Key West attractions

Once a Second World War transport ship, the Vandenberg now lies on the seafloor, south of Key West. Scuttled in 2009, the 522-foot (159-meter ship has become a home for sea life, and a popular destination for scuba divers. In addition to the ship itself, divers are likely to see barracuda, groupers, and a wide range of corals here.

Dating back to 1847, the sprawling Key West Cemetery is filled with fascinating history and makes an excellent stop on a tour of the Floridian island city’s off-the-beaten-path spots. As many as 100,000 people are buried there (far more than the population of Key West), and it harbors countless stories.

Featuring spectacular views of the Florida Bay and the Atlantic, this 113-mile (182-kilometer highway crosses a necklace of islands and 42 bridges from Key Largo to Key West. Along the way, find turquoise water, postcard-perfect beaches, and swaying palm trees, along with the kind of kitschy roadside attractions found only in Florida.

Hard Rock Key West is in the center of the island action on Duval Street. It serves up American fare and features plenty of rock ’n’ roll memorabilia—similar to the chain’s other locations, but here it's with a tropical twist. When you dine al fresco on the patio, enjoy a hearty helping of ocean breeze along with live entertainment.

Butterflies from across the globe flutter through this enclosed conservatory, one of Key West’s most colorful attractions. A garden-like space offers lush habitat for dozens of species, and there’s an on-site learning center devoted to the migratory monarch butterfly. Along with the butterflies, find artworks and educational exhibits here.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church enjoys a prominent location on Key West’s busy Duval Street. But even without this enviable piece of real estate, the church would be hard to miss. On sunny days, its white exterior stands out brilliantly against the bright blue Key West sky. Inside, you’ll find a peaceful sanctuary from the bustling city.

The Key West cruise port is the gateway to America’s southernmost city, where pristine nature meets quirky culture and history. The cruise terminal is walking distance from many top attractions in the compact center of Key West and is a convenient starting point for exploring the city’s neighborhoods, beaches, and nightlife.

A pretty church surrounded by a grotto and a garden with the Stations of the Cross, the 1905 Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea is on the National Register of Historic Places. Palm trees flank the American Victorian exterior, and inside the airy white church is a magnificent stained glass window that was installed in 1907.

Find masses of tropical blooms and lush foliage in this beautiful garden on the site of West Martello Tower, a military site built during the Civil War. Combining historic architecture with beautiful plants, the garden also has narrow paths that are perfect for a leisurely stroll away from Duval Street crowds.

Covering the western half of Key West, the island’s Historic District—also known as Old Town—is a trove of 19th-century Caribbean and European architecture. Its six square miles (16 square kilometers) encompasses almost 200 historic buildings, including mansions, a landmark theater, the Old Customs House, and the Key West Lighthouse.

Not far from Key West, Sand Key Reef is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. A red, iron lighthouse built in1853 reigns over this Sanctuary Preservation Area, and the coral reef is within 1.5 meters (five feet) of the surface in some areas, making it an effortless site for snorkelers of all skill levels.

Commonly referred to simply as Higgs Beach, this stretch of sand on the Atlantic Ocean in Key West features the Reynolds Street Pier, a Civil War–era fort, and memorial sites. Visitors head here for swimming and snorkeling, as well as sunbathing, beach volleyball, tennis, and pickleball. Because of its fine sandy beaches and shallow water, Higgs Beach is considered ideal for families with small children.