Top 5 Secret Spots in Key West

Key West Secret Has Some Places That You Just Need To See!

There is so much quirky Key West is famous for: from the live music and party scene on Duval Street, to the incredible local and international cuisine, to the breathtaking sea and sunset views, and rich history. Most noteworthy, Key West is also a treasure cove of hidden gems, and there are plenty. Here are just a few of our top 5 secret spots in Key West where you should absolutely add to your bucket-list…

1. Kayaking The Backcountry, Mangroves and Shallow Waters of Key West & Lower Keys

Explore the Keys in a completely new way by touring the backcountry with Reelax Charters and Captain Andrea Paulson. Enjoy an all-inclusive backcountry experience that will take you on an easy 20 minute motorboat trip to an ideal kayaking and swimming hideaway. Therefore, this Key West kayaking excursion for individuals and family of all ages. The friendly owner and expert guide for over 16 years, Captain Andrea Paulson is the kayaking guide for you. Contact: Capt. Andrea at 305.304.1392. http://www.keyskayaking.com/

2. Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park

There is a magical little spot on the West side of Key West that not too many people know about. Sure, it is located on the maps, but most people are too busy joining in the raucous party on Duval Street, or on a jet ski, or enjoying the better-known sites. In saying that, this park is a beautiful and peaceful place off the beaten path, where you can enjoy nature trails, a butterfly garden, lots of shade, picnic tables, and even some original Civil War era cannons, along with the original structure of the fort. What you won’t find? People hawking souvenir tee shirts, drunks stumbling out of bars, and jugglers asking for money. http://www.fortzacharytaylor.com/

3. Audobond House & Tropical Gardens

A visit to the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is a step back in time to the world of a maritime pilot and master wrecker in mid-19th century Key West. The grand home that is now known as the Audubon House was built by Captain John Huling Geiger in the 1840s as a residence for his family, who lived there for more than a century. Today, the home and its furnishings reflect the elegance and comfortable living enjoyed by a wealthy family in Key West in an era when frequent shipwrecks on the offshore reef created a flourishing ship wrecking industry. FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION.

4. The Dry Tortugas National Park

Although the Dry Tortugas National Park is not directly in Key West, our marketing team at feels that we need to add it to our top 5 secret spots in Key West. You can get to the Dry Tortugas National Park it very easily; by one of two ways; the official seaplane to the Dry Tortugas or by the Yankee Freedom Ferry. The Dry Tortugas is almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. This National Park is known the world over as the home of historical Fort Jefferson, pristine blue waters, breath-taking coral reefs and vast marine life, and a natural bird life that entices birdwatchers world-wide. Therefore, making our top 5 secret spots in Key West because it is the ONLY natural coral reef in the continental USA. And, it’s a bucket-list must.

5. The Unmarked Home of Tennessee Williams

While everyone is taking the trolley over to the Hemingway House museum, grab a map and ride your bike over to 1431 Duncan St.. There you’ll find the unmarked house of literary legend Tennessee Williams. The writer’s place included a swimming pool and a writing room he called the “Mad House.” While you are on the writer’s hunt, you can also check out late poet Elizabeth Bishop’s clapboard house that she once owned on 624 White Street and several of the other properties Hemingway was known for frequenting.

We know you have so many options of things to do in Key West. Our top 5 secret spots in Key West is merely a starting point. Maybe you just want to party on Duval Street or fun at the beach or your pool. There’s no judgement! That’s why Key West is so much fun. You can do anything!

In closing, we would like to note that we have other blogs and posts about Key West to help guide you into the right direction to ensure you have the BEST Key West vacation. Most noteworthy, Key West is only a 2 mile by 5 mile island but in that 2 mile radius, you could spend a week on our island and never get to everything that you want to. That’s why people come back year after year. Or, you may be like the rest of us and quit your job and move to Key West!

Written
by Dianne Spoto Ackerman