The history and culture of Key West can be found everywhere. As you stroll down Whitehead Street you will pass the Hemingway and the Lighthouse Museum, the Custom House, the Shipwreck Museum – there is so much to learn about Key West’s history and the culture that makes this island appealing for everyone.

African Slave Cemetery (1000 Atlantic Blvd.) Located on Higgs Beach, this burial site memorializes 295 Africans who died on the shores of Key West after being rescued by the US Navy in 1860 and diverted the ships to Key West. The grave site is marked by pillars that are carved with symbols of West African proverbs.

Audubon House & Tropical Gardens (205 Whitehead St.)
The beautiful garden offers visitors a lush 1-acre view of orchids, bromeliads, and other tropical foliage, an herb garden and 1840-style nursery. The house, which is a restored three level Captains home, has many antique furnishings purchased from estate sales and auctions in Europe. The gallery features a unique collection of Audubon art and prints including the limited edition of Birds of the Florida Keys.

Fort East Martello Museum (3501 South Roosevelt Blvd.) Located across from Smathers Beach by the Key West airport, this Civil War watch tower was constructed in 1862 by the US Army to defend against a possible Confederate attack by sea. Visitors can explore the preserved collection of Civil War relics, learn about the early days of wrecking and cigar making and view a collection of sculptures by artist Stanley Papio. And do not miss meeting the ‘ghosts of East Martello,’ and see the famous Robert the Doll.

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum (907 Whitehead Street) Visit the home of Ernest Hemingway, who lived and wrote in Key West for more than a decade. Hemingway loved the water off the Florida Keys and traveled and lived for many years of his life between Key West and Cuba (only 90 miles away). Do not miss taking a tour of his Key West home and learn about the most prolific period of his Nobel Prize writing career. Visitors will also see the famous 6 toes cats that freely roam the grounds.

Historic Seaport Harbor Walk (William St. to Greene St.) Known as the Key West Bight, you can walk along the meandering wooden walkway along the harbor that winds from above the foot of William Street to Greene Street. This area was a working fishing harbor until about 20 years ago and this was where the shrimp boats docked and the fishermen un-loaded their catch. Now you will pass marinas, an eclectic array of island shops, restaurants and unique bars. This is the area where you will likely leave for a sunset cruise, snorkel trip, or dive boat.

Key West Aids Memorial (1000 Atlantic Blvd.) Located on the White Street Pier, the Memorial is a tribute to the people who have died of aids. There are over a thousand names inscribed into the monuments at the walkway approaching the White Street Pier that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

Key West Cemetery (701 Pauline St.) The Key West Cemetery is a 19-acre cemetery at the foot of Solares Hill and it is estimated that as many as 100,000 people are buried there. It is well worth a stroll through this historic landmark and check out the interesting grave markers and the U.S.S. Maine Memorial Site.

Key West Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters Museum (938 Whitehead St.) The current lighthouse opened in 1848 with a woman as its keeper (nearly unheard of in the 19th century). In the following years, the lighthouse underwent several upgrades and added the Keeper’s Quarters and finally the electrification of the light. Now it stands as a reminder of Key West’s maritime heritage. Visitors can walk up the 88 steps to the top of the light and explore the photos and memories of the lighthouse Keepers and their families.

Tennessee Williams Museum (513 Truman Ave.) Tennessee Williams, one of America’s foremost playwrights, called the island of Key West ‘home’ for over thirty years (1941 until his death in 1983). In 1950 he bought the house at 1431 Duncan Street that was his home for 34 years. Visitors to our city and locals are invited to tour this educational and historic exhibit. They can enjoy and learn about Williams’ literary accomplishments and life in Key West through an extensive collection of photographs, first edition plays and books, rare newspaper and magazine articles, videos, a typewriter used by the author while writing in Key West and other artifacts on display.

The Custom House (281 Front St.) this four-story incredible work of architecture, built in 1891, originally served as Key West’s custom office, postal service, and court house. It was built to keep up with the increasing population when maritime wrecking made Key West the richest city, per capita, in the U.S.A. Today it stands proudly as a museum and the home of the Key West Art and Historical Society.

