The Florida Keys are not just known for their stunning marine life but also for their rich cultural and historical heritage. Visitors can explore a variety of museums that showcase the unique history of the islands, from the pioneering days to significant contributions in literature, aviation, and maritime exploration. Whether you’re interested in diving deep into the underwater world, uncovering the history of shipwrecks, or exploring presidential retreats, the museums of the Florida Keys offer a captivating journey through time, perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
Museums In Islamorada
History of Diving Museum
This museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, displaying, and interpreting artifacts, antiques, books, and documents related to the History of Diving.
Keys History & Discovery Center
Thoughtful displays and a model depict the early culture & history of the Keys.
Amenities include three aquariums that focus on the offshore environment and a movie theater playing historical documentaries on Flagler’s Railroad, hurricanes, and local parks.
The Discovery Center attracts locals and guests, school- and travel groups, adults, families, and scholars.
Museums in Marathon
Air Museum
The History of Aviation with all things flight related. Test your skills with the flight simulator.
Open Wednesday- Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. This location is free of charge.
Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Center
Nature Trail & Bird Sanctuary
The museum sits on a 63-acre parcel of woodland, known as the Tropical Crane Point Hammock.
Inside the museum you will find a canoe that is over 600 years old, remnants of a pirate ship and a synthetic coral reef cave. You can learn about native keys inhabitants, early explorers, pioneers, and the railway. Take a tour of an original railcar from Henry Flager. Enjoy the nature trail, explore the first house ever built in Marathon, check out a wild bird sanctuary, and get a free fish pedicure from Gambusia fish.
Save the whole day for this visit because these are just a few things to see and experience while visiting Crane Point Hammock.
Museums in Key West
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Florida’s Only Presidential Museum
Originally built in 1890 as quarters for Navy officers, the housing was notably used by six American Presidents & visited by Thomas Edison, Edward Hayden, Secretary of State Colin Powell. Harry S. Truman spent 175 days of his presidency, from 1946 to 1952.
Other presidents have included William Howard Taft, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton.
If the walls could talk, what would they say? Take a guided tour throughout the house with original furniture packed full of history.
Hemingway Home and Museum
Home of the six toed cats
Ernest Hemingway, a famous local writer, author of “The Old Man and the Sea” and “The Sun Also Rises”, to name just a few, lived in Key West for eight years.
This attraction has guided and self-guided tours daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Throughout the house the famous six toed cats run the show. Many of them can be seen sleeping on furniture or wandering the grounds. The home has been preserved the way it was when Hemingway lived in it with his wife and children.
Fort East Martello Museum
Home of Robert the Doll
During the Civil War the fort was the home of the U.S Army. The museum is a national landmark where visitors can explore the preserved battlement’s collection of relics from the Civil War. Take a self-guided tour up and get a 360° view of Key West. Learn about Key West’s wrecking and cigar manufacturing industries.
View the imaginative metal sculptures of Stanley Papio, meet the Ghost of East Martello, including the infamous Robert the Doll. Make sure to ask permission before you take his picture, though, because he may cast a curse on those who don’t.
You can also reserve the fort as a venue. Located right on the ocean and next to the Key West Airport.
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Open to the public Wednesday through Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. This museum offers interactive exhibits, a replicated Aquarius undersea research lab, a 20-minute film, as well as information about shipwrecks in the area. This is one of the few free attractions in Key West.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham
Military Museum
With over 50 years of service around the world, USCGC INGHAM is a quintessential portrait of Coast Guard history from 1936 to 1988. A self-guided tour of the ship that showcases some of the most interesting exhibits from the times past. Take your time and explore the ship and see where the sailors slept, ate, attended church, and spent their time while aboard.
Key West Lighthouse
Take a self-guided tour of this historical lighthouse built in 1823 that ensured the safety of both military and civilian vessels to navigate the shallow and reef-laden waters off the Florida Keys. If you are up to the challenge, climb the 88 steps to the top of the Lighthouse and get one of the best views of Key West.
Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
Take a guided or self-guided tour of this treasure museum full of nautical heritage while entering the world of 1856 Key West. Step into the lives who shaped Key West’s early days as you uncover the gripping history of the wrecking industry that sustained the island’s pioneers.
Climb to the top of the 65-foot lookout tower for a sweeping view.
In case you like ghost stories – this location is on several ghost tours, as well.
There is a live Webcam from the observation tower.
Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House
Monumental civic building from 1891, this museum was once known as the island’s Custom House, Post office, Federal Courthouse, and 7th District Lighthouse Offices.
Now an award-winning museum and official headquarters of the Key West Art & Historical Society, the Custom House building has been restored and stands on the harbor as a national landmark.
Experience two floors of exhibitions that weave together two centuries of history, art, people, and events.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Have you ever heard of the Atocha coins? This museum is also a full operating Conservation and Archaeology lab. Take a private lab tour or enjoy the museum on your own. This museum has a collection of artifacts from the 17th century shipwrecks, such as the Henrietta Marie, Nuestra Seňora de Atocha and Santa Margarita.
Stop by the Mel Fisher Treasures for your very own piece of history.
Sails to Rails Museum at Flagler Station
This museum features a journey through the Age of Sail, when tall ships had to navigate the treacherous waters of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Keys and learn about the time in America when railroads opened up the frontiers of an emerging nation.
Railroads meant connection to commerce, wealth, and politics in the young country.
The first permanent settlers arrived in the Florida Keys in 1822, when the U.S. Navy claimed the islands as U.S. territory. There has been a lot of history created from that time up to nowadays. Many of these museums offer a great way to escape the heat or the rain.
This list is a quick overview of the places to go, to learn about the history of the Florida Keys:
- History of Diving Museum
- Keys History & Discovery Center
- Air Museum
- Crane Point Hammock & Nature Center
- Harry S. Truman Little White House
- Hemingway Home & Museum
- Fort East Martello Museum
- Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham
- Key West Lighthouse
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
- Key West Museum of Art & History At the Custom House
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum at Flagler Station
- Sails to Rails Museum at Flagler Station
Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort recommends
Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel and Resort has the perfect location for staying when looking to visit museums in the Florida Keys. The resort is in “The Heart of The Florida Keys”, centrally located between Key Largo and Key West.