Explore Key West by bike, Golf Cart or Scooter. The dozens of many things to see and do on the island has given rise tho the cottage industry of rental bikes, scooters and carts. There are many stands located on or near hotel and resort properties. They make getting around the island not only convenient, but downright fun.
Beneath is a list of places to go…
Visit Fort Zachary Taylor at the westernmost point of the island. This historic fort was built in mid-1800s and was used during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. During the Civil War, it was occupied by Unio troops, the main role of the Fort was to serve as headquarters for the U.S. Navy’s East Gulf Coast blockade squadron. This squadron deterred numerous supply ships from reaching and leaving Confederate ports in the Gulf of Mexico. In the years that followed. Fort Taylor was again used during the Spanish-American War. Today the Fort is maintained by the United States Navy.
Guided tours are offered twice a day.
The park is open daily from 8am until sundown; the fort closes at 5pm. Admission for vehicles with two to eight passengers is $6.50; pedestrians and bicyclists pay $2.50 each; single-occupant vehicles or motorcycles pay $4.50.
Enjoy the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. Head over about an hour before sunset and become part of the nightly art and entertainment festival. Watch the various street performers, tour the stands of local artists selling their wares, listen to live music and dine on delicious street and food-truck fare.
Visit the Harry S.Truman Little White House. The Little White House was originally built in 1890 as naval command headquarters during the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. In 1946, President Harry Truman used this house as his winter vacation home and because he spent so many working vacations here, it became known as the Little White House. Today, the Little White House has been restored and turned into a museum. Guided house tours are included in the admission price, which costs $16.13 Tours, which are around 45 to 55 minutes long, are offered about every 20 minutes from 9am until 4:30pm daily.
Visit Ernest Hemingway’s former home — which he lived in for less than 10 years but owned until his death in 1961 — is located in Old Town and is now a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Literature buffs take note: Hemingway penned parts of some of his most famous works, including “A Farewell to Arms” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” in this very residence. The grand house itself is interesting, as it was one of the first in Key West to have indoor plumbing and a pool. Inside, the rooms contain memorabilia about Hemingway’s life and work. The house is open every day of the year from 9am to 5pm. Tickets include the guided tour and cost $13 for adults.
Visit the the Key West Cemetery which has been around since 1847 and is well worth at least a walk-through. The quirkiness of the city’s residents extends even to the grave. Tombstones in this 19-acre cemetery don’t wear the typical inscriptions. Instead, you’ll find epitaphs that reflect the island’s casual lifestyle. Some of the more well-known inscriptions include “I told you I was sick” and “At least I know where he’s sleeping tonight.” Free to the public.
Visit the James Audobon House. Whether you’re interested in colonial furniture, period architecture, tropical greenery or naturalist John James Audubon, you’ll find a host of curiosities at the Audubon House &Tropical Gardens. The Audubon House is open every day from 9:30am to 5pm. Admission for adults is $12.
Visit the Southernmost Point. One of the most popular things to do in Key West is to snap a photo with the colorful buoy marking the southernmost point of the United States. Sitting at the intersection of Whitehead and South streets, the striped buoy is just 90 miles north of Cuba. Next to it, you’ll also find a plaque dedicated to Cubans who have lost their lives trying to reach America.
Explore Historic Old Town Key West. See lush tropical gardens, quaint cottages and the Grand period architecture of many Victorian homes.
Tour Duval Street Street. Slowly meander your way up and down Duval visiting the many unique local shops, bars and restaurants.
