1856 wrecker’s warehouse. You’ll meet the master wrecker and his crew in a warehouse filled with booty and bounty of the reefs and cargo from the past.

Then climb the lookout towers, originally used by salvors to observe wrecks on the reef, and enjoy a view of the historic district and the waters that surround Key West.

This is a museum that the whole family can enjoy.

Location: 1 Whitehead Street

Hours: Open every day, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Cost:

Adults $16.11
Senior $13.96
Children $9.66
Children 3 & under FREE

Flagler Station “Sails to Rails Museum”

David Dlugitch — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 16:21:16 +0000

Train station for the Overseas Railroad, built by Henry Flagler and called the 8th wonder of the world.

Flagler Station – Part of the Overseas Railroad, which was called “The Eighth Wonder of the World”

In 1905 Henry Flagler, one of the wealthiest men in the world, announced his plan to build a railway from Miami to Key West. Some laughed, some scoffed, and most agreed that it could not be done.

Eight years, three hurricanes, thirty million dollars, and hundreds of lives lost, Flagler proved them wrong.

Visit the museum and experience the thrill of riding down the Florida Keys in 1929 aboard the “railway that went to the sea”. Learn about the Key West Extension, and the tragic demise of Flagler’s dream in the devestating Labor Day hurricane of 1935.

Plan to spend at least 30 minutes to see all the exhibits.

Location: Corner of Caroline Street and Margaret Street.

Hours: Open every day, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Cost: $10.75 per adult, $5.38 per child (FREE if you have a ticket stub from the Conch Tour Train or the Old Town Trolley)

Key West Firehouse Museum

David Dlugitch — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 16:02:13 +0000

Fascinating stories of Key West’s firefighting history, the cigar industry, and devastating fires on the island

One of Key West’s earliest motorized fire trucks

Key West’s Old Town neighborhood is the largest collection of historic wooden structures in the United States. These treasured buildings, each dry as kindling, have survived for almost two-hundred years thanks to the brave and hard work of Key West’s fire departments.

The newly opened Key West Firehouse Museum, in the historic Firehouse No. 3 circa 1907 and one of the oldest firehouses in Florida, does an outstanding job of documenting the history and artifacts of the island’s fire departments.

The cigar industry is also prominently discussed. In the 1890’s, Key West made more cigars than the rest of the world combined, and fires had numerous impacts on the industry – and the town.

Interior of the Key West Firehouse Museum

In 1875, Key West created its first City fire department using a largely volunteer force. During the 19th century, Key West fought fires using salt water as it is more effective than fresh water in fighting fires. A system of wells and steam-driven pump trucks, developed in 1888, did a good job of keeping fires from spreading.

But there were two devastating fires in early Key West, and each led to advancements and investment in the island’s firefighting capabilities.

“The 1859 Fire”

Highlighted area shows the area burned in 1859

The first big fire was in 1859 when much of the commercial district at that time was burned to the ground. Started in a warehouse under suspicious circumstances, the fire was stopped only by the incredible action of one person, Henry Mulrennon. He saw the fire was likely to continue its march across town. With a keg of gun powder, he blew up his own house on the corner of Fitzpatrick and Greene Street (shown on the map to the right), thereby creating a fire break.

After this fire, the city mandated metal shingle roofs for newly built structures in this part of town.

But with the rest of the town still clad in wooden shingle roofs, an even larger fire was about to destroy nearly all of Key West.

“The Great Fire of 1886”

Destruction of the 1886 fire

The Great Fire of 1886 was Key West’s largest and most devastating fire. The blaze began in a cafe next to the San Carlos building on Duval Street, at the time a three story wooden structure where Cuban revolutionaries plotted the overthrow of Spain. Some believe it was Spanish loyalists who set fire to the San Carlos. Regardless who started it, within 12 hours forty-percent of the city had burned, including eighty-percent of the commercial area. Seven people died and fifteen were injured. Seventeen
cigar factories were destroyed. City Hall and most of its records were incinerated. The only thing that stopped the inferno was the Gulf of Mexico. The entire working shoreline burned to the ground.

Before 1940, there was no running household water in Key West. Instead, cisterns collected rain water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. The Key West Fire Station No. 3 had a roof-mounted cistern, and was the only place on the island where one could take a shower.

“Gato Fire”

In 1915, one of Key West’s largest cigar factories burned. Thanks to advancements in fire fighting capabilities, this fire was largely contained to the structure. The building was replaced with the stone and concrete structure on the corner of Simonton and Amelia Street. Today it is home to Monroe County’s offices, and its lobby has an excellent interpretive display of Key West’s cigar industry.

“Where is Bum Farto?”

Chief Joseph “Bum” Farto

Key West being Key West, its history is filled with colorful characters. Maybe none more so than Joseph “Bum” Farto, the chief of police from 1964-1975. Chief Farto’s father was the owner of Sloppy Joe’s building. The young Farto was known for hanging around the nearby fire house, and became adept at bumming change – hence the “Bum” nickname, considered by locals as one of endearment. In 1975, Bum was found guilty on serious narcotics charges, but refused to co-operate with authorities about
accomplices. Just before sentencing in 1976, Bum disappeared, setting off speculation. Had he been murdered by a criminal organization? Had he fled the country? Ten days after his disappearance, Bum Farto’s rental car was found in Miami. He has not been seen since. For years a headline, or t-shirt, often stated “Where is Bum Farto?” to the amusement of visitors and locals alike.

We highly suggest taking the time to visit the Key West Firehouse Museum.

Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm

Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per local, military, and First Responders, and FREE for children 12 years and under

Phone: 305-849-0678

Location: 1024 Grinnell Street (corner of Virginia St.)

| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Key West Aquarium

Things to Do Menu

Learn about Key West’s ocean eco-system and see local fish and invertebrates up close.

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

Things to Do Menu

Glass atrium alive with colorful butterflies and tropical birds. A walk through here is magic.

Conch Tour Train

Things to Do Menu

City tour that lazily winds its way throughout the historic quarter while pointing out Key West sites.

Old Town Trolley

Things to Do Menu

City tour which permits passengers to disembark at ten locations throughout the historic quarter.

Curry Mansion

Things to Do Menu

The ornate Curry Mansion was built by Florida’s first millionaire, William Curry.

Southernmost House

Things to Do Menu

One of the most striking examples of Queen Anne Victorian architectural style on in Key West.

Ernest Hemingway House

Museums Menu

Home of the author of For Whom the Bell Tolls, To Have and Have Not, and other famous works.

Shipwreck Historeum Museum

Musuems Menu

Learn about the wrecking industry during the 19th century, where captains raced to salvage ships run aground on the reef.

Flagler Station “Sails to Rails Museum”

Museums Menu

Train station for the Overseas Railroad, built by Henry Flagler and called the 8th wonder of the world.

Key West Firehouse Museum

Museums Menu

Fascinating stories of Key West’s firefighting history, the cigar industry, and devastating fires on the island

“The 1859 Fire”

“The Great Fire of 1886”

“Gato Fire”

“Where is Bum Farto?”