The cool thing about this museum is that Mel Fisher displays artifacts from two ship wrecks that he…read morediscovered in the keys. There is scuba video of the discoveries that gives the viewer a realistic feel. One discovery, in 1972, was the slave ship Henrietta Marie which sailed in the 1690s and later. In the ship ruins were found several items like shackles and elephant tusks. It wrecked in the western keys. The other discovery was in the 1980s of a Spanish wreck that contained half a billion in gold and silver treasure. Lots of silver coins and gold bars are on display. Both Florida and the Federal Government tried to own the riches but Mel Fisher won in court. The Supreme Court said "finders keepers".

Happy International Museum Day! Here's a brief review of one of the museums I visited on my cruise…read morein March 2026. Although a bit overpriced ($17.50 for adults) for the size and scope of this museum, Mel Fisher's Maritime Museum in Key West, Florida is an important stop for those interested in maritime archaeology and shipwrecks. This museum, which opened in 2000 in a historic building, focuses on the artifacts from a few 17th-century shipwrecks, especially on the historic find of the Spanish galleon ship, the Nuestra Senora de Atocha which sunk off the Florida Keys in 1622. The history behind the ship, the wreck, and its discovery are all incredible so do a deep dive on your own. As for the museum part of it, the exhibits are pretty permanent - this isn't the kind of place with rotating exhibits - and they could use a dusting/refresh. The gift shop up front is decent, the staff were nice, and the section that focused on the slave ship, Henrietta Marie was a sobering at the cruel treatment and conditions human beings subjected to other human beings. I had a good visit, spending about an hour here in all, and was pleased to have crossed it off my very long list of museums I want to visit!

If you are searching for the best theatre…read more.. Like the ones with: stadium seating, the hottest new action movies, long lines for popcorn, overpriced tickets, electric chairs with lots of space, huge parking lot with only room in the back, lots of high schoolers hanging around WELL THIS IS NOT THAT PLACE This is more like a movie theatre you expect back in the 50's It'a a non-profit with lots of volunteers and the best staff ever. They treat everyone lovingly and talk about movies with passion. The snack counter is small but so is the whole place so there is rarely a line and even when that does happen it's really short. They do get some new releases but this is not what you should come for; ask what they recommend; special movies with lower budgets and more cinematic talent is their thing here.

We visited to see "Tuner" on our 16 year anniversary. This theater was clean, the staff were…read morepersonable, and made the day special. I love that it's right off Duval street. They had a couple of other options we would've enjoyed seeing another day. I also think that the popcorn and the drinks were tasty and everything was very cost effective. I highly recommend you check them out. We also enjoyed supporting a local theater that's supported by volunteers!

The Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum was one of the most interesting stops we made in Key West…read more We met the owner, who was incredibly kind and took the time to explain the entire museum to us. He also let us interact with several of the props, which made the experience feel much more personal and fun. There is so much to see, including historic firefighting equipment, old uniforms, artifacts, photo opportunities, and fascinating displays about Key West's fire department. We even got to sit behind the desk of Joseph "Bum" Farto, Key West's former fire chief. Bum Farto was a larger-than-life local character who disappeared in 1976 shortly before he was supposed to be sentenced in a federal drug case. He was never found, and many people believe his ghost still haunts the firehouse, especially near his old desk. Naturally, I had to sit in Bum Farto's chair. The moment I did, I accidentally farted, and the result was far more dramatic than expected: a cloud of green fog rolled out from beneath the desk and formed the shape of a tiny demonic firefighter. It let out an evil laugh before vanishing into the ceiling. The owner stared at me in stunned silence. I claimed it was Bum Farto's ghost. My friends pointed out that it was probably just me. Either way, I recommend showing proper respect when sitting in the missing fire chief's chair. It may be haunted or the chair may simply have a very aggressive ventilation system. Bum Farto was a larger-than-life local character who was convicted in a federal drug case and disappeared in 1976 shortly before he was supposed to be sentenced. He was never found and was eventually declared dead in absentia. His disappearance became one of Key West's enduring mysteries, and many people believe his ghost still lingers around the firehouse, particularly near his old desk. The museum displays his desk, uniform, and other belongings, so naturally I sat down and immediately began wondering whether I was about to be recruited into an afterlife fire department. The museum highlights Bum Farto's desk and mystery, while local haunted-history accounts describe reported encounters with his spirit. Haunted Key West We got some incredible picture opportunities, including behind the desk, and the owner made the entire visit memorable. The museum also offers after-hours ghost tours and paranormal investigations for those brave enough to explore the firehouse after the living staff have gone home. A wonderful museum with tons of history, unusual artifacts, great photo opportunities, and just enough ghostly mystery to make you question every unexplained noise. I highly recommend visiting and if you sit at Bum Farto's desk, be polite. You never know when the missing fire chief might return to ask why you're using his chair.

