MALLORY SQUARE: Located on Wall Street in Key West’s historic Old Town, Mallory Square is a waterfront plaza just west of Duval Street. The square faces west towards the Gulf of Mexico, and because of this convenient location, its “Sunset Celebration” is one of the most popular things to see and do in Key West. Every evening about two hours before the sun begins to set, hundreds of tourists gather here to watch the beautiful sunset and to enjoy exhibits of arts and crafts, taste what the food vendors have to offer, and see street performers like clowns, jugglers, magicians, and local musicians. This tradition began in the 1960s, and the fun parties for which the area is famous still take place every day.
HARRY S. TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE: This Little White House started its life in 1890 as the headquarters of the command of the naval station during the Spanish-American War. It served the same function during both world wars. In 1946, the building became President Harry S. Truman’s winter White House. Later presidents have also used it as a place to rest and unwind. While the house is still used by the country’s leaders as a retreat and a business venue, it is also a museum open to the public. The Harry S. Truman Little White House is one of the best things to do in Key West FL for history buffs. Guided tours provide more information about the presidency of Harry S. Truman. Address: 111 Front Street.
AUDUBON HOUSE & TROPICAL GARDENS: This is a beautiful mansion that was built in 1840 for Captain John Huling Geiger and his family. Geiger made his fortune in the shipwreck industry, which flourished during that time period. Today it serves as a museum that shows the way of life of a wealthy Key West family during the late 19th century. The house features unique period furniture, as well as an extensive collection of hand-painted original lithographs of famous naturalist John James Audubon. Don’t miss the lush, wonderful tropical gardens. Address: 205 Whitehead Street.
FUN IN THE SUN CHARTERS & BOAT RENTALS: There is a large part of a Key West visit that can really only be experienced from the water. Sunset cruises, dolphin watching, island hopping, sandbar trips, fishing, bird watching and snorkeling are a few of these activities. Fun in the Sun Charters & Boat Rentals will take you on exciting adventures in one of their fast and comfortable boats to explore little hidden Key West coves and unforgettable bays. The boats accommodate a maximum of six passengers, and the excursions last from two and half hours to six hours depending on the adventure you choose.
LLOYD´S TROPICAL BIKE TOUR: If you book a guided bike trip with Lloyd, you will be taken on an informative, unpredictable and entertaining two hours of easy biking along flat Key West Streets. The tours start every morning at 9:45 and leave from Moped Hospital on Truman Avenue. Lloyd will make sure you see practically everything Key West has to offer. You will visit the Key West Wildlife Center, private secret gardens belonging to his friends and interesting old houses owned and/or used by various celebrities. Lloyd will tell you lots of stories along the way, introduce you to local characters and let you taste some of the fruits that are in season. You won´t stop moving during this tour, but you will probably love every minute of it. Address: 601 Truman Avenue.
DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK: For history buffs, a visit to this national park with its spectacular 19th Century Fort Jefferson is a must. The park, which consists mostly of water and seven small islands, is located about 110 kilometers (70 miles) from Key West. It lies in beautiful blue waters surrounded by a variety of coral reefs visible from the surface and lots of marine life. There is also a large colony of migratory and tropical birds. A 45-minutes guided tour of the Fort will teach you about the history before you take a walk along around the park for spectacular views of the surrounding reefs and sea life. Bring swimwear! Snorkeling and swimming are available in designated areas. A ferry sails between Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park.
KEY WEST SEAPLANE ADVENTURES: This company located at Key West International Airport offers air service to Dry Tortugas National Park for anyone who doesn´t want to go by ferry. The pilots take you on sightseeing tours that begin with a view over Key West before continuing the 70 miles flight to Dry Tortugas, the last islands that make up the Florida Keys chain. On the narrated flight, you are given a headset and a window seat. The latter is important because you often see dolphins, rays, sharks or turtles visible from the air before the pilot makes a safe water landing.
LAZY DOG ADVENTURES: If you feel the need for some action on the water, Lazy Dog Adventures, located at the Hurricane Hole Marina, offer a fleet of kayaks, paddleboards and all sorts of snorkel equipment. Members of the crew will take on guided tours of mangroves and waterways, give you introductory paddleboard lessons if you so desire or provide you with a map and point you in the right direction if you want to create your itinerary.
WILD ABOUT DOLPHINS: Located on Peninsular Avenue at the Key West Harbor Marina on Stock Island, the island just east of Key West, Wild About Dolphins is a tour that will both teach you about local wild bottled-nosed dolphins and let you have close encounters with them. Captain Sheri Sullenger leads the tours on a boat called “Amazing Grace,” taking you to the natural habitat of the dolphins, the “Dolphin Playground.” Here you get to swim and snorkel in the shallow reefs while seeing all kinds of exotic marine life.
LAGERHEADS BEACH BAR: Key West is not famous for its beaches, but when you arrive at Lagerheads you´ll see sandy white beaches, endless ocean views and a little beach bar under an umbrella. This is the place where locals hang out, exchange stories and eat seafood straight from the sea. The food is what you want from a beach bar, fresh, simple and just delicious. A tip: the fish tacos are legendary. At Lagerheads you can rent snorkeling and/or fishing gear. The place also offers boat tours to fish or watch dolphins. Address: 1 Simonton Street.