The Harry S. Truman Little White House (111 Front St.) The Little White House is the State of Florida’s only presidential site. It was originally constructed in 1890 as naval officers housing and has had several famous visitors including Thomas Edison and several Presidents. And it was the winter White House of Harry Truman who spent 175 days of his presidency here from 1946 through 1952. Truman faced the rebuilding of Europe, the Palestine question, issues of Civil Rights and our response to the Cold War. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour and will see original furniture, photos and memorabilia from the Truman period.

The Key West Shipwreck Museum (1 Whitehead St.) This museum, which is a recreation of a 19th century warehouse, combines actors, films and actual artifacts to tell the story of 400 years of shipwreck salvage in the Florida Keys.

The Oldest House Museum (322 Duval St.) Built in 1829, the oldest house in Key West features family portraits and original furnishings, as well as other period pieces, ship models, and documents telling the story of old Key West. In the rear of the house is a spacious, peaceful garden, where benches invite you to sit and reflect. There, you will see the only surviving Cook House in South Florida.

Key West offers an eclectic variety of shopping options and most are locally owned. You will find boutique shops throughout Old Town Key West that sells everything from clothing to art, pottery, jewelry, gifts and Key West memorabilia. OKW’s Galleria is a great place to start to find unique Cuban art and other gifts.

Besame Mucho (315 Petronia St.) located in Bahama Village, this eclectic boutique is wonderfully curated and includes bath & body products, candles and houseware, jewelry and unique gifts.

Commotion (800 Caroline St.) – located in the Key West waterfront area, this boutique offers casually elegant women’s clothing & jewelry at the Red Doors historical building.

Hands On Gallery (1206 Duval St.) – Boutique store selling handmade art-to-wear clothing collections, original accessories, and handcrafted jewelry.

Emerald’s International (104 Duval St.) – “The Emerald… a Romance That Never Ends!” Your local source for all your jewelry needs from custom design & engraving, to repairs.

La Rubia Panama Hats – (1075 Duval St.) – La Rubia is a destination boutique located on world-famous Duval Street in the heart of Old Town Key West. Drop in for a personalized hat fitting and learn the history of the legendary Panama hat that will keep you cool, shielded from the sun and add a stylish flair to your wardrobe.

Local Color (276 Margaret St.) – Located in the Key West Bight, this store sells tropical inspired clothing & accessories and designer jewelry.

Madda Fella Ocean Key Boutique (2 Duval St.) – This chic boutique located within Ocean Key House Hotel sells decor from around the tropics and apparel to fit for styles from beach to boat.

Neptune Designs (301 Duval St.) – Long-established jewelry shop specializing in custom designs, plus repair & cleaning services.

Our Key West Galleria (613 Simonton St.) – Check out the unique selection of gifts, local art and hand crafts at this charming old town gallery and shop.

SeaSister Island Gallery (303 Duval St) – Specializes in high-end contemporary visual art.

Soul House (600 Frances St.) located in old town Key West, this elegant boutique is beautifully curated and sells jewelry (Phillipe Spencer), scarves (cashmere), home decor, accessories and apparel.

The Angling Company (333 Simonton St.) – this store sells everything you need for fishing the backcountry and apparel for your next outdoor adventure with top-end brands like Under Armour, Columbia, and Simms.

The Greeen House Dispenseries (211 Duval St., 431 Front St., 523 Duval St., 925 Duval St., &  3128 N Roosevelt Blvd) – a popular cannabis dispensary in Key West that specializes in legal THC and CBD products. It is particularly known among tourists because it does not require a medical marijuana card to shop there.

Tucker’s Provisions (611 Duval St.) – Part general, part dry goods store, Tucker’s Provisions provides gifts and apparel for kids and adults for fishing outings, beach days and nights out on the town.

Vignette (526 Southard St.) – a locally owned Key West boutique for women selling beautiful clothing and accessories.

Art galleries are scattered throughout Key West and Stock Island, and they are a great way to familiarize yourself with local artists. The Studios of Key West has a gallery and rotating exhibitions at their space on Eaton Street. There are also several monthly art walks, such as Walk on White (held the third Thursday each month). And many local artists such as David Wegman and Helen Harrison encourage visitors to stop by their studios to see their latest works of art.

