Key West Museums

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

305-296-2988 open 9 AM to 5 PM $

Located at the southernmost end of Duval Street, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is one of the island’s most popular family-friendly attractions. It’s home to more than 60 species of butterflies and 20 species of exotic birds. A visit to the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is divided between the climate-controlled conservatory where the butterflies flutter freely, the learning center, an art gallery and a gift shop.

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Key West Shipwreck Museum

Discover the perils of the shipwrecking industry as you journey back in time to 1851. See how the rewards of this dangerous profession made Key West one of the richest cities in America. Artifacts, laser technology, video presentations and live actors as well as a 65-foot observation tower make the museum a unique experience.

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Sails to Rails Museum

Relive 500 years of Florida Keys history at the new Sails To Rails Museum in the Historic Seaport. Learn how tall ships and Henry Flagler’s railroad made Key West one of the richest cities in America.

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Custom House Key West

Looming over Mallory Square near the Margaritaville Resort & Marina, the Custom House is an iconic Key West institution. An imposing four-story, red brick structure built in 1891, it’s a sight easily recognizable from land and sea. Originally home to Key West’s post office and district courts, today the Custom House is a fascinating museum run by the Key West Art & Historical Society. Their mission is to preserve the culture of the Florida Keys through the exhibition of art, architecture and history to educate the community and visitors.

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Key West Museums

Come to Key West for the tropical breeze and sandy beaches; stay for the unique history on display at the southernmost island’s museums.

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Key West Attractions

Explore Key West attractions with Old Town Trolley Tours. Hop on and off at interesting places to visit and maximize your vacation time.

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Oldest House Museum

4 Stop 4

Free

The oldest house in South Florida was built in 1829 by Captain Francis Watlington who was, among other things, a wrecker. Watlington and his wife and their seven (of nine) surviving daughters lived in the house for many decades. A beautiful example of the kind of colonial architecture found in the Caribbean, the house is now a museum that welcomes visitors from around the world. Guests see gold that was salvaged from shipwrecks, paintings, model ships and a separate kitchen. Furnishings, carpets and the house décor all reflect the era of the wreckers and their success that made Key West the richest city in America at one time. There’s also a lovely garden with benches offering a shady spot to rest and relax. Learn a little history, admire the ancient architecture and more at the Oldest House Museum.

Key West Glass Bottom Boat

1 Stop 1 $

Embark on an adventure to the world-famous reefs off the coast of Key West. Aboard the Pride of Key West — the magnificent Key West Fury catamaran with a glass bottom, you’ll enjoy the fresh sea air as you voyage above the lively marine world underneath. Once you arrive above the reefs, be ready to catch your breath as vibrant sea life abounds right beneath your eyes.

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Audubon House

1 Stop 1 (305) 294-2116 open Daily 9:30 AM to 4:15 PM $

The Audubon House marks the beginning of the restoration movement in Key West. Saved from being demolished in 1958, the 19th century Key West gem is a historic museum featuring the artwork of John James Audubon. Famous for his exquisite drawings of birds in their natural habitat, Audubon stayed in the home in 1832.

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Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum

1 Stop 1 $

“Today’s the day” was Mel Fisher’s mantra. Fortunately, his lifelong hunt for ancient buried treasure was realized before he died so his mantra held true. The day was July 20, 1985, when, after 17 years of searching, Mel Fisher and his crew recovered $450 million worth of buried treasure from ocean floor just offshore from Key West. The Nuestra Senora de Atocha and the Santa Margarita, two Spanish galleon ships that sunk in 1622, carried 40 tons of gold and silver, Pieces of Eight gold coins, Columbian emeralds, over 1,000 bars of silver and other gold artifacts.

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Customs House Museum

1 Stop 1 $

For a bit of history and a look at how Key West got to where it is today, stop in at the Key West Museum of Art and History inside the Custom House. Built in 1891, the Custom House had many uses including a post office, court house and government center. Today, after a $9 million restoration, the beautiful red brick building is as glorious as it was back in the day and is home to moving works of art that portray the colorful past of Key West and historic national events.

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Truman Little White House

1a Stop 1a $

A place where an array of leaders, legendary inventors, dignitaries, visionaries and many prestigious visitors were drawn to throughout its history, Key West’s Harry S. Truman Little White House holds a special place in the history of America. Constructed in 1890 to serve as the naval station’s command headquarters during the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II, this historic site later became the second White House.

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Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum

1 Stop 1 $

Feel the exhilaration as you climb 65 feet in the air to the top of the observation tower for panoramic views of Key West. Inside the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, you’ll have that opportunity and more. Find out how those who made their living off shipwrecks in the 1850s watched and waited for ships sinking off the coast in Key West.

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Key West Aquarium

1 Stop 1 $

Welcome to Key West’s first attraction. Meet stingrays and sharks! Watch in wonder as a variety of sea creatures swim around in their natural environment. Come to the Key West Aquarium for an encounter with some of the world’s most mysterious and beautiful marine animals. Since 1934, the aquarium has been wowing guests with its variety of sea species. Listen and learn as knowledgeable guides explain the underwater world that surrounds the Florida Keys.

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