Arts & Culture
In The Florida Keys, creativity flows as freely as the tides. From galleries filled with local paintings and sculptures to theaters, dance, live music, and street festivals, the islands wear their artistry in full color. Key West has long lured writers, dreamers, and free spirits, while each destination brings its own twist—think outdoor art walks, history museums, and quirky roadside treasures. Whether you’re browsing studios or catching a play, culture here feels refreshingly unbuttoned, sun-soaked, and impossible to forget.
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History
Creators
Keys Arts
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The Past in the Present
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.
Wrecking in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys’ shipwreck salvage history began with the 19th-century wreckers who saved passengers and cargo from sinking ships.
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.
Key West African Cemetery
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a memorial honors the African Burial Ground at Higgs Beach.
Performing Arts
The Florida Keys inspires creativity across all genres: music and literary, stage and screen, studio and structure. Experience performances and installations here today, and learn about the creators of yesteryear who drew inspiration from our island paradise.
Live Music
Music is part of the rhythm of life in The Florida Keys & Key West. From waterfront tiki bars and open-air patios to intimate lounges and lively...
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.
Jimmy Buffett
For millions around the world, the words Key West and Jimmy Buffett are nearly synonymous. He lived in the island city during some of his most productive years—developing the “tropical rock” style and laid-back persona that helped make him a world-renowned musical icon.
Tennessee Williams
Did you know that internationally renowned playwright Tennessee Williams lived in Key West for more than 30 years? During his time here, he completed "Summer and Smoke" and wrote "Night of the Iguana" among other works.
Famous Musicians Inspired by The Florida Keys
Bob Dylan loves Key West. In fact, the legendary singer-songwriter immortalizes it as “the enchanted land” and “land of light”. Others from the Keys include country superstars Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith.
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts is the driving force behind much of the cultural heartbeat of the islands, working to celebrate and share the region's creativity with both residents and visitors.
The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys
Visual art and music by top Florida Keys talents are to take center stage during the Connections Project.
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts is the driving force behind much of the cultural heartbeat of the islands, working to celebrate and share the...
15 Ways to Experience Arts in Key West
Long a haven for writers, artists, and dreamers, Key West continues to inspire with its sun-soaked streets, storied past, and vibrant creative spirit.
‘Islands of the Arts’ Sculpture Trail
You can find visual artistry almost everywhere in the Florida Keys: in palm-fringed shorescapes beside the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, orange...
They Built the Keys
Dreamers and doers. Leaders and legends. The Keys wouldn't be the same without them, and you'll see their impact woven throughout our islands. In museums, at festivals, on the walls of bars, and in food and drink inspired by their vision.
Mel Fisher
Legendary shipwreck salvor Mel Fisher, who found the wreck of the 1622 Spanish galleon Atocha, was one of Key West's most colorful and inspirational characters.
President Harry S. Truman Little White House
“My grandfather once said that presidents shouldn’t have descendants,” revealed Clifton Truman Daniel, “because those descendants would spend the rest of their lives having people think they should live up to their ancestors.”
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
Key West Art Center & Gallery
Experience the vibrant creativity of Key West with local paintings, sculptures, and unique crafts. A must-visit for art lovers.
Key West
De La Gallery
DE LA Gallery — large-format fine art photography in Key West, where museum-quality prints meet bespoke framing.
Key West
801 Bourbon Bar
801 Bourbon Bar is Key West's legendary LGBTQ nightclub at 801 Duval Street — home to the world-famous 801 Girls drag show, daily specialty cocktails, karaoke, bingo, and nonstop fun from noon to 4 AM every single day.
The Lower Keys
Big Pine Tattoo & Trade
Big Pine Tattoo & Trade — custom tattoos & trade shop in Miami, where artistry meets authenticity.
Key West
Stone Soup Gallery & Frame Shop
Stone Soup Gallery — Key West’s gallery of fine art, crafts & local expressions in a cozy, creative space.
Key Largo
Mike Forster Memorial Park
Mike Forster Memorial Park is a cozy, open 3-acre park in Key Largo (20 Sunset Road) with limited parking, open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset.
Key West
St. Paul's Episcopal Church Key West
Founded in 1832 and the oldest congregation in Florida south of St. Augustine, St. Paul's Episcopal Church is one of Key West's most treasured historic landmarks, offering weekly worship, an annual concert series, and five on-grounds wedding and event venues at 401 Duval Street — all while undergoing a breathtaking historic restoration for its 200th anniversary in 2032.
Islamorada
Islamorada Art Gallery By Pasta
Marine-inspired art gallery & working studio in Islamorada.
Key West
Native Colors Inc
Native Colors is a Key West gallery & artisan shop showcasing unique art, metal sculptures, and local works from Florida Keys creators.
Key West
Williams Hall
Williams Hall — restored historic community venue hosting concerts, cultural events, culinary experiences and inter-generational programs in Key West.
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.
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