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.
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Key West
Shrimp Boat Sound Studio
Shrimp Boat Sound Studio — historic recording studio in Key West, where legends like Jimmy Buffett made music in a humble, iconic space.
Key West
Key West Aquarium
Explore Key West Aquarium's vibrant marine life and interactive touch tanks!
Marathon
Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trails
Crane Point Museum & Nature Center in Marathon is a 63-acre nature preserve featuring tropical hardwood hammock trails, a natural history museum, wildlife exhibits, and kayak rentals.
Islamorada
Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
Explore Florida Keys' rich history, marine life, and local art at this interactive discovery center.
Key West
Sunset Pier
Ocean Key Legacy Resort & Bar — iconic Key West destination featuring the famed Sunset Pier with cocktails, live music & nightly views.
Key West
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
KeysArts — the Florida Keys Council of the Arts nonprofit promoting local galleries, public art, festivals, events, and cultural experiences throughout the Florida Keys.
Key West
Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower
Tropical garden paradise by the sea at the historic West Martello Tower—free-admission gardens, beach views, volunteer-run, perfect for nature lovers in Key West.
Marathon
St. Columba Episcopal Church
St. Columba Episcopal Church — a vibrant community hub serving Marathon, Florida Keys.
Key West
Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum
Explore Key West's historic firehouse museum with unique artifacts and fun tours!
Key West
Key West Ghost Tours: Southernmost Shadows and Ghosts
Discover Key West’s haunted history with a chilling walking ghost tour through cursed graveyards, eerie historic sites, and stories of restless spirits in the heart of Old Town.
Marathon
Marathon Air Museum
Join EAA Chapter 1241 in Marathon, FL—where aviation passion takes flight!
Key West
Key West Turtle Museum
Discover sea turtle conservation, interactive exhibits, and local marine education at the Key West Turtle Museum—where every visit helps protect our ocean’s gentle giants.