This museum has more artifacts than any I've ever seen. It's a little off the beaten path, but…read morestill in Old Town, and I highly recommend it! Also, I love that this museum wants you to touch everything! There are signs saying "put on this hat and jacket" to see how you'd look as a firefighter, and "sit in this chair" to pretend to be the fire chief. It was honestly so refreshing and cool after having been in so many other Key West museums where you can't touch anything. The staff were so friendly and helpful, excited to tell stories about the Key West fire department and history. Plus, the museum has a ghost...I mean, it doesn't get better than that!

This was my favorite touristy tours we took while visiting Key West. I learned a lot about the area…read moreand President Truman. I was very impressed with the restored home and real lived in items as historic pieces on display. They still have more work to keep this museum going and protected, but it can be done. They also had a nice gift shop, with great tour guides. Bravo!

From 1946 through 1952, President Harry Truman used this house as his winter vacation home, and…read morebecause he spent 175 days of his presidency here, it became known as the Little White House. Originally built by the U.S. Navy in 1890, the Little White House served as naval command headquarters during the Spanish-American War, and also played roles in both World Wars and the Cold War. Since Truman's days, many other presidents have also vacationed here, including Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Today, the Little White House has been restored and turned into a museum. Also, don't forget to check the famous limousine while you are there. The only way to see inside the Truman Little White House in Key West is via a guided tour. But there is a small section near the gift shop that is free for visitors.

I liked this! I think the ticket price should be lower since there's not much to see, but I loved…read morethe view from the top. Only high up view of Key West I've ever experienced, so it was worth seeing if you like views like this when traveling somewhere. You have to climb the spiral staircase to the top, so I do not recommend it to those who are unable to walk up stairs. It's not too long of an uphill climb, so it's fine for those who are not active. The museum is cute. It takes about 10-20 minutes to walk through the museum if you're stopping to read everything. It wasn't crowded at all, and I went Saturday afternoon in early August.

You get incredible views of Key West from on top of the lighthouse. It is an exhausting 88 steps up…read morebut the view is well worth it. It started to thunder and lightning while we were aloft. That was scary/interesting. The museum and gift shop are nice.

Overall our stay was good and I would recommend staying here if you are in Key West…read more The staff were all friendly and welcoming and assisted in getting us checked in and to our room. Check out was easy and overall each interaction was positive. The room that we stayed in (27) was furnished well, overall clean, and the shower was great. It's obvious that this place has been around a while but equally obvious they try to keep it up. We enjoyed the complimentary breakfast the second morning we were there and it was good and certainly an added benefit. We did enjoy the open-air restaurant area. Probably the only downside is the pool. The idea of the pool is great and they do close it before the dinner rush, but you are literally swimming next to the dining tables, which made it less appealing to go in and I ended up not even using it, which was a shame as it's a lovely area. We did enjoy lounging by it a couple of times though.

Just had the best Turkey dinner since my mom,everything was delicious and the staff could not be…read moremore attentive or friendly,I'll definitely will be going back.

A must see while in Key West!…read more It's quiet, serene, beautiful place to just sit among lush garden and watch the sea. So many amazing views and benches available to sit and just relax. It's free, but they do request a donation that is voluntary! There was a kind woman sitting at the desk who gave us a map, and explained their history briefly. It's a beautiful place to stop in and visit, with their butterfly garden and orchid arbor stealing the show. Bathrooms were very clean as well.

This garden is also called "Key West Gardens at Fort West Martello", free entry, free street…read moreparking and run by volunteer, donation are welcome. It's a well maintain garden in the Martello Fort, the volunteer lady was very helpful and friendly. Pretty place with lot of orchid and a small butterfly garden, very relaxing walk and there are picnic tables and benches. Every corner of the garden is a beautiful spot for photographers

We were by the front bar and close to the band. The security guy was smoking and vaping - then he…read moremoved his girlfriend to a stool right in front of us. We tried to move to the other side. He then came over and sat right by us and was smoking right in front of us. Overall gross and inconsiderate. We then started walking out and he chased us saying we had to leave, overall just a weird experience. Find better staff

The bartender was amazing. They don't serve food and the drinks are great. Mostly locals and it's a…read morebar not to miss. Real good vibes.