Museums & Historic Sites
History here doesn’t hide—it strolls the streets, sails the waters, and lingers in lighthouses, forts, and railways. Museums and historic sites across the Florida Keys tell stories of shipwrecks, pioneers, and a railroad that once seemed impossible. Wander through homes of famous writers, climb old fort walls, or step into tiny museums bursting with artifacts. Each stop layers new depth onto the turquoise backdrop. These listings will guide you to the places where past and present meet—sometimes quirky, often surprising, always unforgettable.
Fred the Tree: The Florida Keys’ ‘Celebri-Tree’
Fred the Tree — the Florida Keys’ beloved, thriving and resolute “celebri-tree” that grows improbably on the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge — is a movie star.
Ernest Hemingway
Learn about Ernest Hemingway, his literary reputation and his larger-than-life persona. Credited with establishing Key West as a literary haven, Hemingway left a legacy that remains vibrant today.
Key West African Cemetery
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a memorial honors the African Burial Ground at Higgs Beach.
Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad
On Jan. 22, 1912, when Ruby Whitlock was eight years old, she watched the arrival of the first train that ever traveled down the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad tracks from mainland Florida to Key West.
Henry Flagler: Railroad Visionary
Henry Morrison Flagler never lived in the Florida Keys, but he left a lasting and valuable mark on the island chain.
Filters
Key West
San Carlos Institute
San Carlos Institute — Cuban heritage museum & cultural center in Key West, where history, art, and independence converge.
Key Largo
Mike Forster Memorial Park
A small county kayak and skiff ramp on the bayside at mile marker 95.2, with six trailer spaces, a picnic table and nothing else. Parking is tight, nonresidents pay by app, and the neighborhood streets carry $200 fines.
Key West
Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
Discover the only frost-free tropical garden in the continental US—serene, native, and full of life!
Key West
The Historic Armory
One of the few armories built in the South after the Civil War, and an unusual wood-frame one at that, this 1903 landmark on White Street has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971. Twelve artist studios fill the second floor and Fringe Theater performs on the first.
Key West
Elizabeth Bishop House & Garden
Elizabeth Bishop House — historic home of poet Elizabeth Bishop in Key West, where literary heritage meets island charm.
Key West
Fort East Martello Museum
Explore Civil War history, unique art, and the eerie legend of Robert the Doll at Fort East Martello Museum.
Key West
Shipwreck Museum
Step back into Key West’s maritime past through shipwrecks, artifacts, and a 65-ft lookout tower at the Key West Shipwreck Museum.
USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum
USCGC Ingham Memorial Museum — historic Coast Guard cutter & floating maritime museum in Key West, where legends of service meet immersive history.
Marathon
Marathon Air Museum
Join EAA Chapter 1241 in Marathon, FL—where aviation passion takes flight!
Islamorada
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park — a unique blend of geology, history and nature trails in Islamorada.
Key West
Williams Hall
A 1912 Methodist sanctuary at Fleming and William streets, restored over two years and reopened as a multi-denominational church with programs for teens and older adults. Its Unity Table teaching kitchen puts on community dinners led by chef Martha Hubbard.
