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
Icons
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.
Filters
Key West
Key West Outdoor Movies
Key West Outdoor Movies — free community movie nights under the stars at Fort East Martello, Key West.
Islamorada
David Wirth Gallery
David Wirth’s Wirth Gallery showcases striking marine sculptures, bespoke fish-hook creations, and unique slab wood art, all inspired by coastal life and craftsmanship.
Key West
90 Miles to Cuba
A weather-beaten shell-cleaning shack in the Historic Seaport, now packed with ships' portholes, old anchors, antique postcards of Cuba and paintings of a Key West that mostly is not there anymore. It opens a few afternoons a week, so check before you walk over.
The Lower Keys
The Stockyard, Studios & Artists
Stockyard Studios — dynamic artist collective and creative workspace in Stock Island, where makers, sculptors and painters forge Florida Keys originality.
Islamorada
Coral Shores High School Performing Arts Center
The Coral Shores Performing Arts Center in Tavernier hosts live theater, concerts, and community performances in the Upper Florida Keys.
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
Frank Everhart Comedy Magic Shows
Frank Everhart — comedy-magic shows & entertainment by a master illusionist in Key West.
Key West
Just a Few Friends Key West
Just a Few Friends Key West is a five-day island-wide Labor Day Weekend festival honoring Jimmy Buffett's legacy with free waterfront concerts, a second line parade, sunset sails, and live music events throughout Key West, September 3–7, 2026.
Marathon
Marathon Air Museum
Join EAA Chapter 1241 in Marathon, FL—where aviation passion takes flight!
Islamorada
Islamorada's Art on a Whim Gallery
Judith Chesher stocks her shop with work from around thirty Keys artists, and as she puts it, the Keys are full of artists doing all kinds of weird things. It sits in Rain Barrel Village, a few steps from a forty-foot lobster.
Key Largo
Kona Kai Resort, Gallery and Botanic Gardens
Kona Kai Resort offers adults-only boutique accommodations with a private beach, botanical gardens, and art gallery in Key Largo, Florida Keys.
Weddings Max
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Meetings Max
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Marathon
Marathon Community Theatre, Inc.
Cinema in the Florida Keys, featuring musicals, comedies, and classic films.
Key West
SALT Gallery
SALT: a curated gallery and boutique in Key West offering local art, jewelry, sea salts, and island treasures.
The Lower Keys
Big Pine Tattoo & Trade
Mike Westell runs a tattoo studio on the Overseas Highway at Big Pine Key, mile marker 30, taking walk-ins and appointments both. If you want a souvenir of the Keys that does not end up in a drawer, this is the Lower Keys option.
Islamorada
The Hale Gallery
An Islamorada fine art gallery featuring rotating exhibitions from local and visiting artists.
