Things To Do In Key West Near Mallory Square

Key West Aquarium

Welcome to Key West’s first attraction. Meet stingrays and pet a shark! See them eat and 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. Enjoy shark and turtle feedings and get a close look at groupers, moray eels, barracudas, tropical fish and much more. Visit the touch tank and meet hermit crabs, conchs, sea cucumbers and horseshoe crabs. It’s a fun and exciting experience for children from 0 to 103.

Tours and feedings daily @ 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 4:30pm

Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum

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 Museum, you’ll have that opportunity and more. Find out how those who made their living off shipwrecks in the 1850’s watched and waited for ships sinking off the coast in Key West. Discover the true dangers of the era of shipwrecking and how it made Key West the wealthiest city per capita in the United States. Through actor presentations, exhibits, laser shows and collections of artifacts and treasures from actual shipwrecks, visitors can venture back for a glimpse into the history of the shipwrecking industry. It’s an ideal “voyage” for adults and children.

Key West Ghost Tour

Many find Key West strange during the day; but after the sun goes down, the restless souls of the island’s frightful past begin to stir. You will hear their tales that have been all but forgotten as you travel the narrow, dark streets of Old Town – filled with 19th century wooden houses that hold on to the secrets of their former inhabitants. Stories so tragic, so chilling, you’ll see why Key West is one of the top ten most haunted cities in America. This and more await you on your Key West ghost tour.

Harry S. Truman Little White House

Built in 1890 to serve as the commandant and paymaster’s quarters for the navy, the lovely wooden duplex sat on the waterfront in Key West. President Harry S Truman, in search of a winter home and a place to recuperate and relax, made the Little White House his second home, spending 175 days there.

A visit to Key West must include a stop at Mallory Square.

Custom House Museum

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. Self guided tours take you through the era of pirates and tobacco salesmen, to the life and career of Ernest Hemingway and beyond. See Mario Sanchez’s wood paintings of old Key West and portraits of famous Key West residents by Paul Collins. Find out how the Navy got rid of the pirates and how Key West went from riches to bankruptcy…and back. It’s all here for you to discover.

Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum

“Today’s the day” was his mantra, and incredibly Mel Fisher’s lifelong pursuit and dreams all came true before he died. The day was July 20, 1985, when, after 17 years of searching, Mel Fisher and his crew recovered the $450 million treasure from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha and the Santa Margarita, two galleons that sunk in 1622.

Audubon House

The Audubon House marks the beginning of the restoration movement in Key West. Saved from being demolished in 1958, the 19th century Key West original is now a historic museum featuring the artwork of John James Audubon. Audubon, who visited the home in 1832, is famous for his exquisite drawings of birds. Visitors to the museum are given a guided tour of the house and gardens, interesting tales and facts about local history and the opportunity to see 28 of Audubon’s first edition works.

Gorgeous antiques and time-period furnishings are also to be seen throughout the house, giving guests a taste of the sophistication and style of Key West during the 19th century. In the gardens, delicate orchids, pretty bromeliads, lush tropical foliage, an herb garden and an 1840’s-style nursery provide a lush retreat. Be sure to stop in at the gift shop for original Audubon prints, books on local history and nature, toys and other collectible items.

Key West Fury Catamaran – Pride of Key West Glass Bottom Boat

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. Through the glass bottom, you’ll see colorful fish, coral and plants. It’s an amazing adventure for children and adults as your guides explain the many aspects of the abundant sea species, corals and natural habitats of Key West. A fabulous way to explore the water without ever leaving the boat! The boat departs from 0 Duval Street in Mallory Square and takes you on a comfortable ride you’ll remember long after you return home.

Feel like being your own captain? Fury boat rentals are available from two different departure points and their fleet includes a variety of different options to choose from!

Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden

A lasting tribute to the most famous and influential residents of Key West, the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden is an oasis shared by all who live on the island. Featuring impressive bronze busts of Ernest Hemingway, Asa Tift, Harry S. Truman and others, the garden also includes a scenic walkway paved with memorial bricks that are purchased by local citizens then engraved with their names or the names of a loved one. A touching landmark in Mallory Square, the garden opened in 1996 and has 36 sculptures created by sculptor James Mastin. More than 1,000,000 visitors stroll through the garden each year to gain an appreciation for the grand history of Key West.

Waterfront Playhouse Theater

Located on Mallory Square, the Waterfront Playhouse Theater is the oldest continuously running theatre group in Florida. For 80+ seasons, the theater has brought laughter and entertainment to the residents and tourists of the Keys. Housed inside a historic old brick building that dates back to the 1850’s, the group presents comedy and drama productions from December to June and offers outreach programs to children and other community groups in Key West.

Key West Fury Water Adventures

The Ultimate Key West Water Sports Adventure!

People from all over the world come to Key West for the unique atmosphere, world-famous attractions and, of course, the refreshing turquoise waters that surround the island. Whether you’d like to dive in and snorkel, fly above the water in a parasail, go on a glass-bottom boat excursion, take a sunset cruise or try your hand at jet skiing, they offer a myriad of exciting adventures. Stop by the Fury Catamaran departure point at the Westin Marina in Mallory Square for information and reservations.

From reef snorkeling excursions and sunset cruises to glass bottom boat rides and combo packages.