Take a Self-Guided Gallery Stroll

Old Town Key West is host to many fantastic galleries. We have pulled a few special ones out to highlight our favorites.

1. OurKeyWest Welcome Lounge, Gallery & Gift Shop: 613 Simonton Street. Stop in at this creative space for guests and locals to experience the history, art, and local activities that make Key West a compelling community in which to live and visit. The Lounge & Galleria features original art and craft works by local Key Westers and Cuban artists. www.ourkeywest.com
2. Gallery on Greene: 606 Greene Street. Emphasis on authentic, historic, museum
   quality regional art, director-led legal Cuba art tours, 37 artists including Mario Sanchez, Peter Vey, MacNelly, DePoo, Feuerman, Copley, Fabelo, Mendive. Inspiration for casual buyers and serious collectors.
3. Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House: 281 Front Street. Experience two floors of exhibitions that weave together two centuries of history, art, people, and events.
4. SeaSister Island Gallery: 303 Duval Street. Specializes in high-end contemporary visual art.
5. Harrison Gallery: 825 White St. Helen Harrison and musician-author Ben Harrison opened their studio/gallery in 1986. Featuring a select group of fine artists and Helen’s unique sculptures. Slightly off the beaten path – “Ring the Bell.”

From waterfront bars and neighborhood favorites to major concert venues, live music fills Key West every day of the week. Looking for festivals, concerts, and special events? Explore our Key West Events Calendar.

⭐ Our Picks This Week is OurKeyWest’s exclusive weekly guide to the island’s best festivals, events, activities, and live music—curated by locals and updated every week. Follow us on Facebook each Monday for the latest edition!

Iconic venues like Sloppy Joe’s and the Green Parrot regularly feature talented local and touring musicians, while favorites such as Willie T’s, Sunset Tiki Bar & Grill, and Hog’s Breath Saloon showcase performers like Zach Seemiller, Tony Baltimore, Larry Baeder, and many more.

If you’re looking for nationally touring artists, larger venues including the Key West Theater and the Coffee Butler Amphitheater host concerts by acclaimed performers such as Willie Nelson, The Avett Brothers, Grace Potter, and other top acts throughout the year.

Our Top Picks for Live Music:

Rams Head Southernmost – Local fusion cuisine along with Caribbean cocktails in a tropical setting.
Live Music Daily 4-7, Sat & Sun 12-3.  Happy Hour 4-7pm M-F, Blood Mary Bar available all day. amsheadsouthernmost.com

The EmPOURium – The Backyard Bar is a tropical oasis just inches off Duval St. With weekly live music, special events, and plenty of covered space to kick off your shoes and relax, it’s the perfect destination for drinking, dancing, singing, and all around frivolity. Welcome to the largest bar in Key West, y’all! 618 Duval Street. Wed-Sat: 5 PM – 12 AM. www.empouriumkeywest.com/backyard

General Horseplay – Great drinks, yummy eats, tasty beers, world wines, and tomfoolery. Ooen Mon-Fri 3PM-2AM • Sat & Sun 12PM-2AM. Back Bar open Mon-Sun 7PM-close. 423 Caroline St. generalhorseplay.com

Green Parrot – No Sniveling since 1890. The Green Parrot is more than a bar; it is a Key West icon; it is Key West! Enjoy Happy Hour Specials, live music, and eclectic crowds at this one-of-a-kind Key West saloon. You can check their music schedule on their website below. greenparrot.com

Key West Theater – Performing arts theater hosting concerts, theatrical productions, and comedy acts in an intimate setting. thekeywesttheater.com

Sloppy Joe’s Bar – Iconic Key West bar since 1933. One of the most famous bars in America is located on the corner of Duval & Greene. Good food, live music all day & night, 365 days a year. Still the best party in town. sloppyjoes.com

Rick’s & Durty Harry’s Bar – Happening nightspot complex with themed areas ranging from a lounge to a dance club to live music. The Dirtbags play nightly at Dirty Harry’s stage nightly. www.ricksbarkeywest.com

Irish Kevin’s -Lively Irish pub with nightly music, an expansive stout list & an eclectic pub-grub menu. irishkevins.com

Hogsbreath -This popular open-air pub provides bar food on a covered outdoor patio plus live music & dancing. hogsbreath.com/keywest

Willie T’s – Live music and people watching right on Duval street. This outdoor venue offers full meals and some of the best live music on the island. williets.com

Key West has live theaters, wonderfully curated small bookstores, and many other venues where you can experience unique theater, art and music.

Theaters:
Red Barn Theater
Waterfront Playhouse
Key West Theater
Tennessee Williams
Fringe Theater

Literature:
Key West Literary Festival
Tennessee Williams Museum

Bookstores:
OurKeyWest Gallery & Gift Store
Books & Books
Key West Island Bookstore

Art, Events, Exhibitions & Classes:
The Studios of Key West

Rum Fest – Experience the ultimate island celebration at Key West Rum Fest! Enjoy tastings from top rum brands, live music, tropical cocktails, and vibrant island vibes in the heart of the Florida Keys.

Comedy Clubs:
Comedy Key West

Live Music Venues:
Key West Theater
Coffee Butler Amphitheater

🌴 Key West Nightlife

Key West is known for its lively nightlife, with a vibrant mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues—especially along Duval Street. But some of the best spots are tucked just off the main strip, from laid-back dive bars with great music to waterfront favorites perfect for sunset cocktails.

🍹 Our Favorite Bars

Rams Head Southernmost Café & Bloody Mary Bar
The Backyard Bar
The Karaoke Lounge at The EmPourium
Afterdeck Bar at Louie’s Backyard
General Horseplay Cocktails & Tomfoolery
Green Parrot Bar
The Roost
HiNote

🍷 Wine Bars We Love

Grand Vin
The Gardens Hotel
HiNote
The Roost
VIV Wine Bistro
Vino’s Wine Bar
Virgilio’s

🎤 Karaoke Spots

The Karaoke Lounge at The EmPourium
Rick’s Downstairs
Aqua Nightclub

💃 Drag Shows & Cabaret

Aqua Nightclub
801 Bourbon Bar
La Te Da
The Birdcage Cabaret

🎶 Dance Clubs

Sidebar at 504
Rick’s Upstairs

Our Favorite Places to Eat in Key West

Key West is known for its wide variety of dining options—from white tablecloth restaurants to open-air picnic tables serving fresh seafood, Key lime pie, and everything in between.

Our Top Picks

Blue Heaven
An iconic Key West landmark known for Floridian-Caribbean cuisine, live music, and legendary Key lime pie in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Breakfast & Lunch 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM • Dinner 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 729 Thomas Street

Doc’s on Duval
Combines a cowboy-inspired aesthetic with classic Southern comfort food. Inspired by the wanderer Doc Holliday, the venue is known for its BBQ, burgers, and seafood served in a multi-level space right on the island’s iconic main thoroughfare.
11 AM – 11 PM
📍708 Duval Street

Louie’s Backyard
A hidden gem just off Duval, offering waterfront dining with stunning Atlantic views. Enjoy fine seafood downstairs or tapas and cocktails on the Upper Deck.
Lunch 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM • Dinner 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM • Afterdeck Bar until 11:30 PM
📍 700 Waddell Street

Hot Tin Roof
A relaxed yet elegant waterfront restaurant featuring “conch-fusion” cuisine—blending Florida, Caribbean, and Latin flavors with incredible sunset views.
Breakfast & Lunch 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM • Dinner 6:00 PM – 9:15 PM
📍 Ocean Key Resort, 0 Duval Street

Rams Head Southernmost Café
A lively local favorite with island-inspired cuisine, tropical cocktails, and daily live music in a laid-back setting.
Open daily 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (until 11:00 PM select nights)
📍 804 Whitehead Street

Café Sole
A tucked-away French bistro serving refined cuisine in an intimate Old Town setting—beloved by locals since 1995.
Dinner 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
📍 1029 Southard Street

Dragon & Rooster
A modern Asian bistro in the heart of Key West, known for bold, vibrant flavors and a fun, contemporary atmosphere.
📍 626 Duval Street

Kaya Island Eats
A unique blend of Caribbean and Pacific flavors with a relaxed island vibe and creative menu.
📍 618 Duval Street

☕ Breakfast on the Go & Cuban Coffee

Five Brothers Sandwich Shop • Cuban Coffee Queen • Keys Coffee Co.

✨ More Local Favorites

Breakfast & Brunch
Blue Heaven • La Grignote • Sarabeth’s • Moondog Café • Breakfast Club Too

Lunch
Salute! On The Beach • El Siboney • Conch Republic Seafood • La Pincha • Doc’s on Duval

Dinner
Nine One Five • Bagatelle • Miso Happy • Santiago’s Bodega • A&B Lobster House

🌊 Dining by Category

Oceanside Dining
Louie’s Backyard • Four Marlins • Bistro 245 • A&B Lobster House • Hot Tin Roof • Latitudes • Salute on the Beach!

Casual Beach Bars
Salute! On The Beach • Southernmost Beach Café • Lagerheads Beach Bar • Galleon Tiki Bar

Lobster, Stone Crab & Conch 
Half Shell Raw Bar • Alonzo’s Oyster Bar • Hogfish Bar & Grill • Conch Republic Seafood Company• La Pincha

Key Lime Pie
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

Pizza
Roostica • Clemente’s • Onlywood Grill • Duetto’s

Gluten-Free Options
Mangia Mangia • Banana Café • The Flaming Buoy • Latitudes • Blue Heaven • Prime Steakhouse • A&B Lobster House • Little Pearl • Date & Thyme • Sugar Apple

Vegetarian Options
Date & Thyme • Sugar Apple • The Café

Dessert
Better Than Sex • Blue Heaven • Santiago’s Bodega • Kermit’s Key Lime Pie

Key West has two public parks with tennis courts and one park with pickleball courts. The Bayview Tennis Courts have a tennis pro that offers private lessons or it is easy to get a pick up game. The Key West Golf Club, located a few miles from downtown, is an 18-hole Rees Jones Championship course and open to the public. With water all around you, there are lots of options for swimming in the ocean however you can also swim laps at the MLK Community Center Pool with dedicated lap swimming from 9-11 am daily.

Tennis & Pickelball Courts:
Higgs Beach Park (1000 Atlantic Blvd) – 3 Tennis Courts and 6 Pickleball Courts located near Higgs Beach (courts are not lighted). * paddle rentals available at ourkeywest.com
Bayview Tennis Courts (1320 Truman Ave) – 5 lighted hard courts available on a first come first serve basis – it is easy to pick up a game.
Island City Tennis (1320 Truman Ave) – private or group tennis instruction available at Bayview Park Tennis Courts. Call: 305-294-1346

Golf Courses:
Key West Golf Club (6450 College Rd) – 18-hole Championship Course.

Swimming Pool:
MLK Community Swimming Pool (300 Catherine Street) – Community swimming pool open daily from 9 am-5:45 pm. Lap swimming from 9-11 and open swim from 11 am – 5:45 pm.

Key West is the perfect place to indulge in unique spa treatments like the Vibrational Sound Healing Massage and rejuvenating hydration therapy. You will find many options with a focus on health and wellness including yoga, massage, spa treatments, hydration therapy, acupuncture, wellness cafés and much more.

Spa & Wellness:
Spa Terre Day Spa – call 305-290-2049 for appointments.

Hydration Therapy: IVs in the Keys (531 Whitehead St) – a wellness spa offering hydration, medication and vitamins through IV.

Yoga:
Shakti Yoga Studio
Key West Yoga Sanctuary -For private classes, call 305-290-2049

Health 

Dr Jack Norris (1010 Kennedy Dr., Ste 402) – Healthcare Concierge – Personalized Access to Your Physician

Key West Urgent Care (1501 Government Rd) – Offers convenient access to health care you can trust when you need it most. After all, a sudden onset of symptoms or minor accidents never happens on schedule. Walk-ins are accepted all day, every day, in a clean and friendly environment. We have plenty of free parking for the convenience of our customers.

Lower Keys Medical Center (5900 College Rd.) – Local Key West Emergency Room & Hospital