When you go on vacation, learning the history and culture is a vital part of genuinely understanding the destination you’ve traveled to. You can do that through tours and seeing historical sites, but one of the easiest ways is by visiting the museums in town. Here in Key West, we’ve got plenty of institutions to explore, so we’ve rounded up the museums that are Key West must-sees so you know which places to hit during your stay at The Paradise Inn.
Key West Aquarium
If sea life isn’t necessarily something you’re thrilled about, you may be tempted to skip over the Key West Aquarium. However, you should think again: this open-air aquarium means you can enjoy the warm temperatures of Key West while you walk through the exhibits. Even dogs on leashes can get in on the fun, too. In terms of exhibits, just like many other aquariums, you can touch stingrays. The unusual part is that you can touch their nurse sharks as well. How often can you say you’ve pet a shark?
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
What used to be a storehouse for the U.S. Navy is now the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, which showcases the maritime history of Florida and the Caribbean. As a supplement, many of the artifacts that diver Mel Fisher found during his time under the sea are on display here, too.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Especially if your favorite author is Ernest Hemingway, his home and museum should be one of your Key West must-sees. Besides being able to see the residence he lived in from 1931 to 1940, you can see the unique six-toed cats that roam the grounds, called polydactyls. For literature lovers and others alike, this is one of the best museums in Key West.
Key West Shipwreck Museum
The shipwrecking industry is an integral part of Key West’s history, and the Key West Shipwreck Museum explains it all. Actual artifacts pair with actors and films to demonstrate the industry and its history in the Keys.
Fort East Martello Museum in Key West Florida
When visiting this part of Florida, many visitors ask, “What is the museum in Key West with Robert the Doll?” Well, the Fort East Martello Museum contains the infamous 40-inch figurine as well as the rumors that go along with it. Stories say that Robert the Doll’s expressions change in reaction to things said. Even ghost hunters have come over the years to investigate—so if you believe in ghost stories and want to check it out for yourself, this is definitely one of the Key West must-sees.
Key West Lodging
Even outside of museums, there are plenty of Key West must-sees during your trip to The Paradise Inn. Our central location near to the Key West Historic District and Duval Street gives easy access to dozens of things to do, day or night. Visit us on our website to discover more Key West things to do, or give us a call at 877-819-4622.
