Whether you're planning a trip to Key West for the first time or you're planning to visit the famous island again, there are a few things you should know. For starters, this island is the southernmost point in the United States, and is also known for its coral reefs and pastel-hued conch-style houses.
Hemmingway House
Located in Key West, Florida, Hemingway House is a must-see attraction. This home is the former residence of American author Ernest Hemingway. The house was constructed of native limestone rock that was hewn into sturdy building blocks.
Hemingway and his wife, Pauline, lived in this house for almost ten years. Their time in Key West was a huge inspiration for the author's writing. In fact, the home is filled with memorabilia and literary works from the author's time there.
The home is located just a short walk from Duval Street. Visitors will enjoy the lush gardens and historic artifacts. They will also learn about the author's life through the museum's guided tours.
The home is a great place to see some of Hemingway's most memorable works. Visitors can also find out about the author's fishing trips in Cuba. There are even mounted fish from these trips in Hemingway's writing studio.
The home also contains a beautiful in-ground swimming pool, which was one of the first in-ground pools in Key West. Hemingway added it himself. Hemingway and his second wife Pauline insisted on adding a pool to the house. They also had an argument over the cost.
The home is also home to over 40 cats. These cats were bred by Ernest Hemingway. These cats are known as Hemingway cats or polydactyl cats. These cats are believed to be descendants of Hemingway's original six-toed cat Snowball.
Shipwreck Museum
Located in Key West, Florida, the Shipwreck Museum is a two-story re-creation of an 1850s warehouse. Its purpose is to tell the story of maritime history and the perils of high seas. It also mixes films and real artifacts to create an immersive experience. The museum is particularly fun for families and children.
One of the highlights of the museum is the 65-foot observation tower. Visitors can view the harbor and the surrounding area from the tower's vantage point. The tower also features a bell that alerts wreckers if a ship is about to sink.
The Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum is located in Mallory Square. It features artifacts from the wreck of the Isaac Allerton, a Spanish galleon that sank in 1856. The museum offers a tour every 20 minutes. During the tour, you will see artifacts from the Isaac Allerton ship, as well as a few other ships. The museum is open daily, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and is free to the public.
The Key West Shipwreck Museum is a fun place to visit for the whole family. It is also a great educational experience about pirate culture, shipwrecks and the perils of the high seas. The museum also has movie memorabilia and eye patches for visitors who may be too young to see the underwater footage.
The Isaac Allerton ship artifacts are quite interesting. These include the silver bar that was discovered from the Spanish galleon Atocha. In addition, there is a dollhouse replica and film memorabilia of the film "Reap the Wild Wind." The movie was based on a story by Key West author Thelma Strabel.
Historic Seaport
Located in the Historic Seaport District, the Historic Seaport in Key West is a twenty acre facility. This historic port has been the center of maritime trade and industry in Key West for over two centuries. With shops, restaurants, museums, and a variety of water excursions, this port has something for everyone.
The historic seaport of Key West has an intriguing history. Back in the 1800s, Key West was the hub of the sea sponge and turtle fisheries. These fisheries were profitable and employed thousands of people. The city of Key West was also the epicenter of the shrimping industry. The shrimping industry began in the early 1940s when a discovery of beds of shrimp in the western Gulf of Mexico brought new life to the town.
Visitors can also visit the Turtle Cannery Museum to learn more about the maritime industry. The museum features exhibits about conservation and the history of the Bight.
Another place to visit in Key West is the A&B Marina. This marina offers year round dockage and deep water. It is also centrally located to Old Town Key West.
Another popular restaurant in Key West is the Conch Republic Seafood, which offers fresh seafood and good service. They also have a spectacular view of the seaport. The restaurant also offers a variety of Caribbean-style dishes.
The Schooner Wharf Bar is a great spot to catch live music and have a drink. This waterfront bar has been in business since 1984. This bar has been featured in National Geographic's Food Journey.
Smathers Beach
Located on the southern shore of Key West, Smathers Beach offers two miles of pristine sandy shores. A wide, flat, and gradually sloping shoreline makes the beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or surfing. The sandy shoreline is lined with palm trees, providing a scenic backdrop for a day at the beach.
One of the best things to do at Smathers Beach is to rent a surfboard or paddle board. Local companies such as Sunset Watersports and Sunset Jetski & Waverunner Tours and Rentals offer surfboard, jet ski, and parasail rentals.
You can also rent kayaks and sailboats. The sidewalk between Smathers Beach and Roosevelt Boulevard is perfect for biking or jogging. In addition, there are numerous vendors selling drinks and food along the beach.
You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas. There are also restrooms at Smathers Beach. These are maintained by the local authorities.
In addition, Smathers Beach has volleyball courts and picnic areas. This beach is also good for fishing and windsurfing. The shallow, clear waters provide a perfect setting for swimming and snorkeling.
The beach is also home to numerous bars and restaurants. One of the best places to eat is La Trattoria Oceanside, which serves Italian cuisine. The beachfront restaurant has cozy, comfortable seating and a panoramic view of the ocean. They also have cocktails and wine on hand.
Smathers Beach is also a popular spring break destination. It's not as famous as other Florida spring break destinations, but it's still a great beach to visit. The beach can get crowded during peak seasons.
Higg's Beach
Located on the Atlantic shore of Key West, Higg's Beach is a popular public beach that offers a lot of fun activities. The pier at the eastern end of the beach is a popular spot to watch the sunset. During the day, lifeguards are on duty. This spot also offers great snorkeling.
In addition to the pier, Higg's Beach offers beach umbrellas, beach chairs, a playground, and volleyball courts. It also has a dog park and several restaurants. You can even rent paddle boards or a kayak.
Higg's Beach has a large section of white sand that has been imported from the Caribbean. The beach is also home to a large number of fish, including tarpon and manatees. The water is also clear, making it a great spot to swim.
Higg's Beach is also home to an underwater marine park, which is the only one of its kind in the United States. The park has a large number of coral formations, making it a good spot for snorkeling.
Higg's Beach has many attractions, including two children's play parks, a beach volleyball court, and a beach shower. It also has several restaurants and rental shops. This is a great spot for families or groups to relax.
Higg's Beach is also known for its historical sites. In fact, it is the only public beach on Key West that is on the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
Waterfront Playhouse Theater
Located on Mallory Square, the Waterfront Playhouse Theater is a quaint 150 seat venue that attracts locals and visitors alike. In addition to providing live performances, the theater also offers outreach programs to local children and adults. It is one of the few places in the Florida Keys where you can watch a play or musical without breaking the bank.
The venue also boasts a state of the art recording studio. The facility has two screening rooms that are available for public use. It also boasts a lounge that offers homemade treats and drinks.
The venue also has a lot of other things to offer, such as an outdoor nightly sunset celebration. Hundreds of people gather on the docks before the sun sets, and the performers entertain the crowd with their wares. The venue is also home to Florida's only presidential museum, and the little white house that has housed many presidents.
The Waterfront Playhouse also hosts the annual Plein Air Key West, which is a fun art event where participants display their art for the public to view. The venue is also home to the Key West Film Festival, which celebrates film as art. The festival is a volunteer organization.
The Waterfront Playhouse also features a small museum displaying artifacts from the history of the Florida Keys. This is a worthwhile experience, and the building is also open to the public on a daily basis